Confidence Isn’t Optional for Our Kids — It’s Everything

April 10, 2025

I’ll never forget the moment I realized my son was struggling.


It wasn’t the way he flinched at a push-up.

It wasn’t how he avoided looking people in the eye.

It wasn’t even how quickly he quit if something didn’t come easily.


It was the way he carried himself — like he didn’t believe he belonged anywhere.


That’s when I understood: confidence isn’t a gift. It’s a grind.


And if we, as parents, don’t get serious about building it, the world will get serious about tearing it down.


Why Confidence Matters (More Than Ever)


Today’s kids are growing up in a world unlike anything we’ve seen before. Social media, cyberbullying, academic pressure, and constant comparison have created a perfect storm. And the data proves it:

• Up to 70% of teens say their self-esteem has been negatively affected by social media. (Source: Pew Research Center)

• Only 45% of young people describe themselves as “confident” today — a massive drop from previous generations. [(Source: YMCA Study)]

• By the time kids are 13, 53% of girls and 38% of boys say they already feel unhappy with who they are. [(Source: Dove Self-Esteem Project)]


Let that sink in.

Half of our kids are struggling to believe they’re enough before they even finish middle school.


Confidence isn’t just about standing tall in a room or raising your hand in class.

It’s about believing you can solve problems. Handle failure. Try again when it’s hard. Speak up when it counts.


Without confidence, our kids don’t just hesitate — they disappear.


The Myth: “They’ll Grow Out of It”


Maybe you’ve heard it. Maybe you’ve even thought it:

“It’s just a phase. They’ll grow out of it.”


But here’s the truth:


They won’t grow out of insecurity.

They’ll grow into it.


Without intentional effort, kids who struggle with confidence today become adults who second-guess, self-sabotage, and settle for less tomorrow.


Confidence Must Be Built — Every Single Day


Confidence is a skill — and like any skill, it takes practice.


It’s built in the small moments:

• Finishing the tough homework instead of quitting halfway.

• Showing up to the team tryouts even when they’re nervous.

• Speaking up for a friend when it would be easier to stay silent.


It’s reinforced every time they face a challenge — and don’t back down.


That’s why we built a 90-day war plan.

Not a handout. Not a pep talk.

A real strategy to help kids EARN their confidence through discipline, consistency, and heart.


Because kids don’t need to be protected from struggle — they need to be prepared for it.


What Happens When Confidence Grows?


When kids build real confidence, everything changes:

• They take healthy risks — and discover their potential.

• They bounce back faster after failure — and keep trying.

• They stand taller, speak louder, and dream bigger.


And most importantly, they stop looking around for permission to be great.


They know it’s already inside them.


Let’s Build a Generation That Knows How to Stand Tall


If you’re tired of watching your child shrink in the face of challenges…

If you’re ready to see them rise up, speak up, and stay strong…


Then it’s time to stop hoping for confidence — and start building it.


Because our kids deserve more than a safe life.

They deserve a strong one.

