
LIFE EDUCATION
MINDFULNESS & SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Today’s world for kids and adults alike can be riddled with stress and anxiety. We are busier than ever, feel more pressure to perform whether at school or work, and are scrolling more and connecting less. So how can we help ourselves and our kids experience more peace, fulfillment, and connection in our daily lives?
Life Ki-do founder, Jonathan Hewitt, made it his life mission to find out, distilling everything from ancient wisdom to modern psychology into a concise, kid-friendly, family-friendly life education system we call Tools for Life.
Woven into every Martial Arts class and supported by our Life Ki-do Parenting book, our Tools for Life system empowers students to be like a River – being your personal best, flowing with all of life’s joys and challenges, and cultivating empathy and kindness for stronger relationships with family, friends and community.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“My husband, my son and I all have the privilege of training at this joyful, life-altering dojo. Terrific martial arts training, but even more importantly, we’re learning life skills: how to be present, how to stay calm in the face of adversity, and how to carry empathy and kindness into the world. I cannot recommend Life Ki-do highly enough. ”
— Mom & Student
4 TOOLS FOR LIFE
Steeped in mindfulness and social-emotional learning, our four Tools for Life are the keys to inner well being of both children and adults.
To find your River and experience first-hand how you can cultivate your inner well being through fun and engaging martial arts and life education classes, we invite you to schedule a free trial.
01
FOCUS & MINDFULNESS
RIVER CHECK-IN WITH THE 3Bs
Throughout every class, students learn to connect their "3Bs"
-
BODY
-
BREATH
-
BRAIN
This Tools teaches self-awareness and self-control while also developing focus, mindfulness, and the relaxation skills to deal with stress and anxiety.

BODY BREATH BRAIN
02
RIVER
EFFORT
CONFIDENCE & STRONG SENSE OF SELF
We use kid-friendly analogies:
-
ICE - trying too hard, feeling stress or pressure
-
PUDDLE - trying too little, feeling lazy or bored
-
RIVER - putting your heart into what you are doing & giving it your all
Students learn to look inward to their own effort to feel and do their best rather than looking to others for validation and self-worth.

ICE PUDDLE RIVER
03
A-B
FORMULA
RESILIENCE & ABILITY TO DEAL
WITH LIFE'S CHALLENGES
With two simple steps, A & B, we train resilience & adaptability in life's most challenging moments.
A = ACCEPT
B = BABY STEP
Our A-B Formula helps Life Ki-do students navigate difficult feelings or experiences seeing them as opportunities to learn, grow, and become stronger.

ACCEPT BABY STEP
04
SOCIAL
INTELLIGENCE
MY SHOES, YOUR SHOES, OUR SHOES
Building teamwork, friendship, and social skills for positive, healthy relationships, this tool encourages clear, honest communication of your own feelings; understanding and empathy for the feelings of others; and working together to find solutions and understanding.
