| Benefits of the Martial Arts |
Most people are anxious to advance and improve
themselves, especially children. In addition to belt
advancement, the martial arts offer much more:
themselves, especially children. In addition to belt
advancement, the martial arts offer much more:
 | Street awareness | |
| Integrity | |
| Confidence | |
| Respect for self and others | |
| Discipline | |
| Perseverance | |
| Protection against predators | |
| Self Defense | |
| Concentration | |
| Values | |
| Positive Attitude | |
| Self Esteem | |
| Better Grades | |
| Humility | |
| Focus | |
| Physical Fitness | |
| Friendships | |
| Competition (not a requirement) | |
| Stranger Danger awareness | |
| How to deal with bullies | |
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Our Daughter, Caitlin, has been taking karate for two years now. We are so pleased with the wonderful
lessons our daughter has learned. Not only does she gain confidence by obtaining belts and learning moves,
she also has learned the importance of discipline and respect. She has also gained the ability to concentrate
better. Besides karate, she is taught the importance of community and they also stress stranger danger.
Master Paul and Instructor Rich present all of this in a way which is fun and exciting and the exercise is
great for the kids. Thank you Mountain Karate!
LS and CS
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WOW! We are blessed to have found Mountain Karate Academy. Our sons are in the Special Needs
Mentally Disabled class on Saturdays. They have shown amazing progress in all areas since becoming
involved with Karate. They are eager and willing to learn new skills. We continue to be in awe of their
progress. Mountain Karate Academy has made a huge impact in all of our lives.
LH and WH
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Any child would benefit from Karate, but as a mother of a child that has problems focusing and constantly
falling down, I highly recommend Karate. I can vouch for the therapeutic values, as I've seen it work for my
child, and myself as well !
My child, who is now 7, was lacking confidence, she is shy and always seems afraid of things. After being in
Karate for a short time, i could see her confidence grow. Once a child has confidence, everything else seems to
start to fall into place.
One of the most important things, i feel, was her inability to concentrate/focus and always falling down. I
was so concerned with her falling issues, that i spoke with an Occupational Therapist. My child also has
sensory issues. The Therapist told me that one of the best things i could have done for her, was to have her in
Karate!!
Now Iunderstand why........
Every time she makes a "Karate move" she has think about the move before she does it. Its a planned move.
Its organized movement....... Good for focusing, But most importantly........ She is also getting proprioceptive
in-put,( the jumping and assorted movements for sensory issues), which also helps the brain to properly
process any incoming information. It all works together. I see the difference in my daughter in all those areas.
Since I began training, Karate has also helped me as far as being focused on what i'm doing outside of
Karate.... quite amazing!
We love everyone at Mountain Karate Academy, it's like a big family.
We always look forward to going........................
K.F.
"It is not easy for a child who faces many challenges to have a great self-esteem, confidence and self-
determination. Our son has life-threatening food allergies, Asperger’s Autism and Sensory Processing
Disorder, all of which are hidden disabilities. He often gets judged unfairly by his peers and adults because
of his unseen differences. We enrolled our son at Mountain Karate in September of 2008. Since that time we
have seen a confident little boy emerge. Master Paul and Instructor Rich treat all the students with the
respect they deserve, the expectation of hard work, and the knowledge that every child or adult can succeed
with the right tools. No one is singled out negatively for their lack of ability, only encouragement is heard in
the Dojang.
In three short months, our son has tested and gained his yellow belt. But he has achieved something more
than just a colored belt around his waist. With this achievement his self-esteem has increased greatly. He
has confidence in himself and is determined to be “just like Master Paul” by setting the goal of attaining his
black belt to the fourth degree. He is now able to compete in a sport that allows him to be himself without
judgment from outsiders and he is confident enough to do his best and try harder and harder with each class.
If you are having any reservations about enrolling yourself or your child in Tae Kwon Do with Mountain
Karate, just move forward and do it. Don’t wait like we did. This has been the best experience for our son
and for us. It hasn’t removed any of challenges our son faces, but it sure is making them easier for him to face
with confidence and self-determination. We look forward to many more years at Mountain Karate with
Master Paul and Instructor Rich." L.R.
The preceding testimonial was written in 2008 when this student was in the early stage of his martial arts journey. This
boy tested on April 28, 2010, for his brown belt. (the last color belt before black belt). He wrote the following essay:
" Tae Kwon Do has improved a lot of things in my life. I will list some of those things in the following
paragraphs.
Tae Kwon Do has given me the self-confidence to be able to talk to all ages of people. In Illuminate
sessions, at school, I am not afraid to raise my hand to answer questions. At Disney World, I am
confident to talk to cast members to trade pins.
Tae Kwon Do has given me the determination to do better in Math and other subjects. Instead of saying
"I don't know" I try to figure out a possible answer.
Tae Kwon Do has helped me with my balance and coordination. I don't fall over as much when we do
one footed drills at karate. When I ride my bike, I can go fast and not fall.
