For even more testimonials, read about our various programs and the testimonials we received for each of them.

How can you ever thank someone who has seen past your own limitations?
At what point does our own self-confidence kick in, after all your encouragement?
You are an inspiration to many.
You possess those qualities for which we strive daily.
Your constant reassurance urges us to do our absolute best.
We owe you so much, because you have given so much.
Thank you, Joel, for the honor and privilege of being your student and friend.

L. B.

Sensei,

[Our son] has grown so much over the year he has been under your guidance. His self esteem and confidence have blossomed. You have supported our teaching of respect, and taken it to the next level. Not only does [he] show respect to his parents and family, but to his teachers and most of all himself. [We] are not only proud, but we are honored that [he] is your student.

J. & B. G.

Dear Mr. Levy,

Being in the Family Martial Arts Academy is an awesome privilege and it has made a great and wonderful impact on my life. You are a very rare and special karate teacher. To me the dojo is a separate world from everywhere else. There I have learned a great many things: the true meaning of Black Belt Attitude, how to be a H.E.R.O., but most of all I know that "I am a future black belt Sir"!!

Your student and friend,

H. G.

To Whom It May Concern:

We want to share some thoughts we have about Family Martial Arts Academy.

My family and I have had the pleasure of interacting with the Academy on different levels. First, our son has been taking classes for several months now and we can see his confidence build as a direct result of his work at Family Martial Arts. My husband and I laugh as we watch how cooperative he is in class compared to his behavior at home. Whatever it is that you do, keep on doing it.

On another note, Family Martial Arts is very involved with our community. On every occasion that they're asked for their help from the school community, in particular, they are more than generous with their support. As a member of the PTO I can tell you that requests are made on a regular basis and they never hesitate to help.

They have an open door policy and will assist in any way they can to provide a healthy atmosphere for our young people to develop into strong healthy adults. They have a real presence in our community.

Thanks for all you do!

Sincerely,

The F. Family

We first met Sensei Levy in Summer Karate Camp in June 2000. ... Sensei Levy is a wonderful roll model, and shows fairness in his classes as well as teaches our children how to respect themselves and others. He works to instill the highest level of confidence and helps our children strive to achieve their highest goals. My family and I feel privileged to know Sensei Levy as well as Mrs. Levy. ... May you have many more happy years here.

Sincerely,

The H. Family

Just to let you know, [our son] had a really good time in your classes and he really learned a lot. I've been continually impressed with what you and Joel are striving to do at Family Martial Arts Academy. You both are a credit to the kids, the parents, and Highland Park.

M. H.

Kickboxing at Family Martial Arts Academy was my first experience in Martial Arts. Since the first course, I appreciated the diversity of the exercises and the improvement of one's level. But above all I enjoy Joel's teaching, dynamic and friendly. No doubt that the remedy for a hard day at work is a kickboxing class with Joel!

S.

[My son] has only been taking karate for a short time but he loves it. I wish I had known about Family Martial Arts Academy years ago as I would have signed him up then. I am so impressed with how Sensei Levy incorporates character building into his program. ... I love how he talks to the students about their attitudes and how he has there be consistency between home, school and his class. [My son] is lucky to have such an outstanding role model.

C. W.

Dear Joel,

I'm really glad for this chance to say "Thank you." How about a "Top Ten"? Here are my Top Ten reasons why I'm thankful that you and the Family Martial Arts Academy are a part of my life.

