All-Star Karate

After much reflection and conversation with, not only my husband but many of the parents that attended a party at All Star Karate where we were guests yesterday, I feel that it is necessary for me to share our extremely negative experience. I wouldn’t normally post a negative review but I feel it’s my duty as a mother to share our experience as part of “Mom Code” so that you can be vigilant in what your children are exposed to.

A little backstory before I share what happened yesterday. My child, had his 5th birthday party at All Star Karate in Peoria just a few weeks ago. The party host was a younger gentleman who was enthusiastic, pleasant and made the party incredible for everyone. I’m fact, it was such a great experience for every guest, our friend decided to host her party at All Star Karate in Peoria too. My children came to the party expecting a similar experience, unfortunately that was not the case.

Instead of the instructor that led my son’s party, the instructor for this party was the owner, "Karate D”. Let me preface this by saying I understand a karate institution to expect obedience and respect during classes and support that, but this was a child’s birthday party and some leniency would be expected, especially given our past experience with my own son’s party.

Here is what transpired during the party:
•“Karate D” was creating excitement for the birthday party. Tapping kids on the head with pool noodle type objects (which also happened at my son’s party so this is the customary for their parties and was fun for the kids for the most part - the little ones didn’t quite understand it but the majority of the children were enjoying this part of the class) - "Karate D" asked the whole party if they were ready, and all the kids responded with great enthusiasm, screaming “YA!!!” He asked the kids to respond again, but without screaming, all the kids still yelled “YA!”
•"Karate D" walked directly over to my child, grabbed him by the shirt, pulled him off the mats and scolded my son in front of the entire party “you are not allowed to participate until you h*** good behavior!”
•Every parent and child was shocked by "Karate D’s" reprimand of my 5 year old child. The party vibe changed and everyone became vigilant in watching the rest of the interactions with "Karate D".
•I stepped over to my sobbing child to comfort him from the public embarrassment and physical contact of Karate D. (We went to the bathroom, where I held my crying child and explained to him that even adults over react and make big mistakes. This was a huge life lesson for my child that I’m sure will having lasting impact).
•I went over to the receptionist and the party host, who is our friend, and explained how out of line "Karate D" was.
•I also talked with many of the other parents, and also with the birthday parent and they all agreed that "Karate D’s" actions were unexpected and unfounded.
•Once the party subsided and people were eating cake I approached "Karate D" and said that he not only owed my child an apology, but that he was way out of line, especially during a child’s birthday party. "Karate D" leaned over to my child and mumbled a quiet apology, “hey man, I’m sorry. I probably over-reacted. Do you forgive me?” My son nodded his head and said ok. (Proud mommy moment; teaching my child forgiveness and learning to persevere in uncomfortable situations).
•This was a 5 year old child attending a birthday party, and all the children at the party were excited and expressing genuine enthusiasm for the birthday boy and his party!
•I was within feet of my child the entire party and never once was his behavior out of line. The other parents agreed; there was no behavior exhibited from any child in the party that required any type of reprimand. Thankfully, I was was paying attention and was able to swiftly move in to comfort my child in this humiliating incident.

I urge and suggest to all parents to think twice before taking your child to All Star Karate in Peoria. I want close this review by saying that I g*** this a lot of consideration before posting, decided to take a night to sleep on it to see if some distance and time would change my perspective, and I conversed with a multitude of people about this post to get as much insight as possible from other people.

The bottom line is that we h*** to protect our children and the impact of a child focused learning environment like, All Star Karate in Peoria, is that no child should ever be physically reprimanded or publicly humiliated to prove a point.

The receptionist did explain to us “Karate D" doesn’t usually do parties. After this humiliating experience, I don’t think "Karate D" has any business interacting with children at all.