Changing Lives Martial Arts has been an anchor for Neal for the last 19 years. We came for a 30 day trial, and never left. As an advocate for Neal’s education, I frequently described his martial arts classes as a model for the inclusion of differently abled children. A place where students are celebrated for what they CAN do, and encouraged to try new things, even when teaching it might be hard. CLMA uses a positive approach for instruction and demonstrates respect, integrity, perseverence, etc. while teaching the physical skills of taekwondo. Some things have changed over these years, but one thing has not changed a bit … We are family.

My daughter started at Changing Lives Martial Arts in 2010. I remember being so impressed with the way she opened up, how her self-esteem and confidence just soared. The following year, around Mother’s Day, her instructor invited me to take class. I was a little hesitant at first, I’d just passed a milestone birthday (50!) and I can truly say that I had become a couch potato by that time and wasn’t sure I wanted put myself out there. Was I too old to do something new? Too out of shape? However, I tried the first class and found home – I loved it! The challenge on the physical side was really a smaller part of the overall equation for me. Was I out of shape – absolutely! And my own self-esteem and confidence had been low. Working with Chief Master Thomas and his staff, I progressed, growing in not only the physical aspects, but also the mental / emotional. As the instructors taught me new material, I always knew I had the support and guidance to master the material. My self-esteem and confidence grew exponentially to the point where it made a difference not only in my Martial Arts life, but also in my career. Now, six years later, I look back and see how my life has been changed through what Chief Master Thomas and his instructors do every day. I highly recommend the Adult TaeKwonDo program at Changing Lives Martial Arts to any one – You’re never too old or out of shape to make a change

Our son began his Tae Kwon Do training at the age of 5. Football was my first choice...wife said, "no!" Chief Master Thomas's instructors at the time, which included Mr. C. Gunsel, did not coddle him or baby him. Instead, the black belts immediately built in our son a strong foundation comprising of self-discipline, respect, and confidence through positive reinforcement. Once he stepped onto the mat; he never looked back. Five years later, he is a 2nd degree black belt and a junior instructor. This achievement required dedication and sacrifice from a young kid; such as skipping the Ipod/TV after school, instead study and finish the homework in order to make it to Tae Kwon Do class on time. It also required active participation, dedication, and financial sacrifice from the parents/guardians. I'm an old school martial arts student and I thought that my son was too young to teach others; that he received his black belt too fast and too early. Each day that I get the chance, to watch our son assist the newer students; to watch him practice the art; and to have him compete in tournaments.....he proves me wrong in ever thinking he wasn't ready. ATA Changing Lives Martial Arts can provide martial artists the ability to obtain an effective skill set that transcends outside the dojang.