Martial Art Concepts Student Testimonials

Martial Arts Training West Midlands

Myself and my nine-year old son joined MAC approximately five months ago.
We had both previously trained in martial arts for some years – predominantly in the form of kickboxing and freestyle karate.
Due to other commitments such as working hours and the high pressure of children’s Sunday league football training schedules and after school clubs, and as our martial arts training was limited to one session a week, our involvement eventually lapsed.
However the urge to train in some form of martial art was always within us very strongly and there came a time when we had to become involved again.
Upon much reflection we decided not to return to the same school as we needed something that could fit around our schedule – and I myself felt that I had gone as far as I could go and needed a challenge in an area where I could learn and develop new forms of the martial arts.I scoured several schools via internet and newspaper advertisements and eventually came across MAC which appealed greatly – so made the relevant contact.
What a step that proved to be!
After sending an e-mail for information I was contacted by one of the instructors – Alex Williams who expressed great interest in our past experiences and was extremely encouraging in setting up an introductory visit and ‘taster’ training sessions. I was most impressed with the interest in myself and son rather than just in tuition fees and being rushed into signing up. I was sold on my first visit to MAC as the facilities and training space were at a standard I had never before seen, completely adapted to the training of martial arts, and all instructors were welcoming and approachable as opposed to a somewhat intimidating impression that can be given at times. The emphasis was on friendship rather than ‘I am the instructor – you must respect my authority!’ and even though they are obviously at an outstanding level of knowledge and ability in their art, there was and never has been any pompousness – only a complete and genuine desire to pass on their knowledge. This knowledge is in a wide area of arts such as Phillipino Kali, Jeet Kune Do and Muay Thai and covers the whole theory and history rather than just technique. This variety was a great inspiration for me to join the academy.

The progression from foundation, to the higher level of masters training was incredibly well structured, and each student is treated as an individual and under no pressure to excel to levels beyond their ability. As my son had had a lot of issues at school over the past months prior to joining, and his confidence had taken quite a substantial blow, MAC proved to be a saving grace – one I will be eternally grateful for. The training he receives is specifically aimed at children and the academy’s continued focus on social and mental development never ceases to amaze me, as it is so unusual for a school to develop its students any further than the training mats. All students in his age group treated him with courtesy and respect, and he has made several new friends as a result, and his confidence came back more so than it had ever been before – reflective in his personality and contentment at school. His development in the martial arts has come on in massive leaps and bounds and for an example of the values within the academy, I strongly recommend a look at the student creed, something we can all learn from, not just children.
As for myself, it is fantastic to be involved in such a professionally run academy and – given my peculiar working hours – a timetable which allows me to fit training in with my schedule. For the sake of this testimony turning into an epic novel (there are that many qualities of the academy to write about!), I will say that for knowledge, technique, etiquette and above all respect, I believe a prospective student would be hard pressed to find a better place than MAC. All instructors genuinely care about each student and I can personally vouch for this, as I have had slight hitches that threatened to hinder my training once again, but the support and encouragement I received from them, far exceeded what they needed to have done.

Mr and Mrs Kelly, Mr Bedford and Alex – I am truly indebted to you for your assistance, and my gratitude will never lapse, believe it or not, you have helped reinstate a sense of self-worth in myself that was very much on the wane, and have taught me lessons other than just martial arts. On behalf of my son, I thank you for the overwhelming development that you have instilled in him, and the courage and confidence that he has gained in facing up to some of the issues that life can throw at a child.

To all other instructors at the academy I thank you equally for your expertise and input.

If anyone is thinking of joining a martial arts school, then even if you look at only one, let it be MAC. Your journey will start here, take you to some amazing places and never end. Every step of that journey will only serve to make you a better person, and you will travel with such good support – you may not even know!

ADAM FRANCIS

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "I had trained in the martial arts for 14 years before I came to train under Paul Kelly at Martial Art Concepts. It was then that I realised I had wasted those 14 years. The standard of the martial arts here at MAC is fantastic! I only wish I had discovered this academy years ago!"
Senior Student - VF

 

"As a full time manager of a very busy department, a wife and a mother of 2 very lively boys, it is surprising that I get bored...but I do! For many years I've tried aerobics and other such classes but I find I tire of them quickly and don't feel challenged thus resulting in a lack of interest, missing classes and eventually giving up completely. This was until I joined Martial Art Concepts. Having watched my son and husband join up and enjoy classes I still resisted the temptation to join in due to the feelings of, "I can't do that!". Then a self protection class was advertised and I went along. This was an amazing experience and I was hooked! At the end of the course I tried the adult classes and I haven't looked back since. Every class I learn something new that is both physically challenging and mentally stimulating. I am surrounded by like minded individuals who have a real passion to train and teach martial arts. And having recently passed my level 8 grading I am thriving on the experience of a lifetime and have learnt "I can do that!""
Senior Student - EKB

 

"I have not got a lot of confidence - emotional or physical - so when at 24 the doctors gave me the news that I had arthritis in the kneecap and joint I had believed my life was over. I felt worthless, useless and depressed. I was told I won't be able to do this or that, all the negative phrases you can think of and I believed it.
Years later my GP asked what I would love to do, right away I said 'Martial Arts'; Bruce Lee has always been my hero. I phoned lots of clubs but when telling them about my knee and that I am overweight and unfit they didn't want to know.
I drove down to Martial Art Concepts after being told Kali may be for me. 5 minutes later I was still in the car and drove back to the flat as I opened the door there on the mat was a flyer from the academy, I thought this must be fate. I phoned the number right away and left a message. An instructor called Paul Bedford called me back and asked me to come and see the class on Sunday. I challenged myself to go through that door. Embarrassed and awkward I asked to speak to Mr Kelly, I was met with a big smile and welcomed in, I loved it, 'Kali rocks'. People were coming over to me welcoming me to the academy, I had never met so many nice people I was shocked by everybody's kindness and I became an academy member, the best thing I have ever done. The first lessons were hard on my knee but I had fallen in love with Kali, 'Better to be in pain doing what I love than be in pain doing nothing'. Over time my physio couldn't believe the change she told me to keep up the physio and the Kali. She has now written to the doctor to say I don't need another operation anymore and next year I will train with a sports physio.
Every night I look at the framed certificate of my Kali level 1 and thank God that Sir lets me train in his academy.
I would like to thank Sir and all the instructors and students who have welcomed me and given me their time to help me become a Martial Artists and a more positive and confident human being. God bless you all. "
Craig Davies A.K.A 'The Blackheath Apache'

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