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Below are real letters from people who believe in what we are doing. The Letter & Article titles link to PDF files. If you know you have Adobe Reader already installed on your computer then click a title below to begin downloading the file. If you are unsure, please go to a quick summary of help on what to do next.

PARENTS AND STUDENTS

"This program has a record of measurable results, and demands attention by any education system looking to involve the social, emotional, and acedemic growth of their students."
--Ronee Groff, President, LDANJ (full text)

"The clear goal oriented approach to Master Straga's teaching methods produces clear positive results through hard work."
--Rick Wehrhan, father of student

"My three sons (Black Belts) have developed healthy bodies, great self confidence, good discipline, good awareness, and excellent study habits. I've had many positive comments from their teachers."
--Meri Wagner, mother of 3 students

"By learning respect, loyalty and discipline my life and school work has changed. Before karate, whenever I got mad, I could not control myself. I also learned how to stay away from danger."
--Robbie Garguilo, 10 year old Black Belt, full text (PDF)

"Tang Soo Do has increased my children's' concentration and confidence level. Their teachers always say how polite my son and daughter are."
--Pat Stark, mother and student-red belt

"I realize that whatever handicaps I was born with, I can now deal with and control. I truly believe that all of this happened because of the Christmas gift my parents gave me four years ago."
--Matt Silva, 16 year old Black Belt

The mental and spiritual strength that I have been taught have helped me with all aspects of my life".
--Marc LaGuardia, Red Belt

"The Future Leaders Foundation has been established to assist local school districts in continuing to enhance the philosophical beliefs of public education. I am recommending that this organization have the opportunity to become a member of our educational community."
--Robert Garguilo, Superintendent, Hammonton School System full text (PDF)

"Self discipline and motivation, responsibility and perseverance have carried over into the classroom and the school community. Occurrences of violence and vandalism have plummeted from last school year by 80%. Suspensions are down and student attendance is up!"
--Kenneth B. Moore, Principal, North Main Street School, May 1999 full text (PDF)

"Children also gain improved relations with their teachers and parents."
--Ernestine R. Zeli-Bove, Guidance Counselor, April 1999 full text (PDF)

Regional Acclamation of TANG SOO DO Training (PDF)

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EDUCATORS

"This program could be considered a "primary prevention" intervention for children, providing children with experience, support and training to learn and to use effective problem-solving and coping skills."
Joseph R. Mosley, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist
Study: Impact of Martial Arts Training for School-Aged Children, Dr. Mosley (PDF)

Dr. Mosley to Governor Whitman (4/30/99) (PDF)

"Master Straga now dedicates a vast amount of time, energy and resources toward teaching students the tools necessary to successfully navigate the maze of situational decision making in today's difficult world."
--David B.Kligerman, President/Chief Operating Officer, AkPharma, Inc. full text (PDF)

"Children eager to train, proud of what they are accomplishing with clear bright eyes and wide smiles.
--Brian Roberts, Pastor, April 1999 full text (PDF)

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TEACHERS

"This program has a great value in helping the students to work through problems, solve conflicts peacefully and show respect to one another. The greatest pleasure is watching my students take interest in the program and apply it to their lives."
--Mark Santanello, Teacher, N. Main Street School full text (PDF)

"The martial arts program has helped my students by emphasizing the importance of self control and self reliance. This training has helped my students to develop independence, accept accountability for the choices that they make."
--Constance L. Days, Teacher, North Main Street School, May 1999 full text (PDF)

"Master Straga stresses in importance of focus, respect and self control as tools in both karate and all aspects of life. Master Straga also fulfills the role of a positive male figure for our students. He is most certainly someone to be admired and emulated."
--Liza Levitt, Teacher North Main Street School full text (PDF)

"It has helped to develop them, not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally and socially."
--Annie Christiani, Teacher, North Main Street School May 1999 full text (PDF)

"The confidence that is growing in my children is amazing. They feel good about themselves when they accomplish something in karate. This carries over in their desire to do better in school. This program is invaluable to our children."
--Brandy Neunson, Teacher, North Main Street School full text (PDF)

"This is a good opportunity for these students to learn self discipline and self control. And it also teaches them self respect."
--Deborah A. Collins-Rice, Teacher, North Main Street School

"Master D. Straga's deliberate actions impact student's life long successes."
--Janet Festa, Teacher, Atlantic City High School full text (PDF)

"I noticed an improvement in self esteem among several of the students, a decrease in classroom fighting and a new respect for human life and body."
--Antonina Mitchell, Teacher, September 1994 full text (PDF)

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Tang Soo Do Karate Academy, Inc.
Master D. Straga
401 North Main Street, Pleasantville, NJ 08232

Tel. 609.646.8855    Fax. 609.646.8991    E-mail. Contactus@FutureLeader.org