https://youtu.be/DnTw5OO8uic
I began teaching martial arts in the early 1990s right here in Racine, and for a decade—from 2000 to 2010—I was on the front lines of the Racine Unified School District (RUSD) as an elementary band and orchestra teacher. During those years, I watched the digital revolution and the shift in youth sports unfold in our local classrooms and parks.
As a parent of a 13 and 14-year-old, I know how “busy” our Racine families are today. But as an educator with a Master’s degree, I’ve started asking a different question: How much of that “busy” time is actually spent building grit?
I love soccer, baseball, and football—I’m a huge football fan myself. But we have to be honest about the “participation gap.” If your child is at the back of the soccer field at Pritchard Park or standing in right field at Horlick Field, hoping the ball doesn’t get hit to them because they aren’t “the best” yet, they aren’t developing the mental toughness they need.
The 100% Participation Rule
In most team sports across Racine, Mount Pleasant, and Sturtevant, if you aren’t the “star” player, you spend a lot of time on the bench or in the back of the pack. To develop true grit, a child needs to be grinding 85% to 100% of the time.
There are two activities that I believe do this better than anything else: Swimming and Martial Arts.
In a Kids Karate class in Racine, there is no “bench.” There is no “outfield.” Every single student is on the mat, every student is moving, and every student is developing Bilateral Coordination and focus for the entire hour.
Why “The Grind” Matters
Grit isn’t built during the easy moments; it’s built when you have to push through the “grind.” At Championship Martial Arts – Racine, which I opened in 2005 to serve our community, we don’t allow kids to hide in the back of the field. This constant engagement is what builds the “backbone” kids need to succeed in RUSD schools and beyond.
The 3-Step Action Plan (The Snippet Trap)
-
Audit the “Active Percentage”: Next time your child is at practice in Racine, set a timer. See how many minutes they are actually moving vs. standing still.
-
Seek “No-Bench” Activities: Prioritize programs like martial arts or swimming where 100% of participants are active 100% of the time to maximize dopamine regulation.
-
Encourage the “Grind”: Talk to your child about the difference between just “being there” and actually “driving.” Grit is a muscle that only grows under constant use.
Visit Our Southeast Wisconsin Locations
Help your child find their balance and focus again. Visit us in Racine or check out our sister schools in the surrounding area:
-
Racine: Championship Martial Arts – Racine | 📞 (262) 205-5929
-
Oak Creek: Championship Martial Arts – Oak Creek | 📞 (414) 250-7615
-
Kenosha: Championship Martial Arts – Kenosha | 📞 (262) 288-9919