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 LifeSkills provides a fun, safe, family-oriented martial arts experience for your child. Our Children’s Program is designed to develop life skills (listening, focus, concentration, self-discipline) and give your child a martial arts education that will help them excel in all aspects of their lives.
Although many individuals may choose a martial arts studio based solely on geographic convenience or price, we feel that studying martial arts is a life learning experience that can have a profound impact on your child's development. Because of the powerful influence a black belt instructor has on his students, this decision must be made based on the instructor’s ability to work with the unique strengths and limitations of his students, to bring out the best in each individual.
We focus on two major areas of training.
Physical
 We do this through teaching real-world self-defense techniques. We start with what we call the Martial Arts basics. Martial arts stances, kicks, punches, and blocking patterns are part of these basics. A strong foundation in the basics is essential to success in the martial arts and effectiveness in real-world self-defense.
The basic martial arts movements also dramatically improve your child's focus and concentration skills. Although there are many instances where children are described as having "limited attention spans", we believe that this is not an accurate description of the situation with a majority of children. Through skill-building exercises and drills, we gradually stretch your child’s capabilities, attention and listening skills. Therefore, our Martial Arts training is not only essential for self-defense, but is also an invaluable tool for concentration and focus.
Character and Life Skills
Next, LifeSkills believes in strong character development and life skills training.
How do you go about preparing your children for life’s challenges? How do you teach them to have a positive attitude, to be self-motivated, to set and attain goals and to learn how to concentrate and focus?
This is no easy task. This specialized type of education is not taught in our schools or community organizations, nor is it their responsibility to teach it. But these life skills, if taught to children at a young age, can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of their lives.
Martial arts training is about a lot more than punching and kicking. It has the potential to be a vehicle for teaching life skills that will make a difference in every area of life.
Courtesy
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Honesty
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Integrity
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Perseverance
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Self Control
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Courage
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Humility
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Loyalty
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Sportsmanship
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These qualities, along with the understanding of goal-setting, self-discipline, concentration and a positive mental attitude, are in the DNA of our studio.
Over the years, we have seen thousands of children benefit from our unique approach to teaching martial arts.
 They say that once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget. Likewise, the skills and habits of successful living, once learned, become a part of your child for life. We have had countless parents, teachers, and principals report a growth in confidence, improved self-discipline, growth in leadership skills, and better grades in school.
What better gift to give your child than to empower them with greater confidence, focus and self-control? At LifeSkills Martial Arts, we have developed a specialized program which combines physical training in practical, real-world self-defense with character and life skills development.
Our belt promotion system is based on the principle of steady, consistent improvement in skill. Confidence and perseverance are developed through a series of winning experiences. This is how it works.
- Set a goal
- Have a plan
- Work hard towards its achievement
- Persevere until you reach the goal
- Set higher goal
Of course the key is to make sure they succeed. How? We have a curriculum that is divided into small, achievable goals. When you set a goal, then work for it and achieve it, you begin to believe in yourself. Do that a few times and a person begins to feel successful.
Our specialized children's program will give your child a head start in life while having fun!
Here are a few of the benefits
- Improved Focus & Concentration through skill and focus-building exercises
- The ability to defend themselves if they had to, and the
confidence and wisdom to avoid dangerous situations
- Improved Confidence
- The practice of Self-Discipline and the understanding of why it is critical for success. This alone often improves grades in school.
- Increased Motivation and the development of a Positive Attitude and Perseverance. This allows them to learn from their failures and grow from their successes.
- Goal-setting skills and practical application.
- The confidence and self-control to say "NO" to drugs and other negatives.
- Friendship, sportsmanship, camaraderie and fun!
Here is what other parents have to say about their martial arts experience at LifeSkills:
 “LifeSkills has helped to transform my children into well-mannered young men. People comment about them answering “yes ma’am and “yes sir”. This program has really improved their self-confidence and has given them goals to reach for. All I have to do is tell them I will let Mr. Matheny know if they do misbehave or don’t treat each other well. Having a positive environment for my children has helped tremendously with their focus and character.”
