What students and parents think of our program:

Worth every penny

by Gang of Four 

"Martial Arts teaches balance, flexibility, respect, cooperation, and the joy of having a fit and healthy body.

The 2 masters here are truly good people who care about the community and their students on a group and individual basis. They are educated and VERY well experienced in dealing with all different types of children - they even work successfully with special needs kids.

The kids (and grown-ups) LOVE the new lead instructor as he is engaging, talented, and fun. The office lead is incredibly organized, runs the place with the highest level of professionalism, and takes great care of the students and their families.

A truly outstanding value - these are not just martial arts classes or after school babysitting-type activities. You will belong to an enriching community surrounded with good people who TRULY care.

My husband, daughter (9), son (5), and I are all sharing this incredibly fun journey and supporting one another along the way. We are all looking forward to, one day, putting on a black belt.

(and did I mention the parents-night-out-fundraisers?)"

 

 

"Mercer Island Martial Arts has been the single best activity that my kids have done. This school goes way beyond just teaching martial arts. Masters Strongheart and Wells have that rare gift of being able to mix teaching and discipline with fun. The kids love them, respect them and learn from them. I have two very different children that have benefited in very different ways from this school. My daughter found a sense of place and community here. She developed respect and had another set of adults steering her in a constructive direction. She developed relationships with older students at the school who have helped her learn to stand up against peer pressure and have guided her to being a better student and making better choices. She has learned the responsibility of teaching the younger children and helping them with their challenges. She is eager to mentor the younger students because she values the experience that she had.

My son has gained self confidence. He is an easy-going boy that would sometimes be taken advantage of & pushed around. Now he has the confidence to stand his ground and know that he can take care of himself, and, perhaps more importantly, he knows that he can walk away. He has learned about responsibility as well. He has gained leadership skills from teaching roles that he had previously have avoided.

I am grateful for the work that Masters Strongheart and Wells have done. They have helped my children develop in very positive ways. These two, and the school that they run, are a tremendous asset to the community."  Allison Lewis, MD

 

Master Wells & Strongheart reinforce in their dojo all life lessons that parents want to instill in their children and they do it in a way that the kids don't even realize they are learning.

When our child is in a situation outside martial arts she stands out with her good behavior, confidence, patience and ability to think situations through. The skills learned in the dojo are brought along with her every where she goes and often rub off on the kids she associates with.

What a great beginning for a bright future. Thank you MIMA!!" -Stephi DeRobertis, Parent

"The Mercer Island Martial Arts staff are friendly, respectful, compassionate, and dedicated. They have built an amazing, well-rounded program that succeeds in creating well-rounded individuals. I highly recommend this program for people of all ages.

The benefits of the program for my children (11 and 13) are evident in the home, at school, and in their social lives. In the elementary years they learned confidence and focus. Now in the frenetic middle school years, they are building on those basics with a focus on responsibility, respect for self, for others, and for community. All of this while continuing to expand their physical capabilities.

But this isn't a program just for kids. Never having had martial arts training before, I started the program out-of-shape and 50. The instructors helped me along at a comfortable pace, knowing just how and when to challenge me to the next level. In under two years, I regained a level of physical well-being that I honestly thought, at my age, was impossible. I too saw the positive effects of the physical and mental training at home and work.

Mercer Island is fortunate to have this program available to us. Thank you Mercer Island Martial Arts!" -Jan Eveleth, Student and Parent

 

"I was immediately impressed when my son began tae kwon do 4 1/2 years ago.  While he wanted to be a "ninja fighter" he has been taught respect, goal setting, and perseverance.  The instructors are naturals at dealing with these young kids." -Gail James, Parent

"My son used to have difficulties making friends, participating in anything competitive and would not do anything sports related what-so-ever. About a year ago I convinced him to try out Mercer Island Martial Arts and he took to it instantly. Much of that is owed to Master Strongheart and Master Wells and their backgrounds in psychology. They seem to push the kids and nurture the kids in just the right balance. They, and their incredible staff, patiently teach the kids, provide them with personal goals, encourage sportsmanship, have open discussions regarding topical issues such as bullying, and make their dojang feel like a comfortable home away from home for the kids. (In fact, some kids take the school bus there, stay for several classes and whine when their parents come to pick them up at 6 or 7 pm!) You wouldn't believe the changes my son's made in a year! He has advanced 4 belt levels and is now in their leadership program, heading toward his black belt. He has learned having fun along the way is more important that winning, he's learned how to make new friends and best of all, his confidence is soaring. Sure, there are a lot of choices out there for martial arts, but you can't beat the program Master Strongheart and Master Wells have put together." -Jennifer Muscatel-McLeod, Parent     

 

"I watched my daughter for years practice her martial arts and I saw amazing developments not only as an individual but as a leader and I thought that's what martial arts is suppose to be.  I t was her accomplishments that inspired me to join.  Martial arts helps me feel young for my age, I love the instuctors they are a terrific group of indivuaals.

