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I just wanted to express a few words and show you some of the pictures my wife took of me in Costa Rica this past December. With the great influence of the Center and the kind, meaningful and encouraging words I hear everyday I am at the Center, I have grown so much in all levels. Life, relationships, appreciation of life and work.
My confidence has so much increased to a point that I never thought I could reach. Waking up at 5:30 in the morning on the beach in beautiful Costa Rica at least for the few days I was there is something I never thought I would do, but I did, and my whole family was very surprised. Not only this but everybody noticed my physical changes and my spiritual changes as well.
I even received comments on how I just lit up the room where ever I went to. This is so gratifying to me that I have no words to explain.
Thank you so very much to Thomas, Eva, Instructors, Assistant Instructors and also to all my fellow students who all together with the addition of the energy from the Center itself has so very much changed my life in a very short period of time.
Thank you,
Andres E. Chacon
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About five years ago, my friend Laura invited me and a few friends to watch her at her Martial Arts demonstration. Wanting to support my friend, I went, enjoyed the demonstration, and was invited to try it with no strings attached. Since there was nothing to lose, a friend of mine and I decided to try a class. It was not long after that that we signed up.
I have never been the athletic or confrontational type that one might associate with ?Martial Arts.? In fact, I am a nerd, through and through (and proud of it); nevertheless, I found a place at the Center. As a student and perfectionist, I put more stress on myself than necessary. The training started as something that was just fun, just exercise and became so much more. I would look forward to my lesson the whole day. The more challenging my course load, the more I needed the stress release, and the more I enjoyed my training. I am currently a college student at Emory University in Atlanta. I love it here, and there is not a day that I do not apply something ? be it physical or mental ? that I learned at the Center.
The training I have received is invaluable in college, a place where it is so easy to get lost in the stress of a paper or exam. The other day I had a group presentation in my History class, and as we were all standing up there waiting for class to start, my group members kept saying that they were so nervous because, as many people, they did not like public speaking.
I smiled and thought about how that was me a couple of years ago. I could not give a presentation without my voice trembling and my legs turning to jello. My senior year of high school, I had this one presentation which I was so nervous about, but it was not until after the presentation that I realized that I did not shake or feel the need to make eye contact with the wall above everyone?s heads. Now, I have virtually no problems with public speaking; this is another important skill in college.
This increase in my confidence level came from training at the Center. I could probably go on forever about the benefits of my training, so I will spare you every detail. Just know that this school is unique (trust me, I have tried some courses here at Emory, and they do not compare). The instructors and students are some of the best people I have ever met. Everyone is there to build themselves up, not to tear anyone else down. It is a positive environment. I feel very lucky to train there.
Thanks,
Alex Mina
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The Martial Arts Center for Health is without question the most truly positive place I have ever experienced." "With a staff that is dedicated to the physical and spiritual well-being of its students, the curriculum is designed to accommodate the needs of adults but is fun for kids too.
The teachers adapt the training to the physical abilities and limitations of each student without losing the benefits of the Chinese martial arts. I started my training at the age of 52; I had chronic back pain, poor posture and suffered from both the pain and instability of a knee with most of the cartilage removed. My knee was often inflamed and swollen. After two years of training, the improvement in my back and knee are remarkable.
My knee is much more stable, I have no swelling, and the pain is almost completely gone. My back and posture are dramatically better, and I have learned the exercises and movements I can do to eliminate any pain I do get. I must also comment that the training has made me more conscious of my ability to put myself in a relaxed frame of mind in the face of a busy and stressful schedule.
The benefits of my training at the Martial Arts Center for Health have been life changing, and I can't compliment enough the expertise and enthusiasm of their highly trained staff.
Tahnks,
Bob Moore
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After a long debate and procrastination period, of what to do with myself on the pain & feeling I had with my lower back, neck, shoulders and legs. A miracle was sent to me one day while networking at Panera Bread.
I started to chat with a man I now know is one of the Instructors at the Martial Arts Center for Health. As we began to form a relationship I found out that we had quite a few things in common, especially sailing and back pain.
As a profession, becoming a sea captain was a dream come true, but the pain that developed as 30 years went by was not. Taking 2 Advil, Excedrin or Ibuprofen twice a day, was part of my bachelor's diet at that time of my life.
