We were just looking for an afternoon of exercise for our 5 and 3 year old boys. What we discovered was so much more! The instructors at the Black Belt Martial Arts studio in Kensington have taught these little guys all about respect, self-discipline listening the first time, focusing and commitment. And they do it in such a positive way; the boys have always jumped at a chance to go to class. It's only been six months but already it's made a world of difference at home. I knew we were hooked when I overheard the 5 year old tell his little brother, 'I don't want to fight. I don't want any trouble.' Need I say more?

-Carol Carmody

I was so impressed with BBMAC, within a month of registering my son; I signed up for the adult Thai Kickboxing class. The adult Thai Kickboxing Class offers me the opportunity to get in shape and learn to defend myself, in an extremely positive, friendly and supportive environment. For the first time in my life I actually look forward to working out - I could not be happier with my experience at BBMAC!

-Jeremy Blank

We are so pleased with the classes at BBMAC. Our two boys are learning valuable lessons in self-control, respect, working together at a team and focusing on tasks. Mr. RJ remembers each child by name and makes them feel special. The whole staff is courteous and caring. We are always greeted with smiles! The classes are fun, high-energy and we look forward to each and every class. This was one of the best decisions we made for our two energetic boys!

-Kerri Valencia

I am a 1st Degree Black Belt and have been taking martial arts classes at BBMAC since I was 5 years old. I've enjoyed coming to BBMAC these past 6-1/2 years because the experience has not only helped me focus on becoming better at my martial arts skills, but also with the world's surroundings - like school work and having confidence trying new things.The instructors at BBMAC are awesome! They are all very encouraging and supportive. Learning martial arts forms and combinations can be challenging at times but the instructors really take time to help you while also making it fun. BBMAC not only gives me a good work-out, but it's also fun at the end of class when we do relay races or other activities. I've made a lot of good friends here at BBMAC. It's like a second home to me.

-Bradley Ingram

My name is Sharon Ann Nirpat and I have been a student of the BBMAC since September 2007. Before joining the BBMAC I didn't know who I was and where I was going, I even felt alone and afraid, since joining this school it has truly changed my life for the better. The teachers at BBMAC are not just teachers; they should be called inspirational leaders because they have inspired me to do the things that I thought I could never do. They have given me the courage, strength and motivation to keep going and reaching for the top. BBMAC is a place where you feel welcome the minute you walk through the door, everyone treats you like family and that is why I consider everyone there family. It is truly a remarkable place to be full with fun and excitement. Strength, courage, discipline are just a few words that describes what BBMAC stands for. I am one of the few students that is here every day. They have given me the willpower and confidence to succeed in life. In my heart I know that I will be part of this school for a long time to come. Thank you BBMAC for making me part of your family.

-Sharon Nirpat

My sons enrolled at the Black Belt Martial Arts Center four years ago to learn martial arts and improve their physical fitness. Along the way they learned discipline, forms, and self-control, in addition to having fun. Instead of sitting and watching them, I decided to join the Adult Program (Thai Kickboxing) to improve my fitness and get a work out that I would not find elsewhere.

-Brigid Hughes

My son has attended martial arts classes at BBMAC for about 2.5 years and has progressed to the brown belt level. He has gained so much from the classes and interaction with the staff at BBMAC - self-esteem, confidence, respect, interest and desire to set goals and achieve them. On days when school has been rough and he is in a negative mood, martial arts class turns his mood around in a way I have not seen anything else do. In addition to the physical activity it is the positive influence and encouragement of the BBMAC staff that make the difference. The program is varied so the students are never bored doing the same thing over and over. The martial arts instructors sincerely care about each students achievements and are available to help them reach their goals. I am very glad my son is part of the BBMAC family.

-Nancy Richman

Our 10 year old daughter Katrina especially enjoys the BBMAC obstacle courses, learning different punches, kicks, running games, and learning how to use both her words and weapons effectively and responsibly. She also likes that classes are fun, not the same thing every time, and the class times can flex with her busy after school schedule.Our family enjoys the BBMAC because it is a great opportunity for Katrina to stay strong, flexible and fit, and because our BBMAC family takes the time to get to know Katrina and share in her life achievements - such as excellent school grades, soccer successes, and real life challenges she now feels empowered to handle. In class she continues to earn stars and other patches for some of these life successes and for some BBMAC class successes. She often gets handwritten personalized BBMAC instructor postcards in the mail too - she enjoys getting the mail. Her physical stamina, coordination, self-confidence and self discipline have improved significantly as a result of practice and time at BBMAC. Her desire to participate has also created a wonderful opportunity for her to look ahead at students and instructors that have mastered more advanced skills and thus earned more advanced belts. At the same time she also notices newer students and realizes how far she has come in mastering her skills and moving ahead to accept an invitation to join the Black Belt Club - thus further committing herself to earn a black belt in the future. We continue to be proud of her achievements at BBMAC and are amazed at how she is able to carry BBMAC principals over to other parts of her life such as school, sports and respecting herself and others.

-Karen and Adam Young

We gave loved our 5 years at Black Belt Martial Arts Center. When we first started, I had a 4 year-old son who was energetic and enthusiastic and very curious. My son continued through what was then the PeeWee Rangers. They gained so much in eye-hand coordination, self-discipline and self-control. Much of his poise and determination comes from being a student at the Black Belt Martial Arts Center. I still have a very energetic, enthusiastic and curious child, which I am so glad that he didn't lose through this process but the instructors at BBMAC make sure that they keep the spirit of a child positive and focused while also helping them challenge themselves in many directions. My son is by far goal-oriented and the instructors make sure that they focus on keeping the goals achievable.My younger son, whom we thought joined Tae Kwon Do to follow in his brother's footsteps, has developed in very different ways. He has always seen himself as a mini-Matthew but Black Belt Martial Arts Center has made sure that his path is his own. They don't confuse the boys, which I do often, and they give Joseph very different attainable goals than Matthew had at this age. They are different kids and the instructors get to know the students well enough to know how to appropriately challenge them.I appreciate all that the instructors do to guide their students to think positively, work hard and challenge themselves.

-Christina Kyong