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Karate Mama: Flying Sidekicks Are for Kids
“Every black belt test will have blood, sweat, tears…probably all three.”
From her comfy chair in the lobby, these words startled Anna. She wondered what she had gotten her kids into. Would their achievement be worth the risk? The Gibson family found a place to belong, a place to grow at the Falbo Family Karate School. When God challenged Anna out of her seat and into the dojo, those warnings returned to her mind. Was she foolish to risk embarrassment and stress, learning with her kids?
After signing up for an overwhelming goal, Anna discovered God’s power in new and surprising ways. Join Anna as she follows her kids into an unlikely martial arts adventure. Find courage to step out of your comfort zone and let this story remind you that God’s power is best seen through our weakness.
• Families that kick together stick together.
•Discomfort can lead to transformation.
•Church isn't the only place to find fellowship.
•Striving for excellence honors God.
From her comfy chair in the lobby, these words startled Anna. She wondered what she had gotten her kids into. Would their achievement be worth the risk? The Gibson family found a place to belong, a place to grow at the Falbo Family Karate School. When God challenged Anna out of her seat and into the dojo, those warnings returned to her mind. Was she foolish to risk embarrassment and stress, learning with her kids?
After signing up for an overwhelming goal, Anna discovered God’s power in new and surprising ways. Join Anna as she follows her kids into an unlikely martial arts adventure. Find courage to step out of your comfort zone and let this story remind you that God’s power is best seen through our weakness.
• Families that kick together stick together.
•Discomfort can lead to transformation.
•Church isn't the only place to find fellowship.
•Striving for excellence honors God.
170 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2026
1 person is currently reading
About the author
Anna Gibson
1 bookWhen Anna Gibson was eleven years old, her mom found her sobbing on her bed. “What’s wrong, Sweetie?” she asked. Too distraught to speak, Anna held up the back page of a Cricket Magazine. “Oh, this is wonderful,” said her mom. Anna looked incredulously at her. “You made the Honorable Mention list for your poem. Great job!” “What? I thought it said, ‘Horrible Mention,’” Anna wiped her eyes. And so, with that confusion, her writing career was off to a bumpy beginning.
Anna’s future as an author took a several-decade detour. Teaching and counseling students of all ages transitioned to a focus on her own four homeschool kids. She continues to share her love of books and education with homeschool families in the Florida Panhandle region.
For many years, Anna has written for an audience of One. Journaling helped her regain perspective while navigating her mom’s Alzheimer’s Disease, her husband’s chronic illness, and the challenges of parenting young adults.
Eventually, the hope Anna’s journal provided flowed outward. Now, readers can connect with Anna, who is eager to share her story. May it encourage you to persevere.
Anna’s first published novella, Karate Mama, follows her adventure with her four teens in the dojo. Find out how God met her in her weakness and provided strength. Sometimes taking on challenges can actually help us overcome the difficult seasons of our lives.
Anna’s future as an author took a several-decade detour. Teaching and counseling students of all ages transitioned to a focus on her own four homeschool kids. She continues to share her love of books and education with homeschool families in the Florida Panhandle region.
For many years, Anna has written for an audience of One. Journaling helped her regain perspective while navigating her mom’s Alzheimer’s Disease, her husband’s chronic illness, and the challenges of parenting young adults.
Eventually, the hope Anna’s journal provided flowed outward. Now, readers can connect with Anna, who is eager to share her story. May it encourage you to persevere.
Anna’s first published novella, Karate Mama, follows her adventure with her four teens in the dojo. Find out how God met her in her weakness and provided strength. Sometimes taking on challenges can actually help us overcome the difficult seasons of our lives.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 2, 2026
I loved how Anna intertwined the life lessons she learned from karate at this very unique Christian dojo with parallel teachings from the Bible. Her journey of faith, determination, and endurance as she pursued her goal of earning a black belt, and how she learned to trust God for strength in her weakness and help to overcome her fear of the unknown, was truly inspiring. It was also very heartwarming to read about how she took on this endeavor with and for her kids, and how her family supported her through it.
February 5, 2026
An Inspiring Journey of Faith, Perseverance, and Unexpected Courage
This book is packed with wisdom and motivation! Reading about Anna Gibson’s day-to-day life, balancing the demands of raising four teenagers, supporting a spouse with chronic illness, elderly parents, and pursuing the challenging goal of earning a black belt, truly inspires readers to press forward despite fears and obstacles. Through it all, the story beautifully highlights God’s faithful presence and guidance.
Anna’s vulnerability shines as she openly shares even her darkest thoughts and fears that many people keep hidden. This raw honesty draws readers in, reminding us that we all face similar battles. It also showcases the vital role of the Falbos’ Dojo community: a supportive, Christ-centered group that encourages faith, accountability, and growth.
This is a truly great read! God’s Word comes alive in practical ways throughout the pages. When we stay faithful, humble, and surrendered to our Creator, we can trust Him with the outcome.
Grab a good cup of coffee, settle in, and join this family’s remarkable journey. You’ll not only learn what karate is really about, but you’ll also pick up some Japanese terms along the way!
In the end, may we all be able to echo the words of 2 Timothy 4:7:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Highly recommended for anyone seeking encouragement to step out in faith, embrace challenges, and trust God through life’s toughest seasons.
This book is packed with wisdom and motivation! Reading about Anna Gibson’s day-to-day life, balancing the demands of raising four teenagers, supporting a spouse with chronic illness, elderly parents, and pursuing the challenging goal of earning a black belt, truly inspires readers to press forward despite fears and obstacles. Through it all, the story beautifully highlights God’s faithful presence and guidance.
Anna’s vulnerability shines as she openly shares even her darkest thoughts and fears that many people keep hidden. This raw honesty draws readers in, reminding us that we all face similar battles. It also showcases the vital role of the Falbos’ Dojo community: a supportive, Christ-centered group that encourages faith, accountability, and growth.
This is a truly great read! God’s Word comes alive in practical ways throughout the pages. When we stay faithful, humble, and surrendered to our Creator, we can trust Him with the outcome.
Grab a good cup of coffee, settle in, and join this family’s remarkable journey. You’ll not only learn what karate is really about, but you’ll also pick up some Japanese terms along the way!
In the end, may we all be able to echo the words of 2 Timothy 4:7:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Highly recommended for anyone seeking encouragement to step out in faith, embrace challenges, and trust God through life’s toughest seasons.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews