I believe that the qualities required to succeed in life are honor, respect, discipline, hard work, and honesty. In my estimation, these core ingredients help a young man, or lady succeed in all aspects of life, personal and professional. As a father to a four year old it is my goal to make sure my child evolves into a person with these qualities. I always anticipated quite a long road for these to be instilled in my youngster so you can imagine my surprise when these qualities are constantly placed at the forefront of each session with Sensei Shoen and supported throughout each class at Family Martial Arts Academy.
I am so personally pleased with the work Sensei has done for/with my child that I can never repay him. When I last left off my athletic career some 10 years ago I was at the top of my sport in the college ranks. I had gone through years and years, 12 years all told of drills, practice and games so I know what counts when it comes to athletics. When my son started at Family Martial Arts Academy I did not know what to expect of the class but I did have high standards for him. I was uncomfortable with the awkwardness that my son displayed, (mind you he was only 3 when he started), and his attention span was good but he seemed to drift sometimes and get tired. He went through nearly six months of class, and I went through the same period of time of uncomfortable feelings watching him flounder around class. The one thing that was so noticeable to us was that he always was so happy in class and so excited to attend Karate.
A time came when my wife and I weren't sure if we should keep him in the karate. When we approached, our son about this he acted surprised, and said no way that he loved class, and really liked Sensei. We reluctantly let him stay in the class and it has paid off in so many ways. My son has personally grown in just over a year to be such a responsible young man, helping around the house, looking adults in the eye when introducing himself, treating his mother, sister and I with a high level of respect and love. Furthermore, my son has developed a level of self-confidence, physical strength and awareness of how to handle his body that I personally did not develop until I was much older. In addition, with each graduation we have seen his confidence and excitement for karate grow and grow.
In short our son has been selected to participate in the Black Belt Club. Our entire core family sees that as such an honor, not only because we respect the hard work that is required to participate in Black Belt Club in addition to normal practice but because he is exposed to the wonderful teachings and guidance of Sensei Shoen. Providing him not only physical instruction, but mental discipline and life lessons that he shares with his students on a daily basis.
Thank you Sensei for being such an important part of our lives,
David & Ruth Lasecki
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