A quarter-century of hope
For over twenty-five years, our story has been about helping children find their power, peace and purpose.
Our Story
An evolving journey to empower children
In 1999, Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg started Kids Kicking Cancer in response to the amazing benefits he found that martial arts meditation and breathing techniques have for those in great pain and stress – particularly children.
As the program began to develop, parents, doctors, nurses and many others began to comment on the changes they saw in the boys and girls who had joined our classes. These adults were nothing short of mesmerized as they witnessed kids utilizing a technique for taking control of pain, fear and anger. In addition, the children became natural teachers of these methods.
Backed by research, our martial arts-based meditative techniques have proven successful in reducing pain and stress in children with cancer and other chronic illnesses, as well as their otherwise healthy siblings.
As a result, our program expanded from servicing only pediatric cancer patients, into an initiative dedicated to lowering the pain and stress of all children.
Our Evolution
We’ve entered a powerful new chapter.
Our organization has a new name:
MATIO – Martial Arts Therapy. Inside & Out.
While our name has changed, our mission is stronger than ever. We remain committed to empowering children and families through evidence-based, non-pharmacological care rooted in the principles of martial arts.
Thank you for being part of our evolving journey!
Timeline
Key moments in our journey
1999
Kids Kicking Cancer launches at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
A bold vision begins: empowering children through martial arts-based healing.
2000-2005
Hospital partnerships expand across Michigan and New York.
The program grows beyond oncology to support children with sickle cell, hemophilia, organ transplants, and chronic illnesses.
2004
First Kids Kicking Sickle Cell program launches.
Specialized classes create safe spaces for new communities of healing.
2009-2013
The Heroes Circle crosses borders: Canada, Italy, Israel.
Global partnerships take Power, Peace, and Purpose to the world stage.
2013-2017
National and international media shine a spotlight on the mission.
Features on Good Morning America, NBC’s Today Show, CNN’s Top Ten Heroes, and more.
2015-2018
New hospital partners: Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and more.
Launch of the Heroes Circle Elementary School Pilot Program in Michigan.
2019-2021
Expansion into Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, and Australia.
First Pediatric Psychosocial and Palliative Care Conference held; virtual programming launched globally during the pandemic.
2021
The Heroes Circle name and logo officially implemented.
Teen Program and Parent Support Programs deepen family engagement.
2022-2023
School programs expand to middle school students; Culinary Art Therapy Program introduced.
Research Compendium published showcasing evidence-based outcomes.
2022-2024
New hospital sites launched across Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Tennessee.
Virtual hospital visits break barriers to access.
2025 – Present
A New Chapter Begins as the organization rebrands as MATIO. Martial Arts Therapy. Inside & Out.
The next generation of Power, Peace, and Purpose takes flight.