Testimonials Both Parent & Instructor

If I had received any type of feedback about our current program that indicated participants had some concerns, I would've been in contact with you right away since I know you have welcomed anything that would or could help the TKD program.  
Fortunately, that has not been the case--the comments that I have heard go something like this:
    
From participants--

Hapkido

"I've learned in a month what a year of Tae Kwon Do never gave me...
real self defense skills!"

I took 3 years of Karate and never learned as much self defense as
I did in the first two weeks of classes. Thank You DJ

"I really learned many ways to defend myself it is just the opposite of what I would naturally do!! Great Instructors who love to teach self defense."

"This is the most practical and efficient martial art I've ever experienced, and it's great exercise too"

"Great teachers and fun! Worth the time"

"I appreciate the knowledge and kindness that was presented to me.
I feel a great sense of accomplishment."

"I highly recommend this class to everyone!...Excellent, compassionate, extremely knowledgeable instructors"

"This was far more than I expected. I really feel that I have much more control over a multitude of threatening situations, Thank you so very much."

"I was really impressed with the whole program"

"I appreciated the encouragement and the patience you showed each of us."

"I am very little and I was amazed at how much I could do
by the end of this class,
I had a great time."

"Excellent class! I feel much safer as a real estate agent
after learning these techniques"

"You're great! We love you guys!"

 Over the years my daughter has been involved in various activities and sports and had never found one she truly enjoyed. One the other hand my son plays and excels at three different sports. This being the case we are typically on the go with my son’s practices and games etc…………… 
We wanted to find something that my daughter would enjoy and she could call her own and take pride in. This past summer I suggested a martial art. I also suggested we enroll together. In researching the various programs in Ankeny I started exchanging emails with Mr. Deaver. Soon afterward my daughter and I enrolled in Hapkido. It was Mr. Deaver’s patience and responsiveness to my numerous questions and emails that sold me on the program and the academy. Six months later we have earned our third belt level and hope to advance to the next sometime this spring. My daughter and I love the Hapkido program.

Mr. Deaver is an outstanding teacher and has a true passion for what he teaches. He is patient, understanding and supportive. During our time in the Hapkido program my daughter and I have grown closer and she is truly proud of her accomplishments. I only have one complaint and that is about the size of our class, it is very small. Most days between 8 - 15 people. Hapkido focuses solely on self defense. It is practical and easy to use. I have no doubt my fourteen year daughter could escape/defend herself from a much larger attacker. It is a shame more people don’t know about the Hapkido program. I feel it could benefit anyone.

My son started Tae Kwon Do this past fall and was just promoted to his next belt level. He absolutely loves the academy and his instructors; Mr. Deaver, Mrs. Huff and  Mr. Nisius. He loves the sport and self challenge of

Tae Kwon Do. What impresses me the most about the Tae Kwon Do program at the academy is how the instructors tailor their instruction to each student. They make each student feel like an individual whether age 4 or 54.

Overall I feel our family has grown closer because the time we have spent at the Academy of Martial Arts.

We just love Mr. Deaver!  
He works well with kids, is very patient, positive, and knowledgeable, is very people oriented, and provides great personal attention!  

He also understands that kids have other activities besides Tae Kwon Do.  
He knows every kids' strengths and focuses on those to help them grow and understand Tae Kwon Do better.

We have three kids who received first degree black belts through Mr. Deaver's program in 2007.
Thanks so much for asking our advice.  If you need anything more, please don't hesitate to ask.
AM

In 2002 we began our oldest son, Peter, in TKD.  He was 8 years old and having a hard time with some kids.  We thought TKD would give him a little confidence and could also be beneficial for him physically.  I (Mom) started with him and stayed with the program for maybe a year.
Our 2nd son, David, started when he was 8 years old also.  He was a normal boy that couldn't stand still very long and we were in hopes that this could help his attention span.  
Our 3rd son, Joshua, started when we was 7 and thinks he is Chuck Norris.  
At one time, the school had a family plan and my husband, I and all 3 boys were in class together.
That was fun.

Now looking back ... Peter is 15, David is 12 and Joshua is 10... we are still very glad we made the decision to start them in Martial Arts.
Peter is 3rd degree Black Belt.  
David is a temporary Black Belt.
Joshua is a Red belt.  
They now have a skill that few people have stuck with and have.  

I'm proud of them all.  

Peter does very well helping Mr. Deaver in class, helping adults older then him learn their forms.  
David seems to have a talent in helping small children and is allowed to help them on occasion.
Mr. Deaver has always been patient with my kids.  I guess I wouldn't have allowed them to stay so long if I didn't think he had a good influence on them.  
When we first started with Mr. Deaver, he was in Huxley teaching and was glad it was so close for us.  When he left for Ankeny, we wanted to stay with him and have continued the drive for all these years.  
I have no regrets about all the time and money we've spent and I'd do it all over again.
Thanks.  BD

Mr. Deaver,

My Son and I both enjoy your classes very much.  We are both very excited to become yellow belts.  My son is truly on cloud nine.

I am very impressed at how quickly you posted the testing results – that is incredible dedication on your part considering you and your wife have basically two jobs as well as being parents.  I don’t know how you both stay on top of it.

 I also wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your help with my son's allergies.  Thank you for being so accommodating.

 As a parent and a student I have greatly enjoyed the camaraderie among the students and instructors as well as opportunities for my son to push himself.  Such instances help to build the character that every parent hopes for.  For example – he was frustrated at having trouble breaking the board and his foot was sore but (with some help from your wife) he calmed down and took his place in line.

 I must admit that I was rather surprised that he raised his hand and knew that the flags were out of order.  I tend to think he doesn’t pay attention like he should so I was rather amazed that he knew this.  I must admit to having some fatherly pride at that moment.

 I was also surprised to win some sparring gear.  I normally never win anything – but I thank you very much.

 Please also extend our appreciation to your wife and your fellow instructors.  You have all been inspiring and very supportive.

Thank you,

SH

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Mr. Deaver,

   I wanted to let you know that once again I have seen a benefit to your program.  Timothy has been very unhappy with me that I did not let him test in October.  Last night while watching the second class he finally explained to me exactly why he was so unhappy about not testing.  He told me that he just has to get his green belt so that he can lead the class.  This is huge - that he would even consider leading the class.  This is a child that in kindermusik and preschool would not participate if his name was spoken in front of the other children.  One on one okay, but totally would shut down if attention was paid to him by a whole group.  He has been improving bit by bit in the past year, but him wanting to lead a class is way beyond what I would have expected at this point.  I definitely give credit to TKD for this.  I thought you'd enjoy knowing that you do make a difference.  Thank you.

--Beth

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Mr. Deaver and the other black belts at the Academy of Martial Arts have helped to build self-confidence and self-esteem in my young son. Before staring Tae Kwon Do, my son had difficulty following directions and staying focused both at home and at school. Since we started a year ago, I have noticed a difference in his focus, listening, self-esteem, and respectful behavior. At our last conference, his teacher raved about how respectfully Thomas answers to her everyday. As a first grade teacher myself, I see many benefits of the tenants and teachings of Tae Kwon Do. Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit are all positive traits that will help our young children grow into respectful adults.

I highly recommend the Academy of Martial Arts to any parent who is looking for an activity that will promote self-confidence, self-esteem, and respectful behavior. Each child leaves class feeling as though they have done their best, and that they have done well! Mr. Deaver and the other black belts who assist in the training show kindness and respect to each individual child. They demand respect from their students, but they do so in a kind and loving way. Not by fear or intimidation!! They build each child up to their full potential each week through verbal praise, challenging skills, and exciting activities.

AJN