The six aspects of Tae Kwon Do are speed, power, focus, balance, accuracy and relaxation. All of
these things have changed my personality and made me a better person."
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"I have a 10 year old daughter, she has been taking karate for a little over a year now. Before karate she was
a girl without a lot of self confidence and was being picked on by other kids. Now she carries herself with
pride and her confidence shows through. She does not get bullied anymore and is a much happier and secure
child." Beki___________________________________________________________
"My daughter has only been in karate a short time, but she absolutely loves going! I feel it is teaching her self
confidence and discipline. She is also benefiting from the exercise and it's helping her with coordination and
stamina. Thank you!" Becky__________________________________________________
"I am so thrilled with Mountain Karate'. My son Anthony has finally found a sports activity that he enjoys.
He is stretching, conditioning and enhancing his focusing skills, while building his self esteem as a by-
product. The "Dream Come True" Telethon was a great experience for him and our family. Thank you so
much for all you do!
I pray for your continued success," Denise_(this testimonial was written a few years back. In 2010 Anthony earned
his black belt and continues to train and grow at Mountain Karate Academy)______________________________________
"My children attended a free class at Mountain Karate Academy in May of '07and they absolutely loved it.
When they came home, they both were very excited, and I heard comments such as, 'It was cool, great! I had
so much fun!' We signed them both up immediately. Since then, my children (ages 8 and 10) have been
taught so many terrific things. Not only have they been learning how to defend themselves in this very
uncertain world, but our instructors are weaving in discipline, self-confidence, and respect. When I asked
my children why they enjoy going to Karate class, they responded ,' We have good instructors, we learn to
defend ourselves in certain situations, and we play games that teach you to defend yourself if needed.'
I then took a class to see if karate was for me, and it definitely is! I personally enjoy the great all around
workout, as well as the self-defense being taught. I too get a personal sense of accomplishment.
I believe the best part of taking karate classes is that I am really able to connect with my kids, as we all have
something in common. We are able to help each other practice at home. We also share in the success of
advancing and earning our next colored belt. I would recommend Mountain Karate Academy to anyone,
young or old. There is no wrong time to start training in the Martial Arts. We truly enjoy being students at
Mountain Karate Academy!" J.C._( This entire family, who posted this years ago are now black belts and continue to
train and teach at Mountain Karate Academy)___________________________________________
"My sons, age 6 and 9, joined the ranks of Mountain Karate in the Spring of 2007. It wasn't long before I
started seeing positive results from their training. The program that the instructors have put together blends
the aspects of discipline, physical fitness, and a variety of martial arts techniques. After only a few months of
routine attendance, I have seen them set and accomplish goals, learn how to defend themselves and become
more physically fit. Their focus and discipline has increased as well, not just in the dojang but also at home
and at school. My wife and I have encouraged them to try a variety of activities ranging from bowling
leagues to organized sports. Karate is one thing I believe they will continue for a long time. They both have
set lofty goals for themselves in the martial arts and are looking forward to accomplishing them over the next
few years. Personally, I was so impressed with the program that I decided to join the adult class in October.
It is a great workout and rewarding to be able to receive instruction from high rank black belts trained in a
variety of martial arts styles. The most rewarding thing of all has been sharing the experience of studying
martial arts with my sons." T.H., A.H., and J.H. (This entire family has also continued in the Martial Arts and
are all now black belts, training and teaching at Mountain Karate Academy)_________________________________
'"Over a decade ago, I took my first karate class. There were many things I wanted to become and many other
things I already was and did not realize. Those first few years I learned many techniques but learned little of
the positive character which molds a student into a martial artist rather than into a fighter. I stepped away
from my formal training because of this and many other reasons for which I hold no regrets. My love of
karate had me always coming back to it and training by myself yet realizing my goal of earning a black belt
and more had no direction and milestones to set my focus. In May as I walked into Mountain Karate
Academy I found my direction to focus my positive intentions! I am about to reach a milestone in earning my
brown belt, and have my sights set on earning that elusive black belt before my 40th birthday and continuing
for a lifetime of personal growth. Along the way I look forward to helping others achieve whatever their
positive goals my be while they unknowingly help me achieve my own." S.S. ( This student is now a black belt
instructor at Mountain Karate)__________________
Finding activities and sports for a child with Special Needs is not easy. Up until now Karate was
never an option. A year ago I had heard about a Special Needs class being offered at Mountain
Karate. We decided to give it a try. A year later my daughter still attends weekly and loves it! The
program has benefited her in so many ways, the biggest being a sense of pride and accomplishment.
There have also been other areas that are improved. She is able to focus much better on any task that
she is doing. I could go on and on,.But also I want to add what a great staff they have. The
instructors and helpers make it so enjoyable. Thanks Mountain Karate for offering this wonderful
class!!
D. S.
