Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Thrive
Move with Purpose combines martial arts, mindful movement, and the principles of Movement-Based Awareness Training© to help children build confidence, improve coordination, strengthen social skills, and develop greater emotional awareness.
In a structured, supportive environment, students are encouraged to grow at their own pace while developing skills that support success at home, at school, and in everyday life.
What Is Movement-Based Awareness Training©?
Movement-Based Awareness Training© is the foundation of the Move with Purpose program. Developed by UCLA Professor Edward Monaghan, this innovative approach combines movement, mindfulness, and positive reinforcement to support the development of confidence, emotional awareness, social skills, and physical coordination.
By engaging both the body and mind, students learn practical strategies that help them navigate challenges with greater confidence, resilience, and self-control.
How Movement-Based Awareness Training© Supports Growth
Focus & Attention
Through purposeful movement and guided activities, students strengthen concentration, self-awareness, and the ability to stay engaged.
Emotional Regulation & Stress Management
Mindful movement and breathing exercises help children develop healthy tools for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
Balance, Coordination & Body Awareness
Students improve motor skills, coordination, balance, and confidence through movement-based learning and structured physical activities.
Social Connection & Communication
Partner exercises and group activities encourage communication, cooperation, trust, and meaningful peer interaction.
Self-Defense & Personal Safety
Children learn age-appropriate self-defense skills, personal boundaries, and strategies for handling challenging situations with confidence and awareness.
A Structured, Supportive Learning Environment
Consistency creates confidence.
Our program uses predictable routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement to help students feel comfortable, supported, and successful.
Program Features
- Small group instruction
- Consistent class structure
- Sensory-aware pacing
- Movement-based learning
- Experienced, patient instructors
- Confidence-building activities
- Private lessons available
Every child progresses differently, and our instructors are committed to meeting students where they are while encouraging meaningful growth.
Developed by UCLA Professor Edward Monaghan
Movement-Based Awareness Training© was developed by Professor Edward Monaghan, who spent more than 20 years working with children, teens, and adults diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, and behavioral challenges.
Professor Monaghan is a certified mindfulness facilitator through the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, where he has helped individuals develop practical mindfulness skills that support emotional well-being and personal growth.
His work combines movement, mindfulness, and behavioral support into an engaging, accessible program designed to help students build confidence, connection, and self-awareness.
Regional Center Funding available
For children with an autism diagnosis, private one-on-one sessions may be eligible for funding through the North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC).
Our team has experience working with families utilizing Self-Determination and other specialized support programs, helping make quality instruction and support more accessible.
