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Nathan Skoufis knows from experience that a single person can make a huge difference. And the biggest way is by influencing the people around them.
As owner and head instructor of Guelph Family Martial Arts, the lifelong martial artist and multiple-time world champion is a passionate advocate for martial arts as a means of personal empowerment through his studio.
“If you can make an impact on one person, it really does have a ripple effect. That one person will be more positive with their interactions as they go out into the world,” Skoufis said.
“I try to give as much as I can, but I get way more back from people, families and lives that I am involved with in the community. I think it adds more to my life than I can really ever put into words. It’s been very special for me.”
Guelph Family Martial Arts celebrated its 10th anniversary in May.
“It doesn't feel like 10 years because when you are doing something that is interesting and you are passionate about, every day is a little bit different and time goes quickly,” Skoufis said.
The family martial arts studio offers training from world-class instructors with programs that teach students of all ages the discipline, respect and dedication that comes with learning martial arts.
Most of all, for Skoufis, his studio has become a space for community, inclusivity and a place where people can visit any time and call their second home.
“It really is a community resource where people just stop in, even if they are not training. They just come by to talk about their day. It’s almost like going to your neighbourhood barber shop or a friend,” Skoufis said.
“This is a place where people can come when they’ve had a really bad day. They can come in through the doors and laugh and talk to some other members of the community. And when they leave, they feel better.”
The studio might seem intimidating for some.
When they think of martial arts, Skoufis believes people often think of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai.
“Our studio is an inclusive and safe space. Even if you have no experience in martial arts, you will be welcomed,” he said.
“Our youngest student is three, and our oldest is almost 80. There’s something for everyone. Whatever your personal goal might be, there's benefits for everyone,” he said.
Skoufis, a sixth degree black belt and member of Team Canada, began his martial arts training at age four.
“When I started martial arts, it wasn’t something that I really gravitated to or really wanted to be involved with,” he said.
“I don’t know that I really understood what it was in the beginning. I think my mom got me and my brother, who’s five years older than me, involved because she wanted us to learn perseverance, discipline and self control.”
In November, Skoufis released his first children’s book, I Will Do My Best: Gemma’s Journey to Success.
Drawing from his own experiences as a martial artist, the 30-year-old crafted a story designed to inspire children through difficulties and to believe in themselves, no matter how tough the road ahead may seem.
“I think the story is really relevant. There will be times where you have self doubt, you won't believe in yourself, there will be things that are challenging," Skoufis said.
"But having someone who believes in you, in this case the instructor in the story, can make a difference. It is really a relatable story for students of all ages.”
Skoufis remains dedicated to not only his craft, but to inspiring the next generation of martial artists.
“We utilize martial arts as a vehicle to facilitate and instill a lot of life skills. Obviously, the self defence aspect is fantastic, but you will also feel more confident, and you will develop a sense of belonging,” he said.
Skoufis is grateful for all the community support he has received over the years and says he will continue to represent and advocate for his community the best way he can.
“I don't take lightly my role as a role model and an ambassador for youth,” he said.
“If it is the martial arts side, or just the community aspect, this is the only community that I will ever call home.”
Skoufis doesn't know what he would do without martial arts.
“There’s the physical side but it really transforms your life in a positive way. I know for me, for most of my life, it has given me modesty, courage, respect and has just made me a stronger person, especially when things aren’t really going your way. It has helped me to persevere past that,” he said.
“I don't think you pick martial arts, I think it really picks you.”