10. I'm thankful for being able to have a fun and positive activity to share with [my son]. Even though we are in separate classes, it's a common bond.
9. I'm thankful for the positive changes that I've seen in [my son]'s life since he's been enrolled here. His growth in confidence and character have been real and noticeable.
8. I'm thankful for the positive role model that you have been in [my son]'s life and in the lives of other young men in the community.
7. I'm thankful for the warm and positive spirit of the Family Martial Arts Academy and for the friends that I have made here. Both [my son] and I feel very at home here.
6. I'm thankful for the confidence that I have in my ability to defend myself. May I never have to use any of it.
5. I'm thankful for your tough workouts. It feels great to work hard and push myself. I feel that I'm always learning something that will make me physically or mentally strong.
4. I'm thankful for the Family Martial Arts Academy's CADI-do -- the way of Constant and Never-ending Improvement. I am always finding ways to apply this principle to different areas of my life.
3. I'm thankful that our school is run by a fifth-degree black belt who isn't called "Master" or "Sensei" but simply Joel. Your down-to-earth, "Keep it real" style makes class fun as well as very practical and memorable.
2. I'm thankful for your faith, your commitment to your family, and your hunger to live a meaningful life, Joel. You are an inspiration to be around.
1. I'm thankful for your friendship.

J. K.

Dear Joel,

We can't thank you and Yvonne enough for all that you do for [our children]. We so appreciate the special care and attention you give them, helping them to progress so well in karate, reiterating for us (parents) all that good stuff about respect and helping others. We know that all this will help them grow up to be confident and good-hearted individuals. Again, with all our hearts, thank you both.

S. & S.

My time at the Family Martial Arts Academy during these past seven months has been a study in simultaneous learning and unlearning. I have had bad experiences in martial arts before, acquired bad habits, and trusted the wrong teachers. Upon entering the Dojo where CANI-do is taught, I was ready to be weary, to be skeptical of some instructor believing himself to be Budha while the techniques he taught smacked of Gandhi.

Within a week, I had none of these fears. Joel Levy showed himself to be the first Martial Arts teacher I'd ever known to be a normal, well-adjusted person with some hard-hitting ideas about how to teach fighting.

A far cry from the dogmatic, prideful instructors I'd known before, Mr. Levy urged me to embrace what I found personally effective, while at the same time helping me to remove habits I'd learned from less wise instructors. In the time I've been here, I've never been afraid to ask about a technique that I didn't understand, or to speak up if I thought I had a worthwhile idea.

Sensei Levy continues to be a wiser Martial Artist than any I've known, and he qualifies as a teacher for another reason: his style is effective. A practical, experienced instructor as well as an amiable one, Mr. Levy allows his students to explore and experiment with their technique...

He does not limit his teaching to the dojo, however, and also expresses to us his optimistic, thoughtful views on life in general. ... I've always known that he is honest when he speaks, and he never feels the need to convince us, only to inform. This is the mark of true confidence. In life, as in the ring, truth will show itself, to those perceptive enough to notice it. Joel Levy has never claimed to know the truth, but instead he has striven to help us sharpen our perception and see it for ourselves, both inside and outside of the CANI Dojo.

B. H.

Karate has been a great experience for me so far. I've learned a lot in the three years I've been at Family Martial Arts Academy. Mr. Levy, I just wanted to thank you for teaching me all about Karate and what it stands for. It helps me with my self-confidence and makes me a better person. I try to apply it to my everyday life. If I try my hardest, one day I will become a Black Belt. Congratulations on having such a successful Karate school.

J. B.

I like karate because I have a good teacher and it is a good work out. My teacher's name is Mr. Levy, he is a cool and a good teacher. I can not wait to become a black belt.

E. A.

I like karate because it is fun. I have the coolest teacher, Mr. Levy. I can't wait to be a black belt.

S. A.

I like karate because we learn discipline and self-defense. My favorite things to do in karate are flying side kicks and jumpstick.

Sometimes I feel frustrated when I can't do something like my jumping front kick. Then I remember what Mr. Levy says, "Don't give up. Keep trying." and "You can do it." He is a great teacher because he encourages you to always do your best.

J. M.

Thank you to your Kinder Karate™ class. My son has been involved with Family Martial Arts [Academy] for less than a month and I have seen a wonderful change in his "respect level". His Kindergarten teacher is thrilled to have [him] answering every question with "Yes Ma'am". He loves to come to class and "courtesy to the space"!

Thanks so much!

B.F.

For even more testimonials, read about our various programs and the testimonials we received for each of them.