Welcome to Ikigai Kids

Empowering Children to Live with Purpose

Group of children and a few adults posing in martial arts stance and making fist gestures inside a gym with dark flooring and blue wall with white text.

At Ikigai Kids, we believe every child deserves the tools to thrive—mind, body, and character. Our Ikigai Child Development System combines proven life skills curricula with engaging martial arts training to help children ages 5 to 13 grow confident, kind, patient, and resilient.

Our Programs

  • Inspire! Full Program — A dynamic blend of martial arts and life skills for 5 & 6-year-olds, designed to build focus, confidence, and character from the ground up.

  • Inspire! Life Skills Program — Focused, age-appropriate lessons teaching core values like kindness, patience, and respect in fun, interactive ways.

  • Coming Soon: Encourage! and Thrive! — Programs for older children to deepen skills and foster leadership.

  • Coming Soon: Flagship Afterschool Enrichment Program — Comprehensive care and development that integrates all Ikigai life skills and martial arts in a nurturing environment.

Why Ikigai Kids?

Our programs are built on child development science and real-world application, ensuring children don’t just learn skills—they live them. Whether in the dojo, school, or at home, Ikigai Kids fosters lifelong growth and purpose.

Get Involved

Interested in bringing Ikigai Kids to your school, community center, or martial arts studio?
Contact us or visit our Licensing page to learn more.

🔷 Stories from the Mat

“Thanks so much for the update! We really appreciate the time and heart you put into working with Deacon. He lives for class—talks about it all week—and every stripe is like winning the lottery in his world.”
— Dusty A., Parent

“Thank you for being a safe space, an encourager, and there for our kiddo every step!.”
— Andy F., Parent

Explore Our Book


Discover the philosophy behind our system and how Ikigai can transform your child’s life. Learn More →

Book cover titled ’Rise With Purpose’ by Jimmy L. Thompson, featuring a silhouette of a boy in a martial arts uniform standing in front of a traditional East Asian pagoda with a green background.