Written by: David Weiss, Father of Student(s)
On Behalf of:
I highly recommend the USMA Dojo. Let me tell you why:
I have two daughters, 4 years and 6 years old currently, that are students at the USMA Dojo. Both started learning, each around the age of 3, while taking lessons the Sensei offered at a local day care.
As new parents, at first, my wife and I signed the children up for as many extra-curricular activities as we could handle. We had them going to dance, drama, Spanish, gymnastics, and of course karate. It was too much for us, not just monetarily, and too much for them.
When we found out more about what the kids were learning at karate we desired to have the kids continue the activity beyond day care, and perhaps, their choice as they get older, for life.
USMA is led by a highly intelligent, outgoing and friendly, unique personality that everyone knows as Sensei Paul. In my opinion Sensei Paul is as skilled a teacher and school administrator, as he is a martial artist. My children are very fond of Sensei Paul, as they are the other Sensei's, Justin, Josh, Susan, Matt, Chris and Mark for sure. In fact after a year(s) of being a personal spectator during classes, I perceive the relationships between the Sensei's and their students, my children and others, still remain teacher-student, but in many ways grow beyond to where it looks and feels like family.
My children learn things at USMA that I doubt they will learn, or learn as quickly, by participating in more common child related activities. Of course they are taught martial arts, and hopefully if the need was ever called upon they could protect themselves, and ultimately be safe. Sensei spends time, especially with the younger students, talking about respecting mom/dad, resisting inevitable group peer pressures that can cause children to battle on the playground or at school, stranger dangers and bully dangers, working hard at school, just plain working hard. Young children often have a limited attention span, and so of course, Sensei helps kids improve their ability to stay focused.
Through the belt system, my children learn that through hard work and developed skills they will be rewarded and recognized for their achievements. They learn to respect the individuals who hold the higher belts for their achievements. In addition, Sensei employs other techniques, which from time to time he changes to keep it fresh and interesting. Of late, at the end of each class a student or students if appropriate, will be rewarded with an MVP Certificate and recognized by the Sensei in front of his/her peers. The certificates can be redeemed, in multiples of 10, for some really great gifts, but no gift as great as being recognized in front of the group at the end of class.
As you can see from above, in addition to learning skills that may one day prove to save my daughters lives, they learn much more, eventually confidence, and likely a lot more than they would be learning at pee wee soccer, or dance, or even gymnastics.
I am no connoisseur of martial arts dojo's, and I suppose I found USMA somewhat by chance, but I wouldn't switch to any other dojo unless my company transferred me out of the area, and I can tell you that the transfer option has been proposed, and a factor in my decisions to forego the career opportunity was the fact that I want my kids to learn as much as they can from USMA.
From: Peter and Claudia Barzen
Our children have special needs and the classes at U.S. Martial Arts have been an amazing experience for them. We sought the classes to help boost their self-confidence and we have found much more. The whole philosophy and spirit of the dojo make it a great place where kids are getting great lessons for life. They have to practice on their eye-hand coordination and crossing of mid-line. They have to be attentive at all times, and respect and discipline are always enforced. They are always encouraged to doe their best and they are treated just like all the other children. Our kids are proud when the Senseis commend them for their efforts. They are proud of their accomplishments. We have seen a boost in their self-esteem and believe that they will be able to stand for themselves. The dojo has a great quality of teachers. We started with one class a week and now we are doing two since it has become an important part of our kids lives. We are glad we enrolled the kids at U.S. Martial Arts.
From: Mr & Mrs Michael
Since joining the Little Tigers program at U.S. Martial Arts Ray Jr. has developed great habits such as endurance as he is able to "stand like a statue" for several minutes at a time and focus to enable him to execute high kicks and deliver defense punches. What we like and appreciate the most about U.S. Martial Arts is that our son has fun while at the dojo. He absolutely loves Sensei Justin who had been his Sensei for the first six months. After a recent lesson, we asked our son why he had the sillies at the dojo, he said because he was happy at the dojo. There is no doubt in our minds that our son is gaining strength and learning self-defense techniques as we watch him practice what he has learned at the dojo with his older siblings at home. At U.S. Martial Arts, our son is gaining skill in the arts while learning how to deal with bullying and strangers and all along he is having tremendous fun in the process.
