Testimonials
Parent Testimonials | Educator Testimonials | Student Testimonials
FROM PARENTS
“Wow! This is certainly a one of a kind program! I am amazed by how well rounded this program is. I have yet to find a program that incorporates such a high level of mindfulness practice, emotional awareness and physical development all rolled into one. Sensei Jonathan and Sensei Doug are fantastic! The staff is awesome! P.S. You are doing the world a great service!” -M. Johnson
“Thank you all for the recent parent-involved class in which the topic of bullying was addressed. The following day my daughter was at school and in a group of her classmates when they began speaking in a disparaging way of a fellow classmate. Recalling her Life Kido training on the previous day, she stood up and announced (in a very caring manner) that she was going to leave because it was not right to be speaking of someone behind their back like that. My daughter has an acute understanding and empathy for others and we believe it is in no small part to the lessons that all of you so effectively convey each week. Thank you all again for your caring approach with children and to the overwhelmingly positive messages that inevitably lead to the betterment of humanity.” -C.V.
“I can’t emphasize enough how much I admire and respect what your instructors have done for Jase. He has grown from an overly cautious, quiet boy to one of confidence and internal strength.” -James Bennett, Jr.
“I have been truly impressed by Life Ki-do – I think the program is by far one of the best I have ever seen – teaching life skills that it took me far into my adulthood to learn. I think y’all are providing a great gift to these kids.” – Anonymous parent
“(My daughter) has found a home here where she can bring her troubles and share her joy with your amazing Senseis. This is an environment full of respect. What a great experience we have had here – thank you!” -Anne Wick
“This is my family’s 3rd year at Life Ki-do and I cannot say enough about the instructors, and the organization. I am at the school twice a week with my kids and not a class goes by without a parent sitting near me marveling at the caliber of the Sensei. The calm and wisdom they use in dealing with our children is awe-inspiring; God should grant me such patience in a room full of sugared-up 6 year olds! It is a wonderful philosophy they teach, as well. I have never met a parent who was not thrilled with their child’s experience at Life Ki-do.” -Leslie Cidale
“(My son) has been taking classes with Sensei Jonathan for about a year and a half now and his attitude and outlook on life have changed so much for the better. Life Ki-do is so much more than martial arts – it is lessons in life, and very positive lessons, may I add. (My son) has struggled on and off with issues like discipline, personal space, etc. A teacher recommended I look into Life Ki-do and it’s probably the best thing we have done for (my son). He has grown as an individual and learned to be more accepting and tolerant of his peers. It’s pretty cute to watch him use his ‘Ninja Breathing’ when he gets hurt or when he has a challenge to get through.” -Marisa Beckett
“Dear Sensei Jonathan & Sensei Doug, your school has got to me by favorite part about Austin. Each time I watch a class I am grateful that you are a part of our life here. You take the time to understand my daughter, and you support who she is, where she is. Not only that, you do this while helping her to understand herself and the people around her. And, you are teaching her to communicate through it all. The modeling you do, the way you relate to your students, and the practice you give them trying out words and moves is so wonderful to see. Doing any ONE of these with the care, planning, and sensitivity you do is no easy task. That you do them all, and so well, is astounding.
