New To Martial Arts?

From as long as I can remember I have been interested in the martial arts. So when my oldest son was seven (in 1991) I started researching karate schools in the St. John's area. It became quickly apparent that the Kenpo Karate system with its combination of Kata (forms), sparring (fighting) and advancement through the colored belt testing system was the best way to go. Word on the street was that if Kenpo was the route to go the instructor to go with was Mike Foley. This was due to his level of skills and long term commitment to the sport. Later, I learned that just as  important was his unique combination of patience and quiet assertiveness with his young charges (both boys and girls).

I was so impressed with Sensei's Mikes instruction that I enrolled my other two sons when they came of age. All three became "good" black belts and have won numerous competitions at the provincial, national and international level. Nearly 20 years later they still actively participate in the sport and the club... often as instructors.



The following summarizes my experience with Mike Foley's Kenpo:



First, the instruction is top notch. Mike, along with his sons who also work in the business never compromise on the quality of the product. At this school if you don't deserve advancement you don't get it. Once you earn a Black Belt here you enter a rare fraternity (or soriority) and garner guaranteed respect for yourself and your belt from the martial arts community.  



The "system" Mike uses is closely connected with national standards and techniques. Always innovative and well connected (he often draws on national expertise through workshop and competition exercises) participation in his club can be for those who just want get into a good exercise program, learn self defence techniques or compete at the highest competitive level (there are several Black Belts in his club who have won medals at national and world championship competitions).



Another thing I observed over the years is that the self discipline learned through this system can have very positive affects on many other aspects of a young person's life. More confidence, more disciplined approach to school work, better social skills, less time to go down the wrong path and the camrederie of life long and like minded friends. I used to say my boys had "school friends and karate friends". 



My final observation comes from 20 years of being around the martial arts and having been at dozens of competitions from here to California. NOT ALL SCHOOLS ARE CREATED EQUAL. For some it is an aside to a day job and so often the commitment is not there. What is the qualification and attitude of the person actually teaching your child... as opposed to the belt level of the person mentioned in the slick advertisement? 

Last but not least. Be careful not to enroll in a school that advances you on time spent or other factors (like over zealous nagging parents) than specific skills learned. A realistic assessment of your actual skills may be vitally important to your safety. Remember the adage "the ass who thought it was a deer came to learn the difference when it had to leap the ditch". 



Tom Hawco Sr.