Background (My Story)

Hello, my name is Joel Iverson.  I am passionate about helping people enrich their lives. I want to be a guide to help realize a person's full potential. 

The Art of Life Sanctuary is not just a Martial Arts club. People from near and far have come to learn techniques to protect themselves and their families, We are a non-judgmental place.  We do not just punch and kick, you could stay home and do that, we teach people how to work through their limitations and teach how to resolve conflict through the exclusive art of To-Shin Do Ninjutsu, which was founded by the great Stephen K. Hayes. 

The Art of Life Sanctuary Website

Why should you care?

I am not looking to make a huge profit with the Art of Life. Believe it or not, my main goal is affording people the opportunity to receive instruction at a fair price, but also working with others that may have financial limitations. Part of my plan is to give seminars in schools to help guide young people on how to deal with situations with confidence, without fear, and give them a better chance for a positive outcome each and every time a problem presents itself. Character education, creating a moral compass and empowering individuals is vitally important. Not only are we a learning center, but a refuge that creates lifelong bonds in the process. We are temporarily housed in Downtown Detroit, we need a permanent home that is centrally located.    

Individuals that have had a horrific experience in their lives, I want to help them. I want to give a person the tools they need to not only heal, but to thrive! I have seen students come to me merely going through the motions in life, to actually love living again. That is one of the most awesome things I have ever seen in my life. 

What I need to accomplish my goal

My main goal in asking for donations is to buy a building. I need a modest 1000-2000 square feet. I would love to have the money to remodel and equip it with the needed things but the reality is; I will do it one way or another. If I could get just one dollar from each person that reads this, this campaign will have been successful (of course those of you that can donate more, feel free to).  If my goal is not reached, I will use the money raised to reach out with advertising in order to bring in more students to eventually realize the initial goal of purchasing a building.

Why you should trust me?

Any of you that know myself or my family can attest that I am an honest, hardworking person. I have never cheated anyone. I do not operate in gray areas, what you see is what you get. I believe that my life's mission is contributing to the betterment of individuals and the community as a whole. Like the proverbial Phoenix rising from the ashes, I want to help others rise as well, can you help me? 

What if you cannot help me?

I understand that some of you reading this are limited financially, believe me, I understand. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for reading this campaign and ask that you do me a favor. Can you help me get the word out? Can you forward this campaign to a few of your colleagues, friends or family that may be interested, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and be well!

Warmest Regards, Joel Iverson