Sara’s Pediatric Healing Program
Teaching pediatric patients to use the MATIO Method to manage their response to pain and stress.
The MATIO Method
The difference between passive compliance and active participation.
Between a child feeling like a patient—and a child experiencing themselves as a powerful part of the healing process.
The MATIO Method restores agency, builds resilience, and strengthens outcomes—one child at a time.
Focus Areas
At MATIO, our work is focused around two strategic areas: Inpatient and Outpatient programs.
Combined we offer our full suite of programming – Sara’s Pediatric Healing Program.
In-patient Programming
It starts at the bedside – in a hospital or clinical setting
Outpatient Programming
It continues in your community – in an in-person or virtually setting.
Program highlights
- Inpatient Programming
We meet most of our students through our medical partnerships – by way of introduction from a Child Life Specialist, Social Worker, Nurse or Physician. - Outpatient Programming
We meet most of our students through a referral source – by way of introduction from a participating family, a known community partner or direct outreach from a caretaker.
Programming is offered year-round, with no limitations or expectations of participation. As a student in our program, you are welcome to learn at your pace, participate at your comfort level and explore opportunities at your leisure. - The complete family unit – patient, sibling(s), and parent(s)/caretaker(s) are invited to participate with all access to services remaining free of charge.
- In-home, one-on-one, visits
- Martial Arts Instructor Led Community Classes for Students (in-person & virtual)
- Little Heroes Classes (ages 3-6)
- Youth Classes (ages 6 and up)
- Family Support Programming (Michigan only)
- AYA Teen Empowerment Programming (ages 11 and up) (Michigan only)
- Parent/Caregiver Education Programming
- Culinary Art Therapy/Nutrition Education Classes (in-person & virtual)
- Transportation to and from classes, engagement opportunities and special events (Michigan only)
- Access to specially tailored summer programming (Michigan only)
- Annual engagement events (Michigan only)
- Assistance with technology purchases for access to virtual programming
- Financial assistance for families-in-need
- Counseling and resources for dealing with illness and bereavement
Join MATIO
Register your child today!
Open to children ages 3 through young adulthood (including siblings), our therapeutic martial arts program is offered in-person and virtually at no cost to families.
They’ve helped my family deal with our emotions and pain when we lost our father to cancer. They’ve made us feel welcome and we love what they do for us and others.
Sadiyah H.
Frequently Asked Questions
General/Healthcare Providers
What is Therapeutic Martial Arts?
Therapeutic Martial Arts is a form of non-contact martial arts focused on breathing, imagery and gentle movements. It is designed to empower children and teens to take control over adversity and challenges in their life, emerging with tools to encourage empowerment and resilience.
How can my kids or patients do martial arts if they are sick?
Participation is adapted to an individual’s abilities, with customized modifications provided for any limitations. Meditations are proven to be extremely effective for children when they are feeling quite ill or are in pain.
Who teaches the MATIO Method? What are their qualifications?
The MATIO Method is taught by Black Belt Martial Artists who are trained and certified in therapeutic martial arts. Additional training is provided to ensure that they are able to properly respond to as the unique needs of the children and families we serve.
Does the program cost money to participate?
No. All services are provided free of charge.
This is made possible through the generosity of our donors.
Can siblings join too?
Yes, siblings are welcome and encouraged to participate in our programming. We believe in a holistic approach to care, recognizing that illness impacts an entire family, beyond only the patient diagnosed.
How many sessions/classes do you have to attend?
The choice is yours. There is no prescribed number of classes required to participate in our program.
Is it okay to miss a session/class?
Yes, absolutely. Our program is offered as an opt-in format. We recognize that life happens, especially as progress is made in medical treatment plans. We welcome you to participate when you are able.
How long is the program? # of weeks? # of sessions? Length of time?
Programming is offered year-round, with no official start or end date. There are no semesters, as is commonly offered in other complimentary organizations. In-clinic programming varies, with duration of time being determined onsite and to compliment that day’s environment. Out-patient programming also varies, with community classes traditionally ranging from 30 – 60 min.
Please contact us at programs@mymatio.org for more information.
How much does a uniform cost?
Uniforms and program materials are provided at no cost to participating students and their families.
Where are the sessions/classes held?
Geographical locations range based on in-patient partnerships. Visit our Medical Community page to learn more. Out-patient locations also vary; however, it should be noted that the bulk of these opportunities are centered around our headquarter offices in Metro Detroit, Michigan. Virtually participation is offered across all 50 states in the United States.
