1. We strive to be examples of martial-arts-philosophy-in-action for both the international martial arts community, and all citizens of the world.

2. We undertake humanitarian and educational projects as a committed team. We promote the growth of our students through service to our local, national, and global communities. We empower our students to find and pursue their own visions of service through an instructional method known as Project-Based Leadership Training.

3. We are committed to operating our school with the highest standards of integrity, sustainability, instructor education, along with ethical and eco-friendly (aka Green) business practices.
 
Anthropologist Margaret Meade said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” 

Mahatma Gandhi said, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."

These two quotes perfectly embody the mission and purpose of Freestyle Martial Arts Academy ~ at the DOJO.
 
our vision of martial arts education:

Freestyle Martial Arts Academy uses the martial arts as a base for learning other things. The martial arts are to education what an automobile is to a trip. The car is not the trip; it's the tool you use to take the trip.

Freestyle Martial Arts classes ~ at the DOJO are not the education, it is the tool you use to take a journey---and it is on the journey that the learning and growth occurs.

the DOJO (or place of training) is an alternative martial arts school owned and operated by two very progressive, innovative martial arts master instructors, Laura Crittendon and Steve Von Hargett.To read about the kind of work Laura and Steve do as martial arts teachers, visit our links page and click on The Ultimate Black Belt Test, Raise the House, the Pilates & Movement Center of Kona, or The Movement Education Foundation of Kona.

At Freestyle Martial Arts Academy ~ at the DOJO, non-violence education is more important than martial arts techniques. Practicing the art of being fully aware and developing a kind of thinking that empowers you is far more important than what belt rank you hold.

In Freestyle Martial Arts learning to apply yourself to your goals and ambitions is more important than learning to fight; and self-defense doesn't mean learning the art of blocking, it means learning to defend one's self from mediocrity, low self-esteem, and apathy. 

Our job is to make it all fun and interesting. It's to motivate you and give you a safe place to practice, make mistakes, have victories, and grow. Our job is to inspire you, when possible, and to be the best coach for you (and/or your children) that we can possibly be. If you're interested in personal development, self-defense, fitness, and/or the martial arts, please, come and visit the DOJO.