Testimonials

Learning and practicing Kung Fu at California Martial Arts Academy has been a positive influence in my life.  It helps to build mutual respect and common goals within my family by providing the opportunity to learn side by side as a family during our classes.

Kung Fu has also helped me personally to work through a recent physical health challenge.  Not long after joining CMA, I encountered a serious knee injury which required surgery to repair.  Little did I know it was going to be a long road to recovery.  It was the practicing of Kung Fu in the later months and years to follow which I attribute to my success in fully recovering the strength and flexibility of my leg.  Many thanks to all my Kung Fu brothers and sisters who encouraged me along this path to recovery.

-Richard Y.

I have had a lot of good things happen ever since I joined CMA.  My motor skills have gotten a lot better I’ve lost some weight and I’m starting to focus a lot better in school.  I’ve learned a lot of forms and I am proud of myself for learning much of them so far.  I have come a long way and still have a ways to go, but I really hope I can go all the way to the end so I can get my black belt.  I have made some new friends and now I’m not so shy anymore.  I’m having a lot of fun doing martial arts and I really hope I get my black belt.

-Michael H.

Our training at the California Martial Arts Academy has been an exceptional family experience.  It has given us not only important time together but has allowed us to work towards a common goal – as a family.  Together, we are able to practice, laught, encourage and help each other achieve our goals.

At CMA, our children are learning very important life lessons – self discipline, respect for themselves and for others, self protection, and the importance of achieving a healthy body and mind.  We can actually see their self confidence increase each day.

Our instructors have both been incredible role models as they provide positive encouragement, a fun at mosphere, and gentle yet firm guidance.  Our kids love learning the traditional kung-fu teachings as well as the practical self-defense applications.  This instruction gives them a sense of empowerment and achievement.

As parents, we have been able to incorporate your teachings as a guide in our daily lives to help teach our children humility, repect and hard work – and that, inch by inch, they can achieve anything.

The Petersen Family

California Martial Arts, Seven Star Mantis Kung Fu has been an outstanding part of my family’s life the past two years. Thank you for creating a leadership program that serves people of all ages and needs. The CMA program has helped my wife, kids, and self in the areas of fitness, family time, discipline, sociability, education, sportsmanship, self-defense, and reward.

Fitness – In the first six months, I lost 25 pounds. I had not been able to run over a mile in 15 years, but this past summer I ran a in the 5K with the other students and did it in under 22 minutes. My wife recently had knee surgery on both knees. The physical therapists were amazed at how fast she was able to recover. It was because her legs had been conditioned in your school. When my 10-year old son started the program, he couldn’t do a single push up. Now he can do 30 with ease.

Family time - One problem I found with competitive youth sports is the rotating schedule. With multiple kids, families get split apart in every direction. Families are expected to sacrifice their time for the team. Classes at CMA meet three times a week on a regular schedule so the whole family can work out together and can schedule their outside activities easily. If someone misses class once, they are not made to “sit the bench” the next class.

Self-defense – Most people will never have to defend themselves, but knowing martial arts makes one more confident and assertive. I know my kids won’t get bullied and I know if my wife is accosted, she is going to hurt the perpetrator. In my business, I deal with tough contractors who like to intimidate. I now am confident to challenge them, no matter what their size

- Scott B.

Belt Level:
Purple Sash, stripe 1

Why did your family decide to train kung fu?
We enrolled Rhys in kung fu for several reasons. Being Chinese, we felt it was important for him to learn his culture. We also wanted him to learn the respect and discipline that comes with martial arts training.

Thirdly, due to his age and genetics, we knew he would always be one of the smaller kids in class. We wanted to be confident that he would be able to defend himself should he encounter a bully. Rhys rose to such an occasion
in his first few days in kindergarten this year. The biggest boy in class (who is at least a head taller than Rhys!) tried to choke him. Rhys was able to defend himself by breaking free from the choke hold and kicking the boy.
Knowing that I would not be happy with him hurting a classmate, Rhys explained that "[he] didn't kick him too hard because [he] didn't want to hurt him." A few days later the same boy went up to Rhys and hit him. Rhys blocked the boy's punch, went into his 'on-guard' stance and proceeded to engage his attacker. Rhys then punched the boy several times and the boy ended up crying. Rhys showed the bigger boy that he wasn't scared of him.
Since then, the boy has not tried to hurt Rhys. As pleased as I am that Rhys was able to defend himself physically, I am even more pleased that these encounters have not affected him emotionally. Those scars would be much harder to heal.

Mind you, Rhys is not an aggressive child by any means. He has been instructed through the academy and reinforced by us at home that he is only allowed to use his kung fu if he is provoked. Through his training at California Martial Arts for the last one and a half years, aside from actual martial arts skills, Rhys has gained confidence, focus, and a positive attitude.