Kokoro Kids helps young people build life skills that last a lifetime. We combine martial arts, positive psychology and coaching psychology to grow confidence, resilience and leadership, with parents involved every step of the way.
Between us, we've spent years working with kids on the mat and with leaders in the boardroom. We kept seeing the same gap: young people under more pressure than ever, and a growing disconnect between kids and their parents.
Kids weren't lacking talent or heart. They were lacking tools: how to settle a racing body, name a big feeling, think through a setback and remember what matters to them.
So we built Kokoro Kids. Kokoro is a Japanese word for heart, mind and spirit as one. Our programs teach those tools in a way that's active, playful and grounded in evidence, and they bring parents in as coaches rather than spectators.
Resilience is a skill. It can be taught, practised and strengthened like any other.
The body comes first. A calm body makes clear thinking possible. That's why we start at the roots.
Parents are the secret ingredient. Ten minutes of doing it together beats an hour of being told.
Strength and self-awareness belong together. We want kids who are confident and kind, with a sense of purpose.
Cat brings an evidence-based, playful approach to personal development. She is completing a doctorate in team coaching methodologies and combines an extensive organisational development background with coaching strategies that create lasting behavioural change. Her work with teams and leaders internationally, and her life as a working mum, shape everything Kokoro Kids does.
Mark has over 15 years of martial arts experience and directs more than 40 classes a week, adapting techniques for all ages and abilities, from 18 months to adults. His medical background and certifications in Taekwondo, kickboxing and Tai Chi help him create inclusive, effective programs. He also volunteers with charitable organisations supporting people doing it tough.
Four layers of skills, taught from the roots up. Every program we run follows this tree.
Try the free toolkitValues, purpose, gratitude and leadership.
Growth mindset, problem solving and learning from mistakes.
Emotional intelligence, empathy and productive relationships.
Managing energy for performance: breath, stance, movement and rest.