Life Ki-do Martial Arts proudly serving Austin since 1993
Experience, Leadership, Guidance
The Life Ki do Story
A Path from Inner Strength. A Community that Grows Together.
I was a sensitive kid growing up in a town that seemed to value outward success above all else. I learned early that to feel accepted and respected, I had to win — I had to prove myself.
But underneath that drive was constant tension and quiet confusion.
No one ever told me that real strength comes from within — from our breath, our body, and our ability to meet each moment with awareness and care. I didn’t know that our inner world matters far more than any outer achievement.
As a young adult, I met people who had reached impressive goals — and some shared honestly that success hadn’t brought the happiness they hoped for. That truth planted a seed.
So began a lifelong journey of personal development, meditation, martial arts, and self-discovery. I studied with many gifted teachers — and also learned through my own disillusionment. My struggles became my teachers. And over time, I found my way back to something that had been inside me all along:
a deep inner strength that doesn’t need proving — only connecting.
That’s why I created Life Ki‑do.
Not just a martial arts school — but a whole-person development system where kids, teens, adults, and families can grow into their most confident, compassionate, and authentic selves.
💫 Why the Name Life Ki do?
- Life – Because our journey supports the full human experience: joy, challenge, growth, and connection.
- Ki – The inner spark, the strength, the energy, the life-force that flows through each of us.
- Do – The path of practice, discovery, and mastery.
Together, it means: Living from inner strength and spirit — and honoring that same spark in others.
💡 What Life Ki do Offers
Today, Life Ki‑do has grown into a family-friendly, heart-centered system for personal development, social-emotional growth, and authentic living — with programs for every age and stage:
- Personal Development Courses to help people live with calm, clarity, and purpose — and find deeper meaning and fulfillment.
- Parenting Programs that help parents raise empowered, emotionally connected kids — and build strong relationships that last a lifetime.
- Leadership Training to grow confident, compassionate leaders who uplift others.
- Confidence Curriculum for kids, teens, and adults to develop deep and lasting self-worth.
- Meditation Practices to cultivate inner peace, well-being, and flow-state performance.
- Martial Arts Classes that develop strength, focus, humility, and resilience through skillful movement and mindfulness.
🌱 Our Mission
At the heart of Life Ki‑do is a simple truth:
When we live from our inner strength — with awareness, care, and connection — we live our best lives.
We believe every person has a unique inner spark — something essential the world needs. Our mission is to help people of all ages discover that spark, trust it, and express it fully.
🧭 Walking the Path Together
Our journey continues — growing, evolving, and deepening every day.
We meet people where they are, with compassion and respect for their pace and path.
Because in the end, the greatest success isn’t measured by trophies or titles —
but by a life lived with inner fulfillment and meaningful connection.
That’s the Life Ki‑do path.
And we’re honored to walk it with you.
Warmly,
Sensei Jonathan
Martial Arts Styles
Martial arts training includes punching, kicking, blocking, take-downs, and wrestling. Some styles focus on one of these elements and at some martial arts schools, you’ll see that focus. So you may only do stand-up striking work or you may only do groundwork. At Life Ki-do, however, we blend all of these elements into our own unique curriculum so that students become well-rounded martial artists.
Ground Training
Systema / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu / Wrestling
Ground training is a crucial component in a comprehensive martial arts program. Our students learn and practice how to fall and roll safely, effective takedowns, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling techniques, as well as Systema strikes and breaks from the ground. Aside from the practical self-defense benefits, the Systema style ground skills can also greatly enhance a student’s self-confidence and ability “to go with the flow.”
Stand-up Training
Karate / Sparring / Systema
We incorporate moves, drills, and freestyle sparring from a variety of martial arts styles so our can students develop powerful stand-up blocking, punching, and kicking skills.
Our emphasis in stand-up training is on the Systema principles of fluidity and partnering that involves mutual care and respect.
Flow Forms
Tai Chi / Qigong / Karate
Students learn the series of individual movements that make up a Traditional Karate Kata as well as the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi.
The Tai Chi Form & Karate Katas build tremendous body awareness, coordination, strength, and stamina as well mental focus, confidence, and determination.