Parent Say . . .
The riches that matter most…
Thank you Master Truscott! Family Karate has been a consistently positive influence on Rachel and Nathaniel. The discipline, self control, self-assurance and poise your school has instilled in them has been perfectly synchronized with our own values and approach to living. I am so proud of the fine people they have become and owe much to you and your staff. They truly live the tenets of Tae Kwon Do and I couldn’t be happier.
You have indelibly written on the pages of all of our lives. I expect great things from them and even more importantly, they expect to accomplish great things! I would not trade one dollar that I have invested in Tae Kwon Do for all the riches in the world because, as you have taught Rachel and Nathaniel, the riches that matter most come from within! All the best – Dr. Janet Jones (mother of Second Degree Instructor Rachel, and Red Belt Nathaniel)
Karate is a great tool….
Justin has made excellent improvement in attitude and effort this year. Karate is a great tool for Justin. I’m glad he has this opportunity. Jane Stoples, Teacher Juniper Elementary School
Fun, Exercise, and important lessons in Respect & Discipline
Hi Master Truscott – Phoenix is really enjoying your class. We’re so happy to have found Family Karate. Not only is he having fun and getting exercise, he’s learning important lessons in respect and discipline. We are hoping to get (younger brother) Zen started as well soon – Tram Tran, Mom.
Family Strengthened by Family Karate
Karate has been a great experience for Gwendolyn and we appreciate the environment at Family Karate. Thank you for the care that you show all your students and also the instruction, not only in physical skills but also the values that are a part of Karate. Michele Warner (whose husband, son, and daughter have all studied with Family Karate)
Sisters Strengthened by Family Karate
Carly is doing well in school. She is becoming more responsible and patient with others. Carly is also doing better at doing things the first time I ask!
Whitney is much more patient and determined in learning new things (school work, bike riding etc). She is handling additional responsibilities, and listening much better as well. Tracy Haluza, Mom
Brothers – and Mom – love Family Karate
Thank you again for training Carson and Austin at Family Karate! They are both super excited. They have been practicing the things they have learned in class so far at home ALL the time!!
I am excited for the little bit of growth I have seen in both of the boys thus far, and am really excited to continue seeing that growth. Sara Cronin, Mom
Karate Kid follows Golden Rule
Jack Smith is very respectful on a daily basis in Kindergarten. He treats others the way he would want to be treated. I especially noticed the direct eye contact he has with me. He is polite and courteous to friends and adults he interacts with at school. Great job! Mrs. Nicol Marshall, Teacher San Pasqual School
Family Karate builds “Can Do” Attitude
Our son has been going to Family Karate Classes for the last few months. It has been truly an incredible experience for both him and our family. The nice thing about Karate is they not are only teaching a sport, but are also instilling confidence, listening skills and an “I can do” attitude.
We have been very pleased with his instructor Stephanie. She has the unique ability to see what triggers motivate our son and keep him on the right track. I think Karate is a life skill, and I am really excited to be able to give our son the opportunity. Stacey and Scott Crumrine
Helped my children to become strong & confident
Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Molina, and Mrs. Duncan have had an amazing influence on my entire family. They have helped my children become strong and confident physically and mentally. Family Karate has helped my son become more focused and courteous. My daughters have been encouraged to become leaders, role models, and use integrity in all areas of their lives. My children have learned the skills to defend themselves and the awareness to stay safe. I highly recommend Family Karate and the fantastic instructors! Lisa Coulapides – Mom of 15 year old Black Belt, 13 year old brown belt, and 9 year old Junior Black Belt
To be the best that they can be…
Family Karate is more than just kicks, punches, and cool ninja moves! It is about teaching children to have self-confidence and the importance of setting and achieving goals.
The entire staff and organization have been such an influential part of my children’s lives for the past six years. Through consistent positive reinforcement, patience, and flexibility all of the instructors have given my children the opportunity to be the best that they can be in karate class, but more importantly within their neighborhood, school, and community.
Family Karate has taught my sons to be leaders and good role models who look for ways to help others via community service projects. They have taught them to live by the tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit.
On top of all of this, my sons get to participate in fun, creative, and physical challenges through their karate development. It is an honor to be a part of this Family! Christie Setnan, Poway Unified School District
Positive Influence
Mr. Thompson has been such a positive influence in the lives of my two Jr. Black Belt grandchildren. He is an ideal teacher in that he has command of his classes and gets his students to strive to reach their utmost potential. He has a balance between being fun and stern thus garnering the respect of the students as well as the parents.
Mr. Thompson, through the Family Karate philosophy and commitment, is helping to prepare my grandchildren to face the challenges that life will present them and to be the best they can be. Nikki Gotham
Big change in her behavior at home
I am so happy to have my daughter in your Karate school – she loves it and I have seen a big change in her behavior at home.
She loves Ms. Jones and enjoys Mr. Philip’s class as well.
She has inspired me to start exercising and get fit that way I can role model for her how be healthy.
I love that she is starting to be more outgoing and comprehending that Karate is not about fighting but for being safe and healthy.
Thank You for everything to all of you. Adriana Campos – Mom of Ariana
You will see an amazing difference in your child…
When my husband and I decided to try Karate for our kids, we found Family Karate. After our first visit we knew we had found the right place.
Master Truscott was amazing with Alexa, who was very shy and nervous at the beginning. She is now confident in herself and we both noticed a huge difference in her self-esteem. She is so proud of herself, and we are too.
Steve and Sean are amazing Instructors who really help parents and guide them to fostering each child’s different needs.
Putting Alexa and Maverick in Family Karate was one of the best decisions we’ve made. They are so proud of themselves and have gained so much confidence and discipline.
You will see an amazing difference in your child. The teachers really care about the students and it shows through in the kids! Tamara Racholz - Mom of Alexa (5) and Maverick (3)
… more calm, listens better and follows directions sooner
I wanted my Grandson Cole to try Family Karate to gain better listening skills and disciplined behavior at home and at school.
After just a few weeks Cole knows he is expected to work at home on the agreements he makes with his Instructor regarding positive behavior changes. Now he is more calm, listens better and follows directions sooner! He is receiving praise at school.
He loves his Karate and his Instructor! Pauline Pierce
…better listening, perseverance and self control
At Family Karate, I feel very supported as a parent. Little Dragons is a great combination of introducing martial arts and lessons of responsibility and self control. Vincent’s (4) attitude and behavior has changed with better listening, perseverance and self control. He also takes great pride in his Karate! Victoria Bausone
Parent Grateful for Teen Safety Camp
It was awesome to see the girls become more and more empowered each day this week. The demonstration today was such a great confirmation to us parents just how beneficial this Camp was for our kids.
You are touching many lives Steve and for this I, along with so many other moms, are very grateful!
Take care and thanks again Steve – Maryann Mohns
Mom Awed by Daughter’s New Skills
Hi Steve – I want to thank you and your team for the Teen Safety Camp and all the training my daughter, Sammy, received. From being timid and lacking in confidence (due to her petite size) to becoming a tough and confident young lady on the last day of Camp made me very proud of her. I can’t believe how much detail she remembered from the training when she came home every day. That tells me that she really enjoyed the training and learned a lot from it.
I just saw on the news a few days ago a 17 year old girl who was abducted and killed, I feel so sad for the parents because they are not as lucky as us whose daughters had gone through your very useful and important safety training.
Knowing my daughter is equipped with self defense and safety techniques through your training gives me peace of mind. You and your team did a great job in teaching these girls to be strong, not submitting to predators, and protecting themselves. Kudos to you and your team!
Thanks – Aivi Santosa
Professional Educator Impressed by Teen Instructor
Dear Ms. Zeno – Last Tuesday your student Mr. Ribner taught a Junior Black Belt class at the Penasquitos Family Karate School. My two daughters took the class and I assisted Mr. Ribner. Not only did he do an outstanding job teaching the class, but he interacted with the parents and students in such a professional way.
Mr. Ribner demonstrated some beautiful jump kicks, spin kicks and rolls! During the class I heard kids whispering “awesome” and “wow” after some of his kicks. When I got into the car with my daughters they said that they really liked the class. My 11 year old daughter, Taylor, said, “He is so modest.” I asked her what she meant by that and she said, “Well, you gave him a lot of compliments and he just quietly said ‘thank you’.” I explained to my daughters, that is what makes him such an awesome Black Belt. He can do amazing things and he has a wonderful gift, but he chooses not to brag about it.
Mr. Ribner is a fantastic role model! I am always so impressed by your students. Mr. Ribner is just one of the great kids representing your school. Kudos to you and the Ribner family! I know that many of the Junior Black Belts are looking forward to his next class!
Sincerely – Nay Flinn
Mom Grateful to Role Model Instructor
My daughter Olivia has been taking lessons at Family Karate since October, 2009. Throughout that time, she has had Rachel Jones as her Instructor at least once a week. Our family greatly appreciates Ms. Jones and her ability to lead kids while treating them with courtesy, dignity and respect – and demonstrating an incredible amount of patience!
Further, Ms. Jones has become a role model, giving my daughter an example of what she could become if she puts in the effort and perseveres.
Recently Olivia was invited to begin her Black Belt Quest. She was asked to write a letter to Master Truscott stating why she wants to earn her Black Belt. She closed her letter by saying that she hopes that one day when she is a teenager, she would be “as good as Ms. Jones”. The point is that not only is Ms. Jones teaching our children, but she is a fine example that Karate is not “just for boys”. She is an influencer and a good one at that.
Another point is that Olivia consistently attends the Saturday class that Ms. Jones teaches. This is on a day when Olivia would normally rather goof off, but instead she is up wanting to get her day started in order to get to her Family Karate class. That is typically her one day a week that is a “for-sure” with Ms. Jones and she does not want to miss it!
In closing, Rachel Jones is a wonderful Instructor and someone that we hope to see for many years to come in an Instructor’s uniform at Family Karate. Hopefully, when Olivia does finally earn her Black Belt in years to come, Ms. Jones will be able to say that she has been teaching Olivia since she was 5 years old, and Olivia will also let her know that she inspired Olivia to get to that point.
Most sincerely – Kristin Jiles
Reluctant Teen Loves Class
I was so impressed with Mrs. Molina and the entire class. So many of them reached out to make Katie feel comfortable. When she first started the class, Katie was giving me dirty looks from across the room. By the end of the class she was smiling and happy. She was in a great mood the rest of the day!!!! Maryann Mohns
Native American Mom Grateful for Rites of Passage
Dear Mr. Truscott – I wanted to write to you and thank you both for the honor you have bestowed upon Jake. He is very excited and proud of his promotion and we are very proud of him and supportive of his goal to become a Black Belt.
Jake is very focused on his Karate and the opportunities he has been given at Family Karate have truly increased his self esteem and have given him the experience of seeing himself take on new tasks and accomplish them through hard work.
He has always been leery of trying new things and was a bit overwhelmed by the thought of the new class, but I believe he trusts Mr. Philip’s belief in him and is taking a strong step toward learning what real commitment is.
I am also happy about the respect and ceremony involved in your program. As a Native American I find little of the kind of respect for elders and the importance of ceremony that I believe all children need to honor the crossing of stages in our society today. I really enjoy seeing protocol followed and respect being modeled and held up as important.
I am glad that you take the time out to have ceremony and make a big deal of the accomplishments so that the kids understand that you have to work to reach your goals and how good it feels when you get there. So many kids are just handed things these days, they are robbed of the sense of accomplishment and joy that they would receive through hard work and dedication.
Once again, thank you and we will see you in class!
Respectfully – Claudine Montes
Confidence, Character Building, and Community Involvement…
I want to express to you how beneficial Family Karate has been for me & my son. We’ve been training since December 2005. It’s been a pleasure getting to know a great team of people.
James’ first experience was through an enrichment course at his elementary school. Then I was invited, at no charge, to try it with him for a month.
I was a bit intimidated at first, but Mr.Carroll helped me address any concerns I had & that made me feel comfortable.
When I decided we would join, my goal was to do something fun & athletic with James, but I started to see more benefits. Our confidence, character building & community involvement grew stronger, to name a few.
I’ve learned many things in the past few years training, most of all, to do my best every chance I get!
As a single parent, I really appreciate the support, & encouragement of accountability for James to do well, not only in karate, but in school & at home. It’s what I call, a triangle of strength between parent, instructor & teacher for our children.
James has achieved level 2 junior black belt, working toward a 1st degree Black Belt. He’s doing well in school & I’m very proud of him.
I’ve earned a 1st degree Black Belt, working toward 2nd & am certified as an Instructor, currently teaching with Family Karate.
I look forward to training & working with the Family Karate team for many years to come.
Thank you for all you do – Stephanie Osburn
Four Year Old Girl Learns Real Confidence
Our daughter Isabella started karate lessons at the “Tiny Tigers” program when she was 4-year-old, as an exercising activity. When Isabella began the program she was a very shy child. Often at Pre-K, Isabella faced problems with aggressive children. Isabella used to be scared as she passively absorbed all those conflicts, and she used to come home and be sad or cry for her inability to resolved those sour encounters among peers.
