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:  

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)


"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 Kwan 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.

" 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

'Mountain Karate Academy offers my son instruction in the art of karate while boosting his self esteem and
self confidence. It is the one activity he is involved in where I only have to tell him once to get ready to go
Michele

" I wanted my ADHD child to be involved in some type of extra-curricular activity or sport. We tried
football, t-ball, and basketball in the past. None of them kept his interest for long periods of time. When I
signed him up for karate I didn't know what to expect. I am happy to report that he is doing very well. He is
able to remain focused throughout class. He has learned to take direction from his instructors as well as his
fellow students. The classes are very motivating and have made my child feel successful at something outside
of school."   Shanda

"Since joining Mountain Karate Academy this past Summer, I have noticed several positive changes in my
daughter as a direct result of the school. The most positive gain is in her new found confidence in her athletic
abilities. The vigorous workout, combined with the challenges of learning the precise movements necessary to
progress to the next level, has instilled a great sense of pride and accomplishment in her. She has also found a
positive community with her new friends, warm staff, and professional instructors at Mountain Karate
Academy.'"  A.B.

"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

"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.

"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.  

'"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.