Full disclosure: the writer of this story is an instructor at PKSA – Oxford

John Stouffer, a second-degree black belt and instructor at PKSA (Professional Karate Schools of America) – Oxford, remembers the first time he and his son Johnny broke boards back in 2011.

“He slept with the board that night,” Stouffer said.

John said that Johnny, who will test alongside his dad for a third-degree black belt in February, was the shyest of kids when he was little. He attributes the self-confidence and public speaking skills Johnny has now as a teenager to karate. It challenges both of them regularly, and Johnny’s confidence started in part by breaking that first piece of wood.

On Dec. 11, many of PKSA’s students took the same step during the school’s annual Break-a-thon. While students conquer their fears and challenge themselves by breaking wood, they also raise money for Oxford-Orion FISH and Love INC (In the Name of Christ).

“Martial arts isn’t about kicking and punching,” said Rod Price, the owner of PKSA –Oxford and a second-degree black belt. “It’s about something bigger. It’s about giving back, it’s about more than just focusing on yourself. It’s about helping people.”

The students spent the month leading up to the Break-a-thon gathering nonperishables and raising money. On the night of the event, the money students spent on their boards also went to the two charities.

Price, who is just one of the many PKSA school owners who does the event during Thanksgiving or Christmas for local charities, uses the event to both benefit the community and teach his students about being people of leadership and courage. Many people who do karate will tell you it’s about a lot more than kicking and punching – and this is just one of the ways Price tries to instill that in his students.

“Of course every kid is different, but for the kids coming tonight who say, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t do that,’ or are overwhelmed by (breaking), once they get over that hump and actually break that board, they realize they can do it,” Price said. “That’s exactly how life is. You know, we’re always afraid to take that leap, but once we do we realize there’s something a little better on the other side.”

That leadership and courage was on full display during the event. Students encouraged and challenged each other to try something new. Two brothers who will soon test for their black belts, Hunter and Caleb Ross, could be seen doing jumping, flying motions to snap a board and even stacking the wood to take on more than just one board at a time.

“It seems like they’re getting younger and younger with wanting to help (others) and be part of the school,” Price said. “It’s amazing.”

At the end of the day, the students donated a big pile of food and raised $725 for FISH and Love INC. As always, they’ll be trying to beat that number next year.

“I want them to realize that there’s something bigger than themselves,” Price said.