Knox County Kids Succeed (KiCKS) was created on the principle of helping children and young adults learn the important values of leadership, a positive attitude, respect for self and others, discipline, and a strong sense of self confidence.
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While teaching important values, KiCKS offers a place where children can work together, build friendships and experience success . This is currently achieved through participation in Jju jitsu, Karate, grappling, physical activity, and preparing for martial arts tournaments in a SAFE and FUN environment.
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Our Mission
To give children in our community the tools to succeed.
Our Vision
A community where kids have empowered themselves to achieve success.
Our goal
To provide a means for children in our community to have experiences through martial arts, fitness and the like that build character and provide an outlet
while fostering both mental and physical health by eliminating the financial
obstacles that prevent participation, by providing Full & Partial Scholarships
to the Youth of Knox County.
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KiCKS emphasizes "It takes a community", we hope to show the youth that
receive scholarships that the community does believe in them and wants them
to succeed; and in turn we hope to see these youth grown into adults who
will then give back to their communities.
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ABOUT US
Testimonials
"KiCKS gave my son a chance to get involved with karate and jiujitsu. It has boosted his self confidence and taught him self respect and respect for others. Without KiCKS he wouldn't have been able to have the chance to do something he loves. We can't give enough thanks to everyone who made this possible!"
"Thank you so much for letting me do jui jit zu. I had a good time today and I'm looking forward to doing it more and getting better at it."
Note received from a scholarship applicant:
"I would like to do Martial arts because I've been wanting to since I was really little up until today. I have a friend Brendan who took karate and it's really cool. My dad never sees me and I don't have anyone to teach me to be able to defend myself. I don't want to fight kids I just want to know I can defend myself. If I had to. I would love to be able to learn martial arts. Thank you for thinking about leting me do this."
"My two children were introduced to Lashley studios in April 2017. They were offered spots on the KiCKS program and it has been a god send! As a single mom working a minimum wage job I could never afford the class and the KiCKS program made it possible for my kids to attend! This program has given my kids the opportunity to build self confidence, self esteem, and work on anger management issues. I believe this program is a HUGE asset to our community!"
"I have three children currently enrolled in classes at the Lashley Training Center. They are enrolled in both Karate and Jiu Jitsu classes. These classes have been amazing for my children. My daughters are learning not only how to defend themselves, but also how to stand up and defend others. They have gained a new self-confidence that makes me very proud for them. My son is learning new, positive ways to focus and use his energy. He is learning about discipline and respect, which, for a soon to be teenage boy, can be hard to come by at times. None of this would have been possible if not for the (KiCKS) scholarship program."
"I would just like to take a moment to express my appreciation towards this program. My youngest son has Sensory Processing Disorder, he is very hyperactive, has some behavioral issues and seeks physical activity. Karate and jiu jitsu have helped immensely. He is learning self control, discipline, respect and body awareness through his weekly classes. My oldest son is also learning these things and I noticed a difference in both their behaviors soon after starting classes. Their physical and mental health have improved through classes. Without the KiCKS program, my children would not have the honor of participating in these classes.
"My 3 children have been active in the KiCKS program for awhile now and I am very pleased and grateful that they got this opportunity it has helped them gain more confidence in their lives as well as giving me a peace of mind. It makes me very happy to know they have self defense skills. This is something that without the scholarship they wouldn't have been able to experience...as a single mother of 3...KiCKS has been a lifesaver for myself and countless other parents!