| Testimonials |
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"When we go out to a restaurant I have always asked the boys to find their best behavior before we go in. Of late, when I request the same, I get a resounding:“YES, M’AM!” from both of them. It’s nice to get an enthusiastic response to minding ones manners."
"Villari’s Martial Arts has been a huge part of my daughter’s success in school this year. Julia is in fourth grade. Although she is an extremely bright child, her attention and focus, as well as her motivation have hindered her from extrapolating the most from her classroom experience. Prior to her 6 months at Villari’s, Julia’s father and I have received numerous comments about her not reaching her potential in school due to the aforementioned behaviors. Last grading period, Julia earned straight ‘A’s and most importantly all ‘1’s in conduct with comments supporting her ability to focus more readily and participate in classroom discussions. To report that I am elated does not even remotely express my feelings to their fullest extent! There are no words to thank Sensei Dave for his patience, ability to motivate, passion that he shares for the martial arts and sheer talent for working with children to meet them where they are in their developmental process and take them so much further to reach their potentials! We are grateful!"
“I was invited to visit a class and was surprised to learn that this type of Karate is nothing like I expected. The instructor’s enthusiasm was intoxicating and what I learned in that one evening had me yearning for more. Our instructor teaches defensive abilities rather than aggressive techniques; the power to be able to defend yourself provides you with confidence. The classes are not about kicking and punching; you are taught to work the body and challenge the mind. We are able to do this at our own pace and level so there’s no intimidation; you take it one step (or belt) at a time and anyone at a higher level knows and understands those at lower levels. I love coming to classes: the instructor’s enthusiasm, the class’s energy and the knowledge, skills and techniques I am gaining. It’s the one place I can go to relieve stress and strain. As another student put it, “it’s our sanctuary”. “
"Sensei Dave and Villari’s has been a life saver at my house over the past several months. I cannot begin to tell you how great Sensei Dave is with the Kids. I have learned so much from him that I now use it at home. I have two boys in the program ages 9 and 5. Our family went through some changes with a divorce and the boys were starting to back talk me and not show any respect for me. That’s why I was drawn to Villari’s Colors of Character not only are they learning moves but they are learning self discipline, respect and self control and Sensei Dave reinforces it during the class as well. I now have more tools to use at home by reinforcing this strength of character. I now can take my boys out in public and be proud of their behavior where before Villari’s that was not possible. Thank you Sensei Dave."
"Karate gives my daughter a chance to feel good about herself. She enjoys the challenge of learning the moves, the instructors, the friends she's made. It's one thing she tells us she needs in her life. For her it's an important part of who she is right now as she navigates the preteen years."
"Karate had benefited my daughters both physically, mentally and emotionally. It has helped them gain strength, flexibility, and develop coordination, in addition to physical conditioning. They have incorporated the fundamentals of the three rules of Karate into their daily lives, both personally and at school. And lastly, belonging to the Villari’s of North Windham dojo has given them a sense of pride and enhanced their self esteem. My husband and I consider this an investment in our daughter’s futures."
"My daughters have made progress in several outside areas since they started taking karate classes at Villari's. The fact that they are more coordinated and have better balance could have been predicted. However, their ability to focus and think things through, improved self esteem and self discipline are an added surprise bonus! We truly appreciate the safe, comfortable, child friendly atmosphere that you provide for our girls. Thank you!"
"Villari's has been great for our two boys. It has especially benefited our youngest C.J. who has extra energy to spend. Ken and the staff have helped him learn to focus his energy more positively through his training. Thanks to Ken & Lisa and all the staff."
"It will be hard to summarize in one or two lines how much your Karate instruction has benefited Aaron. He has grown in confidence and maturity. He has grown from a boy who never raised his hand in school and was very reserved to a young man who is comfortable talking in most situations. I believe the discipline of Karate and your example have helped Aaron avoid many of the "pitfalls" of the teen years."
"My son was very uncomfortable--not well suited--for the youth sports scene, but he needed some kind of physical activity. I observed a couple classes and was sure that Villari's of North Windham was the answer--and I was right. My son trained for six years, earning a black belt and a sense of respect and confidence. His sisters joined later. My daughter, though not terribly athletic, also earned her black belt over the course of six years. Her experiences at Villari's are largely responsible for her transformation from a shy little girl to a confident, healthy young teen."
"Ever since our son started taking karate from Villari's, he has been more able to focus in school, pay attention at home and attend to the task at hand. It has helped him in so many ways, emotionally and physically. This is quality training at its best!"
"I think that my kids have benefited from karate by gaining a lot of confidence. Unlike sports, the kids do not have to be in competition with each other and EVERYONE gets a chance to participate. I also really enjoy seeing them have such a sense of accomplishment when they earn a new star or belt. I believe they also got a lot of very useful information from the first bullying prevention class they went to last week. Ken covered areas that I believe most parents wouldn’t even think of when teaching their children about how to handle bullies."
