Our founder, Theresa Stanley, has been teaching martial arts for almost 20 years. Having been a teen with low self esteem and massive body image issues, martial arts was a source of strength for her. Becoming an instructor came with the responsibility of mentoring and building confidence in her students.
In 2018, Theresa was inspired by the story of a fellow mom who was struggling to help her young daughter with her self esteem. Her 8 year old daughter was so low that she ‘didn’t want to live anymore’. At this moment, Theresa made a decision to get bigger than the walls of her taekwon-do studio. A burning flame ignited in her heart and the Girls on Fire movement began.
Our programs are based on three foundational pillars.
This pillar is all about the inside work. We believe that changing how girls think is a key factor in their confidence. Key Concepts Taught : I am statements noticing negative thoughts gratitude empathy finding support Busting through insecurities (the famous board-breaking exercise)
Health and fitness is crucial to having a clear mind. Too often athletics get left behind when school or social lives get busy, however, being active is a crucial part to having high confidence! It's hard to feel good if you don't physically feel good! Key Concepts Taught: Relationships with food Conversations about body image Finding activities you love
Self Defence is one of the major ways we are different than any other confidence program. As a martial arts based program, we believe that it's extremely important that girls have training, even a small amount, in self defence. There is a lot of confidence to be had when you learn that you have the strength to defend yourself. Key Concepts Taught: Being Prepared Awareness Physical Defence