What times are community classes offered?
Community classes are offered at various times throughout the week. Scheduling during the traditional 5-day work week is offered after 4pm to accommodate school and work scheduling. Weekend scheduling is offered mid-morning and varies throughout the year.
Please contact us at programs@mymatio.org for more information.
Can my child participate virtually?
Yes. Please complete the registration form to become a participant in our program, noting that physician sign off is required on all applications to ensure safety for our students.
What ages can participate?
Students are welcome to begin participating as early as 3 years old. Most students age out of the program as they progress into their college years (on average 18 -20 years old). All students and their families are welcome to participate for as long or as short as they choose.
How can a family join/how can I refer a family to join?
Access our “Register Today” button on the homepage of our website or contact us directly at programs@mymatio.org to get started.
I’m a healthcare professional. How do I best present the MATIO to my patients?
MATIO seeks to be a partner to your care plan. Encourage patients to visit our website at mymatio.org or reach out to us directly to help coordinate an introduction. Please share with your patients that we are a fun, non-pharmacological Method intended to provide outcomes for empowerment and resilience building, in addition to a shared community of support. We do not intend to replace any medical treatment, but rather provide tools to help lower their pain and stress.
Parent/Caregiver/Participants
My child can’t get out of bed. Can they participate?
Yes. The MATIO Method is customizable to meet the child/student at their level. As a non-contact martial arts Method, movement can be adjusted to focus on the upper body only. Our Martial Arts Instructors will work with your medical team to ensure that any movement is safe and approved for your child to practice.
My child has balance issues. How can they participate?
Our Martial Arts Instructors are trained to adapt to your child’s needs, taking into account their physical environment and individual limitations. Modifications can be made in advance and on the spot to best accommodate your child.
My child has limited use of limbs/no use of limbs/in wheelchair. How can they participate?
Our Martial Arts Instructors are trained to adapt to your child’s needs, taking into account their physical environment and individual limitations. Modifications can be made in advance and on the spot to best accommodate your child.
What does my child need to have to participate (clothing, equipment, paperwork, tech device, etc.)?
Parents/caretakers are required to complete an online registration form, which includes sign-off for participation from your primary medical professional. Program supplies, including a martial arts uniform (Gi) and t-shirt are provided to all outpatient programming participating students. . For virtual participation, families will need a device that has the ability to sign on to Zoom. Please contact us if you are unable to access a device – we can help.
Can my child be seen by a Martial Arts Instructor when they are in the hospital?
Yes. We meet most of our participants at the bedside. Please contact us at programs@mymatio.org to learn if a martial artist is available in your geographical area. Virtual visits are also available to in-patient programming participants.
I don’t see my child’s hospital/state listed. Can I still enroll my child/refer families?
Yes, you are welcome to enroll your child to participate in our virtual outpatient programming services.
I’m a parent. Do I need a referral to join, or can I sign my child up?
No, referrals are not required to participate Anyone can refer your child to join, including you.
I am a parent with cancer. Can my child participate?
Yes, we welcome children and grandchildren of adult cancer patients to participate in our outpatient programming.
Does my child’s doctor need to give approval for their participation?
Yes. To ensure the safety of your child, we require medical sign-off for your child to participate in our programming. Please make sure to list any restrictions and/or limitations on your registration paperwork.
If my child is in remission or has recovered, can they participate?
Yes, your child and their siblings are welcome to join our program. We know pediatric illness can have lifelong implications. Our experience has shown that children in remission, or those that have recovered, still benefit greatly from our outpatient programming.
What if I don’t want to participate? Can I just come and watch first?
Yes, you are welcome to watch a community class before committing to our program. We are happy to meet with you individually to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
Can I leave at any time?
Yes, you are welcome to participate in our program for however long or short you choose. While there is no set time commitment, we do ask you to share with us if you are leaving the program so that we do not continue unwanted outreach
Do I have to like karate?
No, a like or even general understanding of karate is not required for your child to participate. Our Martial Arts Instructors will introduce movement and martial arts practices. It’s up to your child and you to determine your level on engagement in our programming. More than anything, we encourage you to give it a try!
What if my child doesn’t know how to do karate?
No worries! Our Martial Arts Instructors are all black belt trained professional and will teach your child at a pace conducive to their learning abilities. All we ask for is for that first opportunity to share our MATIO Method with you and your child.