I am a student in Texas who is passionate about Kickstart, a martial arts program that not only promotes physical fitness but also instills discipline and respect. However, my school requires me to take both Physical Education (PE) and Kickstart separately. This means I have to drop one of my electives, which is unfair.

Kickstart is no less physically demanding than traditional PE classes. It involves rigorous training that improves strength, agility, endurance and flexibility - all key components of physical education. Moreover, it teaches valuable life skills such as self-defense and boosts self-esteem among students.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), martial arts can provide similar health benefits to those of more traditional forms of exercise like running or swimming. Yet despite these facts, many schools in Texas do not recognize Kickstart as equivalent to PE credit.

This petition calls on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to change this policy. By recognizing Kickstart as a PE credit, we can ensure that students who choose this program are not penalized by having fewer elective choices.

We urge you to support our cause for fairness and inclusivity in our education system by signing this petition today!