After joining Family Karate with Mrs. Molina, Isabella’s personality was positively improved. By learning the Karate tenets – Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit – Isabella increased her self-confidence and understood that she needed to be courteous to others and expect the same treatment in return.
In addition, Isabella learned that by using her self-control, she could change her reactions in her daily activities. Since then, Isabella has found her voice in a positive and courteous way. For example, if a child says or does something that Isabella does not like, she actively deals with the problem by saying “Stop! I do not like what you are doing.”
Through out Karate training and Mrs. Molina’s guidance, Isabella has grew to be a more confident child. As parents, we are very thankful to Mrs. Molina and all the Family Karate Team for helping us to discover a new avenue to positively reshape our daughters personality. Today, Isabella is a happy, self-confident and enthusiastic brown belt, who is excitingly looking forward to become a Jr. Black-Belt. Vicky and Paul Rosenstein
Girls (and Mom!) Love Family Karate
Hannah absolutely loves Tae Kwon Do! My younger daughter Ava also loves her class and her teachers. She has been in Mrs. Green’s Tiny Tigers class and looks forward to it every week. She would go every day if she could!
As a parent, I am so impressed with the quality of your program and the great life skills it teaches. You also have a GREAT staff. We have mostly been taught by Mrs. Green, Mrs. Molina and Mr. Thompson. What a fabulous group of instructors! Of all my kids’ programs (and believe me, their schedule is packed), I would definitely put this program at the top of the list. Thank you so much for providing a great standard and great lessons for my children. Suzy Liu, Grateful Mom
Gratitude and Appreciation
I would like to express to you my utmost gratitude and appreciation for teaching Erin. You and your staff are so understanding - really a blessing.
I would also like to let you know how much our family appreciates Mr. Philips. He is wonderful with the kids and we just enjoy coming to class every week. You can really tell how much he cares and is dedicated to all of his pupils, both children and adults; and to parents too!
Erin thoroughly loves the class and has just learned so much. It is so great to see her so excited, dedicated and motivated. This has been and is such a wonderful thing for Erin and our family.
We are very pleased with Mr. Philips, he is just awesome and we just can’t say enough wonderful things about him!
Thank you again Mr. Truscott for everything you and your staff have done. It is very much appreciated!
Sincerely – Paula Brandt
Courteous Cooper
About two weeks ago on our way into karate class you had greeted us at the door and as Cooper (4 years old) had walked in you had explained to him that is very courteous and polite to hold a door open for a lady, especially your Mom. He nodded yes and proceeded through the door anxious for class. Not quite sure if it truly sank it or not, now I am convinced it did.
A week later we had went into the bank. On the way to the front door I had to stop and dispose of some trash before I was able to hold the door open. As Cooper is headed towards the front door I notice an elderly lady with a cane along with a caretaker out of the corner of my eye. Cooper and the elderly lady reach the door at the same time and my thought is, “Oh no! He’s going to be in the way of her getting into the bank.”
I immediately rush over and to my surprise he not only opened the door but continues to hold the extremely heavy door wide open for this lady with the cane and her caretaker to pass through. Some other people were exiting through a nearby door and took notice to what Cooper was doing and had made pleasant remarks.
I was so surprised and so happy!
I told Cooper what he had done was very courteous and polite, I made a point to contact his Dad and Grandparents so he could hear me tell them his story. I have made a point to share this with others since then, even though the event has passed his being courteous and polite will stick with him forever.
I’m proud to be his Mommy! Michele Reyes
Family Fun
My wife and I have been very impressed with the Family Karate program. Our 5-year-old son Austin loves going to Mr. Carroll’s class because he always has fun, gets a lot of exercise, and learns something new every time.
We enjoy the program because we see how the tenets of Taekwondo are helping Austin become a super student at school and a great kid at home. And Mr. Carroll really connects with the kids – he is terrific! – Art & Hope Root (Mr. Root is in class with his son.)
Bully-Proofed!
My daughter had a recent encounter with a bully that I would like to tell you about. One day at school a boy was coming up to girls and grabbing their behinds. He did this to my daughter and then tried a second time. Before he could touch her again, she had turned around, made eye contact, pointed at him and told him in a firm, strong voice to stop. The boy was so stunned at her demeanor it was like he ran into a wall. He froze and then took off. Then my daughter reported the incident to a teacher immediately.
I am so pleased with how she handled this incident and I believe the way she conducted herself is directly related to the skills you have taught in your Life Lessons course. While I hope this is the only time she will need to stand up for herself, I know the realities of life. Chances are she will be put to the test many times and I have confidence that she has learned several helpful basic tools for discouraging bullies and reducing the chances that she will be a victim.
