Karate kids strut their stuff

A martial arts demonstration is not about showing off but it is about gaining confidence.

“It’s just all the hard work they’ve done and the pride of going up on stage and demonstrating the new technique they’ve learned for their family and friends,” said instructor Charlie Rogers, owner of Arizona American Institute for Self Defense Arts.

In April, 61 of his Maricopa students presented the fourth annual Karate Demonstration at the Maricopa Performing Arts Center.

“Karate is a sport that’s about self, but it’s also support of the karate family,” Rogers said.

He has owned Arizona American Institute for Self Defense Arts, Inc., since 2000. He has been teaching in Maricopa since 2006. Students learn self defense, confidence, and the "art" of martial arts. The karate code words of "Honor, Respect, Patience and Kindness" are the center of the program.