"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
Black Belt Excellence Essay
by 10 yr old Brady Smith
Attaining my Black Belt means I have completed 6 years of hard work. I persevered through all of the belt levels with a group of amazing Instructors. I learned how to be more respectful to people. I learned to be more confident and focused.
Being a Black Belt means taking pride in your appearance, setting a good example and working to be the best you can be. The martial arts has helped me become a better person by making me more confident in everything I do. In school it has helped me relax and focus on my school work. Overall the martial arts has helped me in every area of my life. Now I don’t let my fears overwhelm me when trying something new. I’m able to keep calm by focusing and using my meditation techniques.
My future goals are to become a Leadership Program Instructor and mentor someone to Black Belt just like was done for me.
