I started at Tri State back in the Spring of 2015. I had done martial arts as a kid, and grew up around it since my father was competing/teaching/judging TKD, but I decided to focus more on dance instead. Well, I fell back in love with it after my intro session! Martial arts is very similar to dance, in that it has the perfect balance of structure (footwork, coordination, remembering combos) and freedom (finding your style, flowing with your partner, and experimenting... the "art" part). PLUS hitting stuff is fun! Tri State is also a pretty special school because it only attracts really genuine, humble, hard-working people; no big ego's or foul language here! I am so appreciative for everything I have learned, the friends I have made, and the calories I have burned. Thank you to Ajarn Jeff Jones, Sifu Kasaun Tramel and Sifu Aiden Sharkey; although I miss punching my friends in the face, you guys are absolutely CRUSHING IT on Zoom!

I started training at Tri State in November 2017 so its almost going on 3 years this November. I have changed in a way that I am more confident and self assured of myself. I am more motivated than I was before I started. I have gotten a lot faster and stronger since starting my martial arts journey. Also I have dropped a lot of weight and making better choices for myself. Finally most importantly I have gained and developed self discipline since starting and I am more focused than before. I have a clear path and direction I want to be on. That is how I have changed since coming to Tri State.

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.

Takeo has matured, increased in self discipline, and grown his knowledge of Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ahead of our expectation. Since his start in the program it has aided in grooming him to put in hard work and see the reward for his determination and application...

What an amazing school!

I have been with Sifu Jeff for about 11 years, coming up on 12 years this summer. I have dealt with many problems since going to Tri-State. I Had weighed in at over 340 pounds at one point in my life, and if it weren’t for sifu Jeff’s positive inspiration, I probably wouldn’t have done it. Sifu Jeff had taught me to be the best that I can be, and to push myself to better myself and I did exactly that. I have lost over 160 pounds thanks to Sifu Jeff’s motivation and inspiration. Tri-State has helped me through many problems, one of which was my mom passing away. My mom had passed away in my freshmen year of high school ( I’m a junior now ) and sifu Jeff and everyone at tri-state was willing to help. Tri-State had organized a food donation to help with my families recent loss. Sifu Jeff had also organized a gofund me page for my family as well. Sifu Jeff and everyone at Tri-State has helped me out dramatically, regarding both my weight, and the passing of my mom. My changes since I’ve been at Tri state have been drastic changes, but I had been supported by both sifu Jeff and everyone at Tri-State. 

We have been attending Tri State for a number of years now and just love the MMA school. It has helped with my sons build confidence, respect, discipline, healthy lifestyle choices and fitness along with an amazing detailed martial arts background. The instructors are great with the kids and the owner Jeff is on the mat every day working with the children. My son has come a very long way under their guidance and we could not be happier with the program. The support staff are amazing as well. It is a great family atmosphere

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.

I have been working out at Tri State for about 5 years, I started this journey a bit later in life, it's been a bit of a challenge however pushing through the challenges is very rewarding. Someone once asked "When is a good time to plant a tree?" A year ago? Kinda tough to go back and do it if you haven't already A year from now? I will probably forget about it by then

I signed Gabby up at Tri-State for a couple of reasons. The first was that she was being bullied in school and the second was that she was having anger issues stemming from some issues at home. Since starting, she has gained some confidence in standing up to bullies but the biggest change is that she has a much better handle on her anger. At times, when she starts to get really angry about situations that are out of our control she will let it out by working on her training instead of screaming, yelling, and hitting/kicking things around the house.

Our decision to sign Ryan up for training at Tri State Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts was twofold: First, because Ryan suffers with a disorder; ADHD, and unfortunately in today's society there are still people who label or discriminate against people suffering from this disorder. As a result.....you guessed it. Ryan was being bullied by kids, because he was different, he didn't fit into the "norm". So we embarked on a new journey, and started having Ryan train in Martial Arts, not only to improve his self-confidence, but also give him a purpose. Since his training, Ryan has become more confident, he has learned more self-control and focus. And he has realized that if he puts in the time and effort into anything he works at and gives it his best ....hard work pays off!! Winners never quit and Quitters never win.