Darren Kikuchi made a decision 25 years ago that has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of people in the San Diego community and around the nation. It was 1986 when the then-19-year-old San Diego State University student followed his passion for teaching and martial arts and responded to a Park and Recreation Department flyer looking for a youth karate instructor. Martial arts, long the discipline of adults, had gained a newfound popularity among children thanks to the wax-on, wax-off wisdom of the movie “Karate Kid.” Kikuchi, one of four candidates who interviewed for the job, was hired. Three students turned out for his first one-hour class at the Cabrillo Recreation Center. By 1996, martial arts were a main stream American sport and children and adults from all walks of life were donning a gi, the traditional karate uniform, in pursuit of fitness and wellbeing. Heeding the call, Sensei Kikuchi opened USA Freestyle Martial Arts in Point Loma. In the beginning, Kikuchi taught a handful of classes for children. As time went by, students became teachers and a diverse program with instruction for all ages and abilities took form. On June 27, prompted again by a growing demand for martial arts in the Peninsula area, Kikuchi moved his dojo from its location on Rosecrans Street to a larger 3,000-square-foot location at 3760 Sports Arena Blvd., behind Phil’s BBQ. Here, he and his team continue to dispense USA Freestyle’s signature discipline for fitness and character development through courses like Karate Kids, kickboxing, bully defense, junior black belt, black belt, senior defense and Super Talented And Really Sharp (S.T.A.R.S.), a class offered free of charge to families with children who are physically challenged or have special needs. Kikuchi, a third-generation Japanese of few and carefully chosen words, said learning martial arts really is about what Spiderman says: “With great power comes great responsibility.” To instill that responsibility, the USA Freestyle program has a creed, which students recite from memory. Part of that creed is: “I am developing confidence, discipline and respect in order to bring out the best in myself and others.” Sensei Will Jackson, who studied with Kikuchi to earn his black belt, is now bringing out the best in others. He teaches classes from preschoolers to adults. In addition to karate, children learn life skills of patience, perseverance, manners and etiquette as they are nurtured and encouraged to achieve the sport’s ultimate level – black belt excellence. Jackson beams with pride when he talks about Black Belt Boulevard, a display on the wall at the dojo where 68 black belts labeled with the names of students, young and old, await those who have committed to achieving their own black belt goal. Mary Davis, 72, is a third-degree black belt who started studying martial arts under Sensei Kikuchi when she was 57. Davis received her first black belt when she was 60 and today teaches karate to children with special needs at USA Freestyle, as well as self-defense to older adults through the county’s Aging & Independence Services program. “Sensei Kikuchi never made me feel like I was too old or a senior citizen,” Davis said. “When I started, I said, ‘Do you have any grandmas?’ He said, ‘No, but come and do what you can do.’ He is so respectful of everyone. “It’s been really rewarding for me,” she said. “I’ve been active all my life and thought I was fit. But not like this. Once you go through it, you think you can do anything. I was always shy. Karate has really helped me stand in front of people and talk about self-defense.” With the help of Joan Irvine, Davis started S.T.A.R.S. to help families who have children ages 5 to 18 who are physically challenged or have special needs. Twice a week, Davis and young black belt candidates volunteer to teach beginning karate and character development to the S.T.A.R.S., who each receive a uniform and instruction free of charge. Tracie Arlington is also now bringing out the best in others. A USA Freestyle Instructor of the Year, Arlington has appeared on the “Dr. Phil Show” to demonstrate how her Play it Safe Defense teaches women and children self-defense. USA Freestyle also has many younger athletes who have excelled. Jacob Ellis, 13, and Kaelyn Whaley, 8, are world champions in the North American Sports Karate. As part of its commitment to community, USA Freestyle raises funds each year for a charity benefiting children and also offers a college scholarship up to $3,000 to students who have spent a minimum of two years in the program. For more information, visit www.dragonkick.com.