references

Safe Kids has been running at the Lebanon Valley Family YMCA since September 2004. Since its inception, it has been nothing short of fabulous. The program is essentially, self-reliant. It requires very little time and effort from me, as the YMCA Program Director. The Tae Kwon Do Network covers all the advertising, promoting, registering, and instructor fees. All that is required of the Y, is to provide and adequate space to have the program. The professionalism of the instructors as well as program supervisors has always been exemplary. They are always open for new ideas and challenges, and communicate any needs directly to me in a timely fashion. They have provided demonstrations and activities at other YMCA events free of charge, and been great ambassadors of the YMCA mission.

As for the class, it’s fantastic. I get nothing but positive feedback from participants and parents. They love time spent on all the Safety issues that directly effect today’s youth. Parents have commented on how the “change?in their children is astonishing. Grade improvements, behavior improvements, confidence boosting?I have heard it all. Except one thing?I have never heard one negative comment about the program at all. Never once has one parent or spectator or member complained about Safe Kids. That is testament enough of what a great program this is. I have, and still do recommend starting this program at any YMCA or Youth Center. It has all the components of a great program, and one that will yield high rewards, with little effort.

The Taekwondo program has been an asset to the Lancaster community for over 3 years. During those 3 years we have seen great improvement in self-discipline, academics, self-confidence, and awareness. In 2006 we grew from 1,674 units of instruction to 3,000 with our program hosted on site at the YMCA and in the Lancaster School District. This high quality, inexpensive program pulls all of the character development traits into one class and gives indiviuals the opportunity to grow metally, spiritually, and physically.

Thomas Baughman
Associate Executive Director
Lancaster Family YMCA
572 N. Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-397-7474, 134

Safekids has been a program at the Eastern Branch YMCA for the past three years. I have seen the program grow from infancy here in East York and have heard the praises from the parents and kids who participate. It is a wonderful program and the instructors are fabulous. We get constant praises for providing a program for our members and community. Not only do the children have a great time, but adults who participate also praise the program. We are fortunate to have the instructors and staff provided by the Taekwondo Network who excel in compassion and training that is second to none.

Taekwondo Network Staff have been very professional to work with at the Bob Hoffman YMCA from the inception of the program to the present. The program is wonderful, well organized and has enhanced the lives of many. I would recommend this program to anyone.

Our students are always excited and look forward to their participation in Taekwondo. It's a very popular activity in our Extended Day Program and students are always engaged and focused. The Taekwondo Network provides the discipline and safety awareness that enables our students to better themselves.

With the problem of children's obesity, this program is an important
alternative for healthy lifestyle.

I love this program. It teaches children discipline and respect. The kids find that if they put their minds to something they can do it.

It's not just Taekwondo, it's a program that gets kids to listen to their parents.

Jeffery Dawkins, Parent 2005, Intelligencer Journal

The sport has an interesting discipline. To say that this demonstration was impressive is an understatement. It is very appropriate for Lancaster that Steve is teaching these kids about self-defense without weapons.

"My daughter started Tae Kwon Do almost two years ago and besides the obvious physical changes, she has changed mentally and her confidence has soared! Nothing is impossible to her, she demonstrates self control and respect and in this day and age it is beneficial to both her and I that she has the tools necessary should she face danger. Master Kirby has taken her talent and has helped mold her into a confident, self assured person and has taught her that in Tae Kwon Do, like in life, you will fall many times, but you need to pick yourself and keep going."

Thank you,
Jennifer Cupo

Bethany has always done very well in school but she was very shy and
lacked seflf confidence. She showed an interest in the martial arts and
wanted to learn self defense so we thought this would be good for her
(being the last of seven children at home and having been taken care of
and protected by her older siblings) so we enrolled her in the Taekewondo
Class at the YMCA. Of course she took to it like a duck does to water
and hated when she had to miss a class even when we went to Jamaica to do
missionary work with the children in the churches there, but she was able
to use it to show the children how that they can be prepared to fight
against the tricks and temptations of the devil.

