Dojo dynasty: Japan Martial Arts Academy in Bakersfield doing more than winning

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- In a small dojo in northwest Bakersfield is a mat filled with ambition, dedication and kids of all ages.

In the past few years, Japan Martial Arts Academy, owned by John “Shihan” Cobbs, has become an affordable outlet for the youth of Bakersfield.

“Times are tight, and when people look to cut things, they look at the extracurricular activities. If I can keep this affordable, it keeps the kids in a positive attitude, keeps them off the streets,” said Cobbs.

Nine athletes recently competed at the Karate National Championships and left with some hardware.

Led by Dojo Dad Theontae Bonner and former-student-now-sensei Sam Cole, the medals and trophies are only half of what this sport offers.

“You see the confidence change, you see the confidence boost just turning humans into better humans, really,” said Cole.

What helps with that change?

“Definitely getting punched and kicked at, right? That makes you un-shy really fast,” said Bonner.

Bonner’s seen it firsthand with his two kids, Elijah and Zoë, both of whom he homeschools. It can make social life tricky sometimes.

“But karate helps us with that,” said Elijah.

After finishing first in nationals, Elijah will represent the USA team next week in the Junior Pan American Championship.

“I was pretty nervous because I'm going to leave for the first time and try out for the US team. So I was kind of nervous, but after my first fight, I just felt way better,” said Elijah.

Christopher Diaz-Mendez, another karate athlete, had experience in martial arts. Getting back into it was a different story.

After some convincing from the dojo, he gave it another shot.

“And I actually surprised myself because I did pretty good at it. And that kind of gave me back my confidence in my martial arts training, and that's when I was like that. I think I'm going to stick with it,” said Diaz-Mendez.

Diaz-Mendez was one of the nine medalists from nationals.

Age means nothing in this dojo -- opportunity means everything.

“When I see these kids, it makes me want to give them everything I didn't have,” said Cole.

When Cole was a student, competition karate wasn’t really an option. Now he’s learning differently from his students.

“Seeing these kids have so much success and having so much fun with it made me want to jump back into it as an athlete,” said Cole.

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