With sincere appreciation – Katie Johnson
Wonderful Support System
It is hard to put my feelings about everything you all have done for my family into words, but here it is:
Family Karate is an extension of our core family, as the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child(ren)”. The support Master Truscott, Ms. Exline and Mr. Philip provide has been amazing.
Mr. Philip does a wonderful job of reiterating the life lessons I am teaching my two sons.
As a single mom, I appreciate having positive male role models (both Mr. Philip and the older senior students) that I feel safe having my sons interact with. We enjoy the Family Nights and the other activities that we get to participate in.
There have been numerous times when I asked Mr. Philip to talk to the boys about courtesy or integrity issues and he has done it without thinking twice. His way of working with young people has helped they boys to understand the importance of being and becoming honorable young men.
Ms. Exline is always there to provide support, help work through problems and remind me that everything will be alright. I consider her to be a truly honest and real friend, I am thankful to have her in my life. This has been a tough year for our family and she always is there to remind me that we can make it and that we are not alone.
Having a place for my sons to learn about self-discipline and how to use self-control has been a very helpful. They both look forward to going to classes and working toward their next belt. With them earning their brown belts, they are learning what it takes to be a leader and how to set an example for others. They are both better people for the life lessons they are learning.
As a mom who also takes classes, I have appreciated the time to work on my needs and exercise issues. I have made a number of good friends who I see not only at the studio, but also out in the community. I am always very proud to tell people that our family belongs to Family Karate-Escondido.
Thank you for being part of our family – Julie Mills
My Kids’ Confidence Has Grown
I, as a mother of 3, love Mr. Carroll’s consistent focus on the Values of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control and Indomitable Spirit. My 6 year old boy’s and 4 year old daughter’s confidence has grown. The program has reiterated what we teach at home which solidifies their values. Thank you Family Karate for making a second home for us as we are in your home (class) Monday through Friday! They have great self-defense moves and their awareness of others around them has strengthened - Kathy Namvar
Perseverance Pays Off
The lessons learned about perseverance and courtesy have been especially helpful in teaching our son how to deal with some of the difficulties he encounters in school and at home and have helped shape his attitude in a positive way.
When my son was five years old, he was having a difficult time getting through his 20 minute music lessons. He would give up and flop down onto the floor. Within approximately six months of starting Karate we found that he was not only able to get through an entire Karate class but was easily able to get through a 30 minute music lesson. – Paul Holtz, father of Adrian
Parents Appreciate Family Karate’s Values
Our son has been Ms. Zeno’s student for the past 7 years. During that time, we have watched him blossom from a giggly little boy into a mature, serious but joyful martial artist.
He has become a true leader, he has confidence in himself, he loves to work with others and he is committed to remaining in martial arts for life.
The Solana Beach studio is like a second home for him; Ms. Zeno is like a second mother to him, and we could not ask for a better role model.
We love the philosophy of Family Karate, we believe in giving back to the community and helping those in need and we know that you encourage that value. We love Ms. Zeno’s studio and it feels like a second home to us as well, especially since we are there on a daily basis! – Michelle and Lewis Ribner, parents of Andy
Karate Kid’s Courtesy Impresses
David has been consistently courteous where ever we are. I especially appreciate his efforts to go out of his way to help others. On a recent trip to Minnesota several people remarked that he was such a very pleasant child. I think this type of consistency also demonstrates his growth in the area of self control. – Mrs. Kunczynski
Mom Grateful to Dedicated Teacher
Hi. My name is Suzy Liu and I have two daughters Hannah and Ava Liu that attend classes at Family Karate in Rancho Penasquitos.
I wanted to let you know how pleased I have been with the teachers at Family Karate. I have been especially pleased with the dedication of Ava’s teacher Mrs. Molina. Ava absolutely loves Tae Kwon Do, and Mrs. Molina has had a lot to do with it.
She loves learning and repeating the Tenets of Tae Kwon Do. She tells me every Monday and Wednesday all the things she did and learned. Her excitement and desire to learn is a joy to see. Even Hannah says that “Mrs. Molina has us play games that help us learn but are also fun. She is a really fun teacher to learn from.”
I wanted to thank all the instructors at Family Karate and especially Mrs. Molina who has added to Ava’s and Hannah’s invaluable Tae Kwon Do experience.
Thank you – Suzy Liu