Testimonials

What does champions mean to me?

"When I was 9 years old, I wanted to do karate, and I happened to join Champions. When I was beginning my first class I felt scared, unsure of myself, insecure, and I had no self confidence.

In the three years I have been at Champions I have learned to become confident, positive, disciplined, and much calmer with myself.

Champions is like a second family, and I feel everyone really cares and everyone is treated equally. The staff also help solve problems that are not always connected to martial arts. The staff are all very kind and respectful, and they always have a smile, hug or high-five for the students and lots of encouragement.

I think Champions Martial Arts Academy is awesome, and the best thing I’ve done so far is to joined. I wish I could go to class everyday."

David Cormack

When did I first realize that Champions was special…..

When I first sensed that indefinable aura that emanates from people who are sincere; When I first heard the words spoken that martial arts was not about getting someone to Black Belt in karate-kickboxing, but rather helping someone attain a black belt in life;

When I saw physically challenged people stand proudly at the front of the room as their Sensei wrapped yet another belt of accomplishment around their waist;

When I saw my son leap in the air and deliver a powerful kick to the hand of his Sensei and the look of delight on his face as he realized the applause was for him;

When I saw tears streaming down a Sensei’s face as her student reached the remarkable pinnacle of Black Belt;

When I realized that I have evolved from someone taking karate/kickboxing to someone who thinks of herself as a martial artist;

When I look on in awe at the friends we have sponsored and I witness their startling transformation from tentative to tenacious.

There are many places to get fit physically; there are very few places that embrace a holistic approach to exercising the body, the mind, the spirit and the attitude.

At the end of the day, we are all inspired to feel like champions.

Rhonda Mailey

My thoughts and experiences at Champions Martial Arts Academy

In paragraph one of your letter, it is stated “ We could have never accomplished such high praise without you (students) I wish to comment on this. Having been a reasonably observant person by nature, I feel that winning combination was set in place the day you two met. Destiny brought both of you together and made it sure you would touch many lives. Just like me most of the students see Master Farid as a father figure while Sensei Ingrid as a mother figure.

You both have all the necessary qualities of strength, both mental/physical, firmness, fairness, kindness and gentleness. Sensei Ingrid has the additional nurturing quality. Hence students see the school as a loving home not a house.

In February this year there was a tournament sponsored by the Sport Kickboxing Federation, I did attend as a spectator and a supporter of Champions Academy. While I am a firm believer of the Best man/woman should win, or be selected.. It was abundantly clear that in every sparring event with a candidate from Champions Academy, it was the Champions Academy candidate that won, showing decidedly superior skills, technique, endurance and self discipline. These victories were not just wins, there were strong message of commitment from the candidates to identify with Champions Academy philosophy.

Having traveled extensively, I have yet to come across a learning institution that has its students feel as their home, wishing to be a part of it. I feel compelled to comment on your instructors. I have never seen a group of instructors so dedicated and so loyal to an institution, their enthusiasm to impart their skills to students is very noticeable. The strategy of Champions academy to rotate the instructors is one of the strengths of the school as students pick up skill/strengths of individual instructors to finally round of their own skills and techniques.

Ashley Rego
Vessel Manager, Teekay Shipping

Martial Arts is a form of self-defense. It is a way to protect yourself when something surprising comes up in your life. It is a way to fight for your survival from criminals and people trying to hurt you. However, martial arts are clearly forbidden to use on other people for your own amusement. It should be a last resort when in danger “ A warrior has to fight when there is no other solution: Excalibur

Martial arts is an ancient form of self defense developed from Japan. Samurai invented the techniques themselves. These techniques were used in battles. Over time, the techniques were passed on as sports. Some of these techniques were taken out and modified into different forms of self-defense, for example kendo, aikido, karate, and judo.

Martial arts has improved my self-esteem. In other ways, like I am more assertive. I am more confident of myself than I ever was, and I am more social I have more friends than usual and not just the people in my class. Martial arts has made me a better participant than before. I’m not afraid to try new things with my friends. Martial arts has made me more outgoing in my life. Martial arts is a extracurricular activity, and it occupies my brain and body. Martial arts is a nonacademic form of survival. Martial arts makes me more coordinated or less clumsy. It made my reflexes faster and stronger, I can react to things a lot faster now. My asthma improved and so did my immunity system. I’m now physically active and less passive, meaning I have higher self esteem. I let nobody push me or my friends around, I stick up for my friends only. I can stand up to bullies in a very assertive way martial arts has helped me accomplish that. Martial arts has given me a better definition of the word respect. I’m more polite now and more patient than before. Martial arts has given me the health and life I wanted, when my asthma hit I’ve wanted it to stop, martial arts has granted my request.

Rahim Esmail

My name is Steve MacLean and I have been a student at champions martial arts academy for approximately 6 years. I have recently attained my black belt. When I started at Champions I really did not have any idea what to expect. I remembered my first day waiting anxiously for my first introductory class to begin. I was watching the advanced students train and I was amazed at how talented they all were. I thought that I would never be able to do the things I saw them doing.

When I began training regularly I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed it. I felt my body and my mind becoming stronger. The benefits that I received from my training encouraged me to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

I really began to look forward to attending all my classes and not just for the physical and mental benefits that I felt I was receiving. Champions became a positive social environment for me as well. I quickly became friends with many of my fellow students. Everybody seemed very nice and supportive of each other’s training. Amongst the numerous other benefits that I was receiving as a student at Champions, I also found many role models there. I met many people who where not just as talented martial artists but really good people as well. These people showed me what it meant to set goals and how good if feels to achieve them. I found these role models possessed many qualities that I wanted to instill in myself. They always had time for me and my questions and they always encouraged me to be the very best I can be.

