|
In March 2005, I
was told about a Jujitsu school in Toowong which was running a self
defense program for children. My husband and I often spoke about
starting our eldest child (6) in some form of martial arts, so we
decided to go along for a lesson to see if she was interested. To
start with, she was terribly shy and quite probably overwhelmed.
During the lesson however, Sensei Matthew came over and introduced
himself to her and asked her if she’d like to join him on the mat
with the other children. Sensei Matthew then spent about 20 minutes
with just her in a one-on-one situation, showing her how to do some
of the techniques the other children were learning. Had Sensei
Matthew not done this, I don’t think she would have gone again, but
because he did, and with the encouragement and attention he showed
her and the respect with which he spoke to her, she wanted to come
back and has since become a long-term member. Recently she was made
“student of the week”. This title is highly sought after among the
children and is considered a high honor. Sophia was terribly proud
and would not take her special belt off until we got home. Sophia
has gained so much from the time she has spent so far with Sensei
Matthew and Sensei Mark. Her co-ordination has improved
dramatically. Her attention span has increased. Her strength and
endurance have really developed, but most importantly, her self
confidence has bloomed. Sensei Matthew and Sensei Mark treat the
children with such respect and good humor that all the children at
the Dojo can’t help but blossom. They have managed to create the
perfect atmosphere in which to thrive and personally, as parents, we
couldn’t be happier. We entered our youngest daughter (4) into the
Little Warriors program when it started last month and we are
beginning to see the same changes in her. As parents, we love
attending also. The Dojo has such a wonderful sense of community
and friendliness that each week we all look forward to going. If
you are considering an activity or sport for your child, we have no
hesitation in recommending Martial Arts Queensland.
Rachelle and
Peter Sampson
After trialing a number of different activities
for our kids, we discovered Martial Arts Queensland. Our prior
experience in Martial Arts was very different to what we have found
here: it is fun for the kids, entertaining for the parents and we
all look forward to coming along. Sensei is very caring and has a
great sense of humour, while at the same time instilling a sense of
discipline and control into the students.
They have been learning a number of
self-defense movements, some very basic Martial Arts movements, with
fitness and strength being developed in a fun, friendly atmosphere.
There are many opportunities for the students to practice their new
skills and techniques, but never in a way which becomes tedious. The
serious aspects of the class are incorporated with the fun ones,
giving the students an enjoyable learning environment.
What we, as a family, most like is the sense
of community which exists. Parents are always welcome to stay and
watch, unlike many other activities where this is not allowed! The
kids love us watching and they actually try harder to do well,
pleasing both Sensei and parents. Older kids interact with younger
ones, playing games, learning and developing friendships.
Robyn
and her husband both train in the Jujitsu class,
currently has two daughters training at MAQLD, aged 8 and 11.
Since my 5
year old son has joined the school he has shown a greater level
of self confidence. The course and training while intense is done
in a manner that makes it fun and enjoyable for him. Luke has had
an occasion since joining the school where he was confident enough
to stand up for himself and prepared to defend himself against
an older child who wanted to take Luke's ball. There was no
confrontation and Luke was very quick to point it out to me. The
children are taught to defend themselves and NOT to use the
skills they are taught in a form of aggression to others.
Luke and I
look forward to the training twice a week as not only does Luke
enjoy himself, but he is trained to defend himself and gets fitter
as each week passes.
I enjoy the
school as the parents are able to stay and watch the enjoyment
their children are having while being taught vital self defence
techniques in today's world where unfortunately all types of crime
are present.
The school
and Sensei are respected by the children, who have fun in an
environment which is disciplined and hard work, commitment and
dedication is rewarded.
I have a 3
year old who comes with to the training and watches the training
or interacts with the kids of the other parents who are of a
similar age to him. He is very keen to join his brother and I
look forward to him joining the school when he is older,
enabling both my sons the opportunity to benefit from an excellent
program.
I would
recommend the school to all parents as it has much to offer in
a friendly environment that always makes one feel welcome.
Robert Dupont's whole family trains
at MAQLD,
Luke aged 5, James aged 3 and Erin train in the defence class
while Robert trains in the Jujitsu class.
Our son has been a member of Martial Arts
Queensland since January of 2005. We found out about the
dojo through a brochure sent home from school. We went along for
a free trial lesson and were pleasantly surprised with the relaxed
atmosphere and professionalism. Our son, who is 5, was very
positive about the experience and keen to join so we did! Given
his age, we were struggling with his lack of focus on anything and
trying to find a way to channel his energy. After being with this
organization for a couple of weeks we realized that we had found
it. Not only was he gaining confidence and self respect, he was
learning how to listen carefully to instructions and respect the
rules that were clearly defined in the dojo. Two evenings a week
can be a big commitment for some families, be we have found it to
be well worth it and look forward to each class. For us parents,
it is more than just sitting on the sidelines of a sporting
match. We enjoy the sense of community and often take part on the
mats to help out when we are needed. At first we were worried
about our 3 year old sitting still for the class, but she has
always been made to feel very welcome and loves coming along.
Sensei
Matthew and his assistants are great teachers, are very motivating
and have great rapport with the students, (who range in age from 5
to 13). They set short term, attainable goals for the students
and push them to work hard to reach their reward. As parents, we
feel that a little bit of discipline and hard work mixed with fun
and learning is a great way for our son to spend his time. He has
become more aware of himself and what he is capable of doing. The
idea of reaching your full potential and not quitting each time
you do not perform as well as you would like has been impressed
upon him and that is such a valuable tool in life. He is becoming
more aware of the behaviour expected of him and what is acceptable
from others. For him, knowing that he is in control of his own
body and space is an important step toward being a self confident,
well adjusted person. Over all we have been very happy with our
experience at Martial Arts Queensland and intend to continue here
as a long term commitment.
Melody,
Currently has her son, daughter and herself all training at MAQLD.
|
