Kickstart Kids is a

martial arts Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defense; military and law enforcement applications; combat sport, competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; a ...

character development program

non-profit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

, formed by

Chuck Norris Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris (born March 10, 1940) is an American martial artist and actor. He is a black belt in Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu jitsu and judo. After serving in the United States Air Force, Norris won many martial arts championshi ...

on August 16, 1990 as the Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation.

History

On August 16, 1990, the Kick Drugs out of America Foundation ( dba Kickstart Kids) was formed by martial artist, actor and philanthropist, Chuck Norris. He wanted to provide a martial arts program that came at no cost to the students, a program that would teach kids all the valiant traits the martial arts has to offer. In 1992, with the help of former

President President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) *President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Automobiles * Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese ful ...

George H. W. Bush George Herbert Walker BushSince around 2000, he has been usually called George H. W. Bush, Bush Senior, Bush 41 or Bush the Elder to distinguish him from his eldest son, George W. Bush, who served as the 43rd president from 2001 to 2009; pr ...

, the program was officially implemented in four schools in the Houston area: Burbank, Central, Hamilton, and Hogg. Today, the program operates in over 59 schools throughout Texas. The program is taught in mostly middle/junior high schools and some high schools. They currently serve more than 9,500 of today's youth, making a positive impact in their lives by teaching character through karate. In 2003, the foundation was renamed to Kickstart Kids (it still maintains its official name as Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation, but now it has added a "dba" – doing business as – Kickstart Kids). The stated mission of Kickstart Kids is to teach character through karate to empower youth with core values, such as discipline and respect, to achieve their greatest potential. Kickstart is a center for kids to defend themselves at any moment in need.

References

External links

* Chuck Norris Non-profit organizations based in Texas {{sport-org-stub