Testimonials
Dear Extreme Martial Arts, Allow me to start out by stating, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS IN MY LIFE! Before I joined Extreme Martial Arts, I found myself feeling very sluggish, tired, overweight and all-in-all unhealthy. My dad & sister had decided to join EMA and invited me to do so as well. Needless to say, with my energy level & self image issues I was not interested at all. I decided to give it a go after meeting with Shihan Al Verduzco and learning all the benefits and also for my little sister.
Just five months later, I have a new found respect for myself, a renewed confidence and an amazing energy level. Not only do I work hard during class, but I now start my day with a vigorous exercise routine. All week long I look forward to attending class, even when I’m having a rough day or I’m really tired. It is such a feeling of accomplishment when I’m giving 100% and my Sensei is demanding more and somehow I’m able to give more. Everyone in class is supportive and encouraging. My success is not only owed to myself & my family but also to the entire staff at Extreme Martial Arts. Thank you for everything that you’ve helped me accomplish thus far!
I cordially invite anyone out there that doesn’t truly believe this to meet me in class on Mondays or Thursdays & we’ll discuss it. Of course, that line is meant for humor but I sincerely would like to talk to any girl/woman that wants to do this but can’t quite make that jump.
Callie S. (age 25)
Taking instruction from Shihan Al Verduzco is the single most life altering experience I’ve had. I started when I was 55 years old, after a quad bypass operation and diabetes. Shihan Al was aware of my “baggage” and allowed me the latitude to proceed at my own pace which, after a short time, wasn’t that much behind that of the other students.
When I started I didn’t have the confidence to speak in front of a group of people and was not able to appropriately react when faced with any type of conflict, be it verbal or physical. I slowly found myself being able to think, remain calm, and analyze the situation when confronted with a verbal conflict. What a wonderful ability to posses.
I’m now a bald 62 year old geezer, someone that looks like easy prey for the bad guys. I believe the reason I haven’t been a “victim” is that I’m not afraid anymore. Now, don’t take this to mean that I feel like a Chuck Norris. I have no illusions about my skill level in the martial arts. What I do have is the confidence to use what I have learned, to its fullest. I will do everything within my power to protect myself, my family, friends, and those weaker till the day I die.
I could go on and on extolling the virtues of the disciplines learned at Extreme Martial Arts Academy, but I think you get the idea about how I feel.
Thank you, Shihan Al Verduzco. You have given me more than you’ll ever know.
OSU,
George U.
When I first began my training in the martial art, I was serious about my development as a student. Unfortunately, my instructors were not as dedicated as I was in reaching this goal. Instead, I was put through the motions without developing any of the tools necessary to properly defend myself. It was frustrating to say the least. After hearing my case, a friend of mine recommended that I continue my training at Extreme Martial Arts Academy run by Shihan Al Verduzco. This friend of mine also happened to be a former student, and now I know why he held this school in such high praise. There is no other school like it on the planet. There are a variety of classes offered, and the instructors are serious about teaching. I’ve been a student there for less than a year, and the results speak for themselves. I have developed at a rate that would be impossible to achieve at any other school. I finally have confidence in myself, and for once I know it isn’t just a false sense of security. Joining the Extreme Martial Arts Academy was without a doubt, the best investment I have ever made. I’m looking forward to many more years training there.
Joe
We are so very pleased with our son Joey’s progress since he has enrolled in Extreme Martial Arts Academy. He is extremely shy and has trouble adjusting to new people and new situations. Since enrolling in the program, he has improved significantly in his ability to talk with adults and speak when spoken to. His self confidence is improving on a daily basis. We have also found that Joey is very well coordinated for a 4 year old. He enjoys coming to class and loves to practice everything he learns when he gets home (even the warm-up exercises)! We are also very impressed with the Safer Smarter Kids Program. The topics discussed in class are brought home and discussed as a family. Even as parents, we have learned a lot from this program! We consider Joey’s time spent at Extreme Martial Arts Academy a great investment in his future.
Sincerely, David and Anne
This letter serves to address how I feel my child, Kelvin (13 yrs old), has benefited from attending The Extreme Martial Arts Academy. I have noticed a boost in Kelvin’s confidence and self-esteem since he started attending the Extreme Martial Arts Academy. Recently he had an incident with a student at his school that bullied him constantly. It bothered Kelvin so much, that he threatened and actually ran away from home one night. Although he didn’t go far, it was a frightening incident for me as a parent. Within that week, Kelvin confronted the bully eye-to-eye by telling him STOP bullying him and his friends. Kelvin expressed to me that the bully looked embarrassed and from that day on never bullied him or his friends again. I believe the martial arts training has given Kelvin a sense of strength that he otherwise didn’t feel before. I appreciate that and hope he continues to grow mentally and emotionally.
