Carol Simpson described her daughter, Joy, as a good student and athlete, but the type of child who was content to sit on the sidelines rather than compete.

When Simpson learned about a martial arts program being offered at Joy's school, Robious Middle School, she thought it would be a good way for her 11-year-old to gain confidence without being in a competitive environment.

"She really was not wanting to do it," Simpson said, "but she has, and she loves it."

The change in Joy has been remarkable, her mother says.

"I have seen her grow in self-confidence," she said. "She generally carries herself with more dignity."

Joy Simpson is one of nearly 20 children who participate in a martial arts program called The Meditative Warrior, led by executive director Edward Gatti.

Started in September, the Junior Ninjutsu Program takes place in the late afternoon at three Chesterfield County middle schools -- Robious, Midlothian and Bailey Bridge -- but it's open to all middle schoolers countywide.

Gatti said he hopes to expand the program to other schools this year.

While many martial arts programs in the area cost $200 to $300 -- or more -- per month, Gatti said he wanted to create a more affordable option. His program is $50 per month, and he's seeking donations and grants so he can offer scholarships.

"A lot of children are missing out [because] parents can't afford" classes, Gatti said.

He's working on becoming a nonprofit organization and would like to open his own facility in Chesterfield.

There's no sparring in Gatti's youth program. Students are taught how to protect themselves rather than to be the aggressors.

"If I can teach these kids how to avoid the conflict, it's not cowardice," he said. "It's common-sense survival."

Gatti also talks to the students about making good choices and the consequences of bad ones.

During a class last month at Robious, Gatti demonstrated a number of moves, including forward rolls, how to dodge a punch and how to pick up items off the floor while rolling forward.

Joseph Pittman, 11, said he likes that he can move up through the ranks of martial arts. The group recently took a test and most were given yellow belts.

"It's really fun," Joseph said. "The rolling is my favorite part."

Joseph's grandmother, Jean Pittman, goes to classes to watch him.

"He can't wait to get there," she said. The class "teaches [Joseph] a lot of things other than how to protect himself."

Carol Simpson said she's impressed by how Gatti works with his students and how he educates them about the history of martial arts.

"Ed has done a fabulous job of demystifying the stereotypes about ninjas," she said, adding that she's grateful to the school division for allowing him to hold his classes in the schools. Gatti is partnering with the school division starting this month as part of an anti-bullying program.

Joy Simpson said the stances that require balance are the hardest part of class.

"It's pretty fun," she said. "Ed is a great teacher."

Gatti said he didn't want his class to be about punching and kicking and fighting.

"We wanted it to be what it was 800 years ago -- a way of life," he said.
Contact Holly Prestidge at (804) 649-6945 or hprestidge@timesdispatch.com.