Martha Combs, mother of Logan, 10 and Marshall, 8
Thank you Mr. Scott Matheny for the outstanding learning experience you and your LifeSkills Martial Arts school has given to my son. With positive teaching and in a controlled manner the class is led by Chief Instructor Mr. Scott Matheny. He has created an inviting environment for my son to experience success in the martial arts. Mr. Matheny, through his rapport with the students, his experience in the martial arts and teaching of the martial arts, builds not only the skill level of students but also their personal confidence and self-esteem. He has earned the respect of my son and my son is excited about learning the discipline of the martial arts. I have also seen the influence his instruction has had on students that attend our school.
Joey Ortiz, Principal, Wilkes County School
“LifeSkills is more than learning martial arts. It truly teaches the students skills they need to succeed in life. My son has improved in his listening skills and focus in only two months. I am very relaxed with Scott training my son because he is a good Christian. I like the relaxed family atmosphere.”
Kristina Faw, mother of Mason, 4
“The LifeSkills program has helped my 3-year-old son in learning to follow directions and is an excellent physical fitness program.”
Susan Winkler
“We have been looking for an activity to help our son focus and expel his energy. We tried baseball, soccer, gymnastics… None of these seemed to work. We saw the ad for LifeSkills and wanted to give it a try. In karate, he stays motivated, more focused, and works hard. LifeSkills is a Christian-based, family oriented organization that offers discipline, structure and accountability, which is what our son needs. The Matheny’s are always willing to help with scheduling, or questions, with a positive attitude. Our son loves his classes! LifeSkills, you rock!”
Donna Poole, mother of Timothy, 7
“Our son Drew joined LifeSkills in October of 2008 and since joining he has gained numerous skills, both mentally and physically. Drew has become a very dedicated student, and he is more outgoing than ever before. He has made friends that will last a lifetime, and thanks to Mr. Scott, he has gained very important life skills that he will continue to use, not only when practicing martial arts, but throughout his day-to-day life. Mr. Scott has helped Drew build character, strength, and self-confidence that he did not have before he started taking martial arts. The LifeSkills studio is a very positive environment and we are so pleased that our son is a part of the program.”
Rick and Mekesha Sturgill, parents of Drew, 12
“My grandson enjoys the karate classes. As a grandparent, I like to see the attention and focus he is able to give to the class. He also learns to respect others and be responsible for his own learning. This is a wonderful way to build self-esteem and confidence in his own abilities.”
Rene Dills, grandmother of Jonah, 7
“I think you are doing a great job. I am really glad I brought my grandson here. He really likes it. I tell everybody where you are at.” Faye
Shumate, grandmother of Dalton, 9
“LifeSkills is a great program for children. It has taught Cameron discipline as well as simple techniques to use to protect himself from strangers. He loves coming here and learning new things each week while expanding on skills already learned.”
Tammy Ellis, mother of Cameron, 4
“My grandson loves karate. I think that the skills they teach along with karate, the respect and sense of responsibility, are wonderful life skills. These are some of the building blocks of maturity.”
Sally Bumgarner, grandmother of Kamden, 7
“My 6-year-old really enjoys his karate class. It has helped him learn to focus and pay attention. Also it has helped his self-confidence. I am very pleased with his lessons.”
Jennifer Johnson
“LifeSkills Martial Arts is a wonderful place and experience for my son. Renee and Scott are great people.”
Sarah Welborn, mother of Jacob, 7
“Great way to help my child with his concentration and self-esteem. He usually has a hard time focusing and following directions but I feel that the classes at LifeSkills have greatly helped him.”
M. Barker
“I like the way my children are learning to be more attentive, developing good self-esteem and gaining skills to help them during their entire lifetime. All the skills they are learning show themselves out in the community.”
Christie Collins, mother of Cameron, 5 and Ben, 4
“I like it! It’s really good and cool. I am learn a lot of stuff.”
William Yelton, age 5
“I really like it! It is a lot of fun! I really like grappling class! Mr. Scott is a good coach!”
Deedra Johnson, age 9
“I have been very impressed with Mr. Matheny’s teaching style.
He balances encouragement and enthusiasm with discipline and
expecting the most from his students. My son has really enjoyed
his lessons and it has helped with his concentration at school
as well as boosting his self-esteem.”
Dr. Julie Koch, Wilkes Pediatric Clinic
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