★★★★★
"This class helped my son build confidence and self-worth. He's a different kid—in the best way."
S
Sarah M.
Google Review
Google Reviews
REAL PARENTS. REAL DIFFERENCE.
Don't just take our word for it—see how families are experiencing the Side Kicks difference and watching their children build confidence, develop life skills, and grow into their best selves.
★★★★★ 10+ Five-Star Reviews
★★★★★
"They teach discipline, respect, determination, and leadership. Worth every penny."
M
Mike R.
Google Review
★★★★★
"My child came out of their shell and loves going. The instructors genuinely care."
J
Jen P.
Google Review
★★★★★
"We've tried other activities. Nothing has stuck like this. He asks to go on his off days."
D
David K.
Google Review
★★★★★
"The structure and positivity here is incredible. His teachers have noticed the difference at school."
A
Amanda T.
Google Review
★★★★★
"Our daughter went from shy to leading the class in under a year. We're so grateful."
C
Chris L.
Google Review
★★★★★
"The instructors make every child feel seen. My son walks in nervous and walks out beaming every time."
N
Nicole B.
Google Review
★★★★★
"More than karate—it's mentorship. The life skills my kids are learning are priceless."
R
Ryan H.
Google Review
★★★★★
"Best decision we've made for our family. The community here is genuinely uplifting."
M
Megan S.
Google Review
★★★★★
"My son's focus at home and school has skyrocketed. Side Kicks is the real deal."
T
Tom V.
Google Review
★★★★★
"This class helped my son build confidence and self-worth. He's a different kid—in the best way."
S
Sarah M.
Google Review
★★★★★
"They teach discipline, respect, determination, and leadership. Worth every penny."
M
Mike R.
Google Review
★★★★★
"My child came out of their shell and loves going. The instructors genuinely care."
J
Jen P.
Google Review
★★★★★
"We've tried other activities. Nothing has stuck like this. He asks to go on his off days."
D
David K.
Google Review
★★★★★
"The structure and positivity here is incredible. His teachers have noticed the difference at school."
A
Amanda T.
Google Review
★★★★★
"Our daughter went from shy to leading the class in under a year. We're so grateful."
C
Chris L.
Google Review
★★★★★
"The instructors make every child feel seen. My son walks in nervous and walks out beaming every time."
N
Nicole B.
Google Review
★★★★★
"More than karate—it's mentorship. The life skills my kids are learning are priceless."
R
Ryan H.
Google Review
★★★★★
"Best decision we've made for our family. The community here is genuinely uplifting."
M
Megan S.
Google Review
★★★★★
"My son's focus at home and school has skyrocketed. Side Kicks is the real deal."
T
Tom V.
Google Review
Why we're different
Why Side Kicks Is Different
You have options—and choosing the right activity matters.
So what makes Side Kicks different?
We believe martial arts should do more than teach kicks and punches. It should help children become stronger, more confident, more resilient, and better prepared for life.
That's why every part of our program is intentionally designed to help children grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.
Side Kicks vs. Traditional Martial Arts Schools
Traditional Martial Arts
Side Kicks Karate
- Rigid, outdated approachModern, engaging experience kids connect with
- Focus on tradition over growthFocus on confidence, character, and life skills
- One-size-fits-all curriculumAge-specific programs designed for how children learn
- Limited parent involvementA true partnership with parents
- Progress measured only by beltsGrowth measured both on and off the mat
- Repetition without engagementGamified learning that keeps children motivated
Side Kicks vs. Team Sports
Soccer • Baseball • Basketball
Traditional Team Sports
Side Kicks Karate
- Competitive pressureChallenge-focused growth
- Limited individual attentionPersonalized coaching and mentorship
- Performance comes firstCharacter comes first
- Bench time and team politicsEvery child participates and progresses
- Seasonal participationYear-round personal development
Side Kicks vs. Other Activities
Dance • Gymnastics • Music
Other Activities
Side Kicks Karate
- Great for skill buildingBuilds skills AND life skills
- Limited confidence developmentConfidence earned through achievement
- Little resilience trainingDevelops mental toughness
- Few leadership opportunitiesLeadership built into every level
- Limited emotional growthEmotional strength and self-control
- Expensive competitionsProgress through structured milestones
Side Kicks vs. No Structured Activity
No Structured Activity
Side Kicks Karate
- Too much screen timeHealthy movement and engagement
- Limited physical activityStrength, fitness, and coordination
- Few opportunities to build disciplineStructure, accountability, and goals
- Missing social growthCommunity, friendships, and belonging
- Confidence strugglesConfidence built through achievement
The difference
The Side Kicks Difference
At Side Kicks, children don't just learn martial arts.
They build confidence.
They develop life skills.
They learn resilience.
They discover what they're capable of.
And because our program is engaging, fun, safe, and fully gamified, children stay motivated through rewards, progress tracking, challenges, and achievements they're excited to earn.
This is more than martial arts.
This is the Side Kicks experience.
Programs
Find the right program
Pick the program that fits your child's age, then tell us a little about them. We'll get you set up with your free trial class.
Ages 4–7
Little Dragons
Ages 4–7
Little Dragons
Confidence starts early. Fun, structured classes designed to improve listening, focus, coordination, and self-control.
Perfect for children who:
- ✔ Need more confidence
- ✔ Struggle listening
- ✔ Need active learning
- ✔ Benefit from structure
Ages 8–11
Ninja Kids
Ages 8–11
Ninja Kids
Build confidence that carries into everyday life. Students develop leadership, emotional resilience, self-defense skills, and stronger self-esteem.
Your child will develop:
- ✔ Focus
- ✔ Leadership
- ✔ Discipline
- ✔ Confidence
Ages 12+
Teen Leaders
Ages 12+
Teen Leaders
Prepare teens for life—not just belts. Designed to help teens become stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally while developing leadership and independence.
Your child will develop:
- ✔ Confidence under pressure
- ✔ Goal setting
- ✔ Self-defense
- ✔ Leadership
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can We Try It Before Signing Up?+
Yes! Our trial offers and available spaces are updated on this page regularly. Just click one of the buttons on this page to see available spaces!
2. If We Like It, How Do We Sign Up?+
After your child's trial, we'll all know if it was the right activity for them. If it is, we'll walk you through getting started at Side Kicks Karate. If you have questions, don't worry - we'll reach out before your child's trial to be sure you're 100% ready!
3. How Many Classes Do We Attend?+
After your child's trial, we'll all know if it was the right activity for them. If it is, we'll walk you through getting started at Side Kicks Karate. If you have questions, don't worry - we'll reach out before your child's trial to be sure you're 100% ready!
4. What Area Do We Service?+
Side Kicks has two locations—Rome, NY and Whitesboro, NY—and we proudly serve families from all across the Mohawk Valley. Many parents travel from surrounding communities because of our proven success in helping kids grow into confident, capable leaders. We welcome students from Rome, Westmoreland, Lee Center, Camden, Floyd, Holland Patent, Oriskany, Marcy, Yorkville, New York Mills, Utica, New Hartford, Stittville, Westernville, Boonville, Delta Lake, Clark Mills, and the entire Mohawk Valley area.
5. What Does My Child Wear?+
For your first visit have your little one wear something comfortable that they can move in.
6. How Long Are Classes?+
Classes run 40 to 45 minutes.
7. Where Are You Located?+
Discover our two branches situated in Rome and Whitesboro, NY. Check our Location tab for detailed addresses.
8. What Style Of Martial Art?+
We teach leadership through a powerful blend of hands-on self-defense, emotional control, and mental toughness. Our program focuses on real-world self-defense while helping kids build strong character skills that carry over into every part of their lives.