• Testimonials

  • What our students are saying!

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    “My daughter’s first belt test was in front of 20 people; she refused to do it and cried. Last month not only did she get her 3rd belt but she did it in front of 200 people. She now orders at restaurants and you can just see the self confidence flowing from her. Shorinkan Family Karate isn’t just people teaching karate, they’re teaching life lessons and everyone there from teacher to student treats you just like their name – Family.” ~ Mike – Dad of Student
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    “I was afraid to go in front of a crowd now after studying karate I’ve had more confidence in front of a crowd.” ~ Gabe – 11 Year Old Student

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    “We have been a part of the Shorinkan Family Dojo for over three years now, and it has been an amazing journey. We have learned together, laughed together, and pushed our bodies and minds farther than we ever thought possible. It has been amazing to learn right along side my children, and watch how much they have changed. My kids started out looking to me for help, answers, and advice on how to do things. They have grown to become confident, strong, and compassionate people in the dojo. Now they are teaching me! We are so proud to call all of karatekas and our senseis our extended family inside and outside of the dojo. We would like to say thank you to the entire Pearson family. We are better people now because of you!” ~ Ginger

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    “Hailey is a bright young 3-4 year old eager to learn. Hailey has become a very self confident and more respectful young lady. She has learned about her own body and self and is learning how special we all are in God’s eyes. Karate has been a true blessing for all of Hailey’s family. Thank you all.” ~ Great-Grandma Shirley

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    “I was kind of shy and not very strong. It helped me build up trust and confidence in myself. It helped me make friends.” ~ Student
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    “Hey guys, you don’t know me but you should try Lil’ Dragons, cause you will love making friends.” ~ Bailey

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    “I was weak and scared of bullies! Doing karate help me gain strength, support and to not be scared of bullies!” ~ Lilli
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    “I had less confidence, I had less power. I have more confidence, I have more power now.” ~ Hunter

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    “Best experience for my family. My experience with Shorinkan Family Karate has been fantastic! My 9 year old daughter and I were looking for something to do together, something we would both enjoy. I had a little bit of experience in Karate as a teenager but my daughter was completely new to this. I began my search on the internet for a Dojo. When I came across the Shorinkan Family Karate website it was easy to navigate and was very informative. We took advantage of their free orientation classes and felt immediately welcomed. There was no pressure to purchase memberships but it was obvious that this was the right place for us. The best part is that my daughter and I get to learn Karate together. The Senseis are patient and knowledgeable and treat their students with respect, no matter what level you are at. I have seen a great deal of self confidence in my daughter since starting at Shorinkan. We would recommend this Dojo to everyone. Thank you Senseis Paul & Michelle.”
    ~ Anny & Sophia

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    “Thank you to you and your family for giving me a place of belonging, a place where I feel safe, a place where I have an opportunity to learn and grow and a place where I have a healthy outlet on tough days. You and your family are amazing! I can only try to imagine how many people you have had a positive impact on. I just want you all to know I am thankful….. to all of you. You all Rock!” ~Eileen
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    I am a US Army Vet with PTSD. I have had issues being in public places and being around people and keeping control of what I say and how I act towards others. Karate has helped me grow in a positive way to control myself and be confident in all areas of my life. It has been a great place to let out all of my frustrations in a positive way. ~ Student

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    “Our son has always been shy and not very confident. He has been faced with bullies and seems to get picked on a lot. Caden has demonstrated greater confidence and excitement about karate. He loves to show his family and friends his katas. I believe this has helped Caden’s confidence as he succeeds and passes his tests. He respects his instructors and it’s nice to see that carry over at home.” ~ Parents of Student
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    “I was like “wow” how can I help myself? I found out karate and it helped. Karate helped me by not being afraid of total strangers.” ~ Robert

