MARTIAL ARTS IS THE VEHICLE. GROWTH IS THE JOURNEY. HELPING CHILDREN discover their potential
At TOP, children learn martial arts—but what we’re really building is the person inside the uniform. Every class gives students opportunities to strengthen their bodies, challenge their minds, practice leadership, develop self-control, solve problems, work through frustration and have fun. Children learn best when they’re engaged and excited to participate. But fun has a purpose here. It creates an environment where students feel comfortable trying, making mistakes, learning and trying again. Because the greatest benefits of martial arts aren’t found only in the kicks they learn or the belts they earn.
They’re found in the moments when a child begins to realize:
I can think for myself.
I can work through something difficult.
I can make good choices.
I can lead.
I can grow.
YES I CAN.
That’s what we want them to carry with them long after they leave the martial arts floor.
Secure your spot and get started today with our EXCLUSIVE offer!
Grandmaster Ellen Reichelt
Hi, I’m Ellen Reichelt, Owner / Master Instructor here at TOP Martial Arts and Fitness for Life.
I believe every child has greatness inside them. Sometimes they just need the right environment—and people who believe in them—to discover it.
At TOP, we teach martial arts, but what we’re really building is the person inside the uniform. We teach our students to look people in the eye, speak with confidence, set goals, persevere when things get hard, lead others, and believe “YES I CAN.”
I want our students to become leaders, not followers. I want them to understand that confidence doesn’t come from everything being easy—it grows when they learn they can do hard things.
That’s why we teach from the heart. Every kick, every belt, every challenge and every small leadership opportunity is part of something much bigger: preparing our students for life.
It is truly my honor to be part of their journey.
All My Best,
Master Ellen Reichelt
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
AND EVERY CHILD HAS ROOM TO GROW
Some children are learning to focus, listen and follow through even when there are distractions around them.
Some children need more time, movement, repetition or simply a different way of approaching something before it clicks.
Some children are still finding their voice—learning to stand tall, speak clearly and feel comfortable stepping forward.
MARTIAL ARTS IS THE VEHICLE. LIFE SKILLS ARE THE JOURNEY.
Between the ages of 5 and 13, children are learning so much more than what’s taught in school. They’re learning how to handle frustration, speak with confidence, work toward a goal, interact with others, make good choices, and keep going when something feels difficult.
At TOP, we believe these skills are developed through experience.
That’s why our students don’t just practice kicks and punches. They set goals. They lead. They learn to make eye contact and speak clearly. They experience challenges and discover that they can work through them. They learn the value of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and an indomitable spirit.
We don’t expect children to arrive confident, focused or fearless.
We give them opportunities to practice becoming those things.
And little by little, class by class, they begin to discover something incredibly important:
“I can do hard things. I can lead. I can grow. YES I CAN.” And that’s the power of martial arts classes.
LEADERSHIP IS SOMETHING WE PRACTICE
We don’t believe children become leaders simply by being told to lead. They need opportunities to practice.
Beginning at age 5, every student gets small, age-appropriate opportunities to step in front of others, use a clear voice, and lead. As they grow, so do the expectations and opportunities we give them.
They learn to set goals, take responsibility for their progress, help others, and eventually give back to newer students who are following the same path they once did.
These may seem like small moments, but repeated week after week, they become something much bigger.
A child who once hesitated to step forward begins to discover: “I can do this. I can help someone else. I can lead.”
BUILDING CHARACTER THAT LASTS A LIFETIME
The choices that matter most are often the ones our children make when we’re not there to guide them.
At TOP, character development isn’t something we occasionally talk about. It’s woven into everything we do. Our students learn and practice the five tenets of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit—and what those values look like in everyday life.
We teach our students that their choices matter. Choices have consequences, both good and bad, and part of growing up is learning to own the choices we make. When they make a mistake, we don’t want them to hide from it or make excuses. We want them to take responsibility, learn from it, and make a better choice the next time.
Ultimately, we want our students to make good choices not simply because a parent, teacher or instructor is watching, but because they are developing the character to know who they want to be.
