Testimonials

Cal R

Dear Sensei,
It has been an amazing and fun experience working with you. I have learned too much from you to sum up in a single letter, so Ill do my best. Karate has not only made me stronger physically, but also I feel that you have taught me to be a better person. I have learned that I am capable of doing so much more than I once thought. You are definitely one of the nicest people I have, and probably will ever have, the pleasure to meet. I look forward to starting again in the fall And, of course, Ill be practicing this summer!

 
Keely N

My Understanding
Sensei: trusted friend and teacher Sensei: is guided by the highest principles Sensei: places a childs safety and well being above all Sensei: nurtures a child with direction and praise Sensei: flourishes when his students succeed Sensei: endures when his students fail Sensei: inspires patience and perseverance Sensei: encourages peace and prosperity, character, and good will Sensei: works to emulate the model he teaches Sensei: passes his knowledge forward Thank you Sensei Marti for being my Sensei From Keely Jo Nelson 2008 Purple Belt

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Sue W.

Dear Sensei, I would like to thank you for giving me something I have not had in years. The belief that I am capable of doing whatever I want to do. Karate is giving me more insight into myself, the confidence of challenging myself to not give up so easily. I still have many obstacles from my past to work out but at least now I have an outlet to get rid of anger and rage that has been built up in me since I was nine years old. Also, there is one thing that I have not done in years is smile, which you and the dojo is helping me to do. Arigato, Sue W

Philip E

Dear Sensei, This has truly been the best year in my life. This dojo has truly changed my life. Youve made me so much happier and confident I remember the first day I came into your dojo. I was so uncomfortably shy. Even with you being so friendly I just kept very quiet. I had a low self-esteem and was kind of awkward. Youve really changed me. I cant believe it. Look at me now and maybe 6-7 months ago. I mean this dojo means so much to me and youve really made this dojo a second home for me. Not only does this dojo mean a lot to me but you mean so much to me. Sensei, youve really done it. You are truly a magnificent person. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Words seriously cannot describe how I feel about you. You are a pure genius. Youre amazing at everything you do. You are truly a great friend to me. I remember being a white belt and being so shy and uncomfortable. You were so great to me and youve made a very great impact on me. I am now a proud purple 1 and I have never felt better in my life. Im so glad I chose Marti Martial Arts Academy over the other dojos in the area. I wouldnt be as happy and probably wouldnt be happy at all if I went to any one those. The first time I saw you I knew this was going to be a very good thing. Youve been the biggest inspiration to me. Again you are truly amazing and I will never forget you. And again I seriously cant find any words that describe the amazing person you truly are. I cant believe how amazing you are. I am so very thankful and honored to be your karate student.
Sincerely, Philip Eng

Paul C

Since I became a student at Marti Martial Arts Academy, Sensei Marti has taught me a lot about humility, leadership, professionalism, and setting an example to other students, especially the younger, more impressionable ones. As I train under Senseis guidance, I both want to emulate his skills and his character. Senseis teaching style makes me want to push myself harder, to earn his respect, but also to attain a sense of achievement in my own efforts. It has been a long time since I had a mentor like Sensei, and I often talk about his influence in improving my physical and mental self. It has been a pleasure and an honor to learn from Sensei Marti, and I hope to do him proud as I continue to pursue excellence in the martial arts.
-Paul Curran, 6th Kyu (Blue Belt) student.

Tracy K

Dear Sensei,

I initially came to your dojo in search of a way to support my sons, Adam and Ryan, in their growth and development. I quickly became convinced that karate would help them both, in unique and valuable ways. Then I decided to join them.

In your dojo and in your care, we have all found so much more than what originally attracted us. We have found a place, a community and a family that feeds our bodies, minds and souls. We have found a center within ourselves that constantly reminds us of what is possible. We have found the strength to practice and discipline. And we have discovered a habit of asking more of ourselves, both within the dojo and at home.

I recently came across the following quote (author unknown): a good leader inspires others with a confidence in him or her; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves. This is really the gift you have given and continue to give each of us... great leadership that inspires us to recognize and confidence within.

