Read what our adult students have to say about
studying karate
at the
Academy of Traditional
Karate.
  I have been taking karate classes at the Academy for six years. During
these six years, I have grown a great amount. I was a small child, whose
attention span was less than ten seconds, and was as shy as anyone could
be when it came to being in front of a group. I slowly gained confidence
in myself and I could see that others gained confidence in me also. At
times, I would lose this confidence and I would almost quit, and then
someone would tell me that I could do it, and they would actually take
time to work with me. I started to do better in classes, at karate and
in school.
Denise Merry – Wilmington
Most people
believe karate to be stereotypical, kung fu movie, and all fighting type
of “sport.” Of
course, that was one of the reasons I wanted to join myself, to be like
Bruce Lee. Then, even from the first
class my whole view changed towards what we all know karate is about,
self-discipline, and focus, along with many important aspects. Karate
also builds self-esteem and goal setting. Without this experience of
karate I would have turned out to be a totally different person.
Nimit Barochia – Billerica
When I
started karate I had no self-control. Along the way I have learned to
defend myself, meet new friends and have fun. All of these things
are going to help me in life. Learning to defend myself is the best thing
that I got out of karate because now I can talk my way out of problems
instead of fighting. Since I started karate, I have not got into one
fight.
Mike Elliott – Tewksbury
What do you see when you think of a Black Belt? Do you see someone
that stands out from everyone else or a quiet humble person that tends
to blend and takes in what the world had to offer? A black Belt is a
person that possesses many noble qualities that are not only applied
in the dojo but in life as well. One characteristic of a Black Belt that
many teens today should have is clear focused mind among the chaotic
habits of the teen world.
For me personally, having a black belt attitude influenced my approach
to High School greatly. Over the four years I realized that certain things
must be kept more important over other things. I now know how to set
a goal and stay focused on achieving it. I know that there are many things
in my life that are going on and sometimes it is very hard to maintain
a balance but I must keep a level head and not become overwhelmed. These
are just certain things that have helped me to get through the chaotic
world of a teenager.
Kevin Briere – Woburn, started Karate at age 10,
currently works for a large
Accounting firm as a CPA
I can’t was a phrase that I had used often as a newcomer. But through
the years with the help of fellow classmates and constant practice, that
phrase fell quickly out of my vocabulary. I was encouraged through these
long prosperous years by friends, family, but one was my Sensei. No matter
how many times I asked him when I could test for my next kyu(rank), he
never quit on me. He helped me when I was caught on something or when
I did a move wrong. With how he helped me and guided me along, I was
inspired to pass that on to other people.
Tom Seichter – Tewksbury
As a parent I find my training to be a way to teach my kids commitment,
goal setting, the importance of staying in shape and how to work hard
while actually having fun. This country would be so much better off if
we could just teach all the kids how successful you can be by working
hard and setting goals.
Renshi James Goddard – Andover, Small Business Owner
I have gained so much from my training that is a natural feeling for
me to want to share those benefits with others. Before I started Karate
training, I had a difficult time with my lower back, and had very little
endurance or aerobic capacity.
Life always throws responsibilities and obstacles our way and makes
us align and balance our lives so that our goals are always met. Every
class I ever participated in was a result of a teacher that made the
time and the effort to juggle their own busy lives and issues to come
to the dojo and teach me Karate.
Michael Millette – Woburn, 40s,
Father of Two Kids, Works in the Financial Sector
I brought Aaron consistently 2-3 times per week. I sat in the lobby
watching him during that hour and talking to the other parents. When
my son’s class was done, I always noticed the adults getting out of their
class at the same time. They were sweaty, but always smiling. After a
year of watching, waiting, chatting, and noticing my weight increase
beyond comfortable proportions, I decided to give Karate a try for myself.
I don’t remember much from my first class, but after that first class
I was hooked.
Glenn Misiph – Wilmington, Small Businessman
Karate is not just something to do and learn. You learn respect, confidence,
and discipline. You absolutely build spirit. You learn what you are
made of and really learn how to be positive. These are aspects I take
advantage
of and try to pass on to others. These qualities become built into
you, originate at the dojo, and have application to the real world.
June White – Atlanta Georgia, Formerly of Wilmington,
Marketing Manager for Charrette
When
I first stepped into this dojo five years ago, I didn’t know that karate
would change my life. I didn’t even plan to start
training - I was here to sign up my then six year old son. After six
months of peering through doorways and windows, I said to myself, “I
think I could do this.” Now,
Karate influences countless aspects of my daily life. I can look at someone
who has invaded my personal space without
fear - and feel confident. I can grab things in midair that have fallen
from my kitchen counter or a shelf - and feel quick and graceful and
shake my head in wonder. I can hear my daughter tell her friends that
“my mom is almost a ...black belt in karate” -
I feel pride. I can open a jar lid, carry grocery bags, shovel snow,
or run up stairs tow at a time
- and feel strength.
Julee Sheehy – Reading, Adult Student,
Mother of a Student,
Lawyer
Five years
ago, I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me that I would travel
to several foreign countries, switch careers and fields,
earn an MBA, help start a company and strive to earn a black belt. Karate
has given me more confidence to try new things, more discipline to persist
when times are difficult, more health and energy to meet my daily objectives
and more focus to strive at the most important things in my life.
Tony Tremaglio – MBA,
Marketing Manager for a Technology Company
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