Maitera in Japanese means my temple. Inspired by the ancient lineage of Buddhist monks defending their temples with the open hand techniques, Maitera teaches kids how to defend and honor their modern-day temples — their minds, bodies, and spirits through enrichment programs and seminars.

Created by Margaret Izotov, a third-degree black belt in Shotokan karate, she aims to share her passion and knowledge of martial arts as she continues along her own journey.

She is currently enrolled in SDSU’s Master’s Program in Child Development, where she developed the BEST PAL Training program to help coaches improve executive functioning skills with neurodiverse and neurotypical students. Her goal is to create a space where a diverse group of students develop a love for martial arts while improving their emotional regulation, executive functioning, and motor skills.