Bernice P.
I would like to take a moment to explain why I feel being enrolled in the Top Rank Boxing Program has benefited not only me personally, but my business as well.
For the past three months I’ve taken private boxing lessons through this program. As our sessions increase in intensity, my skill level and physical conditioning are being tested and evaluated. Through this process Coach Al Verduzco and I have been able to identify my strengths and weaknesses. By doing so Coach Verduzco has implemented a few principles to our ongoing sessions/ training.
• Strengthen the weaknesses by focusing on them. • Refine my strengths. • Constant conditioning, physically and most important mentally. • Always have fun.
Having applied these principles, I am getting in better shape by increasing my energy level and reaching my target weight. Adding these principles to my business, it has helped contribute to the growth and profitability of the business. An extra bonus is having an avenue to relieve myself of stress.
Yours Truly, Damion N. President, NES Inc.
Joining your Top Rank Boxing program was the best thing I’ve done in a long time. I’m in better shape now then I was 5 years ago… and I’m just getting started. Having added your program to my schedule really helps me make the right choices when it comes to the foods I eat and the decisions I make. I highly recommend your program to anyone looking to increase their confidence, shed unwanted weight and get in the best shape of their life fast. Lou V. age 33
Prior to joining Extreme Martial Arts, I thought that being an ex-soccer player would have given me some type advantage in any fitness program I chose to try. I was dead wrong! I have never experienced such an intense and immensely rewarding workout. I have never sparred with anyone in my entire life, and just my luck, I got introduced to it by Al and Steve. I’ve actually been surprised at what I’ve achieved during the workouts. My confidence level has increased because of the weight loss I’ve realized and also the strength and boxing knowledge I’ve gained. I feel better than I ever have, and I credit that all to the expertise and professionalism I’ve experienced at Extreme Martial Arts.
Sincerely, Milenko V. age35
Training at Extreme Martial Arts is probably the best thing that I have done for myself so far in life. I’m not only learning amazing self defense, but I feel that I have made a new group of close friends, friends that push me to learn, train and compete. If you would have told me that I would eventually step in the cage and fight, when I first started, I would have called you crazy. But the discipline and motivation that Steve and Al taught me, can hold no price value. I never thought that I could learn to push myself as far as I have come and will continue to go. The dedication and time that Al and Steve have not only put into me, but the rest of the students at EMA, is a large portion of why we are, were we are right now. I have to say I’ve fallen in love with the ever growing sport of MMA. I don’t think I can thank everyone enough for taking the time to show me the right way to do things, for not stopping when I say I’m tired, and for pushing me to be the best I can be. EMA is one of the best and there’s no other way to put it.
Thanks Everyone, Blake B. 18yr
Shihan Al: I am 44 years old, married with 1 son and 2 daughters and I own 3 businesses. I originally joined for my youngest daughter, Jessica. She is home schooled and I felt she needed an extra curricular activity, one that she couldn’t get from public school. When I joined I didn’t realize what a difference it would make in my own life. It has been just a few months, and the outcome from what I’m learning is incredible. I have a different outlook on business & life which allows me to be more competitive & aggressive in winning. The great work-out & boost of self-confidence are just extra perks. I recommend this class to every adult & child. Thank you Shihan Al for providing a much needed service. Sincerely, Scott M.
Celeste has gone from not wanting to tell people her name to now raising her hand and volunteering. Since she has gotten the “magic” brown tape, she has been more assertive and has actually gotten her partner to tap out. I never thought that day would come. She has been dedicated to this sport for almost 3 year now, what a difference! She has grown in so many different ways. I look forward to seeing her grow even more. Heather S. (Celeste age 8)
We are excited about the Safer, Smarter Kids program and feel that it is an excellent way to teach Matthew (8 years old) self defense, self discipline, strength and respect. Since starting the program several weeks ago, all he talks about is his karate class. He is excited and enthusiastic and practices everyday and can’t wait until the next class. Matthew has become more self-confident and said that he “wants to get stronger and get every belt.”
Sincerely, Ken & Julie L.
Dear Shihan Verduzco: Our son, Kevin will be testing for his green belt in December. The pride of earning his first belt has motivated Kevin to work harder in class. Since that time, Kevin has demonstrated a noticeable difference in his behavior in class. “With each belt I earn I will give it that much more effort” says Kevin. The discipline he is learning from the program at Extreme Martial Arts will help him work towards his ultimate goal-Black Belt. We really feel that the karate program has also been a benefit to him in school. His increased level of self- confidence made the transition from kindergarten to first grade easier. We are very proud of his accomplishments! Keep up the good work!
Sincerely, David & Vicki P.
