 People are Talking
Tiger Schulmann's has inspired people of all types. Here's what they have to say about our style.
Brittany’s Growth
"My 10 year old daughter Brittany has been training at Tiger Schulmann’s, Watchung, for the past 2 years. Under the guidance of Sensei Querido, she has grown in self-confidence, as well as physical conditioning and coordination. As a parent, it is comforting to see my daughter on the road to becoming an expert in the art of self-defense.
Sensei Querido is one of the best teachers, of any kind, that you will ever meet. He is able to motivate and challenge each student to do their best, often with a sense of humor, and always with respect and support. Sensei brings a high level of enthusiasm and energy to each class. He is able to communicate his absolute mastery of Mixed Martial Arts in way that meets each student at their own level. I am confident that he will coach my daughter through her black belt and beyond.
"
Karen Sciaraffa, Ph.D.
Raking in the Rewards
"When my 17 year old daughter decided to take up Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts she wanted a workout partner. Somehow she convinced me to try it with her. Well, I didn't think I would last, I kept asking myself "what is a 56 year old doing in a place like this". I just didn't think I was up to the physical challenge and was too old for something like this. Sensei Bopp and Joshu Echeverria kept encouraging me, and I found the other students very kind and helpful. This past weekend something occurred that made me realize just how much I've gained by attending Tiger Schulmann’s MMA. Last November, when raking leaves on my wooded lot, I was only able to do my front yard before I was so tired and sore I had to stop. I ended up hiring a crew to finish the job. This year, I spent the past weekend doing the entire job. It wasn't until I was finished (55 bags of leaves!) that I realized what I had accomplished. I felt wonderful and I wasn't sore at all. My flexibility and overall general health has improved tremendously. Thank you so much Joshu & Sensei for all you do. I can't wait to see my progress over the next six months!
"
Thank You,
Gail E. Alba
Logan Flourishes
"I am writing this letter in regards to The Englewood Location of Tiger Schulman’s. I wanted to tell you
about the wonderful job that Sensei Klein, Joshu Angelos, and their office manager Odalis do. They tirelessly and
continuously put forth effort into everything they do, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge them.
My son, Logan, started classes in September. Logan, who is 6, has been through a lot for a child his age. He has severe
brittle asthma, and severe stomach issues. He has the type of asthma that causes serious illness and since the age of two,
has been hospitalized more times then I care to remember. When he gets ill it is very bad, and he takes a long-time to recover.
His ailments have caused gross motor delays, which in children can cause serious self esteem issues. When they notice that they
cannot run like the other children, ride a bike like the kids their age, or even use the park equipment they feel horrible.
When Logan’s brother Kyle was born, it was apparent that he was physically much stronger. Things came more naturally to him.
Logan could not believe that Kyle, a baby, was pulling himself onto equipment that he still couldn’t do! I tried to put him
in sports to build his self esteem, but what use is soccer when you can’t run as fast as the other kids to get the ball?
I was struggling looking for answers when two of his doctors recommended martial arts. They said he would be competing against himself,
and it would help. Desperate I was willing to try anything.
I tried Logan at two other studios and he hated martial arts. The first studio he cried and refused to even enter the building,
and the second studio he would not let me leave the Karate mat. I almost lost hope, until I saw a Tiger Schulman’s commercial.
I thought that with Logan moving on from kindergarten and into first grade at a new school, it was important to try one last martial arts class.
Upon meeting Sensei and Joshu I knew this was the right place for Logan. They listened to his medical ailments, were willing to make
adjustments, and promised that this would be fun for him. Sensei Klein got down to Logan’s level and spoke to him in his soft soothing way.
Logan immediately wanted to go into class!
Logan is excited to be in class, works hard, and seems to be flourishing. When Logan entered his new first grade class he immediately faced
bullying. The children teased him for his low motor development and the fact that he was the only new child. I spoke with Joshu about what
was going on, and he immediately spoke with Sensei, and they spoke to Logan! Two weeks later Sensei remembered and spoke to Logan again,
and continued to speak to him and build his confidence. One day Logan finally stood up for himself, and he has never been picked on again!
When I told Sensei, he immediately praised Logan and made a huge deal out of it in class! Logan was so proud!
