As parents of two small children (4 yrs./7yrs. old), we wanted them involved in sports; to encourage social interaction and to have an understanding of the importance of teamwork and accountability for their actions.  I must admit, at first martial arts was not a choice on our option list. However, a new fitness center opened up in our area and the owner/Sensei (teacher of martial arts aiki/ninjutsu), Mike Messner, also offered martial arts classes.  What a blessing Budokai has been for our children.

 

Our children learn lifelong skills at Budokai Martial Arts: kindness; self- respect and respect for others; accountability for their actions or lack thereof; confidence; discipline; teamwork; and leadership. All of these attributes are the foundation of strong, positive and successful adults.  It is an expectation that independence and teamwork be intertwined; to understand leadership roles within the team, a social skill that many adults lack and which holds them back from many accomplishments. The foundational teachings are tremendous and offer lessons that my children can apply everyday in a variety of situations. In addition to the lifelong skills is the fitness aspect, my children will grow up appreciating the need to be healthy and active.

 

I cannot stress enough the confidence building that comes from the teachings of Sensei Messner and his team, which, I might add, are an amazing group of people. Sandy Lykins and Jessica Harford, who are also black belt instructors, offer female role models for the girls in class. It is wonderful and very important for my 7 yr. old daughter to see that woman can be successful in any role.  Sandy and Jessica portray that throughout every class. It takes very special, kind and compassionate people to teach children, and the Senseis and instructors at Budokai understand, appreciate and exemplify this in every class.

 

It is a huge misconception for some parents that martial arts are designed around fighting and aggression. Please know that this is not the case in this environment.  The Senseis offer skill sets that are for learning, growing and becoming well balanced individuals.  Budokai martial arts teaches self defense - not to seek a fight or to purposely hurt another.

 

I strongly encourage any parent to visit Budokai Martial Arts located at: Madison Fitness Center,  926 Ashland Rd. Mansfield, Ohio 44905. Sensei Messner allows for trial visits at no expense to you. For our family it has been a blessing to see our children succeed in so many aspects and to learn attributes that will assist in their future life adventures.

 

Respectfully,

 

Bruce & Renee Osborn

From a News Journal Self-Defense Seminar: 

"I was impressed with how much I learned in such a short period of time, and I find myself already practicing some of the tips we were given.  I really appreciated the opportunity to learn from Mike.  ~Jamie

 

I thought the class was great and very informative.  Makes me want to take his class!  ~ Karie

 

Very informative and fun!  What a great way to not only keep youself in shape, but also protect yourself.  Sandy could kick some butt!  Awesome!! Thanks for coming!  ~ Dawn

 

I thought it was an excellent presentation.  A lot of useful information was given.  I particularly liked the girl's input.  She made it look like anyone could do it with the correct training. 

~ Ellen

It was very informative.  I learned things I didn't know before, or didn't think about.  I thought he was COOL!  ~ Dorothy

I thought it was great!  I really learned a lot and I'm going to try some of the moves with my husband tonight! ~ Kim

I have new information and better confidence to protect myself.  ~ Kay

It was very informative and I really like the demonstrations.  Both of them were easy to talk with.  I'm really glad we had it.  I think that type of a class should be included in our safety required classes. ~ Angie

Very cool, clearly explained, and FUN!  ~ Penny