In just a few short weeks, Jason Lindstrom has plans to expand his schedule at his martial arts studio, Patient Warrior Martial Arts, located at 105 W. Second Street in downtown Kewanee in the former Brown’s Shoes building.
After serving 25 years with the Illinois Department of Corrections, Lindstrom is retiring and hopes to add additional classes at his studio.
Lindstrom specializes in Shaolin Chuan Kung Fu, also known as Shaolinquan or Shaolin Fung Fu, one of the oldest and most respected martial arts traditions in the world. Originating over 1,500 years ago at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, the discipline is deeply rooted in Buddhism. Training emphasizes mental discipline, meditation and moral development, and is widely regarded as a path to spiritual enlightenment.
Lindstrom began his martial arts journey in his twenties.
“I did Taekwondo when I was a kid,” he said. Facing personal challenges in his mid-twenties, he sought something deeper. “I was looking for something spiritual but not religious and I kind of thought of martial arts. I wanted to try something different,” he said.
He began training under Grand Master John Morrow in 2000 and started teaching in Galva in 2008—two years before earning his black belt. While instructors typically hold a black belt before teaching, Lindstrom began under Morrow’s supervision.
Today, Lindstrom holds a third-degree black belt in Shaolin Chuan Kung Fu and a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Three years ago, he relocated his studio from Midland Plaza to its current downtown location. He currently instructs approximately 25 youth students and emphasizes the importance of structure in martial arts training. “Kids learn patience, discipline, agility, strength and coordination,” he said.
However, Lindstrom is eager to highlight that his studio serves more than just children.
“I’d like people to realize we have more than just kids’ classes here. We have students as old as 75,” he said.
In addition to youth classes, Lindstrom offers instruction for adults and advanced students, as well as a fight cardio class, which he describes as a general fitness program.
His students regularly participate in tournaments and competitions, including an upcoming event in Clinton, Iowa.
For more information about Shaolin Chuan Kung Fu or class offerings at Patient Warrior Martial Arts, interested individuals can contact Lindstrom via the business’s Facebook page or by texting 309-883-0912.