In the 5 months that Logan has been taking karate he has flourished! Physically, he is stronger! He can do an actual push up, he is
running faster, moving better, and believe it or not, has been sick less! Logan has a long road ahead of him, full of challenges, but he is
learning the tools that will help them face whatever comes his way with confidence.
I also must mention that Kyle takes Tiger Cubs with Joshu Angelos on Saturday and he loves it! He looks forward to class every Saturday,
and is able to release all that energy in a positive and constructive way. Joshu has such a wonderful way with the children. I run an early
child hood education center and it is refreshing to see a teacher who talks to the children at their level, is full of positive energy, and
relates exercises to children in an understandable way.
The boys think classes are “fun” thanks to their teachers, but they also are gaining so much! I have recently started to take classes,
and even though I have the struggle of being a working mom with a sick child, parents who have serious medical conditions, and the outside
influences of life, I truly enjoy when I make it to class. I listen intently to Sensei’s talks and feel strongly, that class is a wonderful
release for me. I am constantly juggling all the balls in the air, but at karate I am able to let them drop and focus on me.
I lastly want to mention Odalis who I feel brings everything together. Odalis has a warm energy and focuses on what needs to be done. She holds
the hands of the children who are not sure, works late hours to do what’s needed, and gives positive and constructive feedback. She helps make
the center the positive environment that it is.
I know that you are doing a buddy week this week. Sensei said that if we enjoyed class one of the best compliments we could give would be a
recommendation to a friend. Well, I recommended this program to a lot of people who simply couldn’t afford it right now in the economy.
So, I thought, well, if I can’t pay him and the wonderful people at this program a compliment by bringing someone new into the program yet,
maybe I could find another way to say how wonderful I think they are. I hope that the address I found on the website is the right address to
send this to. If not I hope you would pass this on to the “powers that be.”
I know words don’t often mean much, but I just wanted to take a moment to tell you and thank the people who have really made a difference
in my sons and my life."
Thank You,
Stacy Ramos-Beharry
A tear-filled journey
"Mrs. W, has Andrew ever been tested for ADHD?” “You know martial arts are good for kids with ADHD,
but you should really put him on meds.” “If you don’t do intervention, Andrew is at risk for social and behavioral
issues as he gets older.” Those were some of the frightening, heart wrenching comments we heard early in Andrew’s
elementary school years. Andrew knew he was different; he cried many times asking, “Why do I have to have Tourette’s?”
“I hate having ADHD..Why can’t I be normal?” I cried many nights wondering how to help him. We started medication to
control both the ADHD and the Tourette’s syndrome, along with counseling and teacher interventions. Our goal was to
figure out how to achieve success in his personal and academic life. Then one day we saw the TSK commercial on TV
and I decided to make a phone call. The journey began in 2003 when Andrew was 9 years old.
After his first class, he thought, ‘this is fun’. After his first few months, he thought “this is hard work.”
There were nights he couldn’t make it through class without being asked to sit on the side or leave the mat. Belts
were held due to classroom behavior. The bar was always set high and Sensei Marchand and I were in agreement;
striving for the same goals with Andrew. But gradually, training began to instill in him a desire to achieve through
rigorous self discipline in ALL aspects of his life. A few years ago, he had to write an assignment for English class
about a memorable day in his life. I saved the document because it helped get me through the inevitable setbacks.
He wrote about the day he received his brown belt. “Andrew,” Sensei said to me, “I want you to soar higher than ever,
to touch the sky as a black belt someday. But you can only do that if you have enough non-quitting spirit. This is the day
where I let you go as a brown belt, like a mother lets her son go into the world as an adult, and I won’t worry about
you any more. You can either sink or swim. Good luck.” And as he finished tying that belt around my waist, it was as though
he tied my fate. And when I ran back to my spot, I thought, ‘I’m going to fulfill my sensei’s wishes if it kills me.’
And now I’m a high-brown belt with three stripes, testing for black, and I want that black belt. And I’m willing to prove it.”
In June, 2008, I cried tears of joy when Andrew was told he passed his black belt test, on the first try.
Today, he is a sophomore at a competitive prep school in Philadelphia. His grades are good and he is on the school
wrestling team. His body is in fantastic shape and he has friends that he can count on every day. I have seen him make
the right choices in some difficult situations...he is not perfect; he is a teenager after all! I also see the respect
he has for competitors on the wrestling mat. Martial arts instilled a sense of respect for others that many competitive
sports do not in today’s world – a benefit I hadn’t anticipated. This year, the school counselor retested Andrew. Her words
to us were “You must be so proud – Andrew is a success story. It’s not often I can give parents such good news.”
