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What if martial arts training was less about combat and more about character building? This compelling question forms the heart of our conversation with Ben Clarke, the remarkable 26-year-old entrepreneur who owns two thriving Douvris Martial Arts locations in Ottawa's east end.

Ben's story is nothing short of inspirational. Beginning karate at just five years old, he earned his black belt by age ten, started teaching at fourteen, and took the extraordinary leap to business ownership at nineteen when most of his peers were still figuring out their university majors. This bold decision to drop out of business school when opportunity knocked has paid off magnificently – his Orleans location now boasts 430 members, while his newer Rockland school has grown to 97 members in just eight months.

Beyond the impressive business metrics lies a deeper philosophy that drives everything at Douvris Martial Arts. "Any martial art, it's not always about fighting," Ben emphasizes repeatedly throughout our conversation. "We teach things like discipline, focus, perseverance... I think that's more important than learning how to fight." This approach makes his dojos particularly valuable for children struggling with attention challenges or those whose social development was affected by pandemic isolation. Having faced his own childhood struggles with focus and shyness, Ben brings authentic understanding to his teaching approach, creating an environment where every student can thrive regardless of their starting point.

The COVID-19 pandemic tested Ben's entrepreneurial mettle as he pivoted to online instruction – a particularly difficult transition for teaching physical skills to young children. Yet this challenge merely demonstrated the very resilience and adaptability that martial arts training instills. Listening to Ben's journey reminds us that true success comes not just from physical prowess but from developing the mental discipline to persist through challenges. Ready to discover how martial arts might transform your life or your child's development? Visit douvrismartialsarts.com to learn more about their programs and approach.