Testimonials

Description

"Karate American has been a wonderful experience for our children. We have been very pleased to watch as their confidence and skill continue to grow. The Karate American instructors and students offer a true sense of belonging and treat each other like family."
     — The Long Family

"Since joining Karate American, my children have gone from being teased to being a team leader amongst other kids their age. Both of them have learned respect for others and themselves."
     — The Barnett Family

"Karate has allowed me to share a common experience with my children. We share the difficulties that inevitably come up, and help each other out when we need assistance with a particularly difficult technique or move. It really is rewarding to watch them deal with new challenges and to eventually succeed in mastering them.

One of the more amazing things is their increased desire to compete, and to put themselves in situations that they probably would have been too self-conscious to do before starting Karate. In general Karate has been one of the best character-building activities I have involved my children in."
     — Tom Sulzer

"People come to the martial arts for many different reasons. Most start young as my daughter Cassie did. She had an interest fostered by an uncle, plus dissatisfaction with team sports. Being quite a bit smaller than other children her age, she had a difficult time with t-ball and basketball. But that is her story and she can tell it much better than I.

Why does an adult choose the martial arts? Self-defense, fitness, friends or just to meet new people, while trying something different. All good reasons, and examples of what we have experienced at Karate American. While spending 3 plus years watching our daughter, we picked up some self-defense and made quite a few friends. What was missing were the many other benefits you get from actually participating. Fitness, flexibility, confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

As we started moving into and through our forties, we decided it was time to make an attempt to turn back the hands of time. You notice that extra roll. Those tasks that you did everyday seem to take longer. Debbie tried the gym thing. It didn't work for her. A lack of understanding turned into a lack of enthusiasm.

For years the instructors at Karate American had attempted to get us to give it a try. Neither of us had ever done any sports and felt it would be too difficult. Not only to physically do what was required, but mentally it looked overwhelming.

We saw what it did for our daughter, but could we actually do it.

One evening we decided to try an intro lesson, which turned into two, then a commitment to get our gold belts.

Those first lessons were indeed difficult. Just getting through the pre-class stretching was a work-out in itself.

The numerous instructors at Karate American made it surprisingly easy to work our way through the belt requirements. Reflecting on Debs' failed gym experiences, we understand why it wasn't successful. Not knowing why she was doing certain exercises left her tentative. At Karate American a black belt instructor leads you through your whole class. No need to find the trainer. Your trainer is only a couple of feet away and watching you throughout class. Instructing and encouraging you the whole way.

Some classes you just don't seem to have it. It's great how the other students will rally around you and provide the encouragement to get you through. Every belt has requirements that must be met. Goal setting has been easy. You see that next belt on the wall you know what you have to do to get it.

It has been two years (Oct. 2006) since we started our 'journey'. It has not been without its difficulties. Apprehension still creeps in now and then. But with proper instruction you cannot imagine the satisfaction you feel when at 47 years of age you do your first 'tornado' kick.

This sense of accomplishment stays with you and gives you confidence to do many things outside of karate. Every day you are presented with difficult situations, many of these we either put off or refuse to face. You now have the confidence to push forward.

Mr. Smith and Mr. Huff have done a great job exposing the students to different styles of martial arts. The 'American freestyle' style we are learning is composed from many different styles. There are curriculums offered in other styles. We will be studying the Aikido starting this fall. One of its claims is you get better at it the older you get. If you like a 'harder' style, judo and taekwondo are also offered.

We could go on and on about the benefits we have gained from Karate American. Increased fitness from a full body work-out. The friendships created at the studio and special events we have attended. Confidence from performing things you thought were impossible. Respect for an art over a 1000 years old. Lastly, something we hope to never use, self-defense."
     — The Kaisler Family