Parenting
34 articles by Sensei Willy Strohmeier, from his monthly Brighton Buzz column.
2026
Ounces Now or Tons Later
Jim Rohn said discipline weighs ounces and regret weighs tons. How small, daily rules at home and in the dojo turned a screen-bound nine-year-old around.
The Problem With Being the Nice Kid
Why kind, predictable kids become targets, how posture changes that, and the one sentence every parent should tell their child about self-defense.
What I Can Tell About Your Child in Ten Seconds
Five things an instructor notices in a child's first ten seconds, why they're habits rather than character, and why they matter for the school year.
Keeping Our Kids Safe on E-Bikes This Summer
Kids on electric mini-dirt bikes are everywhere this summer. How drivers, parents, and city officials can work together to keep them safe.
The Power of Turning OFF
Blackout evenings in 1980s Lima and a fidgety six-year-old's progress show why kids need quiet, screen-free space to build focus.
Choosing Friends Who Lift You Up
We become the average of the five people we spend the most time with. Why choosing uplifting friends matters for kids and adults alike.
2025
The Grumpy Kid Who Found His Smile
An eleven-year-old who struggled with respect and listening finds a kinder, happier path through coaching and consistent karate training.
From White Belts to Role Models: The Story of Two Brothers Who Never Gave Up
Two brothers who started karate in tears at ages 4 and 5 kept showing up for 13 years, earning black belts and becoming instructors.
Viejo, Mi Querido Viejo!
A student's spontaneous "I love you, Dad" brings back memories of a father and a song. A Father's Day reminder: you can't say it enough.
Kicking Together: How One Mom Turned Karate Into Family Time
A mom who joined her daughter on the mat shows how training together builds shared growth, mutual respect, and lasting family memories.
A World Without TikTok
TikTok went dark for twelve hours and few noticed. Five simple ways families can moderate phone use and reclaim time for what matters.
2024
It Was the Worst of Times…
A family hospital stay and the caring staff at Children's Hospital Colorado inspired the club's holiday toy drive for young patients.
It’s Time to Re-Focus
Distractions are guaranteed. What matters is noticing them and choosing to refocus. Repeat it often enough and focus becomes a habit.
2023
When You See Bullying, Don’t Stand By - Stand Up!
A ninth-grade moment of joining the crowd taught Sensei Willy a lasting lesson: never join a bully, and when you see bullying, stand up.
The Way of Cleanliness
Why karate students scrub the dojo floor: Soji, the Japanese way of cleanliness, builds humility, responsibility, respect and courtesy.
The World Doesn’t Owe You a Thing!
A grateful childhood amid hardship in 1980s Lima contrasts with today's dissatisfied youth. Are we raising an entitled generation?
2022
My Child Won’t Listen… to Me…
Why do kids listen to Sensei but not to mom and dad? Sometimes the message lands best from a trusted third party. Don't take it personally.
My Four Year Old Has So Much Energy!
An energetic four-year-old learns to pay attention, listen at home and take pride in his progress. Every karate student grows in their own way.
You Never Listen to Me!
A teenage daughter's complaint started a lesson in listening: like speaking, it's a skill that must be learned, practiced and perfected.
Confidence Is a Skill, Not a Trait
A shy 12-year-old's journey shows that confidence isn't something you're born with. It's a skill built through practice, repetition and facing challenges.
2021
We All Need to Be Heard
Being listened to builds confidence in kids and adults alike. Four practical tips to become a better listener and give the gift of attention.
Happy Mother's Day!
A four-year-old holding the dojo door for her mom sparks a reflection on the love mothers pour into us, and our turn to give it back.
I Quit
At ten, Sensei Willy skipped karate to watch the Flintstones. His father's tough love kept him training, and changed the course of his life.
2019
Stop Bullies… by Not Being One
In 9th grade, Sensei Willy joined in mocking a classmate and was called out. A lesson for kids: never join a bully, and stand up for others.
Karate, Not Just Kicking and Punching
A karate mom shares what her family found at our school: balance and focus for her son, and much more, a community that helps raise our children.
2018
Building Confident Children
Our words shape a child's self-image. Drop negative labels, separate the child from the action, and remember: every encounter builds up or tears down.
When I Get Old...
'When I get old, I want to be like Grandma.' Sensei Willy's 70-year-old mother, a black belt, is a reminder that parents must make time to stay healthy.
Show Me Some (Tough) Love
At ten I wanted to quit karate and watch cartoons. My father said no. That tough love led to national teams and a life's calling. I'm forever grateful.
Get Vaccinated!
Zig Ziglar called it PLOM, “Poor Little Ol' Me” disease. The vaccine is an “if it is to be, it is up to me” attitude, for kids and adults alike.
The Power of Failure and the Cost of Success
A six-year-old fails his yellow belt test, then trains harder and earns it. Why letting children fail teaches them the true value of success.
2017
Karate: Not Just Another Activity
Choosing a back-to-school activity? Look for one that builds life skills. Parents tell us karate grows confidence, focus, discipline, and respect.
Summertime! Keeping Kids Active
“But Mom, there's nothing to do outside!” Simple, fun ideas to pull kids away from screens this summer and get them active and imagining again.
Take the Time, Live It, Love It, Share It
A former ballerina rediscovers her passion through karate, and asks: have you found what lights a fire in you? Live it, love it, and share it.