We believe children should have both physical and verbal tools so they won't be picked on by other kids or picked out as a target by a predator. The A.C.W.A. Kids program teaches your child to stop, de‑escalate, and resolve conflict through words and physical boundaries first — and, if necessary as a last resort, effective defensive skills. If you're searching for "kids self‑defense classes near me," our Richardson location offers a program built specifically for ages 4–12.
If a bully cornered your child today…
Would they know what to say and do?
Most kids wouldn't.
Bullying and verbal harassment aren't going away, and predators look for kids who seem like easy targets. We equip your child with the confidence, the words, and — only as a last resort — the physical skills to stand their ground, set boundaries, and get home safe.
Kids train with parents — most of the time, we have the child work directly with their parent. It's a unique bonding experience, and instructors are on the floor every step of the way. It's by far the most requested feature of our classes, and both kids and parents love it. We use training drills, pad hitting, games, and discussion topics to keep class fun and educational at the same time, teaching your child to stay calm, respond appropriately, and really listen to what others are communicating.
The A.C.W.A. Kids program starts with words and confidence, and only moves to physical skills as a last resort.
Your child will learn:
We teach kids not only how to defend themselves from bullies, but also a host of anti‑abduction skills for when you won't always be around.
This isn't a traditional martial arts class, and it isn't a sport. Here's what you won't find in our curriculum:
Kids train with parents — most of the time, the child works directly with their parent. This helps the parent know exactly what their child is learning and builds a unique bonding experience, with instructors on the floor to help every step of the way. It's by far the most requested feature of our classes.
Layers of training — we teach your child how to keep their cool when angry, how to respond appropriately to someone who may be upset with them, and how to really listen to what others are communicating. Training drills, pad hitting, games, and discussion topics keep class fun and educational at the same time.
It's reality‑based — we focus on practical movement that keeps your child safe. Instead of traditional uniforms, kids wear a black academy t‑shirt, blue jeans, and shoes they can move in. It sets the mindset for what we're training.
Ages accepted — children from 4 to 12 are accepted into the kids program.
Space is limited — unlike many schools, we only take 12 children into the program at any one time so we can truly concentrate on helping each one. We normally have a waiting list as a result, so call or message us to get your child in today.
"The issue of bullying and verbal harassment is a problem that is not going away. It's time to equip our kids with the skills they need to confront these issues. These are the very things I teach my children and the very concepts I used when I was bullied in school myself." — J. Everman, Founder, A.C.W.A.
A look inside real A.C.W.A. Kids classes — from confidence‑building moments to hands‑on drills with our instructors.
Children ages 4 through 12 are accepted into the ACWA Kids program.
Most of the time, yes. Children often work directly with a parent, with instructors on the floor to guide every step — it's one of the most requested features of the class.
No. There are no forms, katas, competitions, belts, or outdated uniforms. Kids wear a black academy t‑shirt, jeans, and shoes they can move in.
No. The program starts with self‑esteem, confidence, and verbal self‑defense, and only moves to physical skills as a last resort.
Yes. We only take 12 children into the program at any one time so we can truly concentrate on helping each child, so there's often a waiting list.
"Training alongside my daughter gave both of us tools we didn't have before — and gave me peace of mind about her safety."
"Watching my son find his confidence to stand up for himself, with words first, has been worth every class."