I think it has helped her be more self motivated and to set certain
obtainable goals to work toward as she is now working toward her black
belt and is determined to work at getting it. It has also helped in
building up her self confidence and has helped her to see and develop
some of her leadership qualities as she works with her younger nephews
who look to her for help and guidance and as a role model.

Linda Hess

Dorden Bivings Sr.

Master Kirby,

Your class has given my son Alex and I special bonding time together. Since we started, Alex also shows more confidence that he/we can work through anything. He now has a better understanding of setting goals and actually achieving those goals.

It's a great class.

Thank you, Melisa Wolf

My son has a greater confidence in his athletic abilities since joining taekwondo. We tried every other sport out there and he just didn't get the satisfaction he gets out of this sport. He will be a black belt soon and he couldn't be prouder of himself and neither could I.

Heika Meckley

My son and I have been a part of the program for almost 2 years now.
During that time, it gave us an opportunity to do something together that
we both enjoy. I personally never thought my body could move in the ways
it has during our sessions. :)

In those 2 years, my son has become more respectful and self confident.
He loves martial arts and Tae Kwon Do Network gave us an opportunity to
exercise, gain self respect and have fun inexpensively. Bravo to Master
Kirby, his wife and the other instructors for promoting leadership, self
control and fun! Thank you.

Jodi Obenstine - Stull

To Master Kirby and his wife Judi,

I wanted to let you know how much my daughter, Keira Blackburn has blossomed in your tae kwon do class. She is learning to listen to authority figures with a better attitude, she has also been setting herself to higher goals since starting your class, and most importantly she is learning how not to be so afraid of performing in front of an audience. That used to be one of her biggest fears, it is now becoming a thing of the past. I am so glad to have her a part of your class and she is only been in one twelve week session. Can't wait to see her after many more!!!! THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Sincerely,

Jennifer and Ralph Blackburn

“As an adult, it is hard for me to find any exercise program that holds my interest like Taekwondo has. I find it very enjoyable and has helped me to focus at work.?br> “My nephew has increased in self confidence and is able to couple better with difficult projects.?br> “My son has increased in self confidence and does not seem so afraid of everything since he started the class. I can also say the class has strengthen his muscles and challenged him physically.?/span>

I hope you can use these, they are all true.
Thanks,
Kim and Ben Kane

"Our son, Quinn, has benefited enormously from Master Kirby's Taekwondo Network. The self-discipline that is encouraged through this kind of physical/mental training has definitely helped him improve his focus and confidence at school--even his violin-playing! It's great to see him get so excited about setting and achieving goals, and taking pride in what he has accomplished thanks to Master Kirby's experienced methods. This year Quinn was a straight-A student. We would recommend this program to any parent interested helping their child do better in school, at home--in life."

John and Rebecca Harvey

Taekwondo has been a terrific blessing in my life. When I started this chapter in my life it was only to support my daughters interest. I just wanted to have fun and get a girls night out with her. She's 8 years old and I had no idea what the value of the girl's night out would mean to both of us. I did not plan on my daughter and I encouraging each other to get the next belt. I was going for exercise and she was going to compete.

Little did I know that at 45 years old and over weight all of my life I'd be kicking, punching and screaming in front of a gym full of people with my 8 year old. This weekly exercise is a good compliment to my Gastric Bypass Surgery. I am three years post op and find it difficult to maintain the weight loss or drop more. I wish I had this in my life 6 months post op.

I am also pleased to be meeting new and wonderful people. I wasn't expecting to see so many adults and family's when I arrived. The camaraderie impressed me from my first class. I felt comfortable and the upper belts are extremely helpful and very willing to offer suggestions on improving your techniques and sharing their struggles with you.

Master Kirby does not teach with pressure, he let's individuals go at their own pace and allows them to reach their personal goals when they are ready.

Taekwondo is lifting my mental spirits along with my metabolism. I feel young within once again.

MaryAnn Clouser