Web Design | Blog Writing | Social Media
June 2018 — January 2019
Mind Over Matter Karate Web & Social
I worked with Mind Over Matter Karate Dojo in Toronto to help them build their online presence: designing their website, creating blog posts and managing their Instagram.
How might we…
demonstrate the benefits of movement for young adults and kids?
showcase the dojo, its philosophy and its students?
inspire more students to join Mind Over Matter Karate?
The Website
The Mind Over Matter Karate Team had been managing all their communications via social media, and were looking for a place to house all their program information and their stories, a place to learn more about why karate means so much to them, and a place to keep sharing everything they’re learning.
Process
I had extensive chats with the Mind Over Matter founders, and learned as much as I could from their previous content. They gave me information about the class schedules and karate gear, so I could create a Class registration page and an e-store to sell their products.
The imagery they had been using up until this point was not strategic, and not the best in terms of lighting, resolution or composition. I worked closely with a photographer and videographer to attend one morning of classes at Mind Over Matter, giving art direction on visuals needed to describe the classes, atmosphere and products for sale.
I interviewed the founders about their journey in martial arts and why they started Mind Over Matter, gathering stories to share on social media and on the website’s blog. The website came together after lots of feedback and reiterations, and is now the perfect hub for Mind Over Matter’s followers. It was built on Squarespace (like this one)!
Selected Blog Posts
What Sets Mind Over Matter Karate Apart
I created this blog post after having several conversations with Mind Over Matter’s founders, students, and parents of the students. This piece shares what makes Mind Over Matter a special place, from its teaching opportunities, to tangible life skills, to incorporating fun into self-defence.
Myths & Misconceptions About Karate
I conducted my own research about martial arts and how it is conveyed in the media. I discussed these with the founders so they could set the record straight on what myths and misconceptions don’t apply at Mind Over Matter Karate.
Why is Mindfulness Important for Kids?
For this blog post, I reached out to Mindfulness Without Borders’ Executive Director & Lead Trainer, Leah Gardiner, to explore how mindfulness can be valuable for kids and young adults. I had a one-on-one with her to grab quotes and hear her thoughts on mindfulness, then wrote this piece to tie our conversation into Mind Over Matter’s values.
Mental Benefits of Martial Arts
This blog post is about the positive effects martial arts can have on the mind. Researching the values practised in martial arts, the goal of this piece is to show the relationship between the physical body and mental health by explaining how certain physical movements and actions equal psychological benefit when practised regularly.
Selected Instagram Posts
