Papyro PressWhat makes a martial artist truly strong?
Strong kicks are only the beginning. Discover 12 values (loyalty, respect, friendship, compassion and more), each explained in simple words kids understand and parents love.
12 values!
Character, one page at a time
Great martial arts training builds the mind as well as the body. This book brings that idea home: one value, one friendly picture, one simple talk-it-over moment.
Respect & discipline
Listening, manners, and following instructions, the habits every teacher hopes to see.
Confidence & courage
Real strength means doing what's right and never giving up.
Kindness & friendship
Sharing, helping, and being there for others, on and off the mat.
Read together
Short pages made for bedtime, classrooms, and dojo story time.
The 12 values
Every page teaches one value, with a bright illustration and a short explanation kids can repeat.
Loyalty to Our Country
Love and respect your country, follow the rules, and be a good citizen.
Fidelity to Parents
Be respectful and grateful to Mom and Dad, always.
Marital Fidelity
Grown-ups who love and support each other, like best friends forever.
Brotherhood
Help and support each other, be a good friend, and work as a team.
Respect for Elders
Listen to older people, help them, and learn from their wisdom.
Respect for Teachers
Listen, follow instructions, be polite, and be thankful for what they teach.
Friendship
Share, play nicely, and always be there for your friends.
Humbleness
Know you're good at things without showing off. Be kind and modest.
Compassion
Care about others' feelings and want to help when someone is hurt.
Avoid Killing Living Things
Be gentle with all creatures, big and small, and protect our environment.
Strength
Strong in body, and strong inside: courage to do what's right and never give up.
Finish What You Start
Always finish a task you begin. It shows responsibility and dedication.
A few pages from the book
Tap any page to see it bigger.
Grand Master Rod Bohorquez, 9th Dan
Founder of Shim Myung Do and a 9th Dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan, Grand Master Bohorquez has spent about 45 years in the martial arts. He opened Rod's Martial Arts in Miami, Florida in 1979 and has taught students there for about 40 years.
He was among the first Tae Kwon Do athletes to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, and he received a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2013 Taekwondo Hall of Fame ceremony. This book shares twelve of the values he teaches.
FAQ
What ages is it for?
Ages 4 to 13. Younger kids love the pictures and the simple words. Older kids enjoy talking through the values and what they mean in real life.
Does my child need martial arts experience?
Not at all. The values (respect, kindness, courage, friendship) are for every child, whether they train or not.
What format is it?
A full-color paperback, 28 pages, 8.5 × 8.5 inches. A Kindle edition is planned next.
Where can I buy it?
It's on Amazon as a paperback. Email us to ask about dojo, school, and bulk orders.
Give your child more than a hobby. Give them a way of life.
Martial Arts: A Way of Life · A Values Book for Kids · Papyro Press
Buy on Amazon