There were no interventions recommended. The journey had ups, downs and detours. But we kept going and I’m also happy to report
that today Andrew is med-free. Sensei was the first person he wanted to tell on the first day he woke up with no medication.
The TSMMA community is a place that nurtures him, while pushing him to continue to achieve. Our school is a community of
parents, children and friends who refuse to accept “I can’t” as an answer. His instructor continues to be his mentor in not
just martial arts, but in life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. My head sometimes still spins with those early comments
and the fears for his future used to be not far from the surface. Until I look at him on any given Saturday as he assists the
children’s class and when Sensei tells the children to sit with their favorite Sempai– the circle grows around Andrew, where
he sits in the middle smiling. And I cry tears of joy once more. "
Tiger Schulmann's Mixed Martial Arts
Montgomeryville
"In early summer 2009, my daughter Ariana, who was
then 3 years old, was having trouble in school. Her preschool teachers
called me in for a parent-teacher conference because they were worried
about her development. They explained to me that they had these concerns
about Ariana because she did not want to participate in class activities,
did not listen to instructions when given and seemed unfocused. They
thought that I should get her an evaluation and help from an outside
child specialist. I had a better idea. I remembered seeing an ad
on TV for Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts that advertised
the fact that their training benefitted children in all the same
areas that my child needed to work on. Plus martial arts is something
I always wished I had done myself. I enrolled Ariana in the Cubs
3 yr old program on Sunday mornings. After her first class I was
worried because Ariana was having the same issues of not wanting
to participate and lack of focus in cubs as in regular school. I
spoke with her instructor, Sempai Jen, about my concerns and also
my thought that this was not for her. Sempai Jen told me not to give
up and that kids sometimes are that way at first but it will get
better over time. She was right. After only two more classes I could
already see an improvement in her. Ariana was following directions
better and seemed more confident in what she was doing. After a couple
months Ariana’s teachers wanted to meet with me again. They
told me they have seen a huge improvement in her and that they assumed
I must have seen the specialist they recommended but I happily told
them “I did not” and that I took her to Tiger Schulmann’s
instead. Now my only problem is hearing Ariana ask every day, “Mommy
is it almost Sunday I want to go to the Tiger School. "
-Jessica Harrison
Testimonial for daughter Ariana
Zampella
"My son Reese started karate at Tiger Schulmann's
in Hoboken when he was five years old, under the instruction of
Sensei Diaz. Being
new in town, his dad and I thought it would be a great activity for
him to meet new friends with the added benefit of exercise.
I, being a dancer in my younger days had hoped
to get him interested in dance, with not much support from "macho" dad,
but not this rough and tumble boy. Karate class was the only
way I was going to get my son into a "studio" in front
of a mirror. He took to it immediately with much support and
genuine care from Sensei Diaz. Karate was also a great compliment
to soccer which he also recently started and loves.
Reese transferred
one year later to the Watchung Tiger Schulmann’s school after
our move to the “burbs.” There,
eight years later, eleven COC trophies, and two black belts, he continues
to train in what is now called mixed martial arts. He is instructed
by Sensei Querido who has also been greatly supportive of Reese throughout
the years and is just the role model and mentor we all hope to have
for our kids. The training has been intense at times but Reese has
never lost interest and after earning his first degree black belt,
he became a Sempai ( big brother ) and then trained three more years
before earning his second degree black belt the first time testing.
We soon saw also how MMA training contributed
to his excellent performance on the soccer field, his other passion,
where he plays in a premier league as a star defender on his team.
The strength, flexibility, and coordination practiced in martial
arts training can only enhance a child's capabilities in other sports.
Then there is the mental and emotional benefit as well. The
dedication and focus needed, and the winning and the losing in the
tournament rings has given Reese the tools to face his future and
this sometimes crazy world, as a confident, independent, focused
individual. What more could a parent hope for, for their thirteen
year old child.
