My family has been with Long's for a few years, and while writing this post, what I have to say is the reason we joined Long's. My entire family have been easing our way into Karate as it is very easy to find flaw in our bodies and this might be the cure (it is not) but it sure has prompted me to change my attitude on Parenting. I will not give all the credit to Mark as many times he has student's training the class and he has an incredible wife who generally works with everyone in some fashion or even just smiling (Mary). Frequently we are used to Mark being so busy we get the likes of various Sensei(s): Daniel, Miguel, Caraballo, Jackie, Reggie, Andy, Ron and David (apologies if I've missed or misspelled a few, Jr. BB not included); each add a personality and flavor, coupled with compassion and competitiveness actually offers, a unique style of discipline and confidence. Mark has a unique skill-set that sometimes rubs people the wrong way due to his trying to manage so many things for the students, but I will assure you that past the busy-ness is a Man...who cares deeply about kids staying out of trouble and one who would do anything to assist if you ask him. Here's where the point get's interesting to me. My 3 kids behave differently when they do not attend classes for a week i.e. vacations or during testing weeks etc. and I noticed the results. The teachers provide daily progress reports from school and let's just say there were some not so smile faced days. I make the connection and get them back into classes at Long's. Yes, it really does help and they always say they don't want to go (busy with video games) or try and barter with me, so then as a father (Dad) I thought, I could never make them do something I wouldn't do myself and I began training. I have no problem defending myself accept against food, and I have lost that battle more than most. So, when I look at my children, how can I possibly expect them to build the confidence they need to do things when I'm not participating in the activities they are. Mark and Family (that's what is is) have accepted me into the dojo, but they do not play favoritism just because I'm almost 50. I train like a young person, I kick like a mule and my attitude is that if my 6 year old can do it so can I, it just hurts more and longer. Just when you think it's not possible, you watch a different class and I see kids flying through the air or smiling because they have done something they never did before. Is Long's perfect for you? No, because you have to want to do something that is simply "not" your way; however, if my way worked so well, I wouldn't have met such a diverse dojo and a great group to work with. My middle son was able to handle 7 bullies this year and not get suspended (so far), he reasoned with them, and I assure you he has had numerous warning from Sensei(s) for his hard punching to the face. Could he beat up another kid? I really don't want to find out-but I'm also not going to stand by while he get's picked on at school. My daughter is a Black Belt and honestly, she has the kindest, gentle, attitude towards people. I've seen her stick up for her friends and then pick the other person up and tell them she's sorry and they can be friends now. She's gone thru hell to earn her black belt, but she loves and respects everyone. Mark also teaches the Japanese commands or names for the art, I admit it's not an easy language to learn, but each step builds more confidence. They have always offered a free introductory class and probably will continue, so if you see a over middle aged Hispanic guy rolling around on the floor or panting, that would be me. My youngest graduated from the little dragons program and into the adult classes, so he is really excelling at Boy Scouts because of his confidence from Karate he was able to do a 300 foot zip line and smile when he was done. Our family has had a lot of setbacks (not because of the dojo) , 2 broken legs, flu bugs, vacations, knee surgery, etc... you get the point, but we continue to train, grow, build as a family with the dojo family and Mark's leadership. I rated it 5 stars because it's a team that's helping me be a better Dad/Husband/Mentor/Friend, not a my way attitude I had for so long, and if you think I'm kidding when you see the little dragons smile, you cannot help but feel good about being a part of that. read more