Testimonials

At the Black Belt Academy our aim has always been high and we strive to bring out the best in our students, with continued success we take the shyest of pupils and teach them how to better themselves and believe in their own potential.

Below are several testimonials from students that we have helped. If you feel that we have made a significant improvement in your life through our Academey then why not send us a testimonial and we shall include it on this page.

Please send testimonials to masterinstructor@blackbelt4sure.com

Derek Lock writes about his son Frazer who trains at Diss

Hi Richard

Before joining the BBA Frazer had a low self esteem and lacked confidence it was always hard to get him out to public events and even friends parties.
Since joining the BBA in February 2006 Frazer has grown in his confidence and his self esteem is improving week by week – he now enjoys a strong circle of friends and even has the confidence to telephone his friends and chat which was hard for him in the past.

Frazer loves his success at the BBA as it provides him with several role models to aspire to – as parents we are grateful to the work of the academy with special thanks to Mr Fitch whose enthusiasm on a regular basis has been inspirational to Frazer’s continual development and interest.

Thanks to all at the academy

Happy New Year

Best Regards

Derek & Tilly Lock (Daisy says hi)

Beverely Rowe writes about a personal training course that she attended

Hi - I'm a bit slow with my e-mails!!  Had a lovely Christmas thanks - family all well and enjoying time together.

I really appreciated the seminar on Saturday, and the time that you, Julie and Mr Fitch put into the day.  I had fun, learned a lot, and feel confident that I can look after myself in most situations - I didn't feel like that before.  Big thank you's all round.

Look forward to seeing you soon.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Bev

Sarah Greenfield writes about a personal training course that she attended

Martin Fairweather writes about his son Liam who trains at Diss

Dear Richard

We are writing to you to say how happy we have been with Liam's achievements within the Black Belt Academy over the past few years.

You may recall that Liam started with the 'Little Dragons' aged five some four years ago. At the time we felt that he needed to participate with a hobby that would provide physical exercise, confidence and also be fun. Since moving up from the 'Little Dragons' to the junior 'Black Belt Academy' classes he has certainly flourished. As parents we were initally concerned that the process of learning Kata's would be difficult and not enjoyable. However we were wrong as he enjoys the challenge of each new Kata and revels in performing these correctly as a step towards achieving a higher belt.

The weekly classes have provided physical challenges as well as mental ones and we have certainly seen his confidence grow and mature.

Your staff have provided to be excellent role models, always giving positive (and happy) encouragement in a disciplined environment. The important values of respect and self awareness have also been taught in a discreet way.

Liam is now aged nine and has just gained his brown belt which he and the rest of us are very proud of - a real achievement! (and a far more positive way to spend Saturday mornings rather than on the Playstation!)

Liam is now determined to achieve his junior Black belt in the future and and to reflect on the character and physical benefits he has achieved during the past four years have been excellent.


Well done and thank you to all your staff!!!

Best regards

Martin & Jo Fairweather

Jonathan Compston writes about a Staff Training/Team Building event

Ridyards
The Plant People

Dear Richard

My staff and I would like to thank you for a superb introduction to martial arts on Wednesday.

It had become apparent that my staff were working in vulnerable areas; they had been abused by members of the public that were inebriated or had been taking drugs, they had suffered road rage, and the female members of staff had to reject amorous advances. You were able to show us simple techniques to prevent these situations developing, and give us the confidence to stand firm in the face of aggressive behaviour. Your course was energising, and exciting, as well as interesting and informative.

I would encourage everyone to attend a course run by you, as aggressive behaviour and bullying must not be allowed to succeed wherever that is found.

Thank you again

Jonathon Compston
Director

The M.A.S.I.F. programme devised by Richard Vince

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the invoices.
As part of the School Sports Co-ordinator programme  we are trying to fulfil the Public Service Agreement (PSA) of 2 hours of high quality physical activity for each pupil both in and out of school hours. The M.A.S.I.F.programme devised by Richard Vince is one way of providing this specially  for year 10/11 girls  who don't normally engage willing in sport. They are gaining a greater self image and an awareness of fitness and health related issues.

Having Richard delivering these sessions in his usual enthusiastic and energetic manner has helped the girls achieve these goals.
I would recommend this programme to you.

Hope this is ok?

John.

Sandra Locke writes about her daughter Emily

Hi Richard,

Just to  a line, to let you know I was really proud to watch, Emily get her Yellow Belt in Dave's Class last night. He has certainly  been true to his word, when he promised me that her confidence would improve first in the class and then spread to her wider world. The change has been quite dramatic, from the shy girl, who kept her head down and would only talk to the other girl she knew, to the girl who now skips around the class, quite happily chatting to the lads.I believe there is also signs that her outer life is improving,as she less readily accepts insults now and tells me that she will give the bullies, their answer. It means such a great deal to me to see this improvement. Dave really is a special man and teacher and I am so grateful to you to recommending us to him.

Thanks Richard.