Thanks for all you do,
Tracy Kirker

Anonymous

How Karate Has Helped a Lost Soul:
Somebody wise has been telling me to try different things and not to give up on them too fast. I had many adventures which turned out to be failures. The failures were not that they were hard or unreachable. It was that the person was actually thinking she was the failure. When a person has no self confidence, no sense of self, not feeling she deserves to be happy just like everyone has the right to, all the person thinks about is being the biggest freak of nature ever created. Failure brings out the worst in a person. It shows all the weakness in human nature. The thoughts of failure can actually drive a person to the point where there is no sense in living life. It feels like youre a black hole which keeps plunging deeper and deeper into desperation. It is actually a very terrifying course in lifes journey. Since karate has entered into my life, it gave me hope that people are only failures, if they totally believe it. Think about all the great people throughout our history, they never accepted failure as an excuse to drop out of the human race. They achieved greatness. I finally woke up, maybe too late in life, to let failure consume me any more. Karate has changed my life in my negative thinking which is the worst thing anyone can do. It is a challenge to change negative attitudes, thoughts and feelings into positive reactions. It teaches self control, sense of pride and the confidence need to resist bad thoughts, things and actions. It brings me some pride that I can do anything, be me and not be judged. The Dojo is a safe place for everyone since failure is not seen as weakness but rather a way of self improvement. The lost soul is finding some light. It is helping her enjoy life a little more each day. A Sensei also has special meanings in the life of every student that enters their Dojo. He shows you how to defend yourself but also teaches his students how to think, react and show respect for everything and everyone including yourself. This nameless person wants to thank Sensei Marti for helping her find some meaning in her life. It is actually the first in her life she has not given up after a few days and calling herself a failure. Thanks a million.

Gary & Paula L

Dear Sensei Marti, Our daughter Corie joined the dojo about one year ago. She enjoys going to the dojo, and feels good about what she has and continues to learn. Sensei Jose Marti enforces ethics, and respect. Corie has had the privilege of being advanced several levels. Through devotion and hard work, both student and teachers have thus far fulfilled their commitment that they made to each other. We are very pleased with Corie and Marti Martial Arts Academy. We offer our thanks, and with great respect to Sensei Marti, his family, staff, and fellow students, who like a family watch out for each other, that we thank you for a positive experience.
-Gary & Paula L

Maud B

THANK YOU SENSEI MARTI From the Bryt family
For all youve done for our:

MINDS Learning technique, learning kata, reading history, developing discipline. We love to learn new things, and theres always more to learn here. The mental challenge is what keeps us coming back for more. You are a great, inspiring teacher. Most people never find such a person in their lives, and we are very grateful to have found you.

BODIES Building strength, increasing flexibility, increasing quickness. An hour of playing tennis, a jog up some stairs, touching our chins to our knees; pushups, sit-ups, punches and kicks- through study with you, our bodies are renewed and much stronger than they were. Exercise for its own sake is boring, but learning to use our bodies to serve self-defense and art has a nice side-effect of getting into great shape.

SPIRITS Making friends, building confidence, forging a sense of purpose, finding a new art. The community you have built, bit by bit, Marti Martial Arts Academy is so fun and supportive, constructive and energetic, that its difficult for anyone to leave the place. We hope your work makes you happy because you certainly are making everyone else happy through your work.

Ann & Tim P

My husband and I joined Marti Martial Arts Academy in late August 2004. Learning Karate was something that we both always wanted to do. It is now almost a year later and we debate often over who gets to go to class ( we have no babysitter and the person not attending class stays home with the kids).

It is rare to find a man and a school that embodies what he teaches and teaches something so important. He follows and demonstrates through his generous treatment of people, the running of his business and his own goals of excellence the five tenants of karate in his school:

To seek perfection of character To be sincere and honest To show strong spirit To practice courtesy To control bad temper
The school is happy and welcoming place to come to for both families and individuals. The classes are mentally and physically challenging, never routine and always encouraging.

Our four year old daughter, Michaela, is now enrolled and loves the school. We look forward to the day we can enroll Alexandra, our 20 month old daughter. -Ann & Tim P 6/30/05

Emily and Robert K.

