Success Martial Arts Reviews

SMA Black Belt Training

"He started as a child who was afraid of trying the martial arts and we really had to convince him. Now I have a Black Belt that doesn't want to leave SMA! He went from one end of the spectrum to the other and I'm really proud of him.

I'm also proud of his confidence because he does things now in which I get nervous for him but he just steps up and takes new things head-on.  He just had an audition for theater arts and only had 5 days to prepare a song and I'm so nervous for him and he just waltzes right in there and gets a speaking part. I'm just so proud of how his confidence has grown over the years. Thank you for your great leadership, he's learned a lot from the SMA Team."

- Susan Ciriello, Monroe Woodbury

Mother of SMA Black Belt Jacob Ciriello

I’d like to congratulate my two sons on achieving Black Belt. I’d like to thank all of the staff at SMA, you do an excellent job and I am very appreciative. From the very first day I knew it was one of the best things I could have done for my children since the program teaches life values. So pleased to see so much growth and improvement in their responsibility and focus and for them to achieve the long term goal of Black Belt. I hope that all kids will work towards earning their black belt so they too can gain as much benefit as my boys did.

-Milos Joncic, Monroe Woodbury

Father of 2ndDegree Black Belt Pavle Joncic & 1stDegree Black Belt Luka Joncic

“I would like to thank the Instructors that dedicate their time and efforts to shape the minds and bodies of the students and help them achieve and persevere to reach their goals. Thank you Master Preira for offering such an incredible program to the community and for sharing your passion, patience and wisdom for the Martial Arts.

I’ll never forget Brendan’s first day in the 4 and 5 year old class. It was a day that would help shape his life forever. He went in crying but with Instructor encouragement he finished out the class. At the end of class he started crying again, this time because class was over! So proud of my son for improving his responsibility at home and the motivation given to him from the SMA School to work on his reading. So proud of where he is today in earning his Black Belt, in the end, he’s just a scared White Belt that never gave up.”

-Robert Bertolotti, Highland Mills, NY

Father of SMA Black Belt Brendan Bertolotti

Black Belt Excellence Essay

By: Maximillian Cynar

I started martial arts at the age of 5. At that time I thought it was just about exercise and I wasn’t paying attention to exactly what the martial arts were about.

My parents told me they wanted me to do the martial arts so I could become more organized, gain self esteem and learn how to defend myself.

Time has passed and now I know much better what the martial arts mean and what it takes to earn a Black Belt. It is not just exercise, it is a lifestyle.

It is in everything I do and I everything I represent. The values such as perseverance, confidence, and self control give me strength to be a better son, student and person. It taught me to be open minded, sensitive to others and aware of other peoples needs. It took a lot of hard work, time and perseverance.

I know it is not only to wear a Black Belt but to BE a Black Belt. The difference is that you have to use the values of a Black Belt in everything that you do. Becoming a Black Belt has been a journey of hard work. I’m so happy and grateful my parents signed me up so long ago.

My future goals are to become a Master, Grandmaster and beyond. Another goal is to become an Instructor and teach other students so I can help them. Another goal is make martial arts an even bigger lifestyle. I will achieve these goals if I have perseverance and confidence.

The team at Success Martial Arts have been an incredible resource for us. Our sons have been in After School Black Belt Program for 5 years.

In that time, my sons have developed in great young men – developing focus, confidence and discipline. The SMA Team treat our boys like their own and the respect is mutual. My wife and I could not have imagined a better program.

The summer program team are always available and helpful to work with us as parents. The activity choices are fun and the friendships the boys have created are really a blessing.

We also participate in the AM and PM programs during the school year. My son's transition to middle school this year could not have gone smoother thanks to the support from the SMA team. Both boys have grown up in SMA. Last month they received their black belts. I dont know who was more excited-the kids or the parents.

My wife and I are proud of the men our sons are becoming. SMA was a large part of that. We are indebted to SMA.

-David Ortiz, Monroe-Woodbury

Father of 1st Degree Black Belts Noah & Lucas Ortiz

My son, Joshua, joining the SMA Black Belt Training Leadership Program was one of the best decisions we’ve made for him. It helped him improve his Martial Arts skills, live the values of the martial arts and grow into an outstanding young adult. He received excellent support from the entire SMA staff, highlighted by extraordinary Leadership from Instructor Diedolf.

