3rd Degree Blackbelt
Internationally Certified Instructor
Chief Instructor Pride Martial Arts Smithville

Hello,

I’m Ms. Kiyoko Nakano,

My martial arts journey began when I was just three years old, but I took some time off to explore other passions before joining ATA in 2015. My family has always been a huge motivator in both beginning and continuing my martial arts journey.

I chose to become a martial arts instructor because I love passing on my knowledge and being a part of others’ journeys to accomplish their goals and dreams. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping others grow and succeed.

What I love most about teaching martial arts is the community we create together. Seeing students form bonds on the mat, work hard, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments is truly special. Knowing that these connections extend beyond the dojang is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.

Martial arts has significantly boosted my confidence and taught me how to encourage that same growth in others. My goal as an instructor is to help students feel more confident and capable every day. I’m particularly passionate about training students who compete in tournaments, as my own experience competing has been instrumental in building my self-esteem.

To build strong relationships with my students and their families, I make an effort to understand their goals and how martial arts fits into their lives. Everyone has unique motivations, and it’s important to me to know why these goals matter to them and how we can achieve smaller victories along the way.

The values I aim to instill in my students are discipline and self-esteem—qualities that can help them overcome any challenge in life. I challenge myself as an instructor by continuing to train, compete, and create fun and engaging classes for both beginners and black belts.

A fun reason I started martial arts was to be involved with my family—my father and brother were already training, and it was exciting to be able to do something meaningful together.

One of my most memorable moments was when a student’s family shared how what they learned in class helped them at school. The student had gained the confidence to stand up for what was right and even defended herself effectively when needed. It’s moments like these that remind me why I teach. And of course, seeing a student have a “lightbulb” moment is always amazing—whether it’s mastering a tough kick or finding their balance, those smiles are priceless.