There are so many wonderful things to say about Sensei Marti and his dojo. I just asked our daughter Katherine what it has meant to her. She said it has taught her confidence, respect, loyalty and obedience. As her parents we have seen these qualities about and so much more. We have seen her develop a passion that has been nurtures by a community of warm and people of all ages. This community is so valuable to Katherine, and its supportive nature is a result of Senseis loving and demanding style which makes everyone in his school want to be the best they can be both as karate students and as people. Katherine has also gained so much physically from karate. She is strong and centered, and has great endurance all qualities that will prepare her for many challenges in her future. She also knows that she can reach whatever goals she sets for herself. We are so fortunate to have found you!

With great appreciation, Emily and Robert K.

Marty K

I wandered into Sensei Martis dojo while looking for a better karate class for my 12 year old son, Gabe. He had been at another school for years but seemed to have reached a dead end - the Katas (forms) were getting more involved but his basic skills had been neglected and it seemed as if he was just going through the motions. After observing one class, I knew Id found the perfect school for Gave. Sensei Marti had complete control of the kids and had their complete attention. It was obvious that he knew them all well, knew who to push harder, who to give a little slack to; when to let the kids play and when to rein them. This was a master teacher at work. I watched Gabe at class for several months before getting the urge to try it myself. At age 57, I needed to be in better shape and it looked like fun why not? Lose some weight, tighten things up, increase my stamina and learn to kill (or at least defend myself to some extent) besides! The first class was perfect I knew immediately that Id found an exercise regimen that I would stick with. Among the benefits are better senses of balance, coordination, muscle tone, stamina; the empowerment of learning a martial art is an incredible feeling, even at my advanced age! None of this comes easily. Practice and repetition are necessary to get the moves into the muscle memory and to keep it improving. Sensei Martis attitude towards teaching filters down through the ranks the advanced students are more than willing to help out the new comers. When I came home with my novice white belt, it brought pleasant surprise from my green belted (much more advanced) son. I outrank you! he crowed, and then taught me to count to 10 in Japanese. And my wife, Barbara has just joined the ranks she had her first class last week.
Marty K

Katherine K

My Beginning at Karate

When I first came to the Dojo, I was scared; because I was afraid I would be terrible at karate. It was hard getting to where I am now. I started to struggle during my training. Senseis teaching made it so I would fill my body with power and bravery. When I was a yellow belt, I was up for an Orange Belt test. Then karate got too challenging for me with all the Katas, forms, and much more. I wanted to give up and quit. But I knew that if I want something, I have to go out and get it. I kept on going and past my test. Now Im a successful brown II belt. Im up for Brown III in October, because I never gave up. Im getting better on my journey to become a Black Belt. Now I know can accomplish any goal I set my mind to. But right now, the hardest thing in karate is striving for my Black Belt. Classes are more intense for my energy level. But Im getting better because of that. Even though I sprained my ankle four times, my thumb once, and my arm once. I still came to karate and practiced well. Thank you so...much Sensei for all Ive learned from you. You are always helpful in any karate way possible. Because of you, I met a lot of nice friends and people. If I went to the other Kung-Fu place my brother went to. I would fall apart. I know now I can achieve any goal I set for myself. - Katherine K.

Sarah D.

What attracted me to Karate was that it was a sport with an element of art aimed at training your mind as well as your body. And what I have come to learn is that it is both and so much more. Studying karate has offered me the ability to tackle my weakness and recognize my strengths. Karate has strengthened my body as well as my mind and it has given me the courage to conquer some of many fears. It has defined the true meaning of focus and discipline. But importantly, it has taught me that with perseverance, patience, and practice I can achieve my goals. Training with Sensei Marti has been amazing because he inspires me with his knowledge as well as with his life experiences. He is compassionate, understanding and kind. He has taught me that failure is not an ending but a new beginning. He pushes you praises you and helps you bring out the best in you. To me, karate is exhilarating, exciting and intriguing. I am fascinated by all the learning that lies ahead and I look forwards to taking the journey. - Sarah Dorazio.

