About Me

My name is Joelle Nañawa and I am a certified personal trainer (NASM), nutrition coach (Nutritional Therapy Association), women’s self defense instructor (Soul Punch Academy), long-time martial arts student, humble teacher, and proud founder of Warrior Healing Arts — an online and in-person platform dedicated to harmonizing the world and its citizens through martial arts, inclusive fitness, mindfulness, and holistic lifestyle choices.

A Little More About My Path So Far…

Like many who find themselves in the healing arts, my journey began with personal challenges. Throughout much of my life, I’ve felt ruthlessly tugged between extremes — from overeating and under-eating, to intense weight fluctuations and a hyper-sedentary lifestyle followed by rigid fitness regimens. These polarized experiences led me to ask: what does balance really mean, and is it even attainable?

Through self-observation, therapy, mentorship, and learning to hold space for complexity and nuance, I discovered the power of creating my own dynamic balance. I’ve come to understand that the antidotes to self-criticism and perfectionism are compassion and curiosity. These qualities now guide me as I help others find their own paths to wellness and harmony. For me, balance isn't about eliminating extremes — it's about embracing them, understanding their place, and discovering the ever-shifting middle ground where true well-being resides.

My Journey Into Martial Arts

In my early twenties, martial arts and mindfulness became anchor points. What began as a tug of curiosity evolved into a path that helped me break cycles of addiction, disordered eating, and a tumultuous relationship with my body image. Martial arts rekindled my passion for purposeful movement and inner strength, while mindfulness gave me tools for introspection and self-acceptance. Together, they led me toward resilience, self-discovery, and a deeper sense of balance.

My pursuit of embodied knowledge has taken me across the globe — from Kung Fu, Capoeira, and T’ai Chi, to Kali, Pencak Silat, and Kempo. Across all these arts, I've found a common thread: strength, balance, and wisdom. While martial arts certainly offer ultimate fitness and self-defense, many traditions emphasize the refining of one’s true nature as a worthwhile goal. I’ve come to see the warrior spirit not only as a source of personal growth but also as a force for activism and positive social impact.

The Warrior Spirit and Restorative Justice

As a biracial, first-generation immigrant on my father’s side (Philippines, represent!), I’ve navigated various intersections of privilege and marginalization. I believe it’s essential to examine both my proximity to power and the systems of oppression that have impacted my ancestors, my community, and myself.

Through continuous learning and unlearning, I’ve come to recognize that my lived experience and evolving knowledge allow me to bring a unique perspective to the often privileged world of wellness. My goal is to help open doors and make wellness accessible to all — not just at the individual level, but through community and systemic change. I believe the spirit cultivated through martial arts can be harnessed not for war, but for the collective causes we care about — even when we lack the support or clarity to pursue them on our own.

My Vision

My philosophy is rooted in strengthening the basic foundations of health and tapping into the innate wisdom already present in each human body. I envision a world where nourishing food and clean water are accessible to everyone, where movement is inclusive and celebrated in all bodies, and where healing and creativity are available to all.

I also dream of a time when self-defense and advocacy aren’t necessary. But until then, I’m here to connect with and train as many people as I can. If anything I’ve shared resonates with you, and you’re looking for someone to support and guide you, please reach out.

I offer 1:1 personalized training in fitness, nutrition, martial arts, and mindfulness. I also teach community classes in Los Angeles and am building digital offerings to support broader communities around the world.

My Martial Lineage and Training Journey

Martial arts have always been more than physical movement for me — they are a living lineage of knowledge passed down from teacher to student. I honor the mentors and traditions that have shaped my path by acknowledging them here. Each has offered me lessons in discipline, humility, and harmony.

Foundational Training
2012–2013 — Arnis and Wing Chun
Teacher: Roberto Gell

2013–2014 — Capoeira
Group: Grupo Capoeira Brasil
Teacher: Professora Pavão

2015–2023 — Shaolin Chang Quan Kung Fu, T’ai Chi Chuan, Xin Yi, Bagua
Influences: Pencak Silat and Arnis
School: Shaolin Martial Arts Center
Teacher: Mark Wright
Rank: Black Belt

Ongoing Training
2021–Present — Karaho Kempo
Teacher: Ka’imipono Kuoha
Rank: Blue Belt

Specialized Self-Defense Training
2024–present — Basic Self Defense Instructor Certification (40 hours)
Master Instructor: Gloria Marcott, Soul Punch/Defense Concepts LLC

Training Abroad
Muay Thai — Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym, Thailand
Snake Style Pencak Silat — Balitrees, Bali, Indonesia
Filipino Martial Arts — Eskrima De Campo, Cebu, Philippines

Teachers of Influence
Lindsey Wei — Wudang White Horse
Teake — Aiping Cheng Wudang School