"Our whole family has been a part of the Villari’s team over the last 7 years. It’s been one of the greatest investments we have ever made in our health and lifestyle. Villari’s, you’re the best."
"You are never too old. I will be 60 in a few days, been a member for 2 years now. My results have been very rewarding. Villari’s has everything to offer when it comes to physical fitness."
"I have always been interested in martial arts. When my son started taking lessons he would ask me for help with a grab or a combination. I didn't know what sumo and combination #6 were. I decided to start taking lessons myself. Not only are we learning self defense, my son is learning strong values such as honor, courage and commitment."
"My daughter Emilie started kindergarten and had focusing issues. She came to Sensei Cheryl and has learned focusing, dedication and respect. Her self-esteem has been helped so much. I would definitely recommend Standish Villari's. Heidi (parent)"
"I initially decided to join karate for the exercise, but then soon realized the importance of learning how to defend and protect myself. Master Cheryl is a great instructor and pays equal attention to all belt levels. Her classes are fun and physically challenging and I am always glad I went."
"I think Dr. Kenneth Cooper said it best when he said "Fitness is a journey not a destination. It must be continued for the rest of your life". Hi, my name is Julie and I began my journey to fitness 10 months ago this month, when I finally decided to stop driving by Villari's dojo and to go inside. It was the best decision I've ever made in regards to fitness. I feel and look better than I have in fifteen years! And if that's not enough, I feel more confident every week that I can defend myself if put in a harmful situation. Karate is an addiction for me; I crave it and look forward to the two days a week that I go. I no longer dread Mondays because I look forward to the Monday night class. Take the karate two week challenge with master Cheryl Roy, you won't regret it and will undoubtedly be thanking her for the rest of your life! I can't say enough about Master Cheryl Roy and Villari's (because there aren't enough lines on this sheet of paper) Please, I urge you...no I challenge you to challenge yourself and come find out what it feels like to be in your best physical shape possible, to look and feel better than you have in a very long time, to be able to protect and defend yourself and to have a great time doing it! Villari's is a very fun friendly atmosphere! One last piece of motivation; My mother is 55 years old and decided to take the journey to fitness with me. We are now purple belts, soon to be blue belts and are both loving it. Our advice to you "Just do it". Karate is wonderful for the mind, body and soul!"
"Villari's has helped Tyler channel his emotions and deal with them in an appropriate manner. He loves the challenge of learning new things and mastering them. It has helped Kaylee with her focus on the task at hand. It's also a comfort to know that they will know how to protect themselves if need be. Villari's adult class is an awesome workout with lots of variety. Each class is challenging and fun. I always leave feeling energized and excited about the next class. Wondering what I am going to learn next and which body part will hurt most. Master Cheryl is an awesome person and instructor who makes it look so easy that you strive to learn more. It's just one more thing a family can have fun doing together." Name: Tyler Age: 8 yrs. Studying the arts 7 months. Name: Kaylee Age: 5yrs. Studying the arts 3 months.
"Practicing and teaching karate has made me a stronger, more confident and determined person. As a black belt instructor, I only have positive experiences to describe my time at Villari's. All of the instructors are welcoming and knowledgeable in everything they teach. I have found teaching to be a really great experience as well. I not only help students to learn, but they also help me improve. As a college freshman, I feel safe knowing that I can protect myself. I feel that the skills and knowledge I have gained while practicing and teaching at Villari's Studios are invaluable to my everyday life."
"Ever since my son began studying karate, his self-confidence has gone through the roof. He is also much more respectful and responsible at home and school." Pamela (parent)
"I have been studying martial arts since 9/97. I love the fun I have learning to defend myself while keeping myself in shape. I notice I have a lot more confidence in myself, as well as energy."
"My son has come for almost 2 years and the one thing he really has learned is not to give up on himself so easy. He use to get upset with himself really fast when things went wrong, but now thanks to the teaching of Master Cheryl, he has learned to overcome it." (parent)
"Nicholas has developed his self-confidence and self-esteem. The instruction is tailored so well to the kids, that it has been a very comfortable atmosphere for him. We've noticed that Nicholas is becoming more independent, and works to achieve the goals he sets for himself in karate, and it's carried over to his everyday life." Stacey & Brent (parents)
"I have been doing karate for 7 1/2 years. Karate has taught me never to give up. I have made a lot of friends at Karate. Karate is fun and hard work at the same time, but you feel really "SWEET" when you get your black belt."
"I just started Karate at Villari's in June with my son 8., and my daughter 6. We all love learning at each level and progressing together. We have a friendly competition, but cheer each other on at the same time. We all have improved balance, flexibility, strength, and discipline. It is great to have something to do together as a family that is both fun and rewarding." |