Whatever your title, we see you, and we think you ROCK.
You’re out there tying little gis, chauffeuring kids to class, and occasionally even stepping onto the mats yourself. Some of you started training because your kid wanted to, and somehow you ended up being the one who fell in love with it. Others have been at this for years, balancing fatherhood with footwork drills and wondering why your knees make that sound when you get up.
We’re putting together a book just for you. Modern Dads of Martial Arts will be a collection of stories from dads who train—dads who found a way to juggle family life and training, dads who push through exhaustion to hit the dojo, and dads who struggle but refuse to quit. Because let’s be real—fatherhood isn’t always smooth sailing, and neither is martial arts. But the lessons we learn on the mats make us better, both as martial artists and as parents.
Why Share Your Story?
Because other dads out there need to hear it. Maybe there’s a dad struggling to find time for himself, wondering if it’s even worth stepping onto the mats. Maybe there’s a father questioning if training alongside his kid is helping or hurting their relationship. Maybe there’s a granddad who started training later in life and needs to hear from someone who’s been there.
This book is about more than just martial arts—it’s about the reality of being a modern dad. The ups, the downs, the unexpected lessons, and the moments that remind you why you do this. Your story could be the one that helps another dad realize he’s not alone.
What Kind of Stories Are We Looking For?
We want stories that are real, honest, and personal. Stories about:
- Training with (or in spite of) your kids
- Balancing family, work, and martial arts without losing your mind
- The unexpected ways martial arts has shaped your role as a dad
- Lessons you’ve learned—on and off the mats
- The struggles and victories of training as a parent
- How martial arts has helped you navigate fatherhood
No story is too small, no experience too insignificant. If it mattered to you, it will matter to someone else.
How to Submit
We’re accepting submissions now, and we’d love to hear from you. Whether you are Dad, Daddy, Pops, Grandpa, Pop-Pop, or something else, whether you’ve been training for decades or just started last month, your perspective is valuable. Send us your story, and let’s build something that will lift up martial arts dads everywhere.
Because just like in martial arts, in fatherhood, you don’t have to do it alone.
Email Jenni at books@whistlekick.com for submission details.
Unleash your passion for books and martial arts. Click to stay connected.