TESTIMONIALS

 "I can't think of a better endorsement than the fact that I have been practicing at The Martial Arts Studio for more than 20 years.  During those years I have earned Black Belts in Kenpo and Goshin Jujitsu.  I am currently working on a Black Belt in Kajukenbo.  Even someone who has been practicing as long as I have finds that there is so much more to learn.  I have found that Shihan Sciandra is one of the best people to learn from.  I bring my children here to learn also.  My formally very shy daughter is more self confident.  My more active son is focusing more on his tasks.  You have to focus if you want to be good at martial arts, and he wants to be good."

                    - Orville Ottey



"Our Family moved to the Rego Park/Forest Hills area just before our oldest son, Wil, was about to begin Kindergarten.  Needless to say, a new neighborhood, new school, and new kids led to a bit of a difficult adjustment and Wil suffered some bullying from some of the kids that were more established here.  My wife and I decided to enroll him in one of the martial arts "chain" schools in the hope of helping him with these issues, but there was such a lack of seriousness there that it was clear it was of no benefit to our son.  We withdrew him from that school, but knew that the study of martial arts could help a boy such as Wil who suffered from self-esteem and confidence issues that had knock-on effects on his schoolwork.  With that in mind we began researching martial arts schools more seriously, and when my wife showed me the website for The Martial Arts Studio, I thought it looked very promising. So we took our son to a trial class and met with Shihan Steve.  We were all very impressed by the setup of the school and decided to enroll Wil.  He hasn't looked back!  He really took to Shihan and the other instructors, and was even invited to join the Jr Black Belt Club, which engages in special training sessions personally taught by Shihan Steve.  Wil very much enjoys the training at The Martial Arts Studio, and it has led to dramatic increases in his self-confidence, self-esteem, and even the seriousness with which he pursues his academic studies at PS 175.

Wil's example has also serviced as an inspiration to his little brother, Colin, who was constantly begging to be enrolled at the Studio, which he finally was when he reached the minimum age.  The boys no take classes at the Studio nearly every day of the week, and Colin is hoping to emulate his brother's achievement of being invited to join the Jr Black Belt Club.  My wife and I are both very glad that we found The Martial Arts Studio, and would encourage anyone interested in having their children  (or even themselves!) study martial arts to do so under Shihan Steve's guidance."
Richard & Denise  

     

"I am 39 years old.  I joined The Martial Arts Studio when I was 37.  It has been a wonderful 2 years.  I am very proud of myself for what I have accomplished so far.  I have gained a lot more flexibility, strength,and mental toughness.  I know that by doing Jujitsu and Kajukenbo I am working out every single muscle in my body.  The Martial Arts Studio is like a big family, everybody helps each other.  We train hard, fight hard, and make sure nobody goes home hurt.  Shihan and the instructors push us to the limit in every training session and that's what you need if you really want to get in shape.  The friendly environment at the school is what keeps me going back to class and getting closer to my goal - Black Belt."
                                     Aldo Islas




"Our 6 year old son, David has been a student at The Martial Arts Studio for almost 2 years now.  He is ranked a Blue Belt with 2 stripes in the Pee Wee Class.  We could not be happier with the instruction our son has been given at the school and we could not wish for a more knowledgeable, caring, professional head instructor than Shihan Steven Sciandra. He and his wonderful wife Angela own and operate the studio and are quite an excellent team. They provide a casual yet disciplinary atmosphere that is top-notch. Sensei Angela also practices Jujitsu and assists in some of the classes as well as managing the office.

Since becoming a member of the school, our son has shown even more confidence in himself. In addition to learning the art of Jujitsu, Shihan Steve stresses the importance of respect for yourself and others and trying to be your very best. His methods build self-esteem and his teaching ability is only surpassed by his physical ability. He is truly impressive, and I cannot imagine a better instructor.  We are constantly amazed at how well-run the office is and how much they truly care about how each individual student is progressing. They spend time with each one and the class is always a pleasant, orderly place to be. The schedule is wonderful, with classes for each age group being offered practically every day. It is very convenient as you can attend several times a week, whatever days you choose. We believe the price is more than fair for the type of instruction you receive and it’s even much less than other schools we’ve checked out in the area.  Let me end by saying that we cannot imagine sending our little boy to any other place. I suggest attending a free session and seeing for yourself what an awesome place this is. You won’t be sorry!"

                 -David was promoted to Green Belt in the Pee Wee level
                 -He is 12 years old now & attends Junior Advanced class. He just received his Brown Belt !!

"Rarely does it occur for one to name a place a second home.  TMAS has been my second home for approximately 7.5 years.  I have achieved a Black Belt in Kajukenbo and a Green Belt in Jujitsu throughout this period of time.  TMAS has molded me into the confident, dedicated, and fit person I am today.  I started attending TMAS in an era in my life when I was an obese 6th grader who was constantly bullied.  I was always afraid and constantly nervous when going to school.  TMAS and its charismatic and passionate instructors helped me realize my potential as a Martial Arts student and as a human being, and I am very thankful for that.  There is always something new to learn in the dojo, and how enjoyable to do so when around people who care for your betterment.  The beauty within this institution is the offered gift for one to grow in a family environment, with the sincere support from every single body!  I find this very rare to find, hence why I call it my second home.  Thank you Shihan, Angela, and Sensei Brian for all your guidance and help.  I could not have asked  for better role models to look up to when I was a child and now as a young adult."            Omid Adabi