dad about town
JASON CHURCH BY MADELINE PISTORIUS
M eet Jason Church, who many know as the owner of Move! Best Kids in New Orleans. Jason followed his lifelong dream of becoming a karate instructor, and created a welcoming programming space where both kids and adults of all interests and abilities can grow and learn valuable skills. He’s often cracking jokes with his daughters, heading out for sushi with his wife, Katelyn, or—these days— carrying around a diaper bag for their newest addition, Celine. Whether he’s with students, family, or out in the community, Jason leads with kindness and lives by the values he teaches. WHAT’S THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? Jason: Watching them grow and develop personalities. My almost-15-year-old is really fantastic and helpful. She’s around everything, and I am seeing her develop into a person where she likes to teach the classes and work with kids, helping in camp. My other daughter is really into gymnastics, and she’s become super physical. I just saw her first competition over the weekend, and watching her do some of that physical stuff was just really cool to see. She’s got a good personality, too. The baby, you know, she’s starting to talk and it’s so fun. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY? Jason: We enjoy getting sushi. I got engaged to my wife at Little Tokyo [restaurant], and we’ve probably been to almost every sushi place that’s around. But, Little Tokyo is one of our favorite places. Now, because of the baby, we spend a lot of time at home. We used to go to the movies a little bit, but we’re not taking a baby to the theater. So when the girls aren’t doing gymnastics or tournament teams, we’re usually around the house or out shopping, driving, and things like that. WHAT DO YOU HOPE STUDENTS GAIN FROM YOUR CLASSES AND PROGRAMS? Jason: I was taught from a young age while
Occupation: Business owner and head instructor at Move! Best Kids. Children: Kaia, 14; Eve, 10; Celine, 1 Wife: Katelyn Hobbies: Baking and decorating cakes and family time.
to New Orleans in 2013 to open up my own space and to help grow my family. I really wanted the opportunity to have a space of my own. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR CHILDREN LEARN FROM WATCHING YOU BUILD AND LEAD A BUSINESS? Jason: It’s so funny because my oldest is a perfect example. She is a very professional— but short —person. When most of my staff members first come in, she’s helping them learn what to do and how to do it. At her age, it’s always impressive, especially when they give feedback and say, “I thought she was One word to describe me is… funny, according to Kaia. Something that is always in the fridge is… milk and cheese. A parenting item I can’t live without is… specifically in life right now, the diaper bag. I feel my best… (it’s cliche, but) when I’m with my family.
in the martial arts industry that karate helps everyone, even those in other sports. With good coaches and teachers, the same values and beliefs can be instilled in any team, no matter if it’s karate or not. I wanted to expand opportunities for all kids to get involved. Because karate is kind of a niche—it’s not for everybody—we opened up our programs to dance and parkour. My future goal is to open up a gymnastics or tumbling portion. We have coaches who teach focus, respect, integrity, concentration, teamwork, and leadership. These lessons can be taught through anything and in many ways. If kids come here, they’re going to have a great experience and learn to be better people.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
Jason: I’ve been doing martial arts since I was 10 years old. In my eighth grade yearbook, I actually have “to be a karate instructor” written under “What do you want to be when you grow up?” So it’s kind of funny that I was able to become a karate instructor. I moved
12 APRIL 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM
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