RENO, NV -- It can be a scary world out there for kids, both on and off the playground, so any advantage helps. But there is a way to kick up their self-confidence. Owner of Zai Martial Arts Academy, known as Sifu Zai, says students at his academy not only learn physical defense techniques, but also learn life skills.

“Through a class not only do kids learn how to kick and punch and defend themselves, which is really important,” said Sifu Zai. “But what’s really important is when they go home, they become good citizens. They show respect in school, they show respect at home.”

For thirteen year old Tony Deal that means being more focused after joining the academy three years ago.  “It gives you strength and more self-confidence to like to do stuff that you normally wouldn’t do,” said Deal. 

Eleven year old Madison Sandoval has also been in the academy for three years. Both her and Deal are confident they can defend themselves if needed.  “Because I have all these techniques and we’ve been practicing with partners and it’s just great,” said Sandoval.

“If you’re having bully troubles it gives you the confidence to stand up to them so you don’t have any more trouble,” said Deal.

But this class can mean more than just learning how to hit and kick. The impact of this program goes beyond the school yard.  “If you have a kid that goes home and cleans up his own room without being told we call that self-discipline,” said Sifu Zai. “And we have sheets that we give them to write those down.”

Sifu Zai says his academy is about 60 percent men and 40 percent women, but that number is always changing.  “The last month we’ve had a lot of kids come in because of all the events that have happened around kids,” said Sifu Zai. “But we do see a lot of increase in women because they do want to learn how to protect themselves.” 

With a few attacks reported around our area the last few months, parents say that’s definitely one reason their children are in the academy.  “My son is not afraid to be bullied because he knows what to do,” said parent Angel Sandoval. “And my daughter's had to defend herself against boys of all things and it works. You got to put your kids in.”

"I’m hoping he’ll never has to use any of them, but if he does, he’s prepared and he knows how to protect himself,” said parent Kimberly Brooks.  

Children as young as four years old can join the ZMA academy. And there are also classes available for adults.