To the teachers and mentors of San-Mai martial arts,

Where to start with San-Mai? They have infused our lives with a sense of family, community and purpose. A sense of belonging and a love of learning are additional benefits we have received. They have strengthened our family and ourselves. My daughter, Alyssa, listens better, shows more focus, and more respect. My husband has lost 45lbs since joining, and gained better balance, more self-discipline and an overall better sense of self. I see the most improvement in myself, however. I dropped from a size 12 jeans to a size 4. I have more energy, and more drive to accomplish things. My self-confidence has improved dramatically and I am no longer afraid to try new things. We never dreamed when we enrolled our daughter in the school that we would all become so at home here, or feel like we belong. I can't wait until our younger two children start class, and I can't wait to see what improvements are ahead for us. There are not enough thanks in the world to tell the school or the teachers how much they have improved us or our family. For this we will always be thankful.             

With great appreciation, and deep affection,

~The Pyle Family~

Dear Master Dickerson and Staff:

I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you how San-Mai, your staff, and martial arts have affected my life. 

Nearly 5 years ago I was extremely obese and struggling with a number of medical issues.  I chose to have the Gastric by-pass surgery, lost a considerable amount of weight and was involved in an exercise program at a local wellness center.  I had a daily workout routine that included both cardio and weight lifting but something seemed to be missing.  One day while working out I meet Master McCarthy and over the next few months we visited on a number of occasions about the benefits of martial arts and he continued to encourage me to come and visit San-Mai.

Two years ago I made that visit and am so thankful that I did.  I began my training in TaeKwonDo and over the last 2 years have advanced to a Brown Belt level and looking forward to testing for my Black Belt sometime this year.  I thought I was in pretty good shape when I came to the school but learned quickly I had a long way to go.  Every day seems to be a new experience in developing my skills and physical abilities.  At the same time I have learned that it’s not just the physical side of the forms and techniques but the opportunity to develop the body, mind, and spirit.  Being one of the older students it’s so easy to say I wish I had started this when I was young but at the same time I believe it speaks volumes when I look at what I have accomplished and where I want to get to that hopefully will encourage other adults to say I can do that to. 

I also want to take this opportunity to comment on the excellent group of instructors San-Mai has.  Every instructor has his or her own way of teaching and I find it very helpful to see these different perspectives in learning the skills.   The instructors are always willing to take the needed time to answer any questions or work on any techniques a student has and the encouragement from them is nothing but positive.   

As I have been a student over the last two years I have watched the young people grow and mature in both their skills and attitudes.  It says a lot when you see the younger students step up and help other students including adults learn forms and prefect different movements.

I offer this challenge to anyone who reads this, with Master Dickerson and his staff at San-Mai you can with a little desire and hard work accomplish the skills of martial arts, come give it a try I believe you’ll be happy you did.

Student ~Mark Kennally~

San-Mai Martial Arts has not only been great for our kids, but it has had a very positive effect on our family! Having taken martial arts as a child, I knew it would be a good influence on our children, but I had no idea of the level of professionalism and skill that the San-Mai instructors possess.

The school's program allows for all ages and skill-levels to steadily progress toward their goal, whether it be a Black Belt or for self-defense. We are proud to see our children’s progression, and our respect for each other has increased as a result.

We are very, very glad we chose San-Mai as our martial arts school.

Parent ~Todd Rannals~

Chris and I want to write a note regarding Libbie.  She is carrying A's & B's in school and the lst three weeks has been excellent at home helping me.

I hurt my back, and she "without whining" has been helping with with laundry, dishes, cleaning, and extra help with her special needs brother.

We are very proud of her!

Parents ~Mr. & Mrs. Chris Miller~

San-Mai,

Nathan has improved his focus and manners since he enrolled in this program.  I can't thank Master McCarthy enough for all of his patience and attention he has given Nathan.

Thank You,

Parent ~Brian Ward~~

Seeing so many kids, not knowing what to do with their emotions and feelings, making terrible mistakes and causing families so much pain.  We came to realize that discipline in life is very important.  But discipline, self control, respect, self defense, are only empty words if they are not taught early in life.  As a family we try to teach our children at home to love and respect their family and the rest of the community, but with the horrible things we hear on TV and radio we know they need more than that.

We are grateful for places like San-Mai Martial Arts, where our children can learn all those disciplines along with the teachings at home to build better citizens for tomorrow.

Recently we had the opportunity to attend their annual banquet.  It is so amazing to find a place where parents and children can celebrate their accomplishments together.  Where children can see their potential as a human being, and keep on learning where they can be proud of themselves and make their families proud at the same time. Where they can learn to keep a healthy mind and a healthy body.  Where they can learn to count on their family, because they are celebrating along with them.

It takes hard work and a strong team to bring this type of event to the San-Mai family and community.

You are part of building the great men and women of tomorrow… for all your hard work and efforts, we thank you.

 ~The Finn Family~