Sue

One Year Later By Sue
A person can grow in one year and not even realize it until it is pointed out to you Before I even signed up to join karate, I came a few times to the Dojo just to see what it was like. The first few times Sensei asked me if I wanted to join or at least try it. I would not even talk to him. Sometimes now I am continuous parrot, other times a plain old nut at least I talk. After about three times of checking out the dojo, I decided I had nothing to lose. My first lesson was with Sensei and from what I remember it went fine This is what was pointed out to me and what I had noticed. I would hardly move a year ago, that was said by Marti, and look at what you can do now It made me smile. I was giving up on karate before I even gave myself a fair chance to experience the sport. Several people told me that. All different kinds of questions would go through my mind, like can I do that? My answer was always NO because how can a chunky person do what a skinny person can do. It seemed like I was not putting energy into anything. My body was there but my mind was a thousand miles away which made me more frustrated in the process of convincing myself that karate was for me. Now I can say that I love it, when my soul is not totally here. At first, I would watch the leadership program and say to myself that I could not do anything they were doing. I proved to myself that I was wrong again. I figured out that if you want something bad enough you need to find a way to get it. I should have learned that lesson many decades ago but thats life. As time went by, I became very interested in the leadership and weapons programs, that I kept trying harder and better each time just to get into the programs. Sometimes, I wonder if I would still be the same person who had so much anger inside her and no productive way of releasing it. Karate gives me that release and it feels like I went to heaven and back again. I still forget that my anger will never go away but I can try to control it. That is one of the principles of the dojo to control bad temper. It is very hard for me to do and admitting that I have an anger problem is a big step for me. As Sensei keeps telling me, that it is a great day if you wake up in the morning. You are blessed. I sometimes have a very hard time thinking that it is a great day. I am thankful for all the wonderful people that I have met at the Dojo, for their help even when I do not or did not ask for it. Going to family classes and having the children saying hello Sue and just watching them doing all the karate moves and playing games is so gratifying to me. Being around everyone else and getting to know them. The one thing I have to do is let the people her at the dojo start to get to me but I am scared of that. All in all, karate has been the best thing that ever happened to me in years and I have a lot of thanks to give Sensei and everyone else here. That is what I learned in one year!

Kimberly R.

My eldest daughter was a black belt in another school when that dojo closed. We were all devastated, as karate had become a focal point in the lives of all five of my children. We began our research and investigated 10 dojos in the area. When Laurel met Sensei Marti we knew our search had ended. Sensei Marti was responsive, enthusiastic and informative and we immediately enrolled. Marti Martial Arts Academy was more than we had ever hoped for; the combination of Katas, self-defense, sparring and the aerobic content made for a uniquely challenging and inspiring program. All of us have thrived and grown as we strive to achieve our own personal best in nurturing family environment. We feel incredibly fortunate to be learning with a Sensei who can offer a wide variety of weapons instruction in addition to traditional Shotokan techniques. The friends that we have made at Marti Martial Arts Academy are wonderful and my children consider MMAA a second home. -Kimberly R.

Natalie

Dear Sensei. Thank you so much for helping me get to this point in Karate. I cant believe that I started when I was only nine years old. The black belt camp really helped me to be ready for the black belt test. If you hadnt devoted so much time to all of us doing the test then none of us would have done nearly as well. I cant imagine how my life would be without karate. Thank you so much for everything! From, Natalie

Maud B

Sensei -- You are the best! Thank you for all of your work with my family. You have taught Natalie and me so much about karate and so much about ourselves. Your school is a second home for us. Now that weve gotten to this point, we cant wait to get going on all have yet to learn! Love, Maud B

Matt R

Sensei, The notion of going to college is incredibly difficult to grasp. Leaving the dojo seems to be a rather large step, considering the fact that it happens to be a home away from my own. I will carry with me your teachings and beliefs that I have so willingly adopted as my own. Finally, I would love to thank you for everything you have done for me since the day I stepped foot in this school. - Matt R

Alexander S

Sensei, I cant believe that Im leaving. Since I started here, Marti Martial Arts Academy has become like a second home to me and I will really miss being able to come here and train. Its been fantastic how much Ive grown through your training and teachings. Its fantastic how much effort and energy you put into our training. Especially the boot camp how many people would be willing to show up on time early on a Saturday morning, especially a family. I just wanted to say thank you for everything, especially for being an excellent friend. Take care Sensei; Ill miss you in Pittsburgh. Sincerely, Alexander S

