Hello Everyone,

We are open for on-line and limited private and semi-private in person lessons. We have several options for you to choose from:

1.  Virtual Only Option:

In this program you will have the opportunity to attend our Live Zoom Classes along with two personalized virtual 1:1 lessons where we will teach you the basics of martial arts, go through goal setting and teach you how to do your workouts at home along with adaptions if needed.…

My Heroes...

My ultimate role model and my superhero, is my DAD! He works hard everyday to ensure I have what I need to be successful. He loves me with all his heart and I hope he knows I love him too. He’s done so much to enrich and create an amazing life for me and my family. Thank you Dad! With that said, there are a few other people I look up to because they have also had a positive impact on my life. They have achieved great things by overcoming a HUGE obstacle, an obstacle I’m…

1. My goals upon having reached black belt for my future learning, are to learn better leadership skills. I began coming when I was 7, and since then I have learned much better leadership skills since. I have learned a lot, but other people have helped me much more than I have helped others, because of their wonderful leadership skills, and those people have made a mark in my life. I also hope to get better at flexibility I mostly achieve my kicks at the right night, but sometimes when I am…

1. Ringo Starr: I consider Ringo Starr a hero because my family love to listen to the classic rock band the Beatles. I have grown up with the Beatles music and I idolize them as musicians and as people.

2. Mom: my mom is one of my biggest heroes because even when she is stressed at work an super busy, she still makes time for me. The other reason is I wouldn’t be anywhere close to black belt if it weren’t for her. The first time I came to the dojang was because she wanted me to try…

About the Author:

MeLisa Turcott Strongheart is a Master Instructor and owner at Mercer Island Martial Arts.  She is a 7th Dan Master Instructor.  She also holds a Master’s Degree in…

There are so many benefits to practicing gratitude please join us for our annual gratitude challenge:  

2019 Mercer Island Martial Arts Annual Homework Challenge!

Objective:  To motivate students to develop a habit of getting their homework from school done, and to positively reinforce those who choose to pursue academic excellence. Good leaders are always learning, and building their knowledge base. Education is a lifetime pursuit.

How to Participate: Parents and their kids can register for the homework…

We are really excited for next years After School Program here at MIMA.  Please check out some information about the program, and some changes that we have made to it.  

Pick up:  One of our amazing, certified instructors will pick up your child from their elementary school (currently available for Lakeridge, West Mercer, Island Park, and Northwood elementary schools) in our vans. This way your child will start their day with us…

I chose to do an environmental project for my community service. To make the most tangible impact, I looked at local organizations. Ultimately, I chose to work with Mountains to Sound Greenway and pull blackberries.

I have done similar projects before, but this time, I attempted to recruit people from MIMA and the high school Green Team in advance. Unfortunately, no one from either group actually came, though I am…

Hate, Nazis, and Curious kids

Today when I came in to the dojang, the first thing I was presented with was that some of the kids were talking about “nazi” things, playing at shooting each other, and calling each other nazis.  What follows is a summary of what I discussed with the kids 3rd grade and older.  

So, I sat down with the kids, 3rd…

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KoreanTerminologyPDF.pdf here is the pdf which will be easier to read:)…

How to fold, and put on your uniform:

In martial arts -- there are traditions and rituals associated with the wearing, and tying of the belt and the uniform.  There are many reasons stated from different instructors, master’s and sensei about how these traditions have…

Random Bags of Kindness is something the kids and I have been doing for a while but have ramped up production for the black belt project.  We fill ziplock bags with items for homeless persons and keep them in the car to hand out to anyone who needs it. Usually they have water, food, socks,…

Register at : http://member-site.net/?EV--gwwXc

Learn kicks, tricks, and combos!  A cool Demonstration Form, Trick Battles, and Kick Competition!  Also awesome character training:

Build AWESOME POWERS:  Be unique, stand out, show respect to self and others.  Build friendships, build confidence, and…

For my leadership project I spent a week in Oregon with my Youth Group doing various service projects. One being Project Transformation, a literacy program for at risk elementary school kids. During this project, we helped younger kids read a choice book. We would encourage them to sound out words themselves and participated in other activities that helped the kids focus and learn. In addition, w e cleaned books at The Children’s Book Bank; a place for donated books to be examined,…

I hope to be the kind of black belt that someone of any rank can feel comfortable around. I know that when I first started, black belts looked intimidating and I was terrified of messing up in front of them. I want to be a black belt that makes others feel confident and strong. Encouraging them to not be afraid to reach their own goals. This way, they can continue practicing and pass along the advice and lessons they’ve learned on their journeys to others as well.

Upon receiving my black belt, I would want to continue training to improve my flexibility, endurance, confidence, and focus. I would also want to become more precise in doing my forms and in sparring. Practicing Martial Arts has provided me with skills I never thought about seriously. Such as, knowing I can defend myself in an unwanted situation. Although it’s nice to feel safe, my main reason to keep practicing is because I simply enjoy it. Taking part in a physical activity is what I do to…