Testimonies
A WONDERFUL STUDENT TESTIMONY!
In 1996 a man and a woman were joined in holy matrimony. They wanted a family, but was told that this was not possible due to complications of the woman.
In 1998 against all odds, and a surprise to the medical community as well as the man and the woman, a child was born.
In 2000 the child was diagnosed with Leukemia. They cried. The man lost his faith in God and the woman felt so alone, the child battled on.
In 2003 the child was in remission, but still battling illinesses due to her weakened immune system. The man lost himself in work, the woman lost her man and her faith weakened, and the child battled on.
In 2005 the child had a stroke, brought on by the medication she took to keep her in remission and somewhat healthy. The stroke damaged her left side. She needed to concentrate to get her left side to respond to things we take for granted like waving, or kicking a ball. The doctors had said that with physical therapy and occupational therapy she could regain 75-80 percent usage. The man totally lost God. The woman lost herself in her child, the child battled on.
In 2006 the child wanted to be "normal" do what all the other kids did such as Soccer, Martial arts, and Ballet. The woman sought out some of these activities, even though is would cause a financial riff in their lives, but her child was the only thing that mattered. She called several places, and was always told in a polite manner...."well she is a special needs child and should attend a special needs facility" This was not acceptable to the child, the woman kept looking through the Yellow pages and a number popped out to her, and her heart told her call...the worse they can do is say no...so she called.. and to her surprise they said "Sure bring her in and let’s try it out."
She went to this place faithfully. Even being uncoordinated due to the weakness in her left side, and became very frustrated at times, the child never gave up. She bonded with her instructor, trusted in him that he would not let her push herself too far. Upon her check up with her doctors, they were and are amazed at her progress and the strength she has gained in her left side, she now is at 97 percent of usage, she still needs to concentrate a bit when doing things with her left side, but hardly noticeable. The doctors say now she will get 100 percent back!
The woman saw a spark in her child she hadn't seen in a long time. The man came out of the cave he crated for himself to see his child's spark. The man and the woman went to this special place to see their child shine. And there they meant the angel God had sent to them.
This angel brought strength, life, and joy to the child. The angel brought the love of God back to the man. The angel gave the woman her once broken family back whole.
This is a true testimony, how do I know?
I am the woman, Chris is the man, and Nicki is the child. This special place to strengthen, body, mind, and spirit is the St. Louis Martial Arts Center. And the angel sent to us is Master Ray.
Joe M. Age 51
Last week Master Ray, in one of his after class talks hit directly on the subject of focus and discipline.It is almost like he can read our minds and knew some of us were not training like we should.I have re-focused my efforts since and am working hard to try and make up for the lost time.
Self-Defense-I feel I am better prepared to handle threatening situations.
Balance-Although it could be better, my balance continue to improve.
Awareness-I am now more aware of my surroundings when we go out in public.The training I received at St. Louis Martial Arts has made me more aware of details in my surrounding that I used to overlook.
Flexibility-This is getting better with each class.
Sammy Genaro Age:9
Sammy’s focus has improved a lot in the last couple of months. He has struggled in math and now he’s catching on faster! He listens more to us and other family members. He’s more aware and catches himself, when acting out. He’s stronger physically and mentally. His perseverance gives us hope and humbleness. 
Mark G. Age:44
Since starting at St. Louis Martial Arts (SLMAC) I have come to appreciate and enjoy the discipline that Master Ray expects from his students.I have been away from competitive sports for close to 20 years and within the last 1 ½ years started working out, playing hockey and attending SLMAC.The environment at SLMAC is a mix of family, friends and spiritual oneness.The Thanksgiving dinner was very moving and brought back many memories of when I was attending revival and having folks being saved. I appreciate this not being about religion, but about a relationship with God.Religion is man-made and in many ways corrupt and greedy; a relationship is a one-on-one partnership, which is much more meaningful.Since I started attending SLMAC I have a stronger relationship with my wife and the whole environment is very positive in nature which provides a much better learning opportunity.
Micah Skebo Age 7 (Written By Parents)
Micah is very goal-oriented and determined to succeed. Joining the class with other children has helped him develop his leadership skills and become more patient with others. Micah is learning to be honest in every situation and Master Ray is encouraging him by reinforcing the importance of honesty.
Miriam Skebo Age 6 (Written By Parents)
Before she started taking Tae Kwon Do, Miriam had trouble with balance and with the ability to focus and be aware of her surroundings. Miriam is now much more able to stand firm both physically and emotionally. I am proud of how well she listens to Master Ray and to us at home.
Hatton Carpenter Age 8 (Written By Parents)
I love what Tae Kwon Do does for Hatton. Physically, I enjoy watching weekly improvement. He can now touch his toes and do some push-ups with a straight back. All of this boosts his self-confidence. He definitely has more of the "I can do it!" attitude. He is more focused and I can especially see this when he does his homework. He is not quite so easily distracted. Hatton also finds things more fun now. We are trying to take the word "boring" out of his vocabulary and help him enjoy and appreciate things more. Hatton's goal is to watch less TV and he plans to read and play outside more. Hatton definitely benefits from Tae Kwon Do.
Michelle R. Age 22
I've always been intrigued by martial arts but it took me two decades before I got up the nerve and confidence to actively pursue it. Since I've joined, I've found an excellent to get fitness and flexibility in my life and the people are just wonderful. The classes encourage physical, mental, and spiritual growth and I can't imagine getting this level of encouragement anywhere else.
Daniel S. Age 39
I have lost 6 pounds since my last testing and 25 pounds since I made the commitment to lose weight. I?m also eating healthier. I've cut soda and snack intake by 66%. My back kicks, side kicks, and spinning kicks have improved. I'm better able to do my aerobic and weight workouts and I don't tire as easily. My ab muscles have gotten more solid and I'm wearing size 36' pants for the first time in 12-15 years! I have improved in speed and agility, helping me to improve in my self-defense techniques.
Since I began practicing Martial Arts I've noticed an increase in my physical endurance. My confidence with executing daily tasks at work and play has grown also. I'm more confident when standing in front of my superiors giving weekly updates of how my warehouse is operating. I've used some of the leadership that?s displayed in the class in my daily delegation of job duties, pushing everyone to have a "Can Do" attitude.
Michelle W. Age 23
Since I have started class I feel my confidence has continued to grow more each day. I feel I have more leadership skills and respect for others. My speed, flexibility, balance and muscle tone have also continued to develop into the level of fitness that I would like to see. I also fee I have more discipline and courage because I could defend myself if I had to. I have also lost 10 lbs since I have started.
Jeff D. Age 43
I love what Martial Arts has done for me, not only spiritually but also physically. I feel that the training we get in class has given me more energy and strength. I've also enjoyed being allowed to help assist the classes. I truly feel blessed to be givent this chance to share with others something I love to do!! It also makes me proud when I see the students progressing to reach their goals.”