TESTIMONIALS

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Near the end of 2002 I walked into USA Martial Arts in Holland, Ohio.  I had always wanted to learn Aikido but being just short of my 53^rd birthday, I wasn’t sure if it was to late to learn or how I would be received.  I’m proud to say that I just earned my brown belt and am staying to work on my goal of earning a black belt in Aikido.

 

I sincerely don’t believe this would have been possible at any other school.  The instructors take into consideration each individual’s strengths and weaknesses.  You can learn at your own pace while receiving constant encouragement and feedback from a group of instructors who are truly world-class practitioners in a wide variety of martial arts.  Unlike other Schools where the class is scheduled twice a week, at USA Martial Arts, one can go to a class six days a week at convenient day or night hours.  If Aikido is not your thing, USA Martial Arts also offers Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, and Kick Boxing.  If you like, you can take instruction in each one of these martial arts for the same, reasonable monthly dues.  In addition, classes for children are conveniently scheduled. 

 

What it comes down to is that at USA Martial Arts, you will find world class instruction, a variety of martial arts, and probably the finest group of people, both instructors and fellow students, with whom I have ever had the pleasure to be associated.  I have had a wide variety of life experiences and my experience at USA Martial Arts ranks among the top.  I’ve never regretted walking through that door two and one half years ago. 

 

Written by Ray in April 2005

 

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It was August of 2004 when I was first walked through the door at the Tetsushinkan Dojo.  I must admit I had no idea of what was beyond that door.  Before that day, I had very little exposure to any form of martial art. 

 

My husband had become acquainted with a physical therapist who was active in martial arts.  This physical therapist recommended Aikido as a possibility to consider in my quest to find an activity that would help me with balance problems.  Further, he shared that Sensei Donnelly’s Dojo would be the place to start because of Sensei Donnelly’s reputation as being the best in the area.

 

The experience has turned out to be much more than I had hoped.  In addition to being a fabulous workout, I am learning much about self-defense and the flow of energy.  Every practice session is loaded with wisdom and is focused on harmony, balance and working toward fluidity.  The kicker is that we have so much fun practicing.

 

Unfortunately, I do have some physical constraints, as do a few others who show up for practice.  The instructors find a way to work around these and still permit anyone with a limitation to practice and learn the techniques.

 

It was not until I joined the group on a road trip to another dojo that I realized the high degree of talent I had been working with and that I had fallen into something really special. 

 

Written by Elizabeth on June 5, 2005

 

USA Martial Arts has provided a great atmosphere for my 13 year-old son to develop his sense of self.  He was not interested in the usual athletic team sports and we needed something for him to get involved in.  I was very impressed with USA Martial Arts ability to give my son the tools he needed to build his confidence and self esteem.  The instructors were very careful in both the Tae Kwon Do and Aikido classes to emphasize the knowledge of how to defend yourself and not be the aggressor.  More importantly he was given the tools to get himself out of those situations.  Most importantly, the valuable lessons learned about respect and discipline will hopefully be carried into his adult life. 

 

 

With some experience in the martial arts, I had a good idea what I wanted from a school.  After the two-week free trial period, I thought I found what I was looking for.  Little did I realize that I was getting much more than I expected.  From the first day, I felt it was the goal of everyone I worked with to help me succeed.

 

With multiple arts available, you learn to keep an open mind and never limit yourself to one style.  The teaching is very traditional and realistic.  I love practicing Aikido, although, if the philosophy of training was different from the way it is here, I don’t believe I would be as enthusiastic about the art.  Working with the striking arts enhances your ability to defend yourself.  You never can predict what situation you might encounter.  There is no perfect technique that will work in all circumstances or on every individual.  With the experienced instructors at USA Martial Arts you are trained to react in any situation.  Tetsushinkan Dojo has become more than a place to train and learn, it has developed into a lifestyle.

 

Written by Jeffery on September 22, 2005

 

My daughter has always had a wide variety of interests and when she came across our martial arts movies and some books we had, she became very interested and started asking questions.  The more she learned, the more she said she wanted to take classes and we began the search.  I went to the yellow pages and my daughter went to the Internet.  The ones we found were quite disappointing.  They were rushed in answers and others gave ten minutes demonstrations then asked if you were ready to sign up.  I called USA Martial Arts without her knowing and they gave me the basic information and I found out the times and told my daughter we were going there on Saturday to take a look at the place.  She seemed hopeful but didn’t show too much past that based on the previous experiences.

 

We showed up on Saturday and were greeted by smiles and invitations to watch, though they tried to get her out on the mat to try it out, but she was shy and shook her head saying she only wanted to watch.  After the classes were over we went to ask questions.  Well, I asked the questions and she just listened.  It was very hard to get her to talk.  After we left, she mentioned she would like to try the two-week free trial.  This was unheard of because the other places never offered that, and I was impressed they didn’t try to get us into a contract right then.  It was all very laid back and no pressure. 

 

She began the two-week trial and seemed very interested.  I sat in the gallery and watched.  During this time I started to notice a change in her attitude, she started talking about the dojo and explaining everything to her father when we would pick him up from work.  She said she would like to continue with the classes so we signed her up.

 

Since going to USA Martial Arts, her attitude has improved, her grades have improved and she’s been very dedicated to the dojo.  I think she spends more time there than at home.  But her attitude at home has changed too.  She’s positive and she helps out more.  Even with strangers at the store, she offers to help them reach for items.

 

I’ve seen her mature into a lovely young lady and the encouragement she gets from everyone at the dojo have kept her reaching for the stars.  I would recommend anyone young or older to come to the dojo, especially the children.  It will help them grow, learn and teach them self-discipline. 

 

Written by Ginna on September 24, 2005

 

I work behind a computer, at a desk 40 hours a week.  Anyone that has ever done this knows how draining it can be.  I gained weight and most days after work I didn’t even feel like doing the chores.  I knew I needed some kind of exercise routine but knew if I joined a gym, I wouldn’t go.

 

When I discovered USA Martial Arts I found more than a training hall.  I was welcomed into a family.  I have lost weight and gained energy, making those chores effortless.  But I have gained so much more than that.  I have found a new way to live my life.  I’ve discovered a more pleasant side of humanity.  The depths in which my life has been altered cannot be expressed in a mere paragraph. 

 

If you are looking for an exercise routine, I sincerely hope you consider the martial arts.  If you would like to learn self-defense at the same time, you can do no better than USA Martial Arts.  Sensei Donnelly’s training and background has made him uniquely qualified to train you properly.  His instructors have the knowledge and patience to make the process safe and efficient.  Hope to see you there!

 

Written by Sabrina on September 28, 2005