Kind Regards

Sandra Locke

7 weeks of after school M.A.S.I.F. programme at the Hewett school

Richard,

Thank you for coming to the Hewett School to run 7 weeks of after-school Martial Arts. The sessions had a huge impact. It has been very difficult trying to get girls, particularly those in Key Stage 4 to stay behind and participate in after-school clubs. Your club managed to get around 20 girls to stay behind on a regular basis. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and spoke very highly of the instructor Keith Fitch. His obvious enthusiam was infectious and rubbed off on the girls. Many said they felt more confident as a result of the club. Other members of staff also commented that they had noticed both increased confidence and improvements in behaviour in their lessons. I hope you will be able to come in again in the future. I would eventually like to set up a more permanent club located at the school, where the students pay a small cost per session and can complete gradings.

Many thanks

Simon Goodwin,
Hewett School Sports Co-ordinator

Mr & Mrs Wright write about their son

Dear Master Vince.

Jack joined the Blackbelt Academy in February 2006.
When Jack joined he was already a Blue belt.
WOW what can we say, in just 13 months Jack has just passed his Junior blackbelt.
We thought Jack was quite confident, but since joining your school Jacks self confidence has grown in leaps and bound. He has made so many new friends and been made to feel very welcome at his new academy.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Blackbelt Academies instructors for their time and patience in turning our son into a strong, focused and very dedicated young martial artist.

Yours Sincerely


Mr & Mrs Wright

Wendy Ollenbach mother of Kayleigh

Master Vince

May I take this opportunity to say how much I enjoyed last night, December grading night. To be honest I had no idea what was going to happen, I thought you would walk around with a clipboard marking off how the students did with various moves.

The previous night I had spoken (maybe I was a little confused) to Mr Branson about the 'gradings'. Kayleigh was disappointed there wasn't going to be a lesson but we bothe agreed we would come.

On the way I did confess to Kayleigh I had no idea what would be going on, but dont be disappointed if you dont get to do anything. She was fine with this she just wanted to come.

Nothing could have prepared us for what we walked into, seeing you 3 in suits was a shock for a start. First person we saw was poor Mr Branson. He thought he'd finished the paperwork when in we walk! Double blow.

1. More paperwork then 2. would I confuse him even more?

By the time I'd sat down I realised that 'theres something going on here!' I began to feel a bit worried that Kayleigh may not take part, believe it or not she can be shy!

Not only that but literally 48 hours before hand we were about to take her in to hospital. (as we were getting ready to come to the Christmas party, she became unwell. 24hrs leter she still hadnt managed to keep sips of water down and not eaten a thing since breakfast Sunday. Eventually after a couple of Marmite butties Tuesday evening she is having a lesson.)

With only a few more Marmite butties on Wednesday, she does her grading.

Kayleigh had to choose horse riding or the academy & I am confident she made the right choice. She has been coming 4 times a week but starting after Christmas it will be 5. This is because Kayleigh asked to change her swimming lesson to fit in with her classes.

She looks forwward to coming, never says give it a miss tonight mum & enjoys every minute of her classes. Its a credit to the way things are run by you & the other instructors. Its strict without being harsh & there is always alot of positive personal feedback to the individual student.If someone isnt doing something quite right, it is explained & showed to him or her. Then when they get it right they are told they have done it right above all else it is made enjoyable.

Kayleigh does like to practise at home, so for all our sakes (& safety) pads and shoes have been purchased. Which reminds me I must get a gum shield!

I am very proud of all what she has achieved in only 7 weeks, thank you for all the Black Belt Academy is doing for her.

Wendy Ollenbach

Hannah Leg's mother writes about the confidence her daughter has achieved

Richard,

When my daughter, Hannah, was 10 she had problems with her co-ordination and possessed little confidence when performing any task requiring physical activity.

Her school hosted a class taught by the local martial arts centre with the unusual title 'Brain Dojo' and Hannah was invited by her school to participate as they felt that she could benefit from it.

Hannah joined and once a week in school time for a year she enjoyed learning the basics of tae-kwon-do. Hannah had fun and she was learning to focus, co-ordinate and balance in a way that showed in more confident play and learning.

When these classes came to an end, for Hannah, she missed them so I took her along to the martial arts centre in the White Lodge Business Park off Hall Road. Hannah and I were given an interview during which she surprised me by demonstrating one of the moves she knew, so Hannah enrolled for a basic course.

Now Hannah has 16 months of training under her green belt and enjoys her time in the dojo. Her confidence, poise, co-ordination and focus continue to spill out into her young life. The support given to her by instructors and fellow students is good to see. Hannah is a considerate happy girl and uses her tae-kwon-do in positive ways. Tae-kwon-do is not easy and requires commitment, but as Hannah will say, 'well worth it'.

Many thanks

SUE CLARKE WRITES ABOUT HER SON WHO TRAINS IN THE 'BRAIN DOJO' PROGRAM

My son Hamish, who is now eleven has been coming to the Black Belt Academy(BBA) for over two years.

Hamish has antism and when he first came to classes did not join in or ran round the outside of the room. He now participates fully and even looks forward to his sessions.

I think he has benefited in many ways from 'Brain Dojo'. He has learnt to follow instructions, has to interact with his teacher and fellow students and physically it has improved his co-ordination and muscle tone.

For a child like Hamish who dislikes school p.e. lessons and sees little point in learning how to play games like football, coming to the BBA has introduced him to a bit of 'rough and tumble' and learning about winning and losing, all in a very safe environment.

The two instructors who teach Hamish are great positive role models for him. I would and do encourage any parents of children with simular problems to try martial arts.

Sue Clarke