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Excerpts from letters the institute has received from it's students and families:
Dear Rick,
This morning our daughter almost "dropped out" of her Karate classes at your school, but she didn't, only because of you... Your ability to teach young children the art of Kenpo in a disciplined atmosphere, as well as cooperation and mutual respect, does give them self-esteem and confidence and your manner, as well as your talents, is a most effective means to this end... You are a wonderful role model for ours and all the children who come in contact with you.
Sensei Rick & "The School",
Thank you for being an important influence in our child's life. He has matured a lot under your direction and he really looks up to you. He is very proud of his belts and certificates and we are doubly proud of him.
Dear Shihan LeClair,
I am writing to thank you for the wonderful job you are doing with my granddaughter. Before she started in Karate with you, she had no self-esteem or self-confidence. She now stands up for herself and is quick to let you know that she is a person and she has feelings. I am very proud of how far she has come. Again, thank you.
Dear Professor,
We would like to take this time to thank you for all you have done for our family. Your program has given not only our two boys an enlightened awareness of the basics of life, but has also shed a new awareness of respect for each of our family members. We are communicating better than we ever have. It is a joy to see the boys beam with each new accomplishment. Your demand for scholastic achievement has helped our children focus and excel in their classes. You and all the instructors have given each of us respect and a newfound awareness of the basis of "why we are here" "what do we do now" "how can I accomplish this". You have taught us to begin with the end in mind. Thank you
Dear Mr. LeClair,
This letter is long overdue, but I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you taught him as a child.
My son who is now 24 has always had an anger management problem, though he never acted out physically. My husband, his stepfather, wanted to enroll him in martial arts classes in order to teach him self control and mental discipline. At the time I was totally against it. My son already had the anger, I didn't want to give him the tools he needed to actually hurt someone. Eventually, my husband, a martial artist himself convinced me and I agreed to let my son take classes. Months passed and we noticed that he was much calmer and was able to diffuse his anger in an acceptable manner.
When he was in middle school, someone jumped him right in front of the school. He simply sat on top of the kid, and said "I don't fight". He stayed there until an adult arrived. Years later while in high school he was jumped by 5 or 6 members of a fairly vicious gang. In that situation, he was forced to fight until he could make a run for it. He was lucky to escape with a black eye, and minor abrasions. He not only learned self defense, but self discipline as well. This self discipline has helped him become a fine young adult with a great sense of self worth, confidence and humanity. It has really changed the course of his life.
If you have any prospective parents who are hesitant about enrolling their child in martial arts, please feel free to share this letter with them.
Sincerely,
A very grateful mother.
To Prospective Junior Students,
My name is Nikki Rossi. I'm eleven years old, and hold a brown belt in Tai Jutsu. I started at Rick LeClair's School of Self-Defense/Budo-Kai when I was three years old. Over the past eight years I have learned more than just the physical aspect of Martial Arts. I have learned self control, discipline, respect, and how to focus so that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. My teachers at school say that I am hard working and well focused. I know that these qualities would not be mine if it were not for Rick LeClair's. When you develop these qualities, you get better grades in school. I myself am a high honors student. In Rick LeClair's school you move up through the ranks and take tests to prove that you are ready to earn your next belt. The drive to do well and focus helps you develop those skills and learn to use them. A lot of kids my age [middle school are negatively affected by peer pressure, I have seen kids lose their confidence. They are shattered by the words and actions of others. Middle school bullying is also a well known problem. At Rick LeClair's you make friends quickly, and learn that it is okay to be yourself. You will gain confidence in yourself, and will become a leader, not a follower.
People ask what makes Rick LeClair's so special? Another popular question is what do you do other than Martial Arts? Well, Professor LeClair gets us involved in charity and community events, like bell ringing for the salvation army at Christmas, donations for Ginny's, care packages for our soldiers overseas, adopt a family, and much more.
He takes time to work with every student. He also teaches you to be balanced both physically and emotionally. After a short time there, you learn to be proud of who you are.