After a year at the Center following specific exercise and direction by heart felt instructors, working on the areas that needed attention for recovery, I've never felt any better than I do today. NO more pain, the circulation in my legs has returned, my cholesterol has dropped 33 points from 210. I feel more energetic and at peace with myself. Oh! I forgot to mention that I just turned 63. Young at Heart.
Thanks,
Frenchie Laine
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Well it sure is tough to write about yourself. I guess I owe a major thank you to my friend for following up on an email I sent out inquiring about the school. Then, I was most impressed when I called and had to get in and try it. After the very first one-on-one lesson I was hooked. I am 37 years old, and before coming to this school I'd been a competitive cyclist for 22 years.
At the age of 10 years old, I started cycling in Maryland and quickly became infatuated with the sport. I have had some very good coaches and have raced in some major events here in the US. What I knew to be peak fitness was 4-5 hours of riding per day, 6 days a week with little down time - this was common for those I trained with and competed against.
When I turned 17 I realized I wanted to kick my cycling into high gear. That was the last time I participated in any sports other than cycling and the last time I can remember being in a gym at my high school stretching and touching my toes. As I got older the sport became tougher and the competition became fiercer.
At the age of 29 I was introduced to yoga and thought it to be very tough for me to do. However I stuck with it for almost a year and turned out my best cycling season ever. I was ranked 6th in the state and in the top 20 nationwide. I still never reached those toes though.
When I was 31, my son was born. I'd always wanted to be a father, and I quickly switched my long days on the bike to long naps on the couch with my son. I didn't leave it completely though. I would still compete at some of the major events as long as they were within driving distance to get me home in the same day. Fast forward to January 1, 2009. I had always had a love for the Martial Arts world, more so the flexibility part.
Seeing them move so freely was always very impressive to me. I had made a commitment to myself that I would try M.A.C.H. for one reason - flexibility! I so desired to be able to move freely not only for cycling, but just in everyday life. I didn't come to the school with any injury or aches or pains; all I had were muscles that had not been lengthened in 20 years. I can say the self defense stuff was also attractive, but my real concern was to become flexible.
My first few months were tough, thinking I would never be able to kick higher than my waist or even think about moving like some of the instructors. I've had some wonderful coaches during my cycling career, but they aren't even in the same league as the instructors at M.A.C.H. They encourage you and enrich your life in ways for which you won't be able to thank them enough. And thanks to all of them, on January 6th 2010 I touched my toes and have done so every day since!!!!!
So if you ever see me here at the school, just ask me to touch my toes and I will be glad to do it! Much thanks and respect to all the instructors who have helped me achieve one of my biggest goals."
Thanks,
Jim Long
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My medical issues are mostly caused by my 40 years of playing competitive soccer. Several injuries have kept me off the soccer field for the last 2 years.
Since 2004 I have had left knee Micro-fracture Knee surgery, 4 meniscus tears, 2 sprained MCL's, a partially torn ACL and a ganglion cyst removed form my ankle causing constant numbness on the bottom of my right foot. My Orthopedic surgeon who operated on my knee suggested I quit Soccer. My horrible attempt to keep fit included a gym membership however my problem was actually showing up to the gym. Then biking but ended up yelling at cars all day and my backside hurt. I hated running as it bores me to tears and my mind would think about work and not my workout. One random day as I was speaking to a friend that trains at the Center and stocking up on my Reliv product.
I mentioned to him that my back hurt, he could identify with that and convinced me to come into the Center for a one-on-one. That August meeting included a same day training demonstration followed by my first full day with the class the next afternoon. Within a few weeks my back was feeling great and more importantly the instructors understood my issues and that I set a goal to get back playing soccer again. Every instructor I have had at the Center knows about my knee problems, understands my soccer goal and they all want each and every student to succeed.
Every instructor is incredibly focused and they all truly care about each student. I went on my first family ski trip over the Christmas break with my wife and three daughters and still have ZERO back pain. My soccer goal was met in only 5 months as I played a real soccer match on January 31st for my Club the St. Andrews Football Club. (go to youtube.com and type in search bar- "John Steel header" for video of Johns return game goal, very cool!) I really love the training and the fellow students are very supportive.
