Karam’s Little Leaders is an early childhood leadership program created to support families who want to intentionally guide their children’s character development during the highly formative early years of life. Designed with parents in mind, the program introduces leadership principles through playful storytelling, simple routines, and shared family experiences. Its mission is to help young children build habits that strengthen confidence, respect, focus, and responsibility, while giving parents a clear framework they can use at home.
The program’s roots stretch back to 1975, when Harvey Karam founded a family-run martial arts school known for its strong emphasis on personal growth. A major turning point came in 2000, when Harvey’s son, Matt Karam, and his wife, Audra, joined the school and began reshaping the curriculum using contemporary insights in child development and education.
Their arrival marked a significant shift. Drawing on Audra’s background in psychology, family ecology, and early childhood learning, and Matt’s lifelong experience in martial arts, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, the two co-founded what would eventually become Karam’s Little Leaders. Together, they transformed the original martial arts-based lessons into a structured curriculum for children without any time on the mat.
Audra says, “From the start, many families sought us out because of the personal growth they saw unfolding rather than with the physical techniques alone. Parents often mentioned that they hoped their children would gradually build stronger focus, develop respectful habits, and gain confidence in themselves.” These conversations guided the early direction of the curriculum and influenced how lessons were designed and practiced beyond the training floor.
Black Belt Bruce
One of their earliest innovations was aligning each month of the program with a single life skill. This allowed children to focus on one concept at a time, such as patience, responsibility, or courage, making it easier for them to practice consistently and experience meaningful progress. According to Audra and Matt, families appreciated the clarity, and the approach quickly became a defining feature of the curriculum.
As the Karams continued refining the program, they incorporated two learning frameworks that shaped the structure of what is now a 36‑month developmental path. The first is P.I.E.S., a learning model emphasizing balanced growth across four key areas: physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. The Karams designed lessons that nurture all four simultaneously through movement, storytelling, and guided family interaction.
The second framework is Bloom’s Taxonomy, a system that outlines progressive stages of thinking and learning. By applying Bloom’s principles, the Karams created the “Success Path,” a sequence that helps children move from simple understanding to more advanced skills such as decision-making and creative problem-solving. This structured progression aims to help provide opportunities for children to develop greater independence and confidence.
Initially children are introduced to a set of 12 core character skills that may help them begin building a meaningful foundation. Audra explains, “Children tend to learn best when the guidance feels warm, engaging, and realistic for families to use every day. Our goal has always been to meet kids where they are and offer parents tools that feel encouraging.” Her experience working with educators and families has informed lessons that align with the ways young children often absorb new ideas through repetition, play, and meaningful connection.
Matt, co‑founder and creator of the program’s mascot, Black Belt Bruce, introduced a creative dimension to the curriculum. Drawing on years of teaching and observing how children respond to storytelling, he shaped Bruce as a friendly animated guide who leads children through weekly adventures. These short videos, paired with hands-on missions and colorful materials delivered to families, contribute to a home-based learning experience that feels playful yet purposeful. “Each lesson highlights one simple life skill kids can practice throughout their day,” Matt says. “We try to keep things light and fun, and we offer parents clear guidance they can weave into meals, playtime, and everyday conversations.”
In efforts to have a broader reach, the Karam’s developed their longstanding lessons into a more flexible digital format. This shift made it possible for families nationwide to implement the curriculum from home, helping it move beyond the local community while still aiming to maintain its personal, family-centered feel.
Today, the vision for Karam’s Little Leaders focuses on expanding its reach and continuing to support families wherever they live. Through storytelling, consistency, and shared effort, the program invites families to invest in moments that shape character and connection, laying a foundation that can support children as they continue to grow.
