Mercer Island Martial Arts

04/08/11

Worth every penny

by Gang of Four at Citysearch

Martial Arts teaches balance, flexibility, respect, cooperation, and the joy of having a fit and healthy body.

The 2 masters here are truly good people who care about the community and their students on a group and individual basis. They are educated and VERY well experienced in dealing with all different types of children - they even work successfully with special needs kids.

The kids (and grown-ups) LOVE the new lead instructor as he is engaging, talented, and fun. The office lead is incredibly organized, runs the place with the highest level of professionalism, and takes great care of the students and their families.

A truly outstanding value - these are not just martial arts classes or after school babysitting-type activities. You will belong to an enriching community surrounded with good people who TRULY care.

My husband, daughter (9), son (5), and I are all sharing this incredibly fun journey and supporting one another along the way. We are all looking forward to, one day, putting on a black belt.

(and did I mention the parents-night-out-fundraisers?)

10/15/09

Much MoreThan A Sport

by AJ2748 at Citysearch

Mercer Island Martial Arts has been the single best activity that my kids have done. This school goes way beyond just teaching martial arts. Masters Strongheart and Wells have that rare gift of being able to mix teaching and discipline with fun. The kids love them, respect them and learn from them. I have two very different children that have benefited in very different ways from this school. My daughter found a sense of place and community here. She developed respect and had another set of adults steering her in a constructive direction. She developed relationships with older students at the school who have helped her learn to stand up against peer pressure and have guided her to being a better student and making better choices. She has learned the responsibility of teaching the younger children and helping them with their challenges. She is eager to mentor the younger students because she values the experience that she had.

My son has gained self confidence. He is an easy-going boy that would sometimes be taken advantage of & pushed around. Now he has the confidence to stand his ground and know that he can take care of himself, and, perhaps more importantly, he knows that he can walk away. He has learned about responsibility as well. He has gained leadership skills from teaching roles that he had previously have avoided.

I am grateful for the work that Masters Strongheart and Wells have done. They have helped my children develop in very positive ways. These two, and the school that they run, are a tremendous asset to the community.

• Pros: Develops the whole child
• Cons: None

09/29/09

Impossible to put in words

by steffi D at Citysearch

Master Wells & Strongheart reinforce in their dojo all life lessons that parents want to instill in their children and they do it in a way that the kids don't even realize they are learning.

When our child is in a situation outside martial arts she stands out with her good behavior, confidence, patience and ability to think situations through. The skills learned in the dojo are brought along with her every where she goes and often rub off on the kids she associates with.

What a great beginning for a bright future. Thank you MIMA!!

• Pros: reinforces respect, confidence, hard work
• Cons: our child has a hard time understanding bad kids

09/25/09

Best Thing You Can Do For A Child

by felipe040 at Citysearch

Our 5 yr. child has attended the Mercer Island Martial Arts for 2 years now and it is one of the best things we have done with her. The self discipline she learned in class carries over into our everyday lives. We can go anywhere have no concerns about her acting up. Her ability to focus on a goal is pretty impressive. I wish I knew this stuff when I was 5. The best part is she has a sense of self-confidence that can only be earned through honest accomplishment.

Masters Strongheart & Wells are both incredibly gifted instructors who take the time known each student individually and adapt their teaching techniques to the individuals' needs. It is a not a 'one size fits all program'.

The most impressive thing is the students themselves. In a time when you here about juveniles running a muck in society it is nice to see kids who are hard working, smart, friendly, respectful to everybody, and just plain level headed. Kinda gives me hope for the world.

• Pros: The Instructors, nice facilities, great location

09/24/09

Best Martial Arts Training

by cv7 at Citysearch

My family and I immigrated to the states when I was five years old. My first day of elementary school, I witnessed a demonstration. Upon my arrival home, I announce to my parents that I’m going to be a black belt.

My parents then sought out the best school they could find. I’m now in my late twenties and I have my second degree black belt. Plus, I’m working on getting my third degree. So why wouldn’t I recommend the best school out there for martial arts training.

Master Wells and Master Strongheart are out of this world, they teach with their mind, heart and soul. I’m so proud to be a part of this wonderful school. It has taught me to be a respectful, compassionate, well rounded individual which has taught me leadership skills that I have been able to take out into the world. Anyone that doesn’t attend Mercer Island Martial Arts is missing out on such an incredible expierence.