Training Together at Nishime Martial Arts
At Nishime Martial Arts, we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing many families come together on the mat, but the story of the Poehner family stands out as a shining example of the benefits of training as a family. Michael Poehner, along with his sons Rory and Gus, have been training with us, and their journey shows how martial arts can bring families closer while promoting fitness, discipline, and lifelong values.
A Family Affair: How It All Started
Dad, Michael, wasn’t new to martial arts training when the family first stepped into the Nishime Dojo. He had started in Tang Soo Do when he was 13 and earned his Black Belt by age 19. When his sons, Rory and Gus, asked about taking classes because their friends were doing karate, at first he thought they should wait. “Since they seemed so interested,” he says, “I decided to do some research. I thought Nishime Martial Arts looked real. We decided to let them give it a try and here we are, almost 3 years later.”
Getting Dad Involved
We know from experience how training in martial arts together, whether it’s karate or jiu jitsu, strengthens family bonds by giving parents and children an activity that lets them share interests and goals. That’s why we offer a super low price for parents and encouraged Michael to start training with us right away when we learned he had previous martial arts experience.
It wasn’t until he saw the kids committed that Dad decided he wanted to put a toe in the adult class. “I thought I’d come back to training but not spar. Hanshi didn’t let that last very long and I’m glad.”
The Benefits of Training Together
The Poehners’ shared martial arts journey highlights many of the benefits families can experience when they train together:
- Building Discipline and Focus: Karate requires concentration and perseverance—values that Michael encourages at home. With martial arts, these lessons are reinforced both inside and outside of the dojo, helping Rory and Gus become more focused and disciplined in their everyday lives. “They have much better focus,” Michael explains, “Especially Rory – he comes home from school and does what he needs to do. He’s more helpful. You tell him to do something and he does it.”
- Encouraging Physical Fitness: Martial arts is an excellent way for families to stay active together. The Poehners have embraced karate as part of their fitness routine, enjoying the workouts that challenge their strength, flexibility, and coordination. “We’re all in better shape, and it’s great to have an activity we can do as a family,” Michael says.
- Developing Confidence: Confidence is key in both karate and life, and Michael has watched Rory and Gus grow more self-assured with each belt earned and every challenge faced. “Seeing them succeed gives me so much pride, but it’s also helped me realize that I’m capable of more than I thought,” Michael adds.
- Learning Patience and Respect: Martial arts training instills patience and respect—values that the Poehner family has embraced. From bowing to their instructors to supporting each other through struggles, these lessons have carried over into their home life. “We’ve learned to be patient with each other, and the respect we practice in karate has made a difference in how we treat each other every day,” says Mike.
- Celebrating Achievements Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of training as a family is the ability to celebrate each other’s achievements. For the Poehners, belt promotions, personal milestones, and progress in techniques are moments of shared joy. “When Rory or Gus earns a new belt, it’s like we’ve all accomplished something,” Michael explains. “We cheer each other on, and that sense of accomplishment brings us even closer.”
The Nishime Martial Arts Community
Beyond the benefits of training together, the Poehner family has also embraced the supportive community at Nishime Martial Arts. Michael notes that the sense of camaraderie and the welcoming environment make training even more enjoyable. “It’s not just about our family—we feel like part of the larger Nishime family, and that’s been an amazing experience,” he says.
Join the Journey
The Poehner family’s story is just one of many that highlights how martial arts can bring families together in meaningful ways. Whether it’s developing discipline, staying fit, or simply spending quality time together, karate offers countless benefits for parents and children alike.
If you’re looking for an activity that will not only promote physical fitness but also strengthen your family bond, consider joining us at Nishime Martial Arts. Like the Poehners, you’ll find that training together is more than just a workout—it’s a journey that fosters growth, confidence, and connection for the whole family.
Are you ready to start your own family’s martial arts journey? Visit us today to learn more about our family-friendly classes and how we can help you and your loved ones succeed on and off the mat! Our free trial makes it easy!