Statistics clearly demonstrate the need to assist students who may drop out of school or who may graduate with inadequate academic, social, and emotional skills. This paper describes efforts at one elementary school to address some of the needs of at-risk students. The program revolves around a structured martial arts class designed to develop self-control and discipline. Martial arts instructors instill the importance of courtesy, respect, honesty, sincerity, and discipline. What makes this program noteworthy, claims the author, is that martial arts training is incorporated as part of an overall curricular approach, aimed at assisting selected 4th and 5th graders who are either currently involved in gangs or likely to join them. The program is integrative as periodic groups sessions between classroom teachers, parents, and students meet to discuss ways of resolving difficulties and offer suggestions for improvement. Selected teachers also involve students in writing and reading lessons centered around martial arts topics. The paper discusses the success of the program and profiles one test case to back his assertions. While a martial arts program is neither a panacea nor an effective measure without other instructional strategies, it has proven successful for some at-risk students. (RJM)