That’s how we help build tomorrow’s leaders today.
BUILDING STRONG BODIES — AND HEALTHY HABITS FOR LIFE
Physical fitness is an important part of martial arts, but at TOP, our goal goes far beyond keeping kids active during class.
We want our students to understand that taking care of their body is part of taking care of themselves.
Through martial arts training, students develop strength, coordination, balance, flexibility and body awareness. They learn to challenge themselves physically, recognize their progress and discover what their bodies are capable of doing.
But we’re also planting the seeds for something much bigger: lifelong habits. As students grow, we talk about fitness, healthy choices and self-care as part of the responsibility they have for their own well-being.
We want our students to leave class stronger than when they walked in—but ultimately, we want them to grow into adults who understand that taking care of themselves is a choice worth making.
SELF-DEFENSE STARTS BEFORE ANYONE PUTS A HAND ON YOU
At TOP, we teach our students that self-defense begins long before a situation ever becomes physical.
It starts with awareness, eye contact, standing tall, confident body language and a loud, clear voice.
These are skills our students practice from an early age—not only because they can help discourage unwanted attention, but because they teach children how to carry themselves with confidence.
We also teach students to recognize uncomfortable situations, use their voice, set boundaries, seek help and make good choices whenever possible.
Physical self-defense skills are important, and we take them seriously, but using those skills is not the first goal.
The best self-defense is often recognizing a situation early and having the confidence to respond before it becomes physical.
As our students grow, we want them to understand that being strong doesn’t mean looking for a fight. It means having the awareness, judgment, confidence and skills to protect themselves while making responsible choices.
KIDS LEARN BEST WHEN THEY'RE ENGAGED
We believe children can work hard, be challenged and love what they’re doing.
At TOP, fun isn’t a distraction from learning. It’s one of the ways we create an environment where children are excited to participate, willing to try and comfortable enough to make mistakes and try again.
Our classes include games, drills, partner work and challenges—but each has a purpose.
Students may be developing coordination, listening skills, problem-solving, teamwork, focus or perseverance while they’re moving, laughing and having fun.
And not every moment will be easy.
Sometimes a student will struggle with a technique. Sometimes they’ll be asked to try again. Sometimes they’ll have to work toward a goal that takes time.
That’s part of the journey.
We want our students to enjoy coming to class, but we also want them to discover something much more important:
Doing something difficult—and realizing you can get better at it—can be incredibly rewarding.
Airiel Vega
I started training in 2003, when I was six years old, so I have known Ellen for most of my life. She is one of the most amazing people you will ever meet and I am lucky to say that she is more than just my instructor, she is family. Throughout the years of training, she pushed me when I needed it most and helped me every time I asked. She trained me through both of my black belt tests and I know I couldn’t have done it without her. She didn’t just look at me as a student, but as a friend and it made the world of a difference to me. She makes you feel like you’re her number one priority and ensures that you’re at your fullest potential. Anyone who meets or works with Ellen is lucky because she will have a huge positive impact on your life.
Deb Trevelin
Three years ago I was looking for a fitness class that was not a gym. My cousin recommended that I try the KUT program with her. I had never done kickboxing, but a couple of my friends had and thought I would like it. They were right.
That’s where I met Master Ellen.
She has great patience in showing the correct form and would come over to my bag to “fix” me if I was doing something incorrectly. Encouraging me by letting me start at my own pace yet motivating me to keep up with her once I figured out what I was doing.
When I started I could not do a full push up, with the training motivation my highest was 42!!
Her energy invigorates, motivates and encourages you to do your best…. You will feed off her energy!!
Karen Vega
Ellen is one of the most kind, caring, determined and unforgettable people you will ever meet. I met Ellen in 2003 when she was my daughter Airiel’s Hapkido instructor. Ellen was a consistent instructor during the 10 years Airiel trained. While Airiel was training for her Black belt Ellen would come in and work extra hours to make sure she was ready for her test. There were many times Airiel would have given up if it wasn’t for Ellen helping and guiding her through. Over the years Ellen has become more than an instructor for us; she is someone we can both truly call a friend.
