Let’s be honest—life after childhood isn’t easy. It doesn’t come with gold stars for participation or trophies for showing up. It rewards resilience, initiative, and the ability to take direction, work with others, and lead when necessary. And here’s the thing. If your child isn’t learning these skills now… when will they?

Training with one of the most skilled Grandmasters of Filipino Martial Arts—SGM Percival “Val” Pableo—is always a joy. His collaboration with Rising Sun and Mr. Buzick highlights not only his technical mastery but also his infectious passion and dedication to the art. Known for his dynamic 2-day stick and knife seminars, GM Pableo brings traditional Doce Pares techniques into modern contexts, ensuring both deep respect for heritage and relevance for today’s practitioners.

There are a few non-negotiables in parenting. You make your child brush their teeth, even when they whine. You take them to school, even if they protest. You schedule doctor checkups, even if they’d rather be doing anything else. Why? Because you know these things are essential for their well-being and future. Now here’s a question…

Kids Don’t Always Choose What’s Best for Them. Ask most 7-year-olds what they want after school, and you’ll probably hear:“Snacks. iPad. Pajamas.” You probably won’t hear: “A structured martial arts class where I’ll learn patience, resilience, and character.” That’s because children aren’t wired to seek out challenge. They’re wired to seek comfort. But comfort rarely leads to growth.

If you’ve ever seen a child earn their next belt in martial arts, you know—it’s a powerful moment. But at Rising Sun Martial Arts in Jupiter, we know that the most important growth doesn’t always show up on a belt. It shows up in who they’re becoming.

If you’ve ever watched an action scene in a Jason Bourne, John Wick, Extraction or The Equalizer movie and thought: “That looked fast, real, and honestly kind of awesome…” You’ve already seen a glimpse of Filipino Martial Arts in action.

You enrolled your child at Rising Sun Martial Arts for more than just physical movement and self-defense. You enrolled them because you want them to also grow up with…

You don’t need to be aggressive. You don’t need to be loud. You don’t need to have any experience. But you do deserve to feel strong. You deserve to walk through a parking lot with confidence. To set boundaries without hesitation. To handle stress in a healthy, powerful way. To feel connected to your body—not at war with it. That’s what we help women and girls do at Rising Sun Martial Arts in Downtown Abacoa, Jupiter.

No parent wants to hear those words. “My child is being bullied.” Whether it’s name-calling, exclusion, physical intimidation, or online harassment, bullying leaves emotional scars that can affect your child’s confidence, safety, and sense of self.

At Rising Sun Martial Arts, we train students of all ages in Filipino Martial Arts, also known as Kali or Eskrima—a powerful, fast-paced system rooted in real-world self-defense, discipline, and focus. So the question is… Is this karate? Or is it something else? And does it really matter?

In a world filled with distractions, fast-paced schedules, and constant screen time, more and more parents are turning to martial arts as a powerful tool to help their kids and teens focus, build confidence, and grow into strong, respectful young leaders.

Wait—really? You don’t want your child or teen to be more confident? You don’t want them to handle pressure with maturity? You don’t want them to be stronger—inside and out? Of course you do.

I didn’t sign my child up for karate thinking it would change our lives. Honestly, I just wanted something that would burn energy, build focus, and maybe help with confidence.

What I didn’t expect was a complete transformation—not just in my child, but in our home, in our routines, and in how I see my child’s potential.

Confidence doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from overcoming. That’s why the best gift we can give our kids isn’t a shortcut. It’s a place where they can face hard lessons—safely—and come out stronger. At Rising Sun Martial Arts, that’s what our program is built for.

But as the rhythm of school settles in—between drop-offs, homework battles, and after-school activities—we want to gently remind parents of something that often gets lost in the rush: Your child’s self-worth, confidence, and emotional well-being are just as important as grades and goals. And that’s where we come in.

Between tablets, smartphones, video games, and online learning, many children are interacting more with screens than with people. And while technology can be a great tool, it’s not always helping kids build confidence, focus, or the kind of social skills they need in real life. That’s where Rising Sun Martial Arts comes in.

That’s why so many parents are turning to Rising Sun Martial Arts, where students don’t just learn self-defense—they grow into strong, focused, and respectful leaders.

You’re not looking for a trophy. You’re not 16 anymore (thankfully). You’re not here to impress anyone with flashy kicks or brutal workouts. What you are looking for is probably something a little deeper. That’s what our Adult Filipino Martial Arts program is all about.

It’s that time of year again—new pencils, fresh sneakers, and a backpack full of expectations. For parents in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Abacoa, the start of school can be equal parts exciting and stressful. Will my child stay focused? Will they feel confident in class? Will they handle social pressure in a healthy way?

Teenagers today face a unique mix of pressures—academics, screen time, social anxiety, sports overload, and the constant noise of comparison. Parents in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and right here in Abacoa are looking for something real—something that builds not just strength, but character.