Testimonials
Shorinkan San Diego
Shorin-Ryu Okinawa


P.... / 2008  Pre-school Karate

Thanks for a great beginners class this morning. Being the mother of 7,
with 6 adopted kids and one biological I am so pleased you have a program
like yours. It is so valuable to teach kids to listen, follow
directions and be respectful. This is perfect!

H.....August / 2008

Sensei Sal has such a caring, giving heart. He dedicates himself and his energies to
the children in his dojo as well as community organizations he knows affect the
children. Within the dojo, there is A LOT of activity at all times. Sometimes, it looks
overwhelming, but Sal notices things about each individual that you can't imagine.
He teaches to each person's strengths and needs. He talks to the students about
discipline and tradition, tying in to something that's happened in class or comparing
life situations with beliefs of various cultures. He focuses on bringing out leadership
skills in each student by asking that they help other students with movements and
technique. I have seen a great deal of growth in my own son as well as other students
during the almost two years that we have known Sal. I am very grateful for the
understanding and care he has shown in working with my son.



D Evans Writes ..... May / 2008

Thank you so much for providing Matthew with extra help during class
today.  I'm always so impressed with how the adult students and older
kids are so willing to show Matthew what to do.  It's wonderful that he
has that experience.  I hope that he will be able to return the favor
to others as he gets older and gains more skills.

Thanks again




K Sanchez writes…….

This last year of Karate has been important to me and
I appreciate Sal for giving me this opportunity
to take Karate.  I have  ADD, and ADHD with my mom
being a nurse  and her understanding of my disability
we've tried to follow my pediatrician's recommended
treatment for my  ADD . My Mom grew concerned with the
mood swings, my  weight loss, and my lack of
appetite, along with the fear that I would rely on
drugs rather than learning to control my own actions.
I wanted to be like the other kids.  I was made fun of
at times because I took medication.  So, my Mom and I
decided to work really hard at, "centering myself" and
disciplining myself to stay focused without
medications.  To treat my ADD without the help of
drugs.  First,  I have made better choices with snacks
and meals, and started  running when I needed to, to
help with the extra energy  at recess time.  We  had a
conference with my teacher to let her know I would not
be on  the medication anymore for treatment, and we
came up with a plan to help  motivate me, and give me
consciences for  good or bad behavior.  I wanted to
learn Karate and my mom said I would not be able to go
to Karate if my grades were bad or my behavior was
disruptive.  I had to stay on task, complete daily
assignments, and keep my grades up at school, along with
behaving in class and not talking and running around
or interrupting others.  I would have to miss Karate if
my  teacher sent a note home that I was disruptive or
falling behind.  I  never missed a  Monday or Wednesday
Karate due to bad behavior or bad grades.  My grades
went up and for the first time I got excellent
behavior marks and citizenship awards.  I  decided not
to do soccer and concentrate only on Karate.  There were
many times I wanted to play and goof off with my
friends after school and at home, but I kept my commitment
to Karate and myself to learn to control myself
without the aid of medications.  I am thankful for the
Karate and the time that you Sal, and the other parents
have given to our family and me…Kaylee, "I want to be a
black belt someday…"

Chloe wanted to add to this email about what Karate
means to her … She wants to teach other kids some day
to be a leader like Sal, and she learned that there are
consciences for not being good.  Even though she has
asthma she still works her hardest.  Thanks again…..