So ... instead of sitting in the audience
watching my son dance away on the stage, as I had once hoped. I
now watch him as an extremely proud mother, from the side of a grappling
or kickboxing ring, using his pure strength, flexibility, coordination
and brains to win against his opponent. He doesn't always win
but I enjoy every minute of it.
Many thanks to Tiger Schulmann’s
Mixed Martial Arts."
-Laura Petersen
Watchung
TSMMA Mother
"When my son entered his terrible twos I thought that would be his
worst phase. I couldn’t wait until he turned 3 and grew out of
it. However, when he turned 3, his behavior seemed to have gotten worse.
He actually thought that he was Spiderman. Going to the grocery store
with him was like trying to catch a chicken with its head cut off.
I needed something quick before he entered his terrible 20s! Tiger
Schulmann’s has helped me immensely with that task. Although
my son still thinks he’s Spiderman, he understands that with
power comes great responsibility. I have also been seeing major improvements
with his focus. The other day, in the car ride home from TSMMA, he
was telling me the difference between having talent and being disciplined.
Currently, my son is four and is one of the best behaved students in
his class. Through Tiger Schulmann’s he has learned how to interact
with his peers. He also respects figures of authority. My son’s
Tiger Schulmann’s intervention was the best decision that I have
made."
-Ameela Wheeler
Parent and Student – Cub
Testimonial
01/08/2010
"We signed our son, Thomas, up for the Cubs program
to help with his focus and discipline. He has so much fun he doesn’t
even realize all the things he’s learning. Since starting the
program, we’ve
noticed improvement in not only his coordination and flexibility, but
also in his confidence, self-control, focus and discipline. In fact,
once when his school teacher was praising his class for doing something
without having to be told first, Thomas explained to her that it was “good
self-discipline.” When asked where he learned those words and
what they meant, he responded, “Tiger Schulmann's .” Friends
and family have commented on the difference they see in our son."
Mary Yick
TSMMA Mother and Student
"We originally went to Tiger Schulmann’s for our son, Thomas
(3 years old), to improve his focus and discipline. When we went
for the open house, our daughter, Julia (6 years old), had so much
fun that we signed her up as well. Our goals for her were to become
more confident and assertive. Since Julia began training at Tiger
Schulmann’s we’ve noticed a huge improvement in her confidence
and assertiveness, not to mention her strength. She has really blossomed
under Sensei Holland and Sensei Querido’s tutelage and enjoys
training so much that she requested to attend an additional class
per week over the recommended number of hours. She could not wait
to have her birthday party at the school and goes to TSMMA camp every
chance she gets.
A close friend of mine just recently remarked
to me about the big difference she has noticed in Julia’s confidence. Her daughter,
who used to be one of the most independent kids I’ve ever known,
has been struggling with anxiety over things that used to be commonplace.
I recommended trying Tiger Schulmann’s with her because I truly
believe it makes a difference.
Mary Yick
TSMMA Mother and Student
"Just want to thank you for the 90-day challenge, so far it's been a great experience for me, I started at 180 lbs., and today I have reach 159 lbs. My training is better, my LIFE is better! All this is thanks to Sensei Dias, Sensei Bonet, and Joshu Martinez. Their motivation towards me has been the fuel to reach my goal. I still want to lose four more pounds, but the people around me have already noticed the change. Thanks again!!!! Thanks for this amazing change!!! OSU."
-Raul Egas
"I just wanted to compliment the school that my fiance, daughter and myself are attending. The instructors there are very patient and very understanding. It is alot of fun and very rewarding. My daughter is having alot of fun and the classes are helping with her confidence and her focus. Joining was the best thing that we could of done. Keep up the good work."
-Kevin Delehanty
"I want everyone to know that my children would never have attained their goals if not for Sensei Schmid. He makes the children want to take class every day! He has never raised his voice or talked at the children. He knows that each child learns at his or her own pace. He picks different students to demonstrate moves in the class. By doing this, he makes each child feel special. If a child comes up to him after class and asks for extra help, he is always willing to stay late, even on Saturdays! As long as the student wants to learn, Sensei is always there." read full article
-Doreen Ciccone
"I just wanted to compliment the school that my fiance, daughter and myself are attending. The instructors there are very patient and very understanding. It is alot of fun and very rewarding. My daughter is having alot of fun and the classes are helping with her confidence and her focus. Joining was the best thing that we could of done. Keep up the good work."