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    “We decided to put our daughter into Lil’ Dragons when she was 3 years old primarily for her to socialize with children her age and to learn a new skill. She is now 6 years old and we have watched her grow and learn so much in the last three years. Through practicing karate her gross motor skills have improved. Her knowledge of key safety information is immense. Her confidence has flourished since meeting Sensei Michelle. She’s become more aware of others. She’s always been kind but through lessons at karate she knows that talking badly about someone or being unkind has a powerful hold on the person it is directed at. Most importantly, she’s found an activity she loves that keeps her active and healthy and also nourishes her mind! Lil’ Dragons has been incredibly beneficial to my daughter as an outlet to learn a new skill as well as help her to be the best person she can be!”
    ~ Parents-Brandon & Natasha
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    “My son was diagnosed with the start of scoliosis. His chiropractor said he should do karate or swimming to strengthen his core. That was about 3 years ago and today his spine is perfect!” ~ Donna
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    “Before I joined karate the only people I talked to were my friends and family. My other peers were to no interest what so ever. I was the most shy and sensitive little girl ever. Now, being a black belt, I feel more involved with school and the society. I blend in with my grade and I visit the residents at the nursing home. I have more confidence.” ~ Emily
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    “Karate is a great way to spend time with your family and a lot better for you than TV or video games.”
    ~ Ryan, Father & Student
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    “My son would struggle with goals and keeping them after training in karate my son has focused in school a lot better and can reach the goals he sets for himself. He can voice his opinion with respect.” ~ Tiffany
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    “Our granddaughter was afraid of new experiences. She was hesitant to try new activities. Now she wants to try everything! It’s opened her whole world.” ~ Ray and Nancy
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    “I was not able to defend myself or my friends, nor was I confident. I can protect myself and help others and I’m getting confident.” ~ Sam
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    “I have more focus on practicing katas and it brings discipline. It’s given me confidence for better self defense. I really enjoy helping others succeed and I enjoy the time with the family. I have seen my daughter get more confidence.” ~ Alan
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    “I like belt testing at karate, it’s really fun because you earn new color belts and if you stick with it you can earn a black belt!” ~ Allie
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    “I was very sensitive and shy. Karate has helped me not be so sensitive.” ~ Caden
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    “Since my son has been attending classes, I have seen a dramatic increase in his coordination, attention span and self-esteem. My son loves coming to his karate classes and I love all the positive changes I see.” ~ Amy
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    “I used to be very scared, I know a lot more now.” ~ Chloe

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    “My son has right side Cerebral Palsy and stutters. He has tried different sports growing up. He was never really accepted in baseball, wrestling or soccer. As a matter of fact a parent at a baseball game even asked “Aren’t there “special” teams for kids like this?” just as my son was going up to bat. We were very nervous about signing him up for karate. I prayed very hard for a place that would accept him. Well, our prayers were answered in the biggest way. My son was not only accepted but has become part of a family. He feels like just one of the students. He is treated like everyone else and is expected to do the same as everyone else to the best of his ability. We are so thankful for the encouragement from the Pearsons as well as each individual student at the dojo. What an awesome family my son has become a part of. He is so confident and he doesn’t feel different at all.”
    ~ Georga, Mother of Student

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    “I took my grandson to a trial class and he loved it! I then signed him up. I was able to watch all his classes and observe his instructors. I felt they were very knowledgeable, patient and had a worthy teaching technique. They taught my grandson logic about self defense and the proper way to use karate for only that purpose, not as an aggressor. I personally think that any class they would teach would be excellent and worthwhile. I believe they follow a high standard of teaching.
    ~ Jamie, Canon City
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    “Outstanding Instruction in a positive environment. I had studied karate in the past but it had been some time since I had practiced. Being a little more mature (older) than the typical karate student, I was looking for a DOJO that would acknowledge my experience and help me grow. Senseis Paul and Michelle do an excellent job of working with each student’s skill level and encouraging them to grow. The atmosphere in the DOJO is always positive and respectful. The students encourage their classmates and it is a very family type atmosphere. I would highly recommend this DOJO to people of all ages who are interested in learning martial arts and becoming physically active.” ~ Mark, Canon City
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    “As parents, we’re grateful to be able to have her in Lil’ Dragons. Michelle and Paul are so wonderful with all the kids and our daughter just adores them both! She has learned so much from participating in Lil’ Dragons that exceeds far beyond karate.” ~ Natasha, Canon City
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    “I believe that the virtues taught by the Senseis at Shorinkan Family Karate are a very positive reinforcement in a child’s life and are helping my grandson learn respect and self-control as well as improving his fitness and coordination.”
    ~ Jon, Canon City
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    “Empowering and Enriching, I Highly Recommend. I and my three children (ages 6, 7 & 7) joined together and we love it! The atmosphere in the Dojo is really positive and the entire class is very supportive. The Senseis are extremely knowledgeable and always encouraging. Since joining each one of us has gained something specific: self-control, self-confidence, direction, and focus. We are a very busy family, but classes are offered three times a week so we can attend when it is convenient for us. Signing up a family of four posed a financial burden, but Shorinkan Family Karate offers a family discount and that made it possible for my children and I to share in this activity together. We usually show up tired from our hectic day, but we are always empowered and enriched. I highly recommend this Dojo to people of all ages, skill levels, and family sizes. Senseis Paul and Michelle and their family are amazing.” ~ Shelli, Penrose
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    “I like punching, kicking, and doing the wavemasters, and I’ve met my best friends at karate!” ~ Maddy
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    “Karate is a lot of fun, a total confidence booster and lots of great kids to make friends with. I feel stronger than I did before I started.” ~ Katie