“The Life Ki-do program is an ideal extra-curricular enrichment choice for parents looking to grow the ‘whole’ child. Patient, compassionate, stimulating instruction & availability of skill-level based learning make this place an amazing value and natural fit for kiddos!” -Danielle R. Becker
“Our son started at Life Ki-do when he was in Junior High. He was a shy, bullied boy and thanks to your staff he has become a strong, calm, centered, confident man. I fully believe in the transformative powers of your program and recommend it to everyone. You reach down into the heart and soul of the student and through hard work and dedication they become better individuals from the inside out.” –Robin Schneider
“I just wanted to send a note of thanks to you all. As you know, three weeks ago I signed up my third child at Life Ki-do. This is the best gift I have ever given to my kids. My ninth and tenth graders, having been in class for one year, are like solid rock. Their stamina and strength is amazing. Their self confidence has sky-rocketed. I have had the children in classes before, but the lack of motivation garnered from the instruction left them bored and we eventually dropped out. Life Ki-do has changed all that. Never have we been in a sport, any sport that has given them such accomplishment. The fact that the kids compete against themselves and not a team assures that there is never a sense of failure. My seventh grader is highly competitive and plays a multitude of team sports, yet, this has become his absolute favorite. After just a few classes, his endurance has drastically increased. Thank you for inspiring the kids to be successful in their goals and providing fitness in a fun and positive way.” – Chrysa Kerr
“Life Ki-do has been a wonderful experience for my entire family. My boys have learned important skills in awareness; being aware of their surroundings and stranger/danger. They have also learned to focus and listen well, which has positively enhanced their time in school. Most of all, they are learning so much while having FUN! My boys can’t wait to get to the dojo. My four year old asks me every day: “How many more days until my karate class?”He loves the instructors, he has met new friends in the karate class, and his confidence has really grown from his time spent at the academy.
I can’t thank-you enough for the positive influence you continue to be for my boys. I am convinced that the life skills they are learning at the dojo will serve them very well throughout their lives. After all, my kids continue to teach ME skills that they have learned from you!” -Margot Sbrocco
“I wish this training was available as PE credit in public schools – every child can benefit from learning self-awareness, focus, confidence, and how to get through sticky situations like bullying or a conflict with a friend. I love the gentleness and respect with which all the Senseis/Sempais treat the children. They are very good role models and friends for their students. We are so happy to be a part of Life Ki-do training!” -Tiffany Paul
“After we signed up, my son started asking me every day, “Is this my karate day?!” As he has continued in class, his self-confidence has improved dramatically and his enthusiasm for karate has not waned. I believe that the reason he has such enthusiasm is more than just the art of karate, I believe it is your specific program. First of all, you and your staff are just exceptional in dealing with children. You don’t talk over their heads, yet you speak to them as people and not as small children. I have been thrilled with every single staff member that my son has worked with. So, one thousand thank-yous to you and your group. We could not have asked for more.” – Melinda Young
“You have no doubt been told on many occasions what a special program you have put together, but something like that is always worth saying again. So we will say it, too. More important than the program, however, is the team you have assembled. The soul of a program is the extension of the people who plan and execute it. And you are all very special people. When we enrolled our son in your program we hoped it would help him channel and manage his boundless energy, to be more thoughtful, less physically reactive. Not only have our hopes been fulfilled, but for good measure, you have put him on the path to a true appreciation for intrinsic self discipline. We will miss any number of people and things we leave behind in Austin, but no one in Austin deserves from us higher praise or greater thanks than the Senseis at Life Ki-do. Thank you!!” – Jim & Brigitte Flowers
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the direction of this program and the effect that it has had on my 8-year-old over the last 3 years. The directors/Senseis have created a positive learning environment in which their students seem to continually excel in Martial Arts skills. They have had a tremendous influence on my son as well with regard to developing many psychological skills such as: focus, relaxation, stress and pain management, to name only a few. The Senseis teach respect as well for their students and everyone involved. The integrity of this program and the integrity of its directors is beyond reproach. I highly recommend them to you.” – Sandy Nielson-Bell, 1972 Olympian Gold Swimmer
“The Life Ki-do Martial Arts and Life Education training our son receives not only has a huge impact on our son’s focus and confidence, but it also has significant positive impact on our family as a whole. As long time educators, we appreciate the values, quality and sincerity of the Life Ki-do staff.” – Karen Aidman (Assistant Principal, O. Henry Middle School) & Barry Aidman (Former Principal, Casis Elementary School)
FROM EDUCATORS
“As the principal of a school with over 800 students, I have seen a significant, positive improvement in students’ confidence and ability to manage social situations using Life Ki-Do’s strategies. Our students are able to independently navigate issues between themselves and to support others with the strategies. Life Ki-Do is based on universal truths, and is presented with concrete, kid-friendly language.” – Patty Martin, Principal at Casis Elementary
“I have had the privilege of working with Jonathan Hewitt and the Life Ki-do school program for a little more than a year. As both an administrator and a teacher, I have seen its implementation and effectiveness in a multitude of areas throughout our campus. Jonathan has worked with us at every step, creating engaging and relevant lessons that are age appropriate for our PreK-Grade 5 campus.
