About Great Start Karate
More Than Kicks and Punches. We’re Building Strong Kids.
Great Start Karate was founded in 2021 by Jan Stockton, a 3rd-Degree Black Belt with a single mission: to use karate as a vehicle to build confidence, character, and focus in children everywhere. With flexible scheduling and unlimited live classes, children can train at a pace that feels right for them, supported by instructors who know, encourage, and celebrate them.
From a Local Dojo to a Global Community
With over 36 years of experience, Jan Stockton has dedicated her life to teaching children. She co-founded the highly successful Karate West in Washington in 1989, creating a community known for its focus on character development.
Inspired by the teachings of her own sensei, Hanshi Morris L. Mack, Jan saw an opportunity to bring her proven, youth-focused curriculum online. Great Start Karate was born, creating a live, interactive dojo for students around the world who needed a supportive and flexible way to train.
Today, we are a vibrant online community serving families across the United States, Canada, and beyond.
Our Philosophy: Karate is the Vehicle, Not the Destination
We believe the most important lessons learned in the dojo go far beyond physical skills. Through focus, discipline, and respect, children build a strong foundation for confidence and lifelong growth.
Great Start Karate’s curriculum blends the precision and tradition of Japanese Shudokan Karate with the dynamic kicking and athleticism of Korean Taekwondo. This unique combination gives students strong technique, exciting movement, and meaningful character development. Above all else, the classes are designed to be a fun, engaging way to teach life skills that last a lifetime.
When kids feel seen, supported, and excited to participate, they discover their confidence and begin to believe in what they can achieve.
Meet Our Instructors
Our instructors are the heart of our dojo. They are not only expert martial artists but also passionate educators who know how to make learning fun.
Sensei Jan Stockton
Founder
A 3rd-Degree Black Belt in Shudokan Karate-Do with 36+ years of experience, Jan’s teaching philosophy centers on building a child’s confidence through encouragement and structure. Jan is a mom of two adult black-belt daughters, who continue to inspire her belief in the power of strong role models and supportive teaching.
Sensei Katie Randol
Head Instructor
A 2nd-Degree Black Belt in World Taekwondo and a homeschool educator, Katie understands how children learn in supportive, real-world environments. A multi-time Grand Champion competitor, she is known for her encouraging teaching style, clear guidance, and ability to bring out the best in every student.
Shihan Molly
Mascot
Our beloved lionhead bunny, Shihan Molly, often joins classes and special events to bring smiles to our students’ faces. She offers playful encouragement and reminders that courage, focus, and kindness can be learned in joyful ways.
Why Families Choose GSK
A Perfect Fit for Homeschoolers Needing PE
We are a great option for at-home learners seeking a structured online PE program. Our unlimited live classes support learning flexibility and combine physical activity with character development, confidence, and community.
An Inclusive Environment for Every Learner
Our program is intentionally designed to support all learners, whether your child is shy, energetic, independent, advanced, or neurodivergent. Every child is met where they are, with patient coaching, encouragement, and the time they need to grow at their own pace.
Sensei Jan’s Book: PE With a Purpose
PE With a Purpose challenges the traditional view of physical education, offering homeschool families a research-informed approach to movement that builds learning, confidence, and character. Written for parents, educators, and caregivers, it explains how intentional physical education strengthens focus, emotional regulation, perseverance, and self-confidence—skills that carry into academics and everyday life.
Coming soon to Amazon.