When my 5 year old daughter told me she wanted to learn karate like "Mulan", I rolled my eyes and thought no way. I didn't want her to learn to fight. Then as we watched "Mulan" for the 100th time, I began to wonder if that wasn't such a bad idea? "Mulan" The movie, taught lessons of loyalty, respect, self- discipline, self-confidence and honor. These were all among the lessons I hoped to teach my daughters. So I began to look into karate schools in the area.

Many places I called told me that they felt 5 years old was too young. I thought to myself, "True she wont be able to pick up on every move, but karate is a lot more than just moves. To me 5 is a perfect time to teach Life Skills." Then I called the US Martial Arts Academy.

I was told to come in with my daughter to watch a Little Grasshopper class. So we did! The instructors of the class were energetic, positive and knew how to engage each child into the lesson of the day. The kids were laughing, smiling and learning.

My daughter is now almost 7 years old and has just earned her Advanced Green Belt. She has learned so much and enjoyed each class. From the initial "bow in and stretches" to the final "bow out", she is taught by instructors who have a genuine interest in her developing as a future Black Belt. A positive, self confident, self disciplined, honorable strong young women.

She has learned how to politely greet others, how to handle strangers and what earning something (new belts) feels like. The instructors are wonderful role models. I have been very proud of my daughter and very glad she asked to take karate!

Christine Darling

My 5 year old son has just started in the Little Grasshopper class, and he has already learned many of things that you would not expect from a karate class. Besides just karate they teach them many of the safety issues as well. The instructors are all very dedicated to each and every child in the class. They make sure your child excels at school and at home. It is a great program for children. It teaches them discipline, safety, respect for themselves and others, and to always work hard at everything you do.

Jim and Keysha Nicodemus

The U.S. Martial Arts Academy offers an outstanding program for children and adults alike. If you are looking for a program that teaches self-defense, raises self-confidence, and provides exercise, you'll find all those here. The academy not only teaches karate , but helps develop such principles as respect, control, focus, patience, and kindness. These principles are taught and modeled by the instructors. The karate school is a partnership among instructors, parents, and teachers.

Our personal experience with USMAA has been very positive and exciting for our son, Nate. He began the program at age 5 and is now green belt. He always has participated in team sports, but this was a different challenge for him. In this program he only works to better himself.

The instructors at USMAA are outstanding. Their knowledge of karate is exceptional. They are always energetic, positive, and motivating. We are often amazed at their ability to work with small children.

All of the instructors are excellent, but we would be remiss in not mentioning two particular instructors. Mr. Josh Jowers introduced us to the program and since then has maintain a strong contact with our son. He has helped him stay motivated, pushed him to practice and challenge himself, and helped him make positive decisions in his life. Mr. Doug Davis has amazing positive energy. We've never seen him without a smile. He is an outstanding role module to the children, and a talented instructor as well.

Another thing that is impressive about this karate school is their continual improvement. The staff surveys the parents biannually to gather input and makes decisions based upon those surveys. They assess the strengths and weakness of the program and implement changes to better the academy.

Lastly, the karate school also works to build a sense of community. They organize social events where the children can interact and build relationships. The events have included skating parties, buddy nights, picnics, demonstrations at area malls, an d competitions. This is a great way for the students and staff to get to know one another better.

We are proud to be part of the U.S. Martial Arts Academy. We highly recommend it to anyone.

Jeff and Karen Jones

My teenage son wanted to join martial arts. I enrolled him in "another school." During the four months he was there I was never informed about anything. What to expect or what was happening. I felt uncomfortable about the whole thing, let alone, the condition of the school itself. Thus being the first place I took my son, I had nothing to compare it to. I wanted my son to learn respect, self-control, discipline and have self-confidence. I felt he could learn this without being insulted, humiliated, embarrassed or being treated down right cruel. I made the decision to pull him out and try somewhere else. I was right to do so and I realize this Academy is exactly what I was looking for. It amazes me the difference in schools. I am so proud that my son is a part of the wonderful place. This Academy is what it is all about!

Gina Leggett

Children of today are faced with many frightening uncertainties. Peer pressure, drugs, violence and mass media are a part of the world in which they live. We, as parents, must prepare our children to meet these challenges.

The U.S. Martial Arts Academy offers a safe, fun, high-energy environment where kids are encouraged to be their best. Professional, highly competent instructors promote a positive attitude while developing students' physical skills and mental discipline.

In school and at home, my son struggled with poor self-control and concentration. He was frustrated and so was I. Since enrolling in the Academy's Junior Program in 2001, he has developed a determination to focus and stay on task. He is happier, more organized and more self-reliant. Through hard work, self- discipline and reinforcement from his peers and instructors, my son is steadily advancing toward his goal as a Black Belt.

I am extremely impressed with the high standards set by the U.S. Martial Arts Academy. The Academy traits-Loyalty, Integrity, Honor, Respect, Courtesy, Self-Control, and Perseverance are traits by which to live and traits to pass on to the next generation.

Genevieve S. Ivers

Why would a thirty-two year old women walk into a martial arts school on a cold, February evening? That is what I was asking myself two years ago. During these past two years, I've become part of the US Martial Arts Academy family. This "family" helps each and every one of us makes the most of our potential. They do this by not only focusing on the martial arts curriculum, but by emphasizing such characteristics as respect, self-control and perseverance. As it so happens, these are the exact same qualities I strive to instill within my high school students.

In the time I've been a member of the Academy I have seen myself grow both as a martial artist and as a person. When - and I do mean when - I receive my black belt, I know that I will have worked for and accomplished something truly special.

Peg McVay

We just wanted to Thank all of you for all of your hard work. Gabrielle, has had such a wonderful experience taking Karate from you. She feels so comfortable around your kind and caring staff. Not only has she learned Karate, but she has also learned some fundamental personality characteristics that we find extremely important. We think she is developing into a well rounded young lady with a confidence that wasn't there before. She has tried so many recreational activities, but never found her position within team sports. Karate has offered her the opportunity to be around other children, yet maintain her individuality.

We are so excited that Gabrielle is happy at USMAA, but for us it is so much more. It truly is about a way a life. Parents are always the major influence in a child's life, but as the saying goes it really does "take a village to raise a child." It is important to involve the teachers from school, staff, and instructors in this development. Working together is what helps the child grow into a unique and special individual. These are just a few reasons why we would take our time to drive forty - five minutes one way from Cincinnati. The experience that USMAA offers is second to none. Again, we want to thank all of you for everything,

Jami and Tricia Reynolds