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
Cubs 3-4 TSMMA Parent and Student
01/08/2010 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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