About Great Start Karate
Helping Children Grow Through Skill-Based Martial Arts
Great Start Karate was founded to give homeschool children a supportive, structured place to learn martial arts from home.
Our live classes combine skill-based instruction, consistent teachers, and steady progression so children can build confidence, focus, and a genuine sense of accomplishment.
Families have the flexibility to choose classes that fit their schedule while their children learn within a familiar community where they are known, encouraged, and celebrated.
Our Story
Great Start Karate was founded in 2021, but its roots reach back much further.
For nearly four decades, Jan Stockton has taught children through martial arts, beginning with Karate West, which she co-founded in Washington in 1989. Throughout those years, one belief continued to grow stronger: children thrive when instruction is thoughtful, expectations are clear, and progress is recognized one step at a time.
Inspired by the guidance of her own sensei, Hanshi Morris L. Mack, Jan created Great Start Karate to bring that same supportive, skill-based approach to homeschool families everywhere through live online instruction.
Today, Great Start Karate serves families throughout the United States and Canada, helping children develop confidence, focus, perseverance, and the habits that support learning.
Why Children Love Martial Arts
Martial arts gives children the excitement of learning skills that feel powerful, challenging, and fun. Every kick, block, combination, and form gives them something new to master and another opportunity to discover what they can do.
At Great Start Karate, we combine the precision and tradition of Japanese Shudokan Karate with the dynamic movement of Korean Taekwondo. Children build strong technique, coordination, balance, and confidence while enjoying classes that are active, engaging, and filled with meaningful progress.
There is a special kind of pride that comes from mastering a new technique, earning the next belt, and realizing, “I can do this.” That feeling keeps children excited to return, eager to learn, and ready for the next challenge.
Meet Our Instructors
Our instructors combine strong martial arts experience with a deep understanding of how children learn. Through clear instruction, real-time feedback, and genuine encouragement, they help every child feel supported, make progress, and enjoy learning.
Sensei Jan Stockton
Founder
A 3rd-Degree Black Belt in Shudokan Karate-Do with nearly four decades of experience, Jan is the founder of Great Start Karate, co-founder of Karate West, and author of PE With a Purpose. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to helping children grow in confidence, character, and belief in their own abilities through martial arts.
Sensei Katie Randol
Head Instructor
A 2nd-Degree Black Belt in World Taekwondo and a longtime homeschool educator, Katie brings warmth, patience, and steady encouragement to every class. She is known for helping students feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely excited to learn.
Shihan Molly
Mascot
Our beloved lionhead bunny, Shihan Molly, joins many special events to bring smiles to our students’ faces. Whether offering playful words of wisdom or simply making children laugh, Molly has become a much-loved part of the Great Start Karate community.
Experience Great Start Karate
Give your child the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, and discover what they are capable of through live online martial arts instruction.
