About KickStartYouth
Empowering Auckland's youth through accessible self-defense training since 2023
Our Mission &
Vision
KickStartYouth (KSY) is a non-profit organization founded with a clear purpose: to make self-defense training accessible to every primary school student in Tāmaki Makaurau. We believe that learning self-defense from a young age is not just about physical skills—it's about building confidence, discipline, and lifelong resilience. Recognizing that private self-defense sessions can be both costly and hard to access, we've made it our mission to break down these barriers. By offering free karate training, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn these crucial life skills, regardless of their background.
2,800+
Students Trained
Black Belt
Certified Instructor
Meet Our Founder
Eva, a Ni Dan (2nd degree black belt) karate practitioner, is the founder of KickStartYouth and has been the driving force behind our mission to make self-defense training accessible to all. As of August 2025, she has personally taught over 2,800 primary school students across Auckland, demonstrating her dedication to empowering young minds through martial arts. With her extensive training in traditional karate and a proven track record of success, Eva is set to expand KSY's impact throughout Tāmaki Makaurau, with student numbers projected to exceed 4,500 by the end of 2025.
Join Our Mission
Whether you're a student eager to learn or an instructor ready to teach, there's a place for you at KickStartYouth.