Being a mom takes strength. At America’s Best Defense, we see that strength every day in the moms of our community—whether they’re throwing punches in Krav Maga or the ones tying their child’s belt before a big test.
To the moms who rearrange their schedules so their kids can train, the ones cheering loudest at graduations, and the ones making the time to hit the mats every week—this one’s for you.
The Invisible Work of ABD Moms
Moms in our community wear more than one “belt.” They’re pep talkers, boo-boo kissers, lunch-packers, homework-checkers, bedtime-story readers, and fountains of everyday wisdom. They’re the ones making sure water bottles are filled, uniforms are clean, and everyone gets where they need to go—often with little thanks and even less rest.
Training on top of that takes commitment—and creativity. For some families, it means building a routine that makes space for both the child and the parent to grow.
>> How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated
“Making time is hard. I am fortunate that I can take back-to-back classes with my kids,” says ABD Mansfield student and parent Melanie. “So those days are dojo days. Everything else gets scheduled around the training days.”
That kind of intentional scheduling doesn’t just benefit the parent—it strengthens the family. When moms train alongside their kids, something powerful happens. It becomes more than a shared activity; it becomes a shared journey of growth.
“I have been able to balance training with other parts of my life because Krav is something I enjoy,” says ABD Shrewsbury student Deb. “I make sure to go to class. It also helps me decompress and reset from my day of stress at work.”
Moms Who Train, Kids Who Thrive
Franklin mom Angela Parker says she had always been interested in martial arts but had never had the opportunity to try. It wasn’t until her oldest daughter Olivia started training seven years ago that Angela decided to give it a try—and her younger daughter Kaylee followed suit just a year later.
The tipping point in taking the leap? The supportive team of instructors and the dedicated community at America’s Best Defense Franklin.
“I really loved the way the staff members worked so well with the kids,” she says. “My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner!”
Angela now holds a 2nd-degree black belt in Krav Maga, while Olivia and Kaylee are in the Karate black belt testing process right now. The girls are preparing for their final test in late May 2025, with Olivia (13) testing for her first-degree black belt and Kaylee (11) testing for her junior black belt. Olivia also volunteers as an assistant in Franklin’s Kids Martial Arts classes, and she’s recently started training in the Teen Krav Maga program.
“It gives me so much pride watching my kids grow as martial artists,” Angela says. “I love watching them as they learn new forms and new skills, and I love watching them grow as humans. When they were little, I watched older kids treating them with kindness and patience, and now I’m seeing that come around full circle as they help younger or newer kids in the same way.”
Whether they’re new to martial arts or long-time members of the ABD family, moms bring energy, encouragement, and heart into every class and event. They lead by example, show up even when it’s hard, and remind us all what real strength looks like.
Martial Arts Moms Lead By Example
Moms don’t just support their kids at ABD—they lead by example.
For some, that means training side by side in class. ABD North Attleboro Krav Maga student and Kids Karate mom Ellie says she was drawn to martial arts after seeing how much her daughter Sophie loved training.
“I wanted to learn self-defense, but also share the experience with my daughter,” Ellie says. “I think it’s given us a stronger bond as mother and daughter. We work hard to achieve our goals and to be the best we can be.”
For others, it’s about encouraging consistency, respect, and commitment from the sidelines—and reinforcing those lessons at home.
Courtney, who has three children who train at America’s Best Defense Mansfield, really emphasizes having a presence at her kids’ activities and says she aims to instill a sense of dedication and accomplishment in her kids.
“I love watching them master a form, especially when I catch them practicing on their own or even doing their forms subconsciously,” she says. “I also love when they wave to me from the mat!”
The discipline kids build in martial arts doesn’t stay on the mat. It shows up in how they handle tough days at school, how they treat others, how they carry themselves. And more often than not, those values are first taught—and consistently modeled—by their moms.
“I know firsthand what they are doing, why they’re doing it, and how much it matters,” says Jill, whose family trains at ABD Mansfield. “[Training] helps me feel more connected to them and their journey.”
From reminding them to bow when they walk in the door, to encouraging them to keep going after a tough class, moms are often the quiet force behind every milestone. And that example of perseverance, patience, and pride? It’s what keeps their kids grounded, focused, and growing.
“We tried other sports which he didn’t love,” says Lynn, whose son Jeremy trains at ABD North Attleboro. “Martial arts taught him confidence commitment and perseverance!”
Community-Centered and Family-Focused
ABD isn’t just a gym, a training center, or a school.
“I know ABD will always feel like a second home to Max,” says North Attleboro Karate mom Ashley.
That sense of community is a crucial part of our culture at America’s Best Defense, and moms play a huge role in making it feel that way. They’re often the ones organizing carpools and snacks, checking in on a classmate’s progress, volunteering at events, and showing up for fundraisers—even after a long day at work.
They lift each other up during the busy seasons and celebrate every little win—whether it’s a child earning a new stripe or a fellow mom finally nailing a technique she’s been working on for weeks.
“I have never had so many people in my corner like I do at ABD,” says Ellie from ABD North Attleboro.
Their presence makes the waiting area warmer. Their encouragement echoes through the sidelines. And their commitment—to their kids, to each other, and to the ABD community—is what keeps the heartbeat of our schools strong.
To Every Mom in Our Community—Thank You
Whether you train, cheer, drive, organize, or simply encourage—you are a vital part of the ABD family. We’re so proud to have you in our corner.
Looking to start your own journey? Contact us to see what makes the ABD community so special!