Laurel R

Sensei Wow, I cannot even express what a blessing it has been to train with you and get to know you over the last few years. You mean so much to me and my family, I can honestly say that the values and lessons Ive learned at Marti Martial Arts Academy, have enabled me to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There is so much to be said about the character that martial art instills in ones heart. The determination, hard work, perseverance, honesty, loyalty, integrity, mental strength, and faith that my time with you at MMAA has given me are priceless gifts I will always cherish and cling to. Throughout the time I have spent at MMAA, I have come to discover that my aspirations are to become someone like you A member of the community who is finding a way to help young kids through something they are passionate about. You are truly a light in the darkness and I pray that I will have the opportunity to give back and inspire young lives as you have. Thank you for all the help, guidance, support, and encouragement you have given me throughout the years. You have truly become more than an instructor you are a family member who has greatly impacted my path in life. God bless + XOXO much Love, Laurel R.

Lisa S.

Sensei, October 13, 2009 Life presents you with chances and opportunities, and the ones you chose determine the outcome of your life. These chances can either be beneficial or destructive, but life is about making these choices and deciding in what direction you want to move your life in. In my sixteen blessed years of life, I faced a tremendous opportunity; becoming a student at Traditional Karate America. When I first walked through the doors of the dojo several years ago, I was hesitant and reluctant to realize how this could benefit my life. My mind was in a monotone setting, not very receptive to try something new. I had pursued Tae Kwon Doe previously, but I had not developed a strong passion for it. With encouragement from my family, I decided to give Shotokan karate a shot. Initially, the significance of this martial art did not have much impact on my daily procedures and me. Sure, the dojo was an incredible place to be, but my urge to train was had not developed yet. Now when I step into the dojo, that apathetic feeling has completely vanished and been replaced with passion. I ask myself, what factors altered this appeal? The first factor would be you, Sensei. People forget the incredible impact a smile has and what a couple of encouraging words can do to a soul. No matter what mood you were in, you would always flash everyone with your pearly whites, creating such a smooth and serene atmosphere in the dojo, whereas no one felt limited or discontent. After a gruesomely mundane day of school, it was always a pleasantly delightful surprise to see you greet me with so much benevolence.

Your consistently driven attitude sparked motivation in my mind, encouraging me to keep such a bright mood up and neglect thoughts of worry and stress whilst practicing. Without you, Sensei, the dojo would be completely average with no appeal, with students wearing dreary faces of exhaust and malcontent. Your incredibly motivational impact drives people around you, encouraging them to try their hardest, and make sporting a smile a trend. Another important factor that lead me to this passion would be the leadership meetings I started to attend last summer. Before these meetings, I would mostly just focus on training. But as I started to work at the dojo and listening to your lectures, it opened my mind to an entirely different point of view. I got an insight as to what made the dojo so dynamic, how to show appeal to the students, and how to teach without the students feeling inferior. Not only was the business aspect you so generously shared with me extremely beneficial to my knowledge, but also the incredible life lessons you gave me, the ethical and moral lessons school rarely touches upon. How important it is to influence people positively and to be an epitome for well doing, hard work, and possess a clear mind. You have helped me steer my life towards a positive goal, by motivating me to work hard, never coast, and set goals for myself. This opportunity that life presented me with has benefited me physically and psychologically. Not only have I become a serious martial artist, but my state of mind is always replenished with motivation and enlightenment every time I step foot into the dojo. I cannot thank you enough Sensei, for you have been a guiding light, source of inspiration, incredible teacher and motivator, and you will always be close to my familys heart and me. -Lisa S

Stacia J

Dec. 17, 2009
Dear Sensei Marti,

We first crossed the doorway of your dojo four years ago The boy by my side was only a little guy, just four years old. For several months, hed been asking to take karate. He didnt really know what that meant, except, perhaps, that it was something fun hed heard about from a friend. He put on his gi, and his white belt, and with a slightly unsure look about all this bowing stuff, he stepped on the mat for his first time.

Now eight, today Dylan runs headlong from the locker-room to the edge of the mat, bowing confidently before stepping on. (And he loves saying OS! as loudly as possibly when arriving and departing.) There have been challenges during the past four years, for sure, but you helped him deal with them with a perpetual spirit of kindness and encouragement. You understood that this little ball of energy also had his own insecurities, and with gentle patience, supported him through rough patches until he was ready to meet the next challenge.