Kathryn Shasha
When I needed to get in shape for television pilot season; Ellen was the person that drove me to be my very best above any other trainer I ever had. I had the privilege of being trained by her during my Kick Boxing Ultimate Training (KUT program). She not only taught us to perform the movements safely, she motivated us to get the results we wanted. And above all...she always made it fun! She has an amazing personality and her nonstop energy is contagious. I looked forward to every class. I HIGHLY recommend her for any fitness/Karate program. She is the best!
Krista Gambino-Seymour
My kids began taking karate about 5 years ago. My kids are not at all into sports or competitive but I am so glad they went. They grew so much in their confidence and inner strength. This was in part of their Masters and teachers. Master Ellen, however, was one who took my daughter under her wing. She recognized immediately when she was feeling anxious or sad. Her pep talks were so heartfelt and meaningful to her and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
It was not much longer when I joined in school’s KUT program. It was such a motivating group and the instructors were so encouraging and supportive. There was a point when I was feeling very discouraged about my progress (lack of). Master Ellen immediately pulled me aside and helped me through that period. Her words of encouragement and her belief in me stays with me to this day.
I am so glad she is taking this amazing venture. Master Ellen is truly gifted and a wonderful individual with a caring soul. She is an excellent and fun (my kid’s words) instructor.
Secure your spot and get started today with our EXCLUSIVE offer!
FAQs
Absolutely. We believe self-control is a skill that develops with practice, guidance and experience.
At TOP, children have many opportunities to practice listening, focusing, managing frustration and making thoughtful choices.
We also teach them that choices have consequences—both good and bad—and that part of growing up is learning to take responsibility for the choices we make.
When a child makes a poor choice, we don't define the child by that choice. Instead, we help them recognize what happened, take responsibility for it, learn from it and understand that they have the power to make a different choice next time.
Our goal isn't simply to have children behave because an adult is watching.
We want them to gradually develop the self-awareness and self-control to make good choices because they understand who they want to be.
Many of the skills children practice at TOP carry far beyond the martial arts floor.
Students practice focus, listening, following multi-step directions, working toward goals, managing frustration, problem-solving and persevering when something doesn't come easily.
They also learn to ask questions, accept feedback and try again when they make a mistake.
We challenge their brains as well as their bodies. Students work with right- and left-side movements, changing combinations, patterns and instructions that require them to listen, process information and respond.
Just as importantly, children learn that not knowing how to do something yet is okay. They can slow down, listen, practice and improve.
We aren't trying to replace what happens in the classroom.
We're helping children practice skills that can serve them there—and throughout their lives.
Learning how to learn, how to work through frustration, and how to keep going when something is difficult are skills they'll carry far beyond martial arts.
Actually, one of the most important things we teach our students is that having the ability to defend yourself comes with the responsibility to make good choices.
At TOP, self-defense begins long before anything becomes physical.
We teach students to be aware of their surroundings, stand tall, make eye contact, use a strong, clear voice, set boundaries and seek help when appropriate.
Physical martial arts skills are there when they are truly needed—not to prove how tough you are or to win an argument.
As students become more capable, we expect them to develop greater self-control, not less.
They learn that walking away when possible isn't weakness. It can be a sign of confidence, judgment and strength.
Our goal isn't to teach children to look for a fight.
It's to help them develop the confidence, character and skills to know when not to fight—and the ability to protect themselves if they truly need to.
Absolutely. Every child comes to us with different strengths, challenges and starting points.
We meet them where they are and help them grow from there.
At TOP, we don't compare a child's progress to someone else's. We look at where they started, what they've accomplished and where they're ready to grow next.
For some students, developing balance, coordination, body awareness or understanding right and left may take more time.
That's okay. We break skills into manageable pieces, give students opportunities to practice, and celebrate their progress along the way.
A skill that comes easily to one child may represent an enormous accomplishment for another—and we believe both deserve to be celebrated.