October 14, 2025
At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin , we believe every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and respected — both in and out of school. That’s why we’re proud to host our “Stop Bullying for Good” event this Thursday at 6:00 PM , a free community class designed to help kids develop the confidence, awareness, and character to stand up to bullying in positive ways. Empowerment Through Martial Arts This event isn’t about fighting — it’s about empowerment. Children will learn practical skills to handle conflict, build resilience, and project confidence that discourages bullies from targeting them in the first place. Parents are encouraged to attend as well, so they can learn how to reinforce these principles at home. A Longstanding Commitment to Building Stronger Kids Our commitment to bullying prevention and character development runs deep. For more than twenty years, I’ve personally volunteered my time speaking in local public schools about confidence, respect, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. Years ago, I also served as Co-Chairman of the Sumner County School Board’s Committee on Character Education , where I helped develop and implement the Character Education curriculum that became part of the county’s guidance programs. That same message of integrity, courage, and compassion continues to shape every class we teach at our school today. Why This Matters Bullying isn’t just a school issue — it’s a community issue. The more we equip our young people with confidence, empathy, and leadership, the less room there is for bullying to take root. Martial arts, when taught the right way, provides one of the most powerful environments for that kind of growth. If you want your child to gain tools that last a lifetime — self-discipline, confidence, and respect for others — we invite you to join us this Thursday evening. Together, we can help stop bullying for good. Event Details 📅 Event: “Stop Bullying for Good” Free Class 🕕 When: Thursday at 6:00 PM 📍 Where: Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts – Gallatin Call or message us today to reserve your spot. Space is limited, and this free event fills quickly each year! 👉 Learn more or register here
September 9, 2025
Today, most people assume martial arts schools naturally offer programs for kids—even preschoolers. But it wasn’t always this way. The reason children’s martial arts became so widespread can be traced back to the vision of one man: Great Grandmaster Ernie Reyes, Sr. Pioneering Martial Arts for Children In the 1960s and 70s, martial arts in the U.S. were taught almost exclusively to adults and teens. Many believed young children were too small or too unfocused to benefit. Ernie Reyes, Sr. saw something different. He recognized that martial arts could be one of the most powerful tools for building confidence, discipline, and respect in children during their formative years. His vision proved right. By 1981, Reyes was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as Instructor of the Year, after producing seven national champions from a single school—an accomplishment that stunned the martial arts world. Over the years, he went on to train numerous world champions and even an Olympic champion. The Rise of Ernie Reyes Jr. The Reyes family legacy grew even stronger through Ernie Reyes Jr. A martial arts prodigy, he became the youngest competitor ever ranked in the Adult Professional Black Belt Forms Division at just eight years old. By twelve, he was starring in Hollywood films and even landed his own ABC television series. His on-screen performances inspired kids everywhere, showing them someone their own age excelling at martial arts. Some of his career highlights include: The Last Dragon (1985) – Breakout martial arts film role. Red Sonja (1985) – Performed major action sequences. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) – Donatello stunt performer. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) – Starred as Keno, the Turtles’ secret weapon. Surf Ninjas (1993) – Starred in the martial arts comedy classic. The Rundown (2003) – Memorable fight scene with The Rock. No other young martial artist had ever blended world-class competition with Hollywood stardom in the way Ernie Reyes Jr. did. Li’l Dragons: The Curriculum That Changed Everything To share his methods nationwide, Ernie Reyes Sr. developed the Li’l Dragons program in partnership with Century Martial Arts. Designed for ages 3–7, Li’l Dragons became the gold standard for introducing young children to martial arts. It made training fun, age-appropriate, and centered on life skills like respect and confidence. Even today, most preschool martial arts programs are based—directly or indirectly—on the foundation Reyes built with Li’l Dragons. The Gallatin Connection Here in Gallatin, Tennessee , that same pioneering spirit continues at Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts , led by Senior Master Instructor (Kwan Jang Nim) David Hughes. KJN Hughes began training under Ernie Reyes Sr. and Tony Thompson in the mid-1970s. By the early 1980s, he was an instructor, helping launch and teach the very programs that transformed children’s martial arts. Today, ERWMA Gallatin proudly welcomes students as young as three, carrying forward the Reyes legacy of martial arts as a tool for confidence, discipline, and leadership. Why This History Matters for Parents Today When parents enroll their children in martial arts, they’re joining a system Ernie Reyes Sr. pioneered more than 40 years ago. The benefits go far beyond self-defense: Confidence – Kids learn to believe in themselves. Discipline – Training teaches focus, respect, and accountability. Life Skills – From better listening in school to healthier habits at home. That’s the Reyes legacy—and it lives on right here in Gallatin. At Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts, we’re proud to continue building the next generation of strong, confident kids who live by the motto passed down from Great Grandmaster Reyes himself:  “Yes, I Can!”
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