Watching him instruct classes, teaching both kids and adults is a proud moment for us as parents and will help prepare him with the confidence and communication skills to excel in life.

-David & Sharon Lipsky, Monroe Woodbury

We are so proud of our son for his progress and for achieving the goal of black belt.

My hope is that he stands by the leadership skills he has learned and uses them for the rest of his life. SMA has helped him learn to set goals and now I know that whatever he sets his mind to he can accomplish.

All of the life skills teachings the Instructors share have helped him in school and everyday life.

We are very happy we found SMA and such dedicated Instructors.

-Mirek & Monika Cynar, Central Valley

Parents of SMA Black Belt Maximillian Cynar

and color belt Marcel Cynar

We are very proud of Ethan. The entire staff at SMA is amazing, we can’t thank you enough. There aren’t many places that develop individuals like this around, SMA is a great thing for our community.

Several years ago we took a chance with SMA and throughout the years Ethan has grown as an individual, he has built his confidence and he has developed personal greatness. To see him where he is at right now is such a great blessing. I’m looking forward to see what the future brings.

It all comes back to what SMA instills here. I don’t know if you know it or not, but what you do at SMA is amazing, you are on a whole other level of teaching and developing students. Thank you for what you do.

-Myra & Gabe Torres, Highland Mills, NY

Parents of SMA Black Belt Ethan Torres

Black Belt Essay

Written by: Ethan Torres, 9 year old SMA Black Belt

Going to SMA and earning different levels of belts has given me a chance to earn my first degree black belt. A black belt is a symbol that represents focus, integrity, respect, and helps with our confidence. It provides guidance and wisdom to know what is right in all areas of my life.

Training in Martial Arts has helped me be patient and positive each and every day. It has helped me to help others in their life by staying positive.

My future goals in Martial Arts are to continue to train and achieve more levels in degree of black belt. I want to improve and gain great leadership so I may represent a good example to others. I want to achieve any my challenges that come my way and change them to accomplishments in a good way as I grow up.

The Martial Arts has helped me develop to be strong both physically and mentally by using meditation. Before and after my practice, meditation has helped me to develop patience and relaxation. I am learning to develop courage, wisdom, strength and most of all a positive attitude each day.

An area that I have improved most in is that I have been respectful and caring to my friends and family. Obeying my parents by using good manners, doing my choirs and homework without being asked to. I am learning to share and be patient with my little sister. I have developed better confidence in defending what I believe in and expressing it a good way.

A black belt will give me the opportunity to develop great self-confidence, perseverance and integrity and it has helped me to help others in their life. It can create great friendship that will remain strong and positive.

To the ENTIRE SMA staff,

Many times we express our gratitude by saying "thank you" and while people hear our words it doesn't always express the full extent of the meaning. I truly appreciate how when faced with challenge you help my children rise to the occasion with your guidance and support.

Instructor Desir always shows such compassion and kindness and ultimately brings out their inner confidence. Instructor Diedolf consistently gives them the coaching to become a leader and lead by example. Master Preira always makes them smile and creates positive vision and goals for them. Instructor Jason always helps them boost confidence just that much more. And Instructor Cardinale’s praise and coaching always helps them leave SMA happier and stronger than when they arrived. Not just for doing the martial arts, but for overcoming challenge.

I especially appreciate all of the effort put into teaching the children how to handle their emotions. Perseverance is not an easy quality to teach in todays society when quitting is such an easy option.

The fact that you teach that Leadership is not about succeeding but about overcoming obstacles and continuing to try when things are difficult is PRICELESS.

Keep up the good work. The staff works so hard to help the kids grow and become the best possible versions of themselves and I'm sure at times, that in and of itself is difficult.

We started this journey as an afterschool program, a safe place for the kids while Mom and Dad worked, it has become so much more.

Sincerely,

Susan W McConnell, Monroe Woodbury

Mother of Alexandra and John McConnell

My daughter has worked very hard over the last 4 years to achieve Black Belt. I am so super proud of her. Thank you to the staff, this is really a wonderful program. Marisa’s confidence has grown tremendously and I attribute that to the SMA Program. We look forward to being part of her continued success for years to come!

-Tim & Pamela Arone, Highland Mills

Parents of 1stDegree Black Belt Marisa Arone