I have had my son in Pete's Karate on two separate occasions. He initially started under the tutelage of Sensei Pete at 5 when frustrated with his behavior in school and needing to find him stronger male role models, I enrolled him. It was the best thing I ever did. My son became more assertive, disciplined and even his teachers saw a change in him. I initially brought him 3 times a week and eventually went on to bring him 5 times a week. I only pulled him out due to the distance. I realized last year that both my children needed to go back and as a family, sacrifices were made to do that. I'm glad I did.
I have never seen Shingon be disrespectful to either the students or the parents. His intensity and passion for the sport shows in everything he does and yes, Peter Allende Jr. is the Ying to his father's Yang. Both have the same commitment to the students, yet both have a different approach, with the same results. Shingon is so intense and that intensity can radiate to his students. Something we no longer see in an age where all kids are made to believe that ""every one is a winner""...until they get to the real world and are faced with major disappointments they can recover from.
Children in this day and age are coddled way too much. They're treated like precious glass that is too easily broken. Why would you put your children in Karate and expect them to be treated like Princesses? Karate is a FIGHTING SPORT? Did you think they dance their way to a trophy? Shingon does not disrespect, but he's not going to 'baby' your child either. That won't help him/her win in the sport or at life. We already live in a world where we are taught everything is easy and we end up with teenagers on medications cause they can't cope with the harshness of high school? Ridiculous. Life is tough and full of road blocks. I brought my kids back to Pete's Karate because they're taught that when life throws a roadblock in front of them, they'll be able to kick it down!!!
When you have a child committed to learning and a parent who can appreciate and supplement the discipline it takes to strive towards greatness, you can't lose. As a matter of fact, Pete's Karate should ENHANCE the discipline your children should already be receiving AT HOME. Children who do well in Pete's Karate, (and it doesn't have to be in competitions, but during practice, in academia, and in life) have adults in their lives with the parenting skills it takes to raise successful children in any type of environment. No child is perfect, (mine are far from it), but blaming Pete's Karate on your children's failures will not help you or your child succeed at anything.
Regarding their teaching style. What good martial arts school gives you ""curriculum""? There is a systematic way in which Pete's students are taught. If you had paid attention when your child was attending, you would have seen that.
Shingon is so proud of his students achievements both in and out of his school. When any of the children do well in academics, Shingon is quick to present their achievements to the class. This actually motivates my children to do better..they want Shingon to be proud on them!!
But the proof is in the pudding. Go to a competition in which Pete's Karate is competing. They always place high and 98% of the time it's either 1st or 2nd, (mostly 1st). No matter what type of program, Forms or
Sparring it doesn't matter, their students are the best. That is a true measure of a great school.
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