We had the good fortune of connecting with Joelle Nanawa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joelle, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As a martial arts instructor and personal trainer, I guide others in developing physical strength and coordination. But on a deeper level, my business is about helping people find balance between extremes in a world often consumed by all-or-nothing thinking. Martial arts embody essential principles of balance, mindfulness, compassion, and discipline, and through this work, I help individuals cultivate that greater harmony within themselves. Once that inner balance is achieved, I think it has the potential to extend beyond the self, contributing to a more harmonious collective equilibrium. Additionally, inclusivity is at the core of my approach, and I am deeply committed to making these holistic practices accessible to individuals from all walks of life, rather than reserving them for a privileged few. This commitment upholds my belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue mindfulness and self-actualization, which will hopefully lead to a more balanced world for us all.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My business is called Warrior Healing Arts and it has been an amazing vessel for me to explore and combine several passions of mine such as martial arts, holistic nutrition, exercise science and mindfulness. While these areas have been pivotal in my journey, I’ve also noticed how traditional health and fitness spaces can sometimes feel exclusive or intimidating. I strive to offer my clients a safe space for them to explore the benefits of martial arts fitness, strength training, and activism participation without some of the stressors of peer pressure, aesthetics, perfectionism and competition. I was someone who needed non-judgmental and compassionate exercise guidance, as well as accountability and support in achieving my wellness goals, and so I first became that person for myself so that I could be that person for others.

I am also in the process of figuring out how I can show up throughout various communities, both online and in person. I’m blending different business strategies, taking elements of traditional martial arts and studio fitness, adding in aspects of trauma-informed care, activism, and spirituality and doing my best to wrap it all up into something empowering, accessible, AND marketable – which has been a lot to integrate! I haven’t found too many examples of people that I can particularly emulate (although I do have a lot of incredibly inspiring mentors), so the journey of exploring the path and defining it as I go continues!

Ultimately, the goal for Warrior Healing Arts is to be more than a business—it’s about cultivating a community grounded in compassion, connection, justice, and expression. My greatest hope and aspiration is that we collectively dream of and then create a world that uplifts and honors all walks of life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The diversity of food and experiences in LA is what truly sets us apart, in my opinion, so a day exploring the different pockets of life that exist here would be an incredible encapsulation of this city’s essence. I’d start by taking a guest on a botanical tour at the Huntington Library to explore the various expressions of culture and nature that co-exist there. Then, you could venture to the Grand Central Market in DTLA to indulge in the wide array of global and local cuisines, and finally finish the night off with drinks and ecstatic dance at Malibu Wines and Beer Garden!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out both my mother Tammy as well as my trailmate, battle buddy, and fiancé, Paul! They have always given me unwavering support in my endeavors and I couldn’t have nurtured a passion-based business without them.

Website: www.warriorhealingarts.com

Instagram: @warriorhealingarts

Image Credits
The high resolution T’ai chi fan pictures were taken by Paul Olaechea; The fire staff picture was taken by Chanel Baran; The waterfall sword picture was taken by Lintz Martinique Hadley

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