Crissi Boyer

Sensei Crissi Boyer grew up and attended school in Syracuse, N.Y. Married to Sensei Sam Boyer for 14 years (together for 19) the Boyers moved to Robertsdale from Syracuse in 1996. Drawn to this area by family members who preceded them, Boyer said, “I wanted to get out of the snow.”

When they moved to Baldwin County, they taught in a karate school before opening their own; first in Robertsdale for five years and now in Daphne for one year.

Crissi Boyer has taught karate for eight years and she has earned her second degree black belt. The Boyers’ children, 13-year-old Brandon and 8-year-old Kyleigh are also karate students. Kyleigh, who has her blue belt, will earn her green belt in June. Brandon is going for his black belt in July. There are 10 belts, starting with white and progressing to black. It takes an average of five years for a person who trains consistently to progress from white to black belt.

Developing a powerful person, a leader— physically, mentally and emotionally — is part of their curriculum. Other key components of the curriculum are respect, a “can do” attitude and the principles of the Black Belt: modesty, courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and indomitable spirit.

Sensei Crissi Boyer says she recommends martial arts classes for children as soon as they begin to show interest in it and are able to follow directions. There is no right or wrong time to start. As long as they can follow directions and work with a group, anyone can gain benefits from it.”

Chldren Gain The Confidence, Self-Control and Discipline They Need!

“It’s building confidence in themselves but also developing the discipline to not get upset, to deal with things in a healthy way instead of throwing a temper tantrum, screaming or hitting,” she said. “The discipline taught in karate class carries over to the home and classroom.”

To her current role, Boyer brings a varied and creative background. She studied dance for 20 years and taught dance for five years. She has a degree in accounting and word processing/secretarial skills plus training in graphic arts.

“My mom always pushed me to try new things and she always challenged me to do the best I could,” Boyer said.

When she’s not working, she enjoys cooking, and she and Sam home-school their children. They’re also involved with Bay Community Church.

I am honored to be able to share so much with so many people,” Boyer said. “I am so blessed to have so many people in my life.”