Client Testimonials

 

Dear Master Dickerson and staff, the McClaughry family would like to take a moment and thank you for all you have done.  The following just begins to let you know how your program has made an impact on our lives, Kelley’s life, school and her confidence.

San-Mai Martial Arts is a wonderful martial arts program our daughter Kelley has been able to attend and progress through now having earned her Black Belt after approximately 3 ½ years. It has allowed and encourages her to grow mentally as well as physically.  The program has developed and cultured friendships not only through the classes but through the Black Belt club and Demo Team.

Kelley started out a little over 3 years ago on a wonderful path to reach a goal to become a Black Belt.  During her 3 year adventure in Tae Kwon Do, she developed in many ways.  She learned about showing respect not only to her fellow classmates but to instructors and other adults.  She learned to focus on the task at hand, which in our eyes, carried into her school work and other activities.  The opportunity she has been given to learn through the art of Tae Kwon Do has devepled her confidence in setting goals and attaining these through hard work, determination, and dedication.  She realized the commitment it takes to succeed, and this has been carried out in multiple areas of her life in a positive way.  Our family has enjoyed watching Kelley grow through this experience.  When Kelley achieved her goal as a Black belt in June of 2008 she blossomed in maturity and confidence.

We have also enjoyed meeting other new families at San Mai and have developed these friendships through the in-house programs, school performances and community activities. We believe the staff is second to none.  They teach in a way that allows the instructor to be critical of performance but respectful of the individual performing in the martial arts.  They critique in a friendly, safe, respectful way.  Belt testing encourages growth and goal setting.

Kelley continues to enjoy staying involved with Tae Kwon Do through San-Mai not only for the physical fitness aspect but for the friendships she has developed.  We cannot say enough about San Mai.  It provides a safe and “family like” atmosphere.  Master Dickerson, Mrs. Dickerson, Master Dan, Kim and the entire staff of San-Mai are number one in our eyes.  Thank you all for the positive influences you have had on Kelley’s life, our family’s life, and many others lives.

Sincerly,

~Pat and Sue McClaughry~

 

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~

 

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~

 

I have a daughter.  Like so many of you with children, we have done so many of the things we, as parents, normally do. We had done the gymnastic classes, the swimming lessons, the dancing lessons, the music classes, the ballet classes.  All of them started out the same, “Dad, I really, really want to do this...”  A month or two later, and it’s “But, I don’t WANT to go...”

At first, we had the idea that Tae Kwon Do would be nothing but the same.  She would attend for awhile and then be thoroughly bored with it, as so many young children are likely to be.  Imagine how pleasantly surprised we were at the six month point when she was not only “okay” with going to Tae Kwon Do class, but was enthusiastic!  Not only were we pleasantly surprised that she wanted to keep going, but at how much more then self-defense she was learning.

Tae Kwon Do classes at San-Mai Martial Arts have taught her so many valuable things she will need in the years to come.  She has learned about confidence, respect, dedication, the will to succeed, trying your best, along with how to protect herself for the years to come.  For all of the money that we have paid for all of the other activities she has participated in, the money we have spent for her classes here is, by far, the best money we have ever spent.

I asked my daughter the other day if she wanted to get her Black Belt.  Her reply was a quick YES.  I asked her if she knew it would take another year or a year and a half to get.  Again, she said yes.  That is the level of enthusiasm and commitment that the caring and knowledgeable staff has giving my daughter.  Here is the best part.  She no longer asks “Do I have to go to class today?” or “Can’t I just stay home?” She looks forward to every class she has.  She has a proud look on her face when she shares with me what she has learned.

My daughter wants to stay in Tae Kwon Do classes and get her Black Belt. She knows how much hard work and how much time it will take to do this.  She is ready for that journey. The amazing part about that is my daughter is six years old.  She started when she was five, and has never shown a hint of anything but wanting to continue.  This is something I will let her do for as long as she wants to, because everything she has learned and will learn is a lifelong asset.

Parent & Student ~Bryan Erdman~

 

I would like to send a special thank you to Marvin H. Dickerson, staff and instructors.

My son Paul really enjoys the martial arts and looks forward to going every week.  He has shown a great deal of discipline, respect and aptitude for this sport.  His mother and I see the confidence he is gaining and the personal dedication he shows through his class participation and practice.

Thank you so much for working with us and having an understanding that Paul is completely dedicated to the San-Mai training and we are also engaged to support him through this process.  Is there any way Paul can help support the sport?

Thank you again for the great experiences we have had with the San-Mai Martial Arts.

Paul H. Wise, Sr.

"Master Dickerson and the San-Mai Martial Arts Instructors & Staff,  

 

We wanted to thank you for the outstanding TaeKwonDo program and value-based environment you provide our Son and all your students. We are going on our second year with your Academy and we value your family-centric approach, your dedication, professionalism, and top-notch quality of instruction. You have created an "atmosphere" that is family friendly, rewarding, challenging, and above all - respectful for the students and parents. We feel confident in saying the mentorship you and your instructors provide

will have life-long impacts on our Son's development and character. The fundamental beliefs of respect, dignity, integrity, and self-confidence are all characteristics your program builds upon. You and your instructors emulate these character traits!

 

As a proven leader in the Martial Arts, your dedication, professionalism,

and exceptional leadership skills proved to be unparalleled to any other

local or national Martial Arts program. Thank you for all your extra

efforts.

 

Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday & prosperous New Year."

 

Sincerely, 

 

Parents  ~Tom & Beth Castellano~

 

"I loved watching my kids at karate and started myself.  I LOVE it!  My energy levels doubled after a class and I have more energy for studying and taking care of my kids.  I am finally getting into shape after 10 years of inactivity and loving every minute of it!"

Parent  ~Pia Devries~

 

"My son is learning to excel at both personal and group levels.  The environment at San-Mai Martial Arts is great and we are enjoying the program and our son's progress!"

Parent  ~David Elfering~

 

“JD has gained more confidence and self control since enrolling at San-Mai Martial Arts.  We think it is a great program.”  

Parents  ~John and Jody Wieder~