This is the only time in my life I am looking forward to my workout; I am totally submerged in the lesson. I have even convinced my wife Christine to join as well and she is enjoying the training immensely. Thanks to everyone at the Martial Arts Center for Health for improving my quality of life and it is only going to get better from here.
Sincerely,
John Steel
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Iris Velazquez was referred by her son Carmelo whom had joined the Center just a few weeks before her in May of 2007. Iris is 64 years old and became a member of the Martial Arts Center for Health because she had a stroke.
Thank you for everything! I feel so good and it's because of all the help I've gotten from each one of you. I never realized how much my stroke nine years ago had affected me until I started doing your classes.
I thought I was doing so well after the stroke. It is still a challenge for me, but I've gotten so much better and the horrible pain on the right side of my head is gone away. I wake up without pain anywhere, I just feel great. My legs are so much stronger; I can even jump a little.
My thighs are tighter, my cellulite is gone away. Everything from my waist down is tighter, it's amazing! No one might notice, but I notice it and it makes me happy- ha ha ha! I really love the Qigong and want to do more of it.
The last thing in my mind was to move to Florida. There was nothing that really excited me about Florida. I found myself here almost overnight. Everyday I asked God, Let me know why you brought me here? Sure enough He showed me, it's you and the training you are giving me. I especially cherish the friendships and love I get from everyone at the Center. You are showing me a part of myself I never was aware of. So God gave me the gift of the Martial Arts Center for Health. You are a gift to me!
God Bless you all for being so open to me and to so many people.
Thanks,
Iris Velazquez
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In November of 2007 I started training at the MACH and since that time I've seen positive changes mentally and physically. The training and guidance from the instructors has truly improved my quality of life.
Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes and I've been insulin dependent for the last decade. Not only have I been able to better deal with my diabetes, hypothyroidism & arthritis but I've been able to stop and even reverse the onset of diabetic neuropathy in my hands and feet, which I was beginning to feel when I joined the school.
I was waking up with numb hands and feet, I couldn't play guitar comfortably anymore and I couldn't even grip a coffee cup in one hand. Both my endocrinologist and my podiatrist have noticed the improvements to my health and are pleased with my progress.
I never imagined that I would feel 'normal' again but I feel like a different (healthier and happier) person now. I'm in the best shape of my life, and emotionally, I'm in a better place now. I'm more positive and I can handle stress a lot easier. The training has also helped my coping with travel.
Since I've been a student, I've vacationed in Japan and the Blue Ridge Mountains. A great thing about the forms and movements you learn here is that you can take them with you, wherever you go. After a long flight or drive, it's nice to be able to stretch with Pal Gae or Tai Chi and replenish physical and mental energy with Qigong.
It's nice to know that I can refresh and renew myself with movements from the school at home, work, in a cabin in the mountains or in a hotel room on the other side of the world. I look forward to each class knowing that I'm about to do something good for myself that's actually fun & interesting.
Thanks to Owner/Founder Thomas Curtin, and all of the Instructors at the Martial Arts Center for Health. It's nice to know that I'm healthier than I've ever been and I can only feel better from here...
Thanks,
Ed Gaffert
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I joined The Martial Arts Center for Health in May of 2009 and without a doubt it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I was impressed to see what an old friend who had knee issues for the 15 years I have know him to achieve in months what doctors could not do with years of medical treatments.
While at my friend's 60th Birthday party I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Curtin, the owner of the Center, along with a number of the Head Instructors. Between the conversations with my friend and these inspiring folks I was very curious to see if I could do the same for myself. I have been a Type-II diabetic for 10 years and from experience, maintaining a decent blood sugar level and changing one's life style is difficult to do.
After meeting with them and seeing for myself what they were all about I decided to take the plunge. I found the instructors to be caring, attentive, inspiring and motivating; continuously inquiring how I am doing or feeling. They take the martial arts health aspects and make it fit as comfortable as possible for me. I found that the classes are made up of people like me, who share the same goals to feel better and improve their lives in this positive environment.
I have also had the pleasure to meet many good people and families that work out together in these classes. Make no mistake, getting into a new exercise regime is not easy. I've been out of shape for most of life, but with the help of the instructors I try to put as much as I can into the workout. After a little over three months I feel the positive changes that are taking place in my body.
