Sixteen years ago I moved to Alexandria with my wife, Holly. I opened the Kingstowne dojo — first painting the walls and laying the tile by hand, then standing outside handing flyers to potential students. A few years later, we opened the Old Towne dojo, which Holly ran until our first son was born. Then…
Author: Five Backpacks Family
Not all who wander are lost — we are living nomadically, exploring, and wandering to learn about the world, its people, and ourselves.
Chris and Holly Santillo are not your regular authors.
They are the epitome of the Latin phrase “Mens sana in corpore sano,” which means “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”
Having strong backgrounds in Martial Arts with Chris being the founder and Head Instructor at Potomac Kempo in Alexandria, Virginia, and Holly being a Senior Instructor, they have managed to develop the principles of Martial Arts into a cohesive parenting methodology.
They believe that children (and parents) with broader horizons and an open mind can sow the seeds for future generations of confident, strong, and resilient adults.
Now, you can find them gliding through the Siberian steppes on the Trans-Siberian Railway, visiting the buzzing markets of Samarkand on the Silk Road, or wondering at the vastness of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. They have decided to live a nomadic life and explore the world with their three boys in order to bring back memories, ideas, experiences, and a fresh view on life.
Join their epic journey at www.FiveBackpacks.family, visit www.ResilienceParenting.info for more information on their book, and www.PotomacKempo.com to learn about their Martial Arts teachings.
The Open Road
I am rapt with feelings of providence. Chris, my partner in all things constantly challenges and reaffirms me. He is a compass, a rock, and an open sea. The children are a steady source of laughter and purpose. With them, there is no end to discovery and possibility. Here we are, prosperity abounding, and yet I…