Since Justice (7 years old) has been attending Extreme, I have seen a change in his maturity level. He has become very competitive, in that he is continually trying to advance to the next level. In his classroom he has exceeded his grade level to the point where he is now working on Level 2 of grade 2 and some 3rd grade work.
The instructors are very firm yet caring for all of the students. Thank you for being such positive role models.
Cheryl J.
Since I have joined Extreme Martial Arts I have seen improvement in my fitness. My respect for others has improved a lot. So has my self-confidence. I have more confidence in myself then I did before. I never say I can’t do something because I know anything is possible. Everything I’ve learned will help me in the future.
Thank you Extreme Martial Arts. Rosa I. 17 yrs old
We feel that Matthew (10 years old) has benefited greatly with the program. All instructors are approachable and answer my questions fully. Al has been great with Matthew and myself. He has grown both mentally and physically. He is looking forward to learning and growing in the future.
Doreen Z.
"I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity to work and train with you. I am very grateful for gaining some of your knowledge and know how. When I started you said to me that I would have more self-confidence after training & working with you. You said this would help me in every aspect of my life. I found out you were right! You are one of the reasons I am pursuing my dreams with my career. I know that I will be a great police officer or firefighter because of the training & self discipline you have taught me while working with you."
“FEAR NOTHING-FIND A PASSION-LIVE YOUR DREAM” a.v. "This is what I am going to live by." THANK YOU!
Tom
Being in this Extreme Martial Arts class has been wonderful. I’ve gained more confidence in myself. I have been trained and conditioned on what to do if something bad happened where I had to defend myself. I’ve also become very strong. Getting conditioned helps me out with my strength and endurance. Every time I come to karate and learn something new, I’m determined to try it out and hopefully able to do it. When ever I grapple with someone that is tougher or even bigger than me, it gives me a challenge and chance to bring out everything that I’ve learned during class and defend myself and put them into submission. I love to succeed and I just look forward to getting better with my grappling and kickboxing. Sensei is a great instructor. When I have trouble or do not understand something, Sensei is the one that can help me out. I am succeeding very well with my grades. The last semester I had a GPA of 3.896% and have just been inducted to the National Junior Honor Society for Grimmer Middle School. I’m determined and setting goals for myself every day. I hope to stick with EMA and reach my goal of a black belt and the goal of learning as much as I can, so I can protect myself from harm. Thank you for teaching me very valuable techniques. It’s a great pleasure to come to class knowing I can be challenged. Krista T. age 13
Brandon (6 years old) has been involved in a variety of athletics since he was four years old. He always had fun and learned a lot about following the rules, teamwork and sportsmanship. Brandon has, however, always been interested in martial arts. So when the opportunity came for him to choose between swimming (which he had been on the team for three years) and martial arts, the choice was obvious. Since he has begun taking classes at Extreme Martial Arts, we have noticed two significant alterations in Brandon. The first is he always wants to practice the techniques learned in class. He wants to train every chance he gets and asks me many questions about technique. And the second, which I think is very important, is the sense of responsibility and ownership Brandon has of the fighting system itself. He is very serious about this and takes great care to remind his family that it is not something to horseplay with. Since he has a younger brother, I witness at times Brandon telling him about what has learned and the importance of restraint (Not in those words, of course). We have definitely seen Brandon displaying a more mature attitude than ever before. David & Cynthia
Al,
"I have been in your class for about a year and ½. The experiences I have had are great. I have learned more than how to fight, I have learned life lessons. From being in your classes I have more self-pride in everything that I do. This class has made me more well rounded in life and it is something that I will never forget. Being on the mats gives me time for myself to be in my own world to forget all problems."
I thank you, Al, Adam G.
Thank you for your generous donation of Martial Arts lessons for Christopher Delgado. You didn’t have to do anything when you first met Christopher but you took it upon yourself to help him. I wish you could have seen his face when I first asked the family if it would be alright for Christopher to try out for your class. The lessons not only make him happy to do something he always wanted to do but will teach him discipline and self-respect as well as coordination and most of all that there are good people out there that are willing to help those that help themselves. The exercises that your class makes every student do also strengthens his muscles that were damaged and weakened in the accident. The drug awareness and Safer Smarter Kids program will help him to spot and report any illegal activity that he may encounter.
I know that teaching a blind student is a new and challenging experience for you and the other Senseis at Extreme Martial Arts but your entire staff has gone out of their way to make Christopher feel welcomed and like just another student in your dojo.
Christopher looks forward to every lesson and tries his best. Watching him out there makes it hard to believe that he has been blind for only seven months. With his determination and people like you Christopher will have a full and productive life.
Thank you from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 5009, me and the entire Delgado family, especially Christopher for your generosity.
Sincerely,
Ricardo Paz Sr. President, LULAC Council 5009