Jonathan has taught the students a variety of breathing and body exercises that improve student’s focus, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. I have personally seen a difference when I use these strategies and they have most definitely made a difference in student’s behaviors during conflicts; both in the classroom and on the playground.
Our school climate has improved because of the Life Ki-do program and it has assisted the teachers in aligning their practice! I have a great deal more to learn from Jonathan’s expertise and I look forward to his continued presence on our campus!” – Jaynelle Nestle, Assistant Principal, 3rd Grade Teacher at Casis Elementary School
“I admire Sensei Jonathan’s rapport with my students. From his first visit with my students, he demonstrated great respect for their feelings and ideas. He openly acknowledged feelings of anxiety, tension, fatigue, anger, and frustration in his time with my kids. He discussed how these feelings are normal and made the kids feel safe, open, and more respectful of each other’s feelings. He taught explicit strategies for recognizing their moods/feelings and how to self-regulate when needed.
My students continue to use many of their Life Ki-do skills on a daily basis. Many use breathing techniques instinctually when they feel worried, embarrassed, tense, frustrated, or angry. They use the Life Ki-do Social Skill tools when they have a problem to resolve or a compromise to reach.
As a classroom teacher, I learned a variety of new strategies for increasing student attention. Jonathan modeled many simple finger movements and listening exercises that would help strengthen students’ “listening muscles.” He also modeled several ways to tense and release muscles that helped students focus and prepare for learning.
My students and I learned many new strategies from the Life Ki-do program and I recommend these tools for elementary students.” – Jennifer Mangels, 2nd Grade Teacher at Casis Elementary
“My class and I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from your presentation. They incorporated into their daily lives the techniques you taught them, and I continued to reinforce them as well. For instance, they continued to use the various forms of breathing when appropriate for the given situation or challenge. Whether they were upset, stressed, hyper, excited, etc., they made use of the breathing in order to find their centers. I recall that the timing of your visit was particularly helpful, as the students were getting ready to take the TAKS test for the first time, and some of them were experiencing anxiety about the TAKS. I am eager to learn more from you guys. You really do make a difference.” -Kathryn Nelson, 3rd Grade Teacher at Casis Elementary
FROM STUDENTS
“After getting to college I have only just begun to realize what a huge impact Life Ki-do training has had on me. It has been one of the singularly greatest things that has happened in my life and has given me the focus I need for anything I decide to do. It has given me the patience and diligence to deal with any obstacle, and it has kept me aware of life around me.” – Thomas C., Training with Life Ki-do for 7 years
“I have achieved a level of mental relaxation that I once thought impossible. This (Life Ki-do) training is far more applicable to my day-to-day life, as it affects nearly all of my actions. It has allowed me to see all sides of a problem by reminding me to not act hastily, to think about things before I do them. I have become much better at staying present. I have also learned to accept many of my emotions as part of life; not suppressing them while also not ignoring them. This is a hugely beneficial ability, as I rarely get annoyed at myself for making mistakes anymore, but instead let them pass and try to learn from them.” – John B., trained with Life Ki-do for 8 1/2 years
“From the beginning of my training, the Senseis stressed the importance of focus not just inside the dojo, but in everything we do. Over time, I realized that this was not a command, but an invitation to cherish every experience in our life, good or bad. If we put everything we have into what we do, our encounters will not only be more enjoyable, but will also become an opportunity to learn about ourselves and other people. Although physical fitness is important, the mental conditioning that I have received has made a bigger impression on my life.” – Jack V., trained with Life Ki-do for 9 years
“When I was 8 and first came to karate, I did it because it looked cool. Now, I do it for life training. One real beauty of this art is that it doesn’t stop at the dojo, it can be applied throughout your daily living. Using the breath as the foundation of how to live your life, you are relaxed and happy but always have room to better master yourself and remove your masks.” – Rene M., training with Life Ki-do for 10 years
