Karate Testimonials
My son Liam has been learning Okinawan Shuri Ryu Karate at Mountain Eagle Karate Academy since September 2006, this
is almost half of his life!
Liam loves Karate and considers Mountain Eagle part of his family and a second home, but Liam has learned so much
more than Karate. Being a part of the Mountain Eagle Karate Academy, Liam has learned to set goals for himself, to
believe in himself, to work hard to accomplish his goals, patience (with himself and others) and what it feels like
to accomplish his goals, Self discipline, Integrity, a healthy sense of Self confidence and Self esteem, Respect
for himself and others. Liam looks up to Renshi Mark and Sensei Anna and holds himself to a higher standard in all
aspects of his life. I am very proud of who Liam is and what choices and directions he chooses for himself and I
believe Renshi Mark, Sensei Anna, and the rest of the Mountain Eagle Karate Academy Family/Members have had and
continue to have a large part in instilling all of these values and more, to take root and grow with him into
adulthood.
Bridget McGuire (June 2010)
My family has studied with Renshi Mark and Sensei Anna for over six years. Renshi and Sensei are always upbeat and
encouraging, while maintaining order and discipline in the classes. The experiences my children have had in karate
and the skills they have developed have made them more successful in other areas of life. For instance, the
experience of presenting karate forms both in class and at tournaments has helped them to do their best in school
presentations, performances, and in competitions such as spelling bees. My son recently auditioned for a youth
orchestra, and found that it was easier than he had expected, in part because of his experiences preparing for and
participating in karate tournaments. Karate class gives the children practice in
cooperating with their partners and gives them a chance to assist and teach the newer
students. I have found that karate is fun, good exercise, and helps
children develop confidence based upon their efforts and accomplishments. I would recommend the study of karate at Mountain Eagle Karate Academy to anyone, young or
old.
Joan Harris (2009)
Renshi Mark and Sensei Anna have built a gem with Mountain Eagle Karate Academy. The teaching is serious, and so is
the fun. The kids have a great time, and it is obvious that they are learning the discipline required to advance -
both in karate and life.
Christy Osmon, Eric's Mother (2009)
MEKA is truly a group of professionals. Mark and Anna help you grow at your own pace and provide wonderful
instruction at the group and individual level. The higher level instructors and students are also extremely
helpful and a joy to work with. My experience has been amazing.
Tim Babicke (2009)
Mountain Eagle is an excellent martial arts school. I started
practicing martial arts in 1975 when still in high school. Because of frequent moves, change in job
and the children, I've had to try a number of martial arts styles as well as instructors. One
of things I've learned is that style, albeit very important, is still less important than attitude. The
attitude of a school comes from both the instructors and your fellow students. Mountain Eagles staff and
students have great attitudes making it a good place to learn.
Mountain Eagle as a school has excellent and
qualified head instructors through Renshi and Sensei. This is followed by a core of excellent and committed senior
students (black belt and above). One unusual characteristic of MEKA is that there is a sense of humor and humanity
missing from some of the schools I've attended ... and I like that. Shuri-Ryu is an excellent and practical hard
style martial art with an Okinawan history.MEKA is also tied into the local and US martial arts communities in a
friendly way. These are the makings of a good martial arts experience.
One other aspect of this school is that they teach children
well. It is really difficult to teach kids martial arts. It is rare that I've seen it done well for
both boys and girls. MEKA does it well and I am really glad that my children have access to this
school. Having Sensei Anna, Sempai Kira, and Sempai Joan as examples for the girls is something I
consider valuable and unique to the school. Not to be sexist but it is important that
girls/women be taught martial skills by girls/women. Smaller stature, shorter reach, more lower
body versus upper body strength should make someone fight differently how than most aggressive men, the ones
they may need to defend against, should fight. Attitudes and approaches to the martial arts can be expressed
more maturely to women by women than by us sweaty, overbearing, insensitive, too serious, and
macho males.
Mark, age 50 (2009)
Maybe the best testimonial I can give is that Mountain Eagle just keeps growing and growing. Once your child starts
coming here, he (she) will never want to leave. My favorite aspect of the program is that it's geared to all types
of learners: kids serious about karate and those who just want to have an hour of fun are both welcome.
Ryil, Dylan's Father (2008)
My son and I have been at Mountain Eagle for almost 4 years. Renshi Mark and Sensei Anna are caring and giving
teachers. They work very hard to make sure that we are learning the Shuri style of Karate well and to help us
become more rounded persons.
I have become more flexible and stronger since starting Karate and Tyler's self confidence has grown
tremendously.
All of the instructors are more that willing to give of their knowledge to help us grow. It really is like a
family. Everyone, children and adults, has a great time when they are there.
Bob, age 56, and Tyler, age 9 (2008)
I like karate because it’s a fun way to increase my skill, power, stamina, awareness, speed, and knowledge.
I like Mountain Eagle Karate Academy because Renshi Mark and Sensei Anna are the nicest of instructors
and they make learning karate funner than imaginable.
The thing I like best is getting feed-back from other people about where they think I could improve so
that I can work to improve in that area.
Ivan, age 11 (2007)
I like karate because it is fun and it is a good sport. In tournaments you might get a trophy if you study
hard at the dojo and practice at home. Tournaments are fun! My favorite things to do in the dojo are
stations and kata.
I like Mountain Eagle Karate Academy because there are very nice teachers there. They make the classes
important and fun.
Ruby, age 8 (2007)
My children and I have been studying for five years at Mountain Eagle Karate Academy. I am glad that I
tried karate, because I have become stronger and more confident as a result. Renshi Mark, Sensei Anna, and
the other instructors always maintain a safe and encouraging atmosphere, while expecting everyone to give
their best effort.
Joan, age 48 (2007)
I think Mark and Anna are gifted teachers. It's apparent that they love Karate and love teaching. Both have
contributed much to the personal growth of my son and myself. Thanks!
Ed Trujillo, age 48 (2007)
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