I still have a long way to go to meet my goals, but with the help of the instructors and my fellow students I know I'll get there. I am 5'11' and 300 lbs, (or was) and as the weight is slowly starting to peel off, the improvements I am feeling are simple such as, getting up from the floor unassisted, taking a brisk walk without getting winded, and all the little aches and pains are disappearing. I'm feeling stronger as I carry myself around.
It's amazing how much all the little things add up and make life so uncomfortable. I have never achieved this much success from a traditional gym or exercise machines; I find them to be too impersonal. All I ever saw were folks wearing iPods and avoiding eye contact. Most folks at these places don't even interact with each other or share their experiences. At the Center we are all about working out together.
We share everything we do on the floor. We help each other improve. We're people with common health concerns and goals. My experience here at the Center has been uplifting. But the best part of all this was after my last check-up with my doctor. I have regular quarterly visits with my Endocrinologist to monitor my Diabetes. He could not believe the improvements he saw in my blood work. He said that these were the best improvements I had ever made.
My blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels were at an all time low. My numbers were so good that he has had me lower some of the medication. He also told me that if I kept this progress up he could have me off of most of them in no time. I walked out of there on cloud-9; no make that cloud-10. I have never felt more inspired to push on and continue this path. My wife and kids are so happy for me; so much so, that my wife and my daughter have now joined me at the Center.
The Martial Arts Center for Health has been a boon for me; not just for my body, but for my mind as well. It's like finding a new hobby that you just can't put down. Learning the martial arts forms has been nothing short of intriguing. I've come across something that I am interested in, that lets' me share with others and makes me better for it.
I believe I made a wise decision coming here. I've made an investment in my health and in three months it's already paying off.
Yours Truly,
David Calderon
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I began my journey with the Center in June of 2008. My mother and I had been looking for a way to get back into shape and relieve stress. My expectations have been met and surpassed in more ways than one. Physically, I see changes from every class I attend.
My overall strength and flexibility have improved, as well as my balance and coordination. I now have physical endurance that even at my peak as a child, I never had. I am so pleasantly overwhelmed by the abundant changes that the training has brought to my life.
I've reached new levels in my self-confidence that have allowed me to further succeed in my job, my relationships with people that I love, and gain the courage to go back to school to get my degree doing something I am passionate about - I'm also getting straight A's for the first time in my life!!
The instructors at the Martial Arts Center for Health have always been compassionate and respectful of my needs. Each exercise I undertake is adjusted to suit my body type and any injuries I sustained prior to joining. I always feel challenged mentally and physically, but most importantly, I have never once felt that my needs weren't observed.
I never expected to find a place that I could go where I could leave all my troubles at the door, and just be in an environment which makes me feel better.
The students and teachers of the center have fast become my second family, and I am so glad to have such a wonderful, positive influence in my life. I would like to express my gratitude to Thomas and Eva Curtin, and all of the Instructors for continuing to inspire me and support me as I move toward my next goal.
Thanks,
Carly Houison
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"I am very privileged to be a part of the school. It has been the corner stone in my life for the last number of years."
Best regards and respect to everyone.
Thanks,
Bradley Wilson
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Scott Morgan works for the Unites States Postal Service as a mail carrier. Five years ago while on his route he found that the Center was a special delivery to him. When Scott first came he appeared to be in perfect shape, but how he felt was totally different.
Scott was a college athlete; he played football and was on the track team and had kept himself fit over the years. "Going to the gym wasn't enough; I was stiff and felt like my body was deteriorating." Scott wanted to find something he could do to create better physical health, and the Center was the ideal place for him to reach that goal.
In 2004 Scott joined and has never looked back. Earlier this year, Scott was playing flag football with his church buddies and had an unfortunate accident. He tore his Achilles tendon from the heal bone. OUCH! It makes me cringe just to think about it. Scott knew right away that his injury was a serious one. He could feel that the tendon was not attached, but still walked off the field! "At 47 years of age, and because of my profession which requires me to walk all day, this could have been a debilitating injury physically and financially."
On February 11, 2009 he had his operation to reattach the tendon and began the road to recovery. "When you are injured it is very easy to get down in the dumps and frustrated with your situation which was exactly where I was when I got a call from Thomas Curtin.
His words of support and encouragement helped me tremendously, and I feel very fortunate to have the support of everyone at the Center. Each of the instructors called me and their positive words and care kept me going. When I was able to come into the Center in late March, Thomas had designed a specific schedule of movements for me to do to heal and strengthen myself.
