Teaching Young Champions at Homann Karate Do by Lisa J. of Words on Tap Writing
As a parent there are milestones in your children’s lives that are so significant that you document them in albums, 
photograph the moment enough to make a flip book, or play the video back so many times you can recall the smallest of details, like the brightness of their smile. However, some moments not only set your heart on fire, they take your breath away. One of these moments happened to me this past August when my daughter made the choice to go away to school 3-1/2 hours away. While I couldn’t be prouder, I knew that day she would not only take my breath, she would be taking pieces of my heart with her.
Of course, there is the emotional side that comes along with that separation after 18 years, which is a whole other article, but there are also the many, many practical concerns: Will she get to class on time? Will she make new friends? Is she going to like her roommate? Will she actually do laundry, or will I see a month’s worth of clothes when I pick her up for break? Will she remember to eat? Will she get lost? and How will I help her 186 miles away? The biggest however, was safety. And, until she received the coolest graduation gift from a dear friend, other than the incessant lectures, I had no idea how I would prepare her to protect herself if ever necessary. Cue the coolest graduation gift…a one-on-one self-defense lesson from Brett Homann of Homann Karate DO located at 1245 E. North St., Crown Point, IN. What a great way to give her a few tips, a little confidence and me off her back, All. The. Time.
It was a great session, and my daughter did walk out a little more confident and a lot more knowledgeable. One practical concern may not be gone but definitely lessened. It was fun to watch and participate, and as a bonus I was able to learn a little more about the business and the family legacy that is the foundation of Homann Karate DO.
While the first studio opened in 1996 across the street from the now Bulldog Park, the journey of Homann Karate DO began when Brett Homann was only 4 years old. Living with his dad, who ran Homann Karate Academy in Michigan City and Portage, Brett found himself learning early on in lieu of a babysitter. Growing up in the training and competing at a young age, at 15 years old, Brett won 3rd in the country and found himself on the Junior National Team at 16. The love of International competition then led him on path to the National Team going on to compete in Costa Rica and winning his weight class and open division. After his PanAmerican Championship win, Brett then turned his focus on teaching.
While Brett taught for his father’s school, and his and his father’s connections with the US Team coaches have helped them stay up to date, he opened Homann Karate DO as his own. His love of the square and the community that surrounds it, has kept Homann in Crown Point for over 20 years. And while the art of karate is the focus of the classes that take place, Brett is adamant that it is about much more. They not only teach kids and adults of all ages kicking and punching but build confidence and character. Believing in yourself and honing the discipline are lessons every day and working hard for what you achieve gives that hard work value and something to be proud of. It is not only about winning championships but winning at life as well. The hope is to instill the knowledge to make good choices the first time around and have the confidence to stand up for what you believe in.
This philosophy has been the foundation of Homann and has seen and taught kids who have become pilots, doctors, 
pharmacists and much more, and this, from what Brett states, makes him more proud as an instructor than any competition won. However, they are definitely not strangers to winning competitions and have seen 7 national champions, 2 seconds, 6 thirds and an 18 year old in the Olympic Training Center in CO Springs for team trails, this past year alone. Homann also trains the 7x National Champion, who is 3rd in the World, with the next US girl in her weight class 96th. The list went on and on and Brett could not brag enough about his students, and the pride and appreciation for their hard work could not be ignored.
If you’re thinking of checking it out, Homann offers classes for all ages starting at 3 years old in the Little Ninjas, which his wife instructs as a black belt herself. With 85% of the students enrolled in Homann as families, and their little girl following in his footsteps and learning the practice in lieu of a babysitter, Homann also offers a family class where mom, dad, son and daughter can all workout together. “Always giving, always learning and always growing, together”.
There is no doubt that Homann is a great place to learn karate and all the teachings that go along with it, but to add to the reason you should check it out, there really is so much more. Located now off North Street right by the Sports Complex, Homann offers movie nights, outside activities, camps, birthday parties that include nerf wars, and the best Easter egg hunt you could imagine with 6000 plastic eggs that hang from the ceiling within the building. The community feel is why Brett chooses Crown Point and building within and with that community is the goal of Homann Karate DO.
For more details about their classes, birthday parties or upcoming events, head over to their website here: http://hkdchampions.com/content/index.php, Facebook, or give them a call at 219-661-0085.
Thank you, Brett, for giving my daughter a lesson in self-defense and life and thank you for your contribution to our community and to the future of our kids who have the privilege of being one of your students. To end the interview, we asked Brett what his favorite martial arts movie was and he indicated that he loved the foreign films, but also has a soft spot for the Karate Kid, especially after being compared to Johnny in his younger years of competition. He finished by saying that if he taught nothing else it would be to work hard, set goals, improve discipline and character, but to have fun!