-Kevin Delehanty
"I'd always found working out to be a release, and Tiger Schulmann's is the best and most complete workout I've ever had," explains an exuberant Schwartz. "By May I had no neck problems at all. This turnaround in my condition came at a point when I'd already resigned myself to the fact that I'd be a shell of my former athletic self. After just two weeks, I'd experienced vast improvement in my neck's mobility and flexibility - more improvement than years of physical therapy had given me."
-Steve Schwartz
"Perhaps the biggest benefit my Tiger Schulmann's training has given me, both at work and off duty is the confidence it's built in me. Before I started training, I wouldn't look directly at people on the street. But especially since receiving my black belt this past August, I have the confidence to look anyone square in the eye on the street. This is because I know I can defend myself and my partner if need be." read full article
-Officer Dan Corson
"I can remember from 8 years ago when I first started how Shihan stressed the importance of a non-quitting spirit. This is something that's stayed with me all along. I'd like to thank him for bringing me back and looking after me on the mats. From the day I started and through my surgery and recovery I got a lot of support from my family and from Tiger Schulmann's. I don't know if I could have done it without them and martial arts is something I never want to stop doing. I love it."
-Sempai Ashley Piniero
"I’ve never seen anything like it. The level of professionalism is stunning," states Drew of his overall experience. "Tiger Schulmann’s has truly developed an approach that is all encompassing." read full article
-Andrew Davis
"Since our involvement in Tiger Schulmann’s, we have seen a tremendous outcome in our physical and mental outlook along with a very positive family belonging. This school does nothing but good. " read full article
-John Perri, Jr
"We have two wonderful Sensei's in Sensei Johnson and Sensei Siracusa. I can't say enough about them! They are dedicated and passionate about what they do and are just wonderful people. I have always been a competitive athlete and training at Tiger Schulmann’s is one of the best workouts I can get! It is such a healthy workout; both physically and emotionally. "
-Linda Silva
"While living in New York City, one needs to be sure of them self and confident and not look like a victim. The Tiger Schulmann's Program has helped me in far too many ways to list."
-André Blake, Actor
"[Tiger Schulmann's] instilled in me a sense of confidence which I never had. I earned the right and honor to wear a Tiger Schulmann black belt."
-Lois Rycx
"The 'Karate Cubs' program provides a place for young children to develop physical, emotional and spiritual sensibilities without ever knowing that it is occurring. The change in my son was immeasurable."
-Scott Cohen, Actor (NYPD Blue)
"Tiger Schulmann's trains the body and disciplines the mind, but their dedication to the non-quitting spirit feeds the soul and that nourishment changes lives."
-Isabel Glasser, Actress
"James was four years old when he was diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). He was later diagnosed further with dyslexia. After several years, James began to hang out with a bad crowd and headed towards the wrong pathway in life. The Tiger Schulmann's school and Sensei really turned things around for my son. James was mainstreamed into 'normal' classes and has been an honor student for the last three semesters. James has made me very proud and I believe Tiger Schulmann's, added to the good parenting skills of his father and I, are the foundations that his chosen path was built on."
-Connie Murray Slocum
"Although we knew that (six-year-old) Jordan was intelligent, he was having terrible trouble in school. Tiger Schulmann's has completely changed his life. Jordan recently took a test in school that lasted for a week. He scored better than 98% in reading and 99% in mathematics of all the children taking this test nationally. I will always be grateful for what Tiger Schulmann's has done for my child. Thank you!"
-Ann Strumer
"When [Eric] was just five years, he was having difficulty adjusting to the long day at kindergarten away from home. After one week in Tiger Schulmann's, Eric's anxieties and crying spells suddenly stopped. The focus, discipline, respect, and non-quitting spirit which was being instilled in karate was being applied to his kindergarten class."
-Mr. and Mrs. Eric Camacho
"My name is Mario Papaneri and I am a proud member of your organization in Cherry Hill, N.J. I have only been taking karate for 3 months and I just wanted to let you know that Deshi James Amico has made a major change in my life. He is truly an awesome instructor with no ego. He treats everyone very fair and with respect. I can't say enough about Deshi Amico. I can only aspire to someday be a person with such motivation. I also want to say how much he drives our class with his motivational skills. Thank you so much for being part of my family’s life."
-Mario Papaneri
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