Sometimes I am lazy and don't want to come in, but I know when I get through the door all that laziness will disappear and I will leave feeling great. With the help of the instructors I stayed consistent and began to improve. Then, Thomas worked with me personally in April and I started walking straight.
Eight weeks after my injury my doctor said he couldn't believe how fast I was healing. I was also able to save money because I didn't need more physical therapy. By May I was back to my normal training schedule of two times per week. I am a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service which means I am up on my feet all day.
I started back to work in June and everything is going well. It has been difficult, but I can't image how it would be without my training. It is the reason I'm healing the way I am. I was looking for longevity and I've found it!"
Thanks,
Scott Morgan
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When I was 13 years old, I found myself having just moved from North Carolina, where I had done taekwondo for about a year, and I wanted to continue since I was pretty far along in that system.
My mom found a couple of different places for me to check out, but I didn't particularly like any of them. Then we happened upon the Martial Arts Center for Health.
I was invited to try a lesson, which was a youth lesson, and I immediately decided that this was where I wanted to be. I have been coming consistently over the past six and a half years, and I plan on coming for many more years to come. As a kid, I was, at times, very shy. I can remember after I had reached first section, an Instructor told everyone to shake my hand and congratulate me and I was so uncomfortable! I could hardly look anyone in the eye.
Thank goodness that has changed rapidly over the years! When I was a third section, I was asked to demonstrate a form with two other students in front of over 100 people. After my first demonstration, I remember feeling so exhilarated because I had gotten to do something not many of the other students had done. My confidence started to soar in leaps and bounds.
By the time I was in high school, I was so much more confident in myself, I began introducing myself to people and being more extroverted. I remember another demonstration I participated in where I managed to get all of my friends to come see. I even got all of them but one to try martial arts and three of them even joined for a while.
One of them still trains at the Center; she's a first degree now. It was absolutely thrilling to share martial arts with my friends and cause such a movement. I am now 19 and in my second year at UCF, and it is very apparent the effect martial arts have had on my studying abilities.
I've been blessed to have martial arts in my life for so long that I've never really noticed how much harder it would be to do the level classes I did in high school without the concentration I've built up over the years and the stress release that martial arts provided.
Even getting into college, martial arts helped with my college applications because I've had such experiences there over the years that two of my three essays were entirely centered on martial arts and the benefits that it has given me.
However, since I've been in college, it has been very helpful as well because, if I need to focus for long periods of time on assignments, I can do it easily.
But I've noticed that not as many college students can do this as you might think – or at least as I once thought. It has always been comforting to know that if I am walking around on campus at night and something happened, I would be able to defend myself. In fact, this semester I am planning on leading a women's self defense class with the simple movements and advice that students at the school receive from the very beginning.
Martial arts has had such a huge impact on my life, it's the kind of thing you just can't help talking about, even if it's only because you are so sore, it hurts to get from standing to sitting and vice versa. I am now working on using it to impact others' lives, not simply my own.
Thanks,
Laura Barton
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I've been training at the Center for about three years. Through the patience and guidance of the instructors I have been able to strengthen myself both physically and mentally. My husband and I recently took a trip to Japan.
We noticed that because of our training were able to endure 15 hours of flying across several time zones, and the jet lag was minimal. We also had an incredible amount of physical endurance to be on the go the whole time.
A few months ago we also took a trip to the mountains in North Carolina. We were able to hike up mountains more easily than in the past. I also noticed the strength and flexibility I have gained in my legs and ankles.
There were a few times while hiking that I slipped on rocks or uneven terrain and turned or twisted my ankles but was able to keep on going. If I hadn't been training at the Center I believe I would have injured my ankles and legs.
On both trips, I was able to practice some of the movements and breathing techniques the instructors have taught me even in our hotel room with limited space.
I want to express my thanks to each instructor for the their dedication to the students, and also their incredible level of compassion. The quality of instructors and knowledge passed on from Thomas Curtin is second to none.
Thanks,
Lauri Gaffert
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You all are such an inspiration to me and I am blessed to have found you and the martial arts center. Thank you for being there and for caring as deeply as you do. Here's to many years of training!!!
Many Blessings,
Shannon Roeck
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