Family Name: The Charon Family: Michelle, John, Ethan, & Jessi

Date: 6-1-2006

What Hap Ki Do Has Done for My Family (Michelle, John, Jessi, and Ethan Charon) A little over a year ago, I was looking for an answer. . .something that could help our son focus. I had been doing some research and had come across some reports about how martial arts can help children and adults with ADD (attention deficit disorder). I learned how the martial arts philosophies and training center around discipline, focus, physical activity, and how meditation is used for the redirection and balance of thoughts. Feeling like I had found an answer, I began to call several different schools. I knew nothing about martial arts, so I had nothing to go on really except the ads in the phone book. I scheduled appointments, and then we talked to Master Schreiner. Having known him for several years we talked to him about the phone calls that I had made and the appointments that were scheduled. At that time, Master Schreiner was amused with my efforts and encouraged me to go to all the other schools and look around, and then, after seeing how other schools operated, to come talk to Master Lee and then decide which school fit our needs best. He insisted that we look around so we had something to compare to when we arrived. He was totally confident that KMA was absolutely unique. . .he repeatedly challenged me to look around first, but I refused! We went to KMA first, before any other school. . .and we never left! It took mere seconds to see the wonderful gifts KMA has to offer! I was beyond impressed with the first class that we had observed, I felt totally welcome and utterly awed because I had never experienced anything like what I walked into. I noticed that the instructors taught with pure dedication, sincerity, and expertise. Not only were students being taught a unique art, but also respect, confidence, integrity, spiritualness, and how to become honest, productive citizens. So, we signed Ethan up for class. We hoped for the best, but expected nothing. At the first class Ethan attended, he meditated for the first time. . .he actually was able to sit still for the entire meditation and close his eyes. I had never seen him sit that still. I knew we had found our answer.

About 2 months after Ethan started taking classes, Jessi began taking classes too. We were so proud of the progress Ethan had made so far. . .I knew only positive things could come from Jessi joining too. Jessi had taken ballet classes for 4 years at that point. . .focus comes easier for her and I knew the technical skills would come quickly for her too. I had not anticipated the much needed increase in confidence that I soon witnessed. She too, found a calmness inside herself and a true respect for the art itself.

Then, 6 months later, John and I began taking classes too. . .outranked by our children. As excited as I was to join, I was also a little apprehensive. I was getting to know so many people at KMA. I was not confident of my abilities to learn all that was involved in Hap Ki Do. I wanted to be more fully involved with KMA. I wanted to become more physically fit, and I wanted a goal that our entire family could work toward together. We continue to work toward that goal. . .whether it is inner harmony, physical fitness, the ability to defend ourselves if required, focus, confidence or discipline. We have a "common ground" that we meet on every time we walk through the doors at KMA. Life throws so many curve balls that we seem to dodge on a daily basis. We regroup as a family when we are on the mat. The regular problems associated with life tend to evaporate as soon as we walk in the door.

We have always felt a sincere welcome and sense of belonging at KMA. Grand Master Lee, his family, Master Schreiner, Mr. Ormstead, and all of the instructors have always made us feel welcome, and we are honored to call them our friends.

We now have an extended family. . .so many of the people at KMA have become close friends of ours. Master Schreiner's confidence and dedication brought us here. He has a trueness of spirit that I respect. I am truly grateful for his friendship and his talent as a leader and a teacher. Master Lee and Mrs. Lee have welcomed us with open arms. I am moved by their virtue. And, I am blessed with the opportunity to know them. I am awed by Master Lee's ability in the art of Hap Ki Do. What an honor to be trained by such a man! Hap Ki Do has given us more than I can put into words. Hap Ki Do has given us as a family, another point of unity. It has given us new friends and family. It brought us to KMA.