We enrolled our son at PRO Martial Arts (PMA) not only for the physical activity, but to build is confidence. Our son was an easy target in middle school. He was much shorter than most of the students, and traditional athletics didn't interest him. All things considered,we wanted him to get involved in something. He was picked on so much he began to hate school. He was afraid to defend himself because he didn't know how. When we first joined the PMA family, they explained how the ARMOR program, combined with regular classes, would be a great fit for him. It provided him with both physical and mental exercise, in a place where he was encouraged and appreciated. The instructors taught him discipline and self-defense techniques. The ARMOR program has given him confidence and the ability to defend himself in a safe social setting.
Last year, our son was dealing with a relentless bully who spent weeks verbally threatening and teasing him. He did not engage in the verbal abuse, but instead walked away and involved school officials. The abuse then moved off school grounds and turned into physical threats (tapping our son on the head or pushing him about). One day while he was walking home from school with friends, the bully became more physical and hit our son in the face. Due to months of self-defense practices at PRO Martial Arts, our son was able to physically defend himself just enough to get out of the situation. Though the bully continued with verbal teasing for a short while after this incident, it did eventually stop and we like to think it's because he knows our son is prepared to defend himself.
Today, our is a part of the PMA Leadership Program and is learning sparing techniques. We are elated to see his confidence and abilities grow stronger each day. Due to the increased confidence, he is now trying out for school plays and auditioned for (and made) the schools show choir group. He would have never had the confidence to get on stage in the past.
With respect to the martial arts, for him, it is not about learning how to fight. It's about learning how to protect yourself whenever necessary. We are proud to be a part of the PMA family. We are so thankful to the staff for their support, guidance and continued motivation to help our son grow into a better person. read more