Albuquerque Karate Dojo

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.

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.

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)

Karate Testimonials