The Ann Arbor College of Martial Arts is a program that I have been waiting for, for a very long time. For the past 6 years I have been researching different physical activities for my 10 year old son with martial arts being one of them. We have tried a few but have never been able to find a good fit. The AACoMA had my son yelling, jumping, pushing and fending off “attackers" during the first lesson. I was a bit taken aback until I began to pay attention to their philosophy of child safety and age-appropriate physical interaction.

At each visit, my son is greeted by each of the staff members in the building as are all other participants, family members and guests. This simple acknowledgment makes him want to be there and feel as if they are not just the instructors but older family members he can trust with personal issues or with whom he can laugh and joke.

My son's motivation to attend is that he is not only being challenged physically but as himself. His life goals, his physical limitations and instructor expectations are all worked into each of his sessions, as is the case with each of the other children he works out with each week. They are not only challenged to be disciplined in a structured manner but also in activities where the structure is not obvious. The children are taught to think, feel, and observe on multiple levels. Finally!!! My son is being challenged as a whole, thinking, emoting human being.

I am most impressed by the ranking system of AA College of Martial Arts. The system functions like most others in that there are belt ranking levels of achievement. The primary differences are that one, students do not fight in order to prove mastery, that is assessed during class. Two, students move up in rank by achieving life goals such as better self control, more physical control, being more diligent about school and studying, demonstrating self-respect and respect for others. These things along with the physical discipline help to enhance the achievement of a whole self.

Surprisingly enough, during my son’s 2 week free membership, both my 62 yr. old mother and I also participated and were able to participate fully. The programs provided by the AACoMA are designed to maximize each individual’s strengths with the least amount of effort. Needless to say, my mother and I will be joining my son in the near future. Many thanks go out to the staff for all that they are and have been to my family. We are glad to have found you and will be with you for years to come.

—Monica Geary, MSW; CTA Ann Arbor, MI