Overcome Adversities While Discovering Life Skills: Through Martial Arts Training
Written by Kyoshi Roger Dabney
What This Book is About
This isn’t just a book about martial arts. It’s about real growth, resilience, and the life-changing impact of discipline and mentorship.
Written by Kyoshi Roger Dabney, a former world-ranked professional kickboxer and head instructor at Competitive Edge Karate, this book explores how martial arts training builds more than physical strength—it creates leaders, problem-solvers, and confident, independent young adults.
Through decades of experience, Kyoshi Dabney has worked with thousands of students and families. In this book, he shares the very same principles used in his Henrico dojo to guide kids through adversity, instill purpose, and cultivate lasting life skills.
Why Parents Keep Coming Back to This Book
Inside these pages, parents will find more than advice—they’ll find clarity. This book speaks directly to those navigating the challenge of raising strong, independent kids in today’s world.
Kyoshi Roger Dabney weaves together stories, teaching moments, and practical tools that show how martial arts training can build lasting life skills. He explores how accountability and self-discipline take root when children are given structured opportunities to grow. He shares how setbacks can be powerful teaching moments, turning frustration into focus and resilience.
Rather than chasing quick wins, the book encourages a mindset of long-term development—helping families understand how real growth happens over time. It also connects the dots between what happens on the mat and how those same principles show up at home, in school, and beyond.
At its core, this book asks the question every parent quietly carries: “Am I doing enough to prepare my child to stand on their own?” And through every lesson, the answer becomes clear: yes—when you lead with intention, and when your child is guided by structure, consistency, and a deeper sense of purpose.
— Kyoshi Roger Dabney
Kyoshi Roger Dabney
Kyoshi Roger Dabney isn’t just a martial artist—he’s a mentor, a pioneer, and a living example of grit and excellence. Ranked among the top 10 kickboxers in the world, Kyoshi transitioned from elite athlete to master instructor with a purpose: to change lives through martial arts.
46 years of martial arts experience
Founder of Competitive Edge Karate in Richmond, VA (since 1997)
Longest-tenured Modern Karate instructor in Henrico
Former USA World Kickboxing Team Member
What Parents and Readers Are Saying
Read reflections from the people who matter most—the parents, students, and community members whose lives have been shaped by Kyoshi Roger Dabney’s teaching and the values shared in his book.
Good information for parents to know a little about martial arts and how schools can be different.
– Joe
I finally took some time for myself to sit down and relax a little. While doing so, I decided to read this book. Oh my goodness, the author, Roger Dabney, did such a nice job with this book! What a great book! I like how it so easy for both children & adults to read and understand. My goodness, I have probably a dozen books all over the house, but I have not finished reading most of them. It was so nice to be able to just sit down and read an entire book. I only got up once, and that was to pick up my son from school. I like how Dabney gives examples of some of the things the parents of his students tell him. I’ve noticed we now live in a world where people are so easily offended… their feelings get hurt easily… they let themselves become victimized… they expect instant gratification… they want participation trophies… These days, there are not only “helicopter parents”, there’s also “hovercraft parents”, and what Dabney calls “snow plow parents” all over schools & activities. Dabney reminds us that even if you have some adversities in life, whether they have to do with physical, learning, or home life, you can still succeed. My favorite excerpt from his book is:
“ To get the Edge for Life, you will need to develop yourself in three areas: Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually. These are critical components to living independently, successfully and happily.”
I very highly recommend this book! Just read it and you’ll know why.
– Teri
I absolutely loved reading this book because it was so insightful and informative. The stories shared made it very easy to connect with the author and I would highly recommend reading his book.
– Tyler