As I began writing this, I thought about thanking Master Farid, Sense Ingrid, Sensei Blake and all the rest of the staff at Champions Martial Arts for making me a better person I then realized that I should be thanking them instead for training me to develop the qualities that needed to make myself a better person. Thank you all. You’ve all made an incredible impact in my life!

Gratefully
Steve MacLean

“I had just been early retired from my company after 30 years of service and was at a bit of a loss as to what to do with myself. I must confess that when I walked through the door of Champions about 18 months ago and watched one of the classes for a few minutes my first thought was…you’ve got to be kidding!! Danielle came over and asked if she could help and I said… “ do you have any classes for old folks?” it took her about 6 months to coax me into starting (she is a tenacious little rascal) but what has followed has been one of the most satisfying years of my life.

Sensei Blake once compared life to a ship and the need to sail forth. This old ship left port long time ago and has sailed the 7 seas. I found myself back un harbour with stretched rope, torn nails, and a lot of loose hull planks. The instruction I have received at Champions from Sense Blake and other members of the staff nas been excellent for both knowledge and fitness,strength and flexibility. It has also been delivered in a manner which is considerate and supportive of my many injuries and lowered the ability. Thanks to Champions I am truly becoming the best I can be.

In 3 years I will be a black belt…one year ago I would have laughed at the person who told me that…it is now an achievable goal. My health has improved, my life has improved… thank you Champions.!”

Best regards,
Jacques Samuel

Some thoughts of out Martial Arts Experiences at Champions Martial Arts Academy

"Each one of us brings a lifetime of experience to any activity in which we engage. This is true for both youngsters and adults who cumulative experiences will accent their drive when training within the martial arts. Further is the harmony of these life experiences that benefits each martial arts student through the sharing of our traditions. cultures, values, memories and dreams. All of us have different reasons for seeking the martial arts as a way to better ourselves and these reasons reflect both physical and mental requirements. The opportunities that may be gained from entering the martial arts world can lead to a life long legacy that if one develops the personal discipline to rise to the occasion will ensure for a lifetime of quality learning and inspiration.

For many years I sought a way to direct my focus and attention that would reflect my own values and beliefs in a positive manner. Writings with the field of martial arts, prior to my actual participation in classes, had allowed me to direct my energy towards maintaining my inner spirit or chi.

Eventually, through the encouragement of several others, this earlier focus led to the exploration of the active martial arts world. Champions has, from the ouset, offered many challenges and led me to marvel at what had been dormant abilities now brought out by the instructors and students at the school.

Champions’ atmosphere is engaging and inspiring, the chemistry of the school flowing through all of its participants. At Champions I have rediscovered the inherent desire to offer assistance where I can, to accept challenges when they are offered and to find the good in all things. From the familiar feel of the wooden floor, to the adrenaline of testing night all of our senses are heightened by the contributions we make towards Champions and its role towards family, friends and community."

Paul Ferguson

"Kickboxing has been a very good experience so far. I have learned that it is more than just being thought to fight. You develop yourself mentally as well. You gain self-confidence and self discipline. Joining Champions is like joining a community. You meet a lot of nice new people, and there are many fun get-togethers. I have learned that Champions and martial arts in general, are based on respect.

The thing that I like most about kickboxing more than any other sport is that, at Champions, everyone is on the same team. When you spar, it does not matter who wins, both fighters know that they are trying to improve themselves and their opponent, and after the fight you develop a new respect for each other. Another good thing about the martial arts at champions is that it is an anti-drug for kids. It is a large commitment, and therefore if anyone wants to take it seriously, they won’t have time for drugs.

The greatest experience I have had so far in kickboxing was the tournament I attended. I got to see all the different types of martial arts and all the different schools. I learned that martial arts is an art form based on tradition. It was very interesting to see people doing weapon katas in their traditional martial arts uniforms with their traditional weapons. I find it ironic that at such a potentially violent sport, you learn more about respect and sportsmanship more than anything else."

Dash Randsalu

"My first memory of Champions Martial Arts Academy is Bryce's introductory lesson (exactly six years ago this month). During the lesson, Master Farid Dordar asked Bryce how high he could kick. Bryce held his hand at about waist level. Master Farid raised his arm a meter higher to shoulder level! Bryce kicked and kicked and kicked, but failed to get anywhere near the target hand. Master Farid only smiled and said, "I'm not putting down my hand until you kick it". I flinched, wondering what kind of a torturous place I'd brought my son to. Well, on the next try, Bryce concluded he'd have to get some height by running. This time, he kicked Master Farid's hand easily. Delighted- we all were! At that moment, I knew what kind of a place this was - a school where goals would be high yet attainable and where my child would be taught with respect and faith!

Over the years of watching Sensei Ingrid, I quickly realized that she was absolutely one of the best teachers I'd ever seen as well as one of the finest, most caring and compassionate women I'd ever met. It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of Champions. It is with sincere thanks and great sadness that we say farewell to all the fine instructors, staff and students who have touched our lives. Please remember us when you come to Victoria."

Yours,
Carol & Bryce Newton