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    “After less than a year of karate my daughter is gaining confidence. She is learning self-discipline and the importance of practice. In addition she has learned valuable skills to prevent bullying and physical threats from others. She is more confident in her ability to protect herself in any situation.” ~ Carol
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    “Our family was disorganized and slow and now we work together as a family and are much stronger both physically and mentally.” ~ Heather
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    “I had become out of shape and a little overweight. I also noticed a shortness of breath. Now after coming to Shorinkan Family Karate I am considerably more fit and flexible. My breathing has also improved along with my concentration. I definitely feel better.” ~ Mark
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    “I needed control and strength coming to karate it was like coming into a family and another gym class.” ~ Daniel
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    “I was shy, I was scared and didn’t feel ok. Now I thought karate was fun and I learned things.”
    ~ Karisma
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    “I was bored all the time even when I was at other sports. Now I am not bored and I am excited!”
    ~ Gabe
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    “Prior to starting at Shorinkan Family Karate’s Lil’ Dragons my daughter was shy and now she is more confident, seems like she’s starting to be a leader instead of a follower, and more involved with groups. She is becoming a better helper around the house. It is a very positive class.” ~ Rodney
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    “My kids and wife were all doing separate activities outside of work and school, so we didn’t spend as much time together as I would have like to. Also, after 15 years of being a lot less active due to work etc. I found I was out of shape and had poor balance and conditioning. Now I get to spend a lot more time actually interacting and being a part of my kid’s and wife’s lives. I am getting in better shape, have much better balance and have way more energy and excitement about doing stuff rather than sitting at home and watching TV.”
    ~ Cody
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    Karate helped me learn to listen better. I am stronger. I love doing karate with my family.”
    ~ Nicole
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    “I was bored and did no sports now I’m not bored and I really like it and I met new people. It’s really fun.” ~ Jordan
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    “I had a shoulder injury that wouldn’t heal and had no confidence in myself and I was not in good physical shape. My shoulder is at least 50 % better and I am confident around people now. I feel strong and healthy again. It was been wonderful to share with my grandson. I have made many friends.” ~ Cherrol

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    “I wasn’t as confident and I was shy. I have so much confidence in myself.”
    ~ Cameron
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    “I got to take a class in college and loved it. Then I got married, had children, and just put my desire to take karate on the back burner. 15 years later – the kids started and I just couldn’t sit and watch. It has been an amazing journey for my family. Personally it has give me the opportunity to fulfill a dream I had in my teen years. It made me realize, it is never too late to go after your dreams. As a family, it has been amazing to have all 5 members of my family here together. It was absolutely amazing to test for my black belt with my daughter and to watch my children change throughout this journey physically and emotionally.”
    ~ Ginger
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    “I couldn’t breathe very well, now I can breathe much better.” ~ Tommy
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    “Karate has helped me letting me be myself. I love karate because you helped me.” ~ Madison
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    “I have a autistic son named Joshua . I wanted him to try and do Karate but I wasn’t sure how he would do. I took Joshua to the Shorinkan Karate Family but he did not like doing karate because there were too many people in the Dojo and too much noise for him to handle .
    I spoke to Sensei Michelle and I could feel she was a very patient and warm person and I wanted Joshua to take a lesson with her so I took him back . To my surprise Joshua liked Sensei Michelle and he listened to her and wanted to return and have another lesson with Sensei Michelle. He is quite proud of himself and loves the the attention he gets when he goes to the Dojo. He has learned to speak up for him self instead of letting people walk all over him. He has respect for others and he is starting to control himself which he has never been able to do before. I read a story that Joshua wrote and I could actually read it. He has never done that before he has also gone from the rising stars class to a Saturday class. For a Mother to sit on the side line and watch this transformation taking place is breath taking and so amazing that unless you are in my shoes you will never understand that the little changes your child is making is so important and worth a million dollars. Doctors have told me that he will never be independent, so to prove them wrong and have these amazing people working with my child who didn’t turn their back on us and gave my child a chance to grow I cannot thank them enough. If it wasn’t for this class my son wouldn’t be as confident and out spoken as he has become and to that I thank Sensei Paul and Sensei Michelle with all of my heart. I recommend if you have a special needs child to bring them here to Shorinkan Karate Family Dojo and watch them grow. Thank u for helping my family grow stronger.” ~ Jill
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    “I did not remember stuff very well now I remember stuff more because of the katas.” ~ Rebecca
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    “I felt shy in groups and now I feel happy.” ~ Haleigh

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