Since beginning training at Tristate my son's life has changed quite a bit. He began in 1st grade. He begged to join "karate" something I know nothing about. He tried a few classes and said "Yes mom. This is what I want." Anything for my Buggy. We signed him up, and, of course the honeymoon stage. He loved it. Loved the coaches. Loved his classmates. Then things were getting rocky. He was struggling in school. Fighting with me and my husband to do homework. I almost took him out. His schoolwork can't suffer for an extracurricular activity. I talked to Karen. She had Sifu Jeff meet with me and then me and Chase. After some encouragement and this Mama feeling like she was at the end of her rope, some hope. Chase isn't just a kid who doesn't want to work or read. He has severe double vision. Sifu Jeff continued to encourage Chase through his own struggles. Chase feels so privileged that he and Sifu Jeff share a learning difference. He looks up to Sifu Kasaun and Sifu Aiden. He is happy when they say his name or call him out that he's doing a good job. He started at age 6. He is 10. He struggles with wanting to go to class but each time he goes he feels proud. Each belt he earns makes him strive to the next belt. Our family is incredibly thankful to Sifu Jeff and all the Tristate family. From this Mama: Thank you for all you do. We can't wait to be back in the gym together but am so thankful you have adapted to current conditions.

Training at Tri State has changed my life in many ways. I first started because I wanted to challenge myself. The very first thing Sifu Jeff has taught me is to don't try to fit into the art, make the art fit you and I've been applying that to every aspect of my life. Even before starting Tri State, I was already athletic but the training has pushed me even further. Another thing I've learned is to stay calm under pressure and focusing more on learning and having fun with the process instead of the end result. Also it's helped me become more confident and I'm eager to challenge myself whether it's physically or mentally. Thank you Sifu Jeff and everyone else who's helped me along the way.

Our family joined Tristate in early March of this year. My almost 5 year old LOVES going. Once everything shut down, one of our disappointments was him missing out on his new found love of martial arts.. but they didn't take long to kick it into high gear and offer virtual classes as to not let any student miss a beat in their training. In our short time with them, they've been so dedicated in keeping us informed and making us feel welcome. We look forward to continuing to watch our son grow there, even if its through virtual classes for now.