STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Adult Female Student
"It started as simply an interesting new exercise program. Although
it
remains my favorite year-round fitness option, so much more has come
from the training that has affected my life for the better. As a corporate
professional, who has learned that business is a contact endeavor, I
have developed composure and assertiveness skills that I employ everyday
in business interactions. These skills also apply to my personal life.
In karate,
they refer to it as "fighting spirit", which means you learn
a variety of
physical ways to address an encounter or challenge. You employ
whatever works best with your skills for the situation. This can be
easily
transferred to business experience and dealings with all people. Thus,
a
strong nexus exists between karate training and life by strengthening
your
grip on the one area in your life where you have control - yourself
and your
daily attitude. It is also an advantage to be involved in something
you can
keep getting better at for as long as you wish to train. I plan to train
for a
lifetime."
Adult Male Student
"I chose to train at Clark Jones' dojo because when I step
on the training
floor I know I am doing something very positive for myself. Clark's
love
for this traditional Okinawan style of karate he studies and teaches
is quite
apparent. The caring attitude he projects towards his students fosters
an
environment of mutual respect and friendship. The traditional training
drills
combined with Clark's animated teaching style and insight make for an
interesting evening (or morning) of physical and cognitive exercise.
I can't
imagine finding a better place to improve myself physically and mentally
while simultaneously learning a useful life skill."
Adult Female Student
"I feel lucky and blessed to be a part of one of the world's
oldest and
largest organizations. This is a school that remains actively linked
to
Okinawa seniors. I am proud to say Clark is my teacher. His energy
and enthusiasm makes the art fun to learn. Karate has improved my
life in many ways. My health is so much better. I feel more grounded
and centered; I feel strong. Clark's school fosters a cooperative
environment, like a family, where we all work together to help each
other in any way we can."
Male Adult Student
"The study of martial arts is one of the best things I've chosen
to do. The
study has provided self-introspection, confidence and a self-esteem
boost
with a regular discipline which are all combining to give birth to a
new me!
It's an ancient art for the modern world. As a member of the technical
world professionally, I observe how we as children of the information
age
can get lost in the ego of our technology and in the process forget
who
we are. Okinawan karate has opened a whole new world for me."
Female Teen Student
"Going to karate is taking a step away from the hectic world. It
is during
those hours that I break from the stresses of school and social issues
to
focus on myself. Since it is my own work and effort that allow me to
reach
my goals, no one can every say I took the easy way out! I am extremely
proud of what I have accomplished at this Shrewsbury karate school.
I
have gained a higher level of self-confidence and reassurance that I
can
carry back with me a better ability to handle situations that are not
always easy to deal with."
Male Teen Student
"Karate is the best learning experience I'm having. The serious
but friendly
atmosphere helps the development of every student. Everyone is willing
to
assist with anything you struggle with and I learn something new about
my
technique in every class. I feel I get better all the time."
Female Adult Student
"Since I began karate practice my blood pressure has lowered, my
cholesterol is excellent and I have more energy at 54 that I did at
24. I
feel in better control of my life. Through Clark's style of instructing
I have
achieved a more inner peace. He is a dedicated, excellent teacher and
I
feel fortunate to have found him."
Adult Male Student
"As a healthcare professional who spends most of my time sitting
and
listening to other people's problems, I have long known that I needed
the
balance of regular physical activity. I tried health clubs for a while,
but
they provided little to no inspiration or mental challenge. I purchased
home exercise equipment which soon gathered dust. A little over a
decade ago, I became interested in martial arts. After a lot of shopping
around, I settled on a long-term school in Framingham. I attended there
until the past several years when Clark Jones opened his school in
Shrewsbury; an optimal location for me. I've continued my practice
largely because of the instruction style used in both the Framingham
and
Shrewsbury schools - it is more than simply learning how to defend and
deliver punches and kicks. For me, it has become a potentially lifelong
and all encompassing medium for personal growth. Who could get bored
with that?"
Female Adult Student
"Karate gives me energy, focus and clarity. It fuels my passion
for life. It
is one of my favorite tools to lead me to my center where all thoughts
and
actions derive. I look forward to a lifetime of health and continued
passion
from this study."
Adult Male Student
"Karate to me is a positive personal challenge. A discipline
which offers a
high degree of technical challenge that translate into skills. I thrive
on
the commitment and dedication it takes. The rewards are a true sense
of
accomplishment and feeling good about myself. None of this would be
attainable without Clark's intuitive leadership and our dojo's camaraderie."
Adult Male Student
"For me karate training is the binding on my book (path) of
life. It gives
structure to my pages allowing me to turn freely to each chapter of
my
conscience, specifically compassion, fighting spirit and overall mind/
body/
spirit balance. It is a vehicle of study which reinforces my values
and a
practical tool to provide me with strength to uphold those values. It
is
readily evident to those of us studying with Clark that his dedication
is a
direct reflection of the way of true martial arts. This dedication allows
Clark to convey the theories and practice of his seniors and his teachers
who have come before him. Through the vehicle of karate he inspires
us
to delve deeper into the art, which provides insight into the reality
of our
lives. It is really a study of ourselves!"
Female Teen Student
"I've done it for some time and have been fortunate to reach the
highest
rank you can achieve at my age. Karate has given me great concentration,
flexibility and strength. I feel it has helped me with other sports
and dance.
Karate has also given me the ability to remain calm during tough and
challenging situations in school and in activities."
Male Teen Student
"I haven't been doing karate too long, but I think it is a
great workout as
you use all of your body. I've been learning really neat things I've
never
known, and my body is in better condition."