To Parents of Prospective Junior Students
Thank You,
Colleen Rossi
Soke,
I seriously need to thamk you for your time tonight. At first, I felt like more pressure was being placed on me. But then I realized I would never give up because people looked to me as a role model. And I now know that ten years from now, I want to be able to look back and say I had the guts to do it. How much would I hate myself if I chickened out because of nerves? No, our conversation proved to me that no matter what excuse I could come up with, it would never be good enough to miss that
test. I also discovered thinking on the ride home, I do not want to miss that test. So, Soke, you will see me on the twentieth of September, ready to take that test.
Thank you,
Sam
The dojo as community or society
By Peter Perry
The history of martial arts instruction is filled with stories of monks, masters, gurus, sensei, warlords, and samurai with their ever-obedient loyal students. In ancient traditions, the students were expected to perfectly memorize techniques, rules and school philosophies. Moving from India through China to Okinawa and Korea then Japan, these arts brought with them customs and behaviors of respect, honor and responsibility.
In ancient times, the responsibilities were very clear. The teacher-master took responsibility for the well being of the students. He cared for their physical and their spiritual needs. In turn, the student served as a disciple or apprentice. Being appreciative for his opportunity to be enriched by the master, he honored the master by paying utmost respect and offered his skills, abilities and talents back to the school.
I suspect that many of you have never taken the time to reflect upon how you view the dojo, aside from being the place that you enjoy going to practice, learn techniques, and visit friends. It is only in these very recent times that the martial arts has been available as a recreational activity; to be purchased on a month by month basis like a cable TV service or a gym membership.
As the American Express advertisement used to say, “Membership has its privileges.” We surely do we have privileges and expectations at the dojo. I am sure that we expect to receive well-managed instruction and an equally cared for facility. I would ask however, do we have responsibilities aside from learning techniques?
While thinking about my question, I would invite you to look at the ideas of community and society. If you look to the dictionary you will find that they are almost the same. I would like to share with you an idea by the Scottish philosopher John Macmurray. He suggests that it is natural for people to associate with one another. We do this for two main reasons. The first is to co-operate with each other to achieve a common purpose. This reason gives us a society. The second reason why we associate is for friendship, or a sense of belonging. This gives rise to community.
Societies and communities operate differently. In a society we do not relate to each other entirely. There are rules and systems in place to achieve the common purpose. Most simply in a society, the tool of engagement is a monetary exchange; that is money is given and services are delivered. In a community, we all want to co-operate. What we want most is the benefit and well being of each other. The tools that we use to engage in a community are patience, trust, forgiveness and generosity of self.
Let us get back to the question of our responsibilities. If you see yourself attending the dojo like a person exercising a membership at a gym, then most likely you view the dojo as part of your society. Great, in this case, do you pay your membership on time? If you are going to be away for a while, do you contact the dojo so that staffing concerns can be addressed. You would call and inform the dentist if you were not going to make it. Let's face it; the dojo is a much more friendly place than the dentist chair.
On the other hand, if you see the dojo as a place to visit with your friends and to belong and share a journey of discovery, what now might your responsibility be? I leave this as an open question and invite you to share your thoughts. Or better yet, perhaps you might write the next article for this newsletter.
I extend well wish to you and look forward to seeing and talking with you on the mat…
,
I would like to share an experience I had with Budo Kai/ Professor Rick LeClair a few years back. I was a Brownie troop leader then. We were working on a safety badge at that time. Prof. LeClair agreed to host an afternoon for my entire troop "FREE of charge" on safety. Our troop existing of 13 girls ages 7-9 showed up for this lesson. Parents and siblings were invited to observe. What an eye-opening experience that afternoon turned out to be. Myself as well as the parents were quite shocked and surprised when 11 out of the 13 girls fell for many of the scenarios Pro. LeClair proposed to them. All of the parents had spoken with their children about safety and strangers! How could this be happening? As parents we all try to protect and teach our children about the dangers in this world. It is in our malls, our parks, and even in our front yards. It can be even on a bike ride around our own block! It only takes seconds to be lured away by these predators. These people know exactly what to say and do to earn our children's' trust. That day Pro. LeClair gave all of us the tools we needed, both parents and children, to be more aware and deal with these dangerous situations. He provided a safe environment, as well as a non-threatening way of learning how to be a bit more street smart. Everyone came out of this class with a new awareness, as well as some basic skills to protect themselves. This was a wonderful experience for all. We are grateful to Prof. LeClair and his school for his help in making us all a lot safer!
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