Universal Kempo Karate

These testimonials come from our students and/or our student's family.

Universal Kempo-Karate and the staff of the Stetson Hills branch has been a big part in the development of my son, Edmund. When he first joined, he was a shy, timid, five year old that had no understanding of self-discipline.

But as the days, months, and year passed changes are very noticeable to myself and others that know him. He is more outgoing and definitely has more discipline. He has made more friends both in school and at karate. He has learned to do things on his own by constantly practicing at home by himself, things such as: jumping rope, doing cartwheels, reading, writing and doing push-ups to name a few. He also has learned that exercise will make him strong and keep him healthy so he works out with his Dad at home. He has also learned from the instructors things on how to be safe, how to show respect, how to save our environment and how to improve himself. I thought by joining the most he would learn would be how to defend himself if he had to but he has learned a whole lot more and I’m very happy.

I recommend to parents of young children to give Universal Kempo-Karate a shot and they wont regret it. They’ll find that it will help their child and they’ll also enjoy it.

--Anonymous

The Wasserman Family

Since Mr. Wasserman (our son) started karate training at the Stetson Hills branch, he has become much more respectful of both his pre-school teachers and parents. Instead of always complaining when being told what to do (making bed etc.) he says “yes sir or ma’am” Thank you very much for his training!

--Mr. Robert Wasserman
Proud Father

The Bottomlee Family

Universal Kempo-Karate has been a wonderful experience for our family! Physically, we are stronger and healthier than we ever have been as a family. However, more importantly, Universal Kempo-Karate has been a safe encouraging, and respectful environment in which we can thoroughly enjoy our time. My children can come here and be free of some of the harassment and teasing that seems to be prevalent in our society today. My children know that when they come to karate they will be treated with respect and dignity and they are expected to treat others likewise. Thank you Universal Kempo for not only training children physically, but training them to be young men and women of noble character!

-- The Bottomlee Family

The Schroeger Family

When I brought my son to Universal Kempo-Karate, I didn't know what to expect other than the fact that my son would learn some self-defense. He attended the summer camp before we signed him up to attend the regular classes. After the first week at summer camp, he rapidly started changing for the better. He performed a "Black Belt Demonstration" at the end of the summer camp week. He was so proud of himself. We were so proud of Him.

By the last summer camp, our son learned how to play chess (at 6 years old! I didn't even know how to play. He taught me!), he grew in self-confidence and he had a goal for the first time. He wanted to get his yellow-belt.

Erich has grown so much since his first week of summer camp. He has been getting better grades each marking period. He is trying very hard to do what is right. He has his moments of ups and downs.. but nothing gets him focused like a talk with Mr. DiPentino..

My plan is to get our youngest into Universal as soon as he is ready (He will, from time to time do the Universal Jumping Jacks behind the class) and i am even planning on joining soon.

-- Christy Schroeger
Proud Mom and Universal's Web Designer

The Bear Family

Since Ryan has begun karate, we have seen some great improvements in his behavior. He does many things without being asked like brushing his teeth, making his bed and cleaning his room. In addition he’s got more confidence and better self-esteem. Overall, Universal Kempo-Karate has been great for Ryan!

-- Mrs. Bear

The Schoen Family

I have a 4-year-old son, who was having trouble maintaining focus. He was never in a lot of trouble, but lack of focus was not something I wanted for him so early. I enrolled him in the peewee class, hoping to help him. From the first day, his excitement was visible. He came home with “homework”. He was to exhibit self-discipline and do something without being asked and to say, “Yes ma’am or sir”. He completed his task quickly upon returning home.

My 8-year-old daughter came in to watch her brother and was hooked immediately. It has even carried over into school. I told his pre-school teacher to use the key word “self-discipline”. As a teacher, I see the good things Mr. DiPentino, Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Ford do with the peewees. They are patient and know how to reach little ones – they are incredible!

-- Elaine Schoen

The DeRossette Family

"Our son Dylan has been a student at Universal Kempo Karate for almost 6 months where he continues to grow with confidence, pride, increased interest in martial arts, and the goal of becoming a black belt one day. We view Kempo to be much more than a Martial Arts program. Universal Kempo offers positive life strategies and an optimistic life philosophy to best ensure a well-balanced, happy and successful life. Their program is well-rounded and promotes physical exercise, enhancement of self-esteem while strengthening of one's own character, self-defense, techniques for safety along with stranger awareness and learning martial arts skills from different philosophies.

We have been pleased with the instructors and managers at Universal. They represent excellent role models for our children and young adults. They are readily available for guidance and input and welcome feedback about how to further enhance their program. Communication with parents and with students appears to be a key to their philosophy. Patience and understanding is demonstrated throughout their repetition of routines. The owners and the teaching instructors work well together and have a team approach. Whenever necessary, they devote extra time and help students; enhancing their motivation and interest and supporting their excitement to persevere in martial arts, school, and at home.

Our son Dylan was fortunate to begin his martial arts curriculum under the skillful teaching of Chief Instructor Al DiPentino and Instructor Taylor Ford. They role model their teachings and demonstrate integrity of words matching actions to their classes. They always employ respect while commanding it and encourage communication. The structure in class enables the children to feel confident in knowing their boundaries and what is expected of them. Their fine tuned martial arts skills are masterfully taught and demonstrated to the entire group while individual attention is given and available whenever needed. The Instructors focus on teaching each child to patiently strive to be one's own personal best rather than striving for perfection. Instructor DiPentino displays a sense of humor through impromptu fun, planned activities and by showing the importance of being able to laugh and also be the best you can be.

We are very impressed with every aspect of Universal Kempo Karate and would recommend it to every parent.

-- Greg & Angie DeRossette