Martial arts have been a part of James Londenberg’s life since he was 11-years-old, and for the last 26 years, he and his wife Amy have been committed to teaching others about the benefits of this form of physical and mental conditioning through their business, Family Martial Arts of Texas.
Tae Kwon Do has been such a way of life for the Londenbergs that all three of their children have grown up competing as martial artists, and their oldest son Caulin, who is the general manager of the business, is now pursuing a professional martial arts career.
Londenberg, a sixth-degree black belt who has held both national and world titles, has not only seen his martial arts program provide positive outcomes in his own children’s lives, but also in hundreds of students throughout the years.
“Everyone who comes into the academy, whether they come for six months or stay to get their black belt, they’re going to see some improvement in self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline.”
In today’s instant-access world, the father knows it can be difficult to teach kids work ethic.
“Everything is very easy for kids today,” he said. “You can get everything you want from a touch of a button. But there’s no app to earn a black belt. It’s done through hard work and determination.”
But although it takes commitment and dedication to become a seasoned martial artist, Londenberg said the journey is also enjoyable, and can last a lifetime.
“Most people do team sports until they’re 17 or 18-years-old, but with martial arts, you can pursue it for the rest of your life,” he said. “We have students in their 60s and 70s, and my oldest black belt was 83-years-old.”
The owner credits these success stories to the family-friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere that Family Martial Arts of Texas strives to create.
“Some places can be serious and focus solely on competition as their main goal. Sometimes that can develop an atmosphere that’s not so nurturing,” Londenberg said. “While we do focus on competition, our main goal is development of the individual’s character.”
Londenberg also wants to make martial arts an affordable activity families can do together.
“We really believe that the family who kicks together, sticks together, so we believe that when the entire family gets involved it makes a more successful experience for the student,” he said. “It’s not mandatory, but I think a lot of families end up seeing how cool the environment is and end up getting involved.”
Family Martial Arts of Texas has two locations – one in Woodway and one in China Spring—and has more than 300 active students. For more information about how you can get involved, visit their website at www.familymartialartsoftexas.com.
Click here to learn more about Family Marital Arts of Texas
Back To Top
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