Our students work on balance, coordination, right- and left-side movements, changing directions and connecting what they see and hear with how their bodies move.
Over time, those small successes can build into something much bigger.
We don't see a child for what they can't do yet. We see where they are today, how far they've already come, and all the places they still have an opportunity to grow.
Absolutely. Martial arts is a physical activity, but the experience can be very different from traditional sports.
At TOP, the focus isn't on being the fastest, strongest or most naturally athletic child in the room.
Students are working on their own growth—developing coordination and physical skills while also learning focus, self-control, perseverance, confidence and leadership.
Martial arts engages the mind and body together.
Students learn to listen, think, move, adapt, solve problems and stay present. They can challenge their bodies while also learning how to settle themselves, manage frustration and keep working when something doesn't come easily.
And progress is personal.
We aren't asking, “Are you better than the child standing next to you?”
We're asking:
Where did you start?
What have you accomplished?
Where are you ready to grow next?
For some children—especially those who haven't found their place in traditional sports—martial arts can feel very different.
There isn't a starting lineup to make or a winning goal to score.
The journey is deeply personal.
Students develop their minds, strengthen their bodies, learn to work through challenges and discover what they're capable of.
Martial arts may begin as something a child tries. Over time, it can become something much bigger—a personal journey of growth that reaches far beyond the martial arts floor.
Absolutely.
But confidence doesn't always begin with a child believing in themselves.
Sometimes it begins with someone else believing in them first.
At TOP, students are surrounded by instructors, classmates and families who encourage their growth while still allowing them to work through challenges for themselves.
We meet students where they are.
We help them set goals, break difficult skills into achievable steps, recognize their progress and keep going when something doesn't come easily. We celebrate the small victories because we know that, over time, those victories become evidence:
“I couldn't do that before. Now I can.”
There will be times when a student struggles or doubts themselves. In those moments, our job isn't to do the work for them or tell them everything is easy.
It's to stand beside them, guide them and continue believing in what they're capable of while they do the work necessary to discover it for themselves.
Little by little, something begins to change. The encouragement that once came from the people around them begins to come from within.
“Maybe I can” becomes “YES I CAN.”
And eventually, that confidence belongs to them.
More Benefits
Respect begins with how we value ourselves—and grows through how we treat others.
At TOP, respect is more than saying “yes ma’am” or “yes sir.” Students learn to show respect through how they listen, speak, carry themselves and treat the people around them.
They also learn that respect includes self-respect—knowing their value, doing their best, setting appropriate boundaries and having the confidence to speak up when something isn’t right.
As students begin to understand their own worth, we help them recognize something equally important:
The person standing across from them has value too.
At TOP, students practice standing tall, making eye contact and speaking with a strong, clear voice.
They learn that standing up for themselves doesn’t always mean becoming confrontational or physical.
It can mean saying “No.”
It can mean setting a boundary.
It can mean walking away.
It can mean asking an adult for help.
And sometimes, it means having the courage to speak up when something isn’t right.
We want students to develop the confidence to advocate for themselves while still treating others with respect.
Children discover what their bodies are capable of through movement, challenge and practice.
At TOP, students develop strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and body awareness as they learn new skills and challenge themselves physically.
But physical development isn’t about comparing one child to another. We help each student recognize their own progress—something that once felt awkward becomes more natural, a movement that was difficult becomes stronger, and a skill they couldn’t do before becomes something they can.
With each new accomplishment, students aren’t just developing their bodies. They’re discovering what they’re capable of.
Students learn to think outside the box—not simply memorize and repeat.
At TOP, we want students to understand what they’re learning well enough to think with it.
We challenge them to recognize patterns, make connections, solve problems, adapt when circumstances change and sometimes discover solutions we never showed them in the first place.
They learn that there isn’t always one path to the answer—and that when the first solution doesn’t work, they can step back, think differently and try another.
Through movement, partner activities, changing combinations and problem-solving challenges, students practice listening and processing information while learning to think, adapt and create.
Because in martial arts—and in life—the answer isn’t always something you’ve memorized.
Sometimes you have to figure it out.