Sensei David Kalish earned his third degree black belt on the same day. Sensei Kalish is the head instructor and operator of the United Martial Arts Center in Victor, NY. He and his phenomenal staff are directly responsible for facilitating the growth of hundreds of students since it’s opening in April of 2007. Sensei Kalish is an incredible tournament competitor and uses the skills that make him so good in that arena as attributes to bring out the best in all!

Sensei Pam Wright was awarded a fourth degree black belt during the ceremony. Sensei Wright opened UMAC with Sensei Ingallina in April of 1999 and has been directly responsible for its success throughout the years. The amount of space it would take to list her contributions would turn this into a ten page blog so we won’t even go there. She has been involved in EVERY ASPECT of EVERY PROGRAM that has been developed at UMAC. She developed the Little Dragon and Junior curriculum. The adult program was designed on her watch. Her kickboxing class has rocked Rochester for almost twelve years. She directly helps the lives of all in her role as a self defense instructor. And on and on… Although her titles are many, her biggest gifts cannot be measured. She is a role model to the young and old. She inspires people just from being with them. She is a friend, confidante, coach and inspiration to all of us. UMAC is what it is because of Sensei Pam Wright. Please let her know just how much she is appreciated and loved. There’s only one of her and we all feel lucky she’s ours!

Sensei Wright writes:

This past Friday evening we had the pleasure of graduating our Brighton students. As we only get this group together every 6 months, it’s a great time to reflect on what we have accomplished. Our Little Dragons, as usual, get out there with gusto and happily perform to show off for family and friends. I am always so pleased with their good behavior and attentiveness. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised – it is what we are working on in every class, it’s just so “in your face” when they do it as such a large group. They are amazing! We had students who were willing to lead the large group, yelling commands out loud in front of “all those people”….a feat I know many adults would be too shy to do! Good for them – their confidence and assertiveness will serve them well as they grow up.

I know it can’t go unnoticed to anyone who watches our Junior students as they progress in their ranks – they are growing up to be leaders. As karate instructors, we get to spend many years getting to know our students. Issues or struggles they had when they first arrived to try karate can be worked on together for longer periods of time. Students who start as Little Dragons and continue on to Juniors show us that our investment as their teachers can be the most fulfilling job we could ever have. Watching our kids grow in the dojo shows us the powerful influence of having positive role models in our children’s lives. As a karate mom myself, I know for a fact this is one of the best things I have done for my son. Ask me sometime – I’ll be happy to tell you all about it!

Congratulations to all the students who continue to work so hard to reach their goals. Your new ranks are proof that all your efforts are worth it! You make your instructors proud!!!!!

UMAC Holiday Hours

Martial arts classes

We will be closed from Thursday, 12/24, through Sunday, 1/3. Classes will resume on Monday, 1/4.

Fitness classes

We will be closed on 12/24-25, and 12/31-1/1. All other classes will follow our regular schedules.

We hope that you have a great holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year!

Give Your Child a Head Start on Life

Our Little Dragons program is a detailed curriculum to help your child develop motor skills, listening skills and physical development for success in school. Our program focuses on the following skills in a fun and safe environment:

• Physical: Coordination, Balance, Fitness, Control, Basic Motor Skills
• Mental: Focus, Memory, Discipline
• Emotional: Confidence, Leadership, Positive “Can Do” Attitude
• Interpersonal: Respect, Cooperation, Teamwork, Sharing, Listening Skills, Honesty
• Safety: Stranger Danger, Emergency 911, “Break Away” from Danger, Phone Number

Your child will learn Tradition, Confidence & Respect

The Little Dragons program helps children develop in the areas parents appreciate most: increased attention span, enhanced coordination, and better respect and discipline. They also learn about the importance of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit and the philosophy of self-defense. The training they receive will carry over into their every day lives.

The program is designed so that it is fun and consistent with the child’s developmental level. The children do not get bored and they look forward to their next class. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch the class, especially if their child is 4 or 5 years of age.

We are confident that you will enjoy our Little Dragon’s program as much as your child will. Please stop by and talk to any of the parents. Find out for yourself what a wonderful program we have to offer.

WHAT OTHER PARENTS ARE SAYING:

“This is an excellent school that I suggest to everyone. The instructors are always sensitive to my son’s feelings and encourage him to keep trying difficult skills. There is a focus on safety, responsibility, and politeness as well as a concentration on attention and motor skills. He feels like a valued member of the group.” - L. Schlosser, Brighton

“I like all the things my daughter has been learning in the school; especially the self-discipline. She is more responsible at home and much more focused. The teachers grasp my daughter’s attention and really teach.” - A. Valero, Rochester

“My overall feeling regarding the school is “Outstanding.” My son has improved his listening skills, respect for others, self confidence & physical strength. He has learned that you can’t always master something the first time – success takes practice. I would highly recommend the United Martial Arts Center to anyone.” - Barbara Gerace, Brighton

YOUR CHILD CAN TRY A CLASS FREE FOR ONE WEEK!

Simply fill out our online information request form and you will receive a coupon that lets your child try our Little Dragons martial arts program for FREE. ]]> http://www.selfdefensecenter.com/little-dragons-ages-4-8/feed/ 0