Welcome to Belton Genbu-Kai,
Karate is the foundation that lead to all this CHAOS. Russ and myself have
been teaching traditional Japanese Karate in Belton for 6 years but our karate
education started long before that. I began in Genbu-Kai Karate when I was 9
years old. This year marks my 20th year in the organization. Genbu-Kai is my
home, it is my family. I met my husband in this organization, my children have
traveled the country for this organization. This is my heart. We have been
blessed to teach an amazing group of students over the last year and we are
proud that our organization is growing.
Genbu-Kai is an international karate organization led by the amazing Fumio
Demura. If that name isn't in your world, he was Mr. Miyagi's stunt double. He
is who Pat Morita based Mr. Miyagi's character after. The "wax on, wax off"
stuff, that's us. I could go on, but you get the picture, I hold him in high
regard. We have taught karate for as cheap as possible because we are trying to
give you authenticity, not a false promise. And we want families to be able to
afford this learning and experience. We will not guarantee you or your child a
black belt. I will guarantee I will give you an enriching education in martial
arts, discipline, respect, and work ethic. The black belt, that is your work,
not my promise. Our organization hosts' tournaments locally, continentally, and
internationally. We strive to travel as often as possible to provide once in a
life time experiences and education. We are a family. In fact, my current
students expressed that when we open Chaos, they don't want to lose the feeling
of family. So welcome, you are now our family.
We have an extraordinary group of black belts and advanced students that help
with classes. This allows us to teach all levels and ages of students
simultaneously. This means, adults, you will see children in class. Don't run
in fear. You will be working with adults, the short and tiny ones will scamper
about with other short and tiny people. We take students who are 4 years old
and adults. We take the ages in between too. Adults, you can take class too.
Its a thing. I didn't hang up my gi (karate outfit, you will learn, don't
worry) when I became an adult. Grown ups punch stuff too. Parents, you are
welcome to take class along with your children too.
Karate isn't something in which most people have a clear expectation. Strange
images of movie martial arts come to the mind of some, with loud yells and
tiger stripped pants. And others envision robotic children yelling "YES SIR, I
WILL PUNCH SIR." I have a masters degree in psychology, I was a social worker
for 6 years before resigning when I had my twin boys and I look terrible in
tiger stripes. So our class, we have white gi's (see above), we are respectful,
I encourage thought and understanding with appropriate tact. Students learn to
work hard, stand in line, punch efficiently, and really understand their
education. If that doesn't make for a clear visual, then just come in and try
us out. Our doors are always open to you, unless were closed, then well, we
will see you when we open.
I would also like to thank the Martial Art community for inducting me into the
2014 U.S.A Martial Arts Hall of Fame. I was unexpectedly nominated this year
after the Missouri representative met with and spoke with several of my
students and others in our organization. As someone who has so many amazing
instructors in my life, getting this award was almost hard to accept. It was
hard for me to see myself as someone worthy. But that feeling undermines my
students and our experiences together. So thank you guys. Thank you so much. I
will do everything in my ability to continue growing as a martial artist and
educator to make sure that Belton Genbu-Kai gets the instruction it deserves.
I will continue to strive to be a better human tomorrow than I was today.
Endless thanks and appreciation,
I hope to meet you soon,
Elizabeth Babcock