In the charming little state of Vermont, known for its maple syrup and stunning autumn leaves, there's an energetic tribe of karate kids. These kids hail from all over the state, from the bustling neighborhoods of Burlington to the peaceful meadows of Stowe. Known for their swift kicks, sharp chops and spectacular somersaults, they're like the superhero squad of the Green Mountain State. Now, let me introduce you to the unofficial leader of this vibrant bunch, a boy with a wild imagination and an even wilder sense of humor, Franklin "Funnybone" Fitzgerald. Funnybone, as everyone calls him, is not your average karate kid. He's got a laugh as powerful as his roundhouse kick, and his mischievous antics could even make a grizzly bear giggle. Funnybone, with his buzz cut hair that looks like an overgrown lawn, and freckles sprinkled across his cheeks like constellations, is a sight to behold when he’s in action. He would often say, "My moves are so sharp they could slice through a block of Vermont cheddar!" This Vermont karate crew, with Funnybone leading the charge, is a legendary group of kids, ready to swing into action whenever there's a need for some good old fun and laughter. And while they're not busy fighting invisible villains or perfecting their 'Crane Kick,' they might be seen riding their bikes, throwing snowballs or jumping into piles of crunchy fall leaves. In Vermont, these karate kids are more than just champions of the dojo, they’re also champions of fun, adventure and sheer silliness.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
At United Fighting Arts Institute, we offer more than just martial arts classes. Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable environment where students can learn, grow and achieve their goals. Our instructors are highly knowledgeable and caring, and our top-of-the-line training floor and equipment make us the top martial arts training facility in Vermont. We offer a variety of classes for everyone from beginners to experienced martial artists. Our classes include Muay Thai Kickboxing, MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi), Aiki JuJitsu, Western Boxing, Wrestling, Self-Defense, “Empowerment Through Self-Defense” Free Community Outreach Seminars and Kids classes. Whether your goal is to gain self-confidence, learn practical self-defense, get fit, or learn traditional martial arts, United Fighting Arts Institute is the best place to do it. We are even an official training site for the Burlington Police Department Defensive Tactics Division.