My training keeps me balanced both physically and mentally and the classes are always interesting and challenging.   I always learn something new every time I come.

I would absolutely recommend Mercer Island Martial Arts!" -Stan Vlcek, Student & Parent

 

"My little guy has gained so much confidence since joining your school.  Thank you so much for all that you do" -Debbie Franklin, Parent

 

"I feel a greater awareness of my surroundings and carry myself with better posture and confidence.  As a woman I feel safe, secure, and empowered by my training at Mercer Island Martial Arts.  The instructors and staff are positive and enthusiastic they make the workouts so fun that you don't even feel like you are really working out.  I have absolutely no reservations about recommending Mercer Island Martial Arts." -Ilaria Hare Heindrich

 

"Our 5 yr. child has attended the Mercer Island Martial Arts for 2 years now and it is one of the best things we have done with her. The self discipline she learned in class carries over into our everyday lives. We can go anywhere have no concerns about her acting up. Her ability to focus on a goal is pretty impressive. I wish I knew this stuff when I was 5. The best part is she has a sense of self-confidence that can only be earned through honest accomplishment. 

Masters Strongheart & Wells are both incredibly gifted instructors who take the time known each student individually and adapt their teaching techniques to the individuals' needs. It is a not a 'one size fits all program'.

The most impressive thing is the students themselves. In a time when you here about juveniles running a muck in society it is nice to see kids who are hard working, smart, friendly, respectful to everybody, and just plain level headed. Kinda gives me hope for the world." -Phillip DeRobertis, Parent  

 

"I have enjoyed my martial arts journey, weight loss, better physical conditioning, and the physical ability to defend myself if necessary are all examples.  However, I feel the most significant benefits are derived from my peace of mind" -Gary Mitchell, Black Belt Student

"My family and I immigrated to the states when I was five years old. My first day of elementary school, I witnessed a demonstration. Upon my arrival home, I announce to my parents that I’m going to be a black belt.

My parents then sought out the best school they could find. I’m now in my late twenties and I have my second degree black belt. Plus, I’m working on getting my third degree. So why wouldn’t I recommend the best school out there for martial arts training.

Master Wells and Master Strongheart are out of this world, they teach with their mind, heart and soul. I’m so proud to be a part of this wonderful school. It has taught me to be a respectful, compassionate, well rounded individual which has taught me leadership skills that I have been able to take out into the world. Anyone that doesn’t attend Mercer Island Martial Arts is missing out on such an incredible expierence." -Claudia Vlcek, Adult Student  

 

"I know how to set a good example to anyone.  Not only do I set a good precedent for the other students but also for my friends and family.  I would like to become an instructor or master some day.

It has been a privilege to be taught by such great instructors and I hope someday a student will say the same thing about me."  -Garrett Davis, 14 year old black belt

 

"I started classes a year ago and have really enjoyed the atmosphere that Sa Bum Nim Strongheart creates.  She shows patience and care in teaching us and has a teaching style that is  direct and always respectful.  I appreciate that she spends the extra time with us to explain the reasons behind the moves to help me put the exercise in perspective.  I would strongly recommend this program to anyone. " -Jacquie Hannibal, Student

 

"I have learned to set a good example for others and myself.  To teach and help others learn good habits, to respect the people around me, to have good techniques, protect myself from harm, have loud yells, cooperation, discipline, and to never give up. " -Frankie Valasco, 10 year old student.

 

"Katherine has learned through experience that she can master a technique and feel strong and confident as a result.  She has also learned the importance of being still.  Eyes that initially peeked and body that shifted during meditation now is calm.  She has learned the patience that is needed when mentoring another child and found she enjoys teaching.  She has learned that developing a skill is not about working towards being better than someone else, but about challenging  yourself to improve."  -Barbara Dickhaus, Parent of a Student