If you think “martial arts” and picture slinging nunchucks as a lean, mean, ninja-like warrior, that’s true — and awesome! — but slightly misleading.
Martial arts is about more than strengthening the body; it’s about training the mind and building emotional well-being that will last a lifetime. That’s precisely what Life Ki-do Martial Arts has been offering families in the Lake Travis area since 2015.
Speaking from personal experience, giving your child the opportunity to learn martial arts can be a life-changing gift. My autistic son began studying martial arts in 2012, and the benefits he experienced were remarkable. Not only did he drastically improve his core strength, flexibility, balance and mind/body connection, but he developed inner strength and confidence that was amazing. Plus, he learned how to fight with swords and wooden staffs, which was incredible to watch.
Simply put, you could say martial arts was the “missing link” that brought everything together for my son. I had never done martial arts myself, so I didn’t know what was missing until I found it. If you’re on a similar quest for your child, Life Ki-do Martial Arts could be the key.
Life Ki-do is dedicated to helping children develop and trust their inner natural abilities so that they can navigate their lives based on self-confidence instead of peer pressure. This is why Life Ki-do founders Jonathan Hewitt and his wife Lana Hewitt started the company. They wanted to share the gift of martial arts as a life skill – and what better way to start than to teach children.
With a degree in psychology and 25 years of expertise in meditation, mindfulness and martial arts, Sensei Jonathan understands the power of martial arts first-hand. Lana also has many years of study in meditation and mindfulness, as well as a background in design and marketing. Together, they have empowered thousands of children with martial arts. In fact, on Saturday mornings, you’ll see them both at the Lakeway dojo along with their 7-year-old daughter.
Life Ki-do’s approach to teaching revolves around five area of focus:
- Fun & Safe Environment
- Listening, Respect & Empathy
- Focus & Confidence
- Coping with Anxiety & Stress
- Health & Well-Being
In addition to these areas of focus, Life Ki-do has an amazing mantra about bullying and self-defense. The concept is if a child is at peace with who they are, they have no inclination to bully others. “When you can be at peace with yourself and you can also honor others for who they are, there is genuinely no interest in bullying. Thus you are Stronger than Bullying.”
Developing a strong self along with compassion and empathy is a hallmark of martial arts. The ability to cope with conflict in a healthy way also protects children from overwhelming feelings of self-doubt or negativity. Again, all of these are critical building blocks for a lifetime of mindfulness.
The Life Ki-Do location in Lakeway is near Cafe Lago and offers classes for kids ages three up to teens and adults. Their award-winning martial arts classes are a unique blend of Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Systema, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Self-Defense. Students learn to connect their 3Bs (Body, Breath, and Brain) to develop focus and mindfulness, confidence and resilience, relaxation skills for stress and anxiety, empathy and kindness towards others, and a strong, safe body.
As part of their comprehensive approach, Life Ki-do offers parenting workshops, parent-child classes, summer camps, Parents’ Nights Out and other events geared to support families.
Are you a fan of martial arts? How has it changed your life? Let us know in the comments sections on our Facebook page!
Images: Life Ki-do Martial Arts