In the course of his progression from Dragon White to a Purple II, Dylan has learned more than kihon and katas, more than weapons and sparring; he has learned a way of approaching the world, of carrying himself and of thinking of himself. He is proud of what he can do physically; but he also is proud of when he lives up the five principles.

Youve also, through example, shown that the way one acts off the mat matters as much as what one does it. Theres never a day when one of us (or anyone, for that matter) enters and isnt greeted with a smile, a hello, a how-ya-doing?. Theres always time to step into the office to talk over a school or home problem. You have imbued everyone at MMAA -- staff and other families alike -- with that same welcoming spirit; coming here always feels like coming home. No matter what else is going on, when we walk in, it feels like returning to center.

The dojo is where we live -- in the deepest sense of the word: Where we come alive and are our best selves. And karate is what we live day in, day out; at home and in the wider world. These are lessons that we will carry with us wherever we go, and you will always be our sensei.
With deep gratitude,
The Jesner Family

Sean C

Karate The Path From Within

Sean Cunningham By all outward appearances, it was clear that I had no natural talents for Karate. I had none of the flexibility, measured motions, easy coordination, rhythmic movements or calm stamina that I saw in so many Karate students at our dojo. Also, I was sure that in terms of fitness, I would never get to my perception of Karate shape, and getting into black belt shape was out of the question.

All I had known athletically was hockey: adrenaline-fueled power bursts taken with white-knuckle abandon just a degree short of rage and that was all I had done for twenty- five years. So what I brought to the art of the empty hand was a very tightly balled fist.
And now I know that none of that mattered, whatsoever.

I would learn to my great joy that what mattered most in Karate was the ability to truly harness the very best of what lies inside a person - and let it rule both the time at the dojo and ever-more of ones daily existence. I learned from Sensei Marti what to bring to the dojo - that inner fighting spirit, the sheer will to succeed and a growing mentality that refuses to put limits on what is possible. If those inner forces came with me every time I bowed ooss through his front door, it was guaranteed that the physical improvements would always follow.

All through my first year of sweating, panting, and over-exerting with tense shoulders and Jurassic Park footwork, Sensei was incredibly patient and encouraging; he made it crystal clear that all measures of ones progress and improvement versus ones self were the fabric of his Karate school.

The pace of my physical progress in Karate has come slow, as if through an eye-dropper, and now I know that I wouldnt want it any other way.

The real ride has been from the inside. Im still a mess to look at I sweat like its raining, I occasionally get lost during drills for no apparent reason, I still have to be reminded to breathe; but I am light years ahead of where I was just a couple of years ago and Ive progressed through all those belts. And in one of the unlikeliest of contradictions: Im in way better shape as a Karate student going into my black belt test at 48 than I was as an every-night hockey player at 19. Is it truly black belt shape? It is for me.

I remember the class four years ago where it first occurred to me that I might actually be able to advance in Karate Sensei asked one our most accomplished and highly skilled students what they thought the key to becoming a black belt was without hesitation the answer came: I think its 98% hard work, 2% talent actually 99% hard work. I was hooked on Karate at that moment. And that student was right. Ive shook my head in frustration so many times at something that Im just not doing right or some technique that I dont think is ever going to come, and Ive learned to just breathe through it and try again: slower, methodicallyagainand again. And it always gets better.

One of the greatest things about Karate is the community of students Ive been able to train with. Theres a genuine humility and camaraderie in holding pads for each other, sparring, working, drilling, and learning together. From katas to kicks, at least half of what Ive learned has come directly from other students; a suggestion, a reminder or kick to the chest protector all contribute to new instincts like keep your hands up or just speed, no strength. For me, it seems enigmatic how Karate can be simultaneously both communal and individual. The individual piece is how Karate clears my mind for the entire time Im at the dojo. One of the best by-products of having no natural physical abilities for Karate is that I need to be 100% mentally focused on what Im doing moment-by-moment on the mat, for forty five minutes at a time. I literally cant think of anything else.

Karate has been one of the best life-surprises ever. The potential of being handed a black belt by Sensei Marti is still mind-bending to me, mentally I know I will have earned it but in my heart I know I can only accept it as a student on a path:
The real ride has been from the inside.