Published January 22, 2026

Here are some key takeaways that you'll get, whether you watch the video or you read this post:

Most parents don’t need a “perfect” kid.

They just want a kid who can:

That’s what this story is about.

When Dan and Janelle Herek look back at their daughter Ashleigh’s time in martial arts, they aren’t talking about kicks and belts as the main win. They’re talking about what lasted long after the classes were over.

Because Ashleigh started training as a kid… and now she’s 21—living her life with a level of courage and follow-through that makes her parents stop and say, “Wow.”

And what they shared in this interview is exactly what many parents are looking for in West Jordan:

Not a place that just keeps kids busy…

…but a program that builds real character.

When I asked them what the biggest change was, the first things they talked about weren’t flashy.

They said Ashleigh learned what hard work actually means—because in class, the kids had to work. And they pointed out something else that mattered just as much:

Respect wasn’t optional.

Not respect toward the instructor only—but respect toward other students too. In their words, kids who didn’t show respect “didn’t stay around very long,” and they loved that standard.

That’s a big deal to a parent.

Because parents aren’t just trying to raise talented kids.

They’re trying to raise kids who know how to carry themselves in a world full of attitudes, excuses, entitlement, and social pressure.

Janelle described the “before” version of Ashleigh as a little scattered—like she didn’t yet have the internal tools to slow down, focus, and regain control of her attention.

Then she said something that should make every parent pay attention:

Ashleigh learned how to “give herself a second,” listen to herself, and find her way back to center.

That’s not just a school skill.

That’s a life skill.

It’s what helps a kid:

Dan said Ashleigh used to be timid and shy.

Then she got into martial arts, started leveling up, and joined the competition team… and something flipped.

He described her becoming a fierce competitor—someone who could “turn it on” when it was time to perform, and then turn it back off and still be the same big-hearted kid afterward.

That matters because real confidence isn’t loud.

Real confidence is:

Here’s where the interview gets powerful.

Janelle connects the dots between Ashleigh’s early training and who she is now.

Ashleigh is pursuing acting—big goals, big stage, big pressure. And when asked about a plan B, she basically said she doesn’t have one. She’s all-in.

Then her parents shared stories that make the point even clearer:

That’s not luck.

That’s a kid who learned early:

“I can do hard things… and I can follow through.”

At one point, they got honest about something many families deal with:

Ashleigh was getting bullied.

That was part of what pushed them toward martial arts—so she could get stronger, build confidence, and not let bullies win.

But what I appreciate about how they described it is this:

Ashleigh had the skill to fight… but she didn’t want to use it as a weapon. She had a big heart, and people took advantage of that. So her growth wasn’t “becoming violent.”

Her growth was becoming aware, grounded, and equipped—mentally and emotionally—so she could respond better and protect herself.

That’s what parents want.

Not a kid looking for fights…

A kid who’s harder to target—and knows what to do if life gets real.

One detail that stands out in this interview is how Janelle describes how the “character-building sheets” in my program at Level 8 helped instill life skills.

Not just “show up to class” type stuff.

But take-home actions. Follow-through. Tasks at home.

They said Ashleigh kept her room clean and took it seriously because she wanted to reach her goal, and she learned that you don’t get to “just exist.” You earn progress.

That’s what makes a program a character-building program.

Because parents don’t just want improvement inside the school.

They want to see it at home:

This might be the most important part of the whole interview:

They said not every program is the same—because not every instructor is the same.

Dan put it bluntly: if a parent is on the fence, he would tell them they should have “no hesitation”… with the right teacher. He compared it to choosing a Mr. Miyagi-type coach instead of a “Cobra Kai” vibe.

Janelle added something equally important:

Martial arts gave them a way to understand what makes their kids tick—and it created dinner-table conversations about discipline, perseverance, goals, and growth.

That’s what you want in a program.

Not just a place that teaches moves.

A place that builds a stronger kid—and supports the parent at the same time.

If your child is…

Then the question isn’t “Should we try martial arts?”

The better question is:

“Should we try a program that builds character on purpose?”

Because when martial arts is taught the right way, it becomes training for life—mental, physical, and personal growth in a safe place.

If you’re in the West Jordan, UT area and you want your child to build real confidence, discipline, and character—not just learn kicks—then take the first step:

You can call us, text us, or if you'd prefer a quick and easy way, click the button below this and fill out a fast (3-min) application to one of our 6-Week Confidence & Focus Starts.

You are always welcome to come in, meet the coaches, and see a session in person.

The goal isn’t to “commit forever” on day one.

The goal is to start long enough for your child to feel that first shift:

“I can do this… and I can keep going.”

© Copyright 2026-Present Level 8 Martial Arts & Fitness LLC.  All Rights Reserved