Describe your business in one sentence.

We are a Mercer Island business that helps students of all ages reach mental, emotional, social, and physical goals through martial arts training.

Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?

I don’t currently live on Mercer Island, but my business partner and my family are Mercer Islanders. We wanted to open a boutique martial arts school that served the unique needs of the Mercer Island community.

Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, “I have to do this”?

Yes, I was working as a recreation therapist at the time, and, although I enjoyed my work, I felt that there was something missing. I really love how we teach mindfulness and the whole mind-body connection. Martial Arts was just perfect for me in that in combined those two aspects. I knew then and there that this was the perfect fit, and I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.

What makes your business so unique?

We often say that it’s not just kicking and punching, it is so much more. We foster a positive milieu for our students that promotes kinship, community, and self-confidence. I have a background in psychology, recreation therapy, and nutrition couching, as well as 5th Degree Black Belt in taekwondo. My business partner has a background in psychology, was a counselor prior to doing this, and has 7th Degree Black Belt in taekwondo. We utilize our backgrounds to make a unique martial arts school combining both the social-emotional and the physical. We teach our students respect, character-building, physical fitness, and anti-bullying. The students have a real sense of community at our school.

Families often train together; adults and children are learning simultaneously, which makes our program different than other activities out there for families.

Students are always learning something new, which makes the workouts interesting and fun. Our classes are dynamic and led by professionally trained instructors who have had years and years of experience. One of our instructors literally grew up in the program, starting when he was just eight years old, and is now a 2nd degree certified instructor.

What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?

We pivoted to having our classes online. Although admittedly an adjustment at first, we have really honed the process and continue to make our classes interesting and fun for all. Many of our students enjoy the online platform, and we plan to keep it even when we can safely go back to in-person classes.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products/services that you had not thought of before? How did it work out?

The online classes have primarily been our innovation. We have also adapted our workouts to account for social distancing, mask wearing, and other COVID safety protocols for our in-person classes. We also made changes to some of our curriculum so students can take classes from their homes.

If there was a single product, service, or expertise you should be known for, what would you say it is?

Teaching respect for self, family, and our community.

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

We are a female-owned martial arts school. Most folks in the martial arts industry are men, and the schools are owned by men. It is very rare to find [a school] that is owned by females.

What is your favorite spot on Mercer Island?

I really enjoy the Lid park. It has great views of both Seattle and Bellevue and is a nice place to sit and relax.

Since you’ve been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders and the Mercer Island community in general?

The community is very much a small town nestled amongst two pretty major cities. I like that Mercer Islanders tend to look out for one another like you would find in other small towns.

When you are not working, what is your favorite pastime?

I love to run; it helps me think and plan my day. I also really enjoy cooking, especially since COVID; my cooking skills have increased exponentially.

Learn more about Mercer Island Martial Arts at www.mercerislandmartialarts.com.