Now, he is much more calm, smiles alot more, and the attitude has changed for the better. I can't say, he's fully cured, after all he is a teenager (lol) but he's better. I just want to say THANK YOU so much for everything that you do! (We) are glad we have found your karate center. You guys are AWESOME!"- Anna

"In just a couple short months, this place has become my safe-place and these people a second family. When all else is changing, this is my epicenter. I know that here the focus is narrow, and the focus is me. Everything I am asked to do by everyone here is meant to better me and my situation. I am blessed to appreciate that. It is not often in our adult life that we discover new talents or brave new boundaries nor find an audience of loyal fans both cheering our successes and encouraging us along the challenging journey. I admire, respect and adore my teachers. I work to make us all very proud."-Kimberli

"I ended up at RPKC practically bound and gagged by my best friend. I was reluctant to give martial arts a try. I didn't want to join and then quit, as I did at the gym. I think I was afraid of what I didn't know, or what I imagined I might have to do. Because my best friend knew me better than I know myself, she never stopped impressing on me the benefits of martial arts and the fun and satisfaction of studying. Finally, the universe aligned, and I had the opportunity to give it a try. I jumped in. Seven months later, I am a martial artist. That's what Master Rifkin told us at white belt. You come to class; you keep trying; persevere, that makes you a martial artist. I smile as I write this, because I never imagined I would feel so good saying that about myself! I'm still getting used to that concept, that idea of myself. I'm grateful for that confidence. I'm grateful to my friend. :)"-Lynn

"When my husband, grandson and I entered Master Rifkin's school of Karate, we were taken back. Beautiful hardwood flooring, the rock and waterfall art in the main area. We could see the dedication and hard work to create the ambience of peace, tranquility and energy. As an observer, watching the workouts and routines, meeting Master Rifkin and the other instructors, this was the place for our grandson.

Also, I realized how little I knew about Karate. Respect, attitude, never give up, character building and harmony of body and mind. You're never too old or young for the power of positive thinking.

Master Rifkin knows the strengths and weaknesses of each individual student. He never discourages but encourages each person. We see a change in our grandson's demeanor, he is more confident, he is focusing, and his grades have improved. The pride I see in all the students as they receive their stripes, next belt or trophy for the most-improved, is heartfelt.

We all want what is best for our children, grandchildren and ourselves. This is as good as it gets. Last but not least, we have met many nice families here.

Our sincere thanks to Master Rifkin, Ms. Smith, Mr. Dang and other individuals for their dedication and efforts in making this the fine school that it is." -Roxanne & Thom Allston

"I want to tell you how much we appreciate you and what you do for your school; for the excellence you demand and accomplish with all of us...even those of us us on the sidelines. Although the students on the mat do the hard work, there's a quality standard you have set us for us all--this may not be a "team sport" like soccer or basketball but "Team RPKC" takes all of us to a level of higher achievement. You make me a better mom because you make my kid a superb Martial Artist. This became quite clear to me at the tournament yesterday. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart..." -Shawna S.

"I listen to Dr. Laura every weekday on the radio. She says, "Put your child in martial arts." She says it to parents of children that act out, that are too shy, that get picked on at school, and those that bully. Children that are immature, children that are mischievous, children that are fearful of being mischievous are all prime candidates for martial arts. We had come to understand that in the world of Dr. Laura, every child had something to gain by getting into martial arts.

So when Kenneth came home from a karate-themed birthday party, I asked him, "Wasn't that fun? Wouldn't you like to take karate?" He was eight, and he simply said no. I asked him again when he was nine, and then when he was ten. Each time the answer was the same. He was not at all interested in karate. But that was a part of Kenneth. He wasn't ambitious and he would fall apart when we pushed him. He was a good student, but we knew that he was only doing enough to keep his teachers and his family off his back.

So on Kenneth's eleventh birthday, I told him, "You are going to karate. You are going to try it - I will check in with you a lot. But you are going to try it." I "auditioned" five different dojos before speaking with Master Rifkin, and I knew immediately that Rifkin Professional Karate Center was exactly what Kenneth needed.

Kenneth is raised by his grandfather, and various aunties, and because his grandfather is a singer and tours extensively, we all felt that Kenneth needed a strong male figure that he could look up to outside of the family. Master Rifkin has stepped in and filled the role beyond our dreams. He is so real with Kenneth, and Kenneth's respect and gratitude to Master Rifkin is obvious. When Master Rifkin invited Kenneth into the Black Belt Club, Kenneth told me that the coolest part was that Master Rifkin personally sponsored him.

Kenneth has been studying karate since January, 2008, and it is a part of his life that I think he can't imagine missing. This child, who rarely expressed his feelings, looked at me after testing for his yellow belt last year and said, "Thank you for making me start karate. I really love it." As Kenneth said in his recent essay, not every day in the study of karate is Christmas, but he seems to thrive in the process and understand that a part of the lesson is the discipline of continuing. The community at RPKC is the extended "village" that we were looking for to support, encourage and expect great things from Kenneth. There are other parents who cheer him on, and his classmates genuinely care about him... they have taught him to care about them as well.

Kenneth has done all the things that Dr. Laura promised he would do: Kenneth is happier, more expressive, more confident and compassionate. Kenneth no longer tells little lies, he looks us in the eye when he speaks to us, he takes on more responsibility and expects more of himself. At age 12 ½, Kenneth knows that he should have dreams and then work hard to achieve them. Finally, the OK student who only did what he had to do, became the child that is moving from the regular classroom to the SAS program at his middle school. There was a moment of "What if I fail?" before he agreed to go into the more challenging curriculum. He knows though, that if he never fails, he has not pushed himself hard enough, and that he will be ok. I know that all of the wonderful qualities that are coming out in Kenneth are due to his participation in karate and the devotion that Master Rifkin, Mr. Dang, Mr. Layton and Ms. Smith have shown him.

I don't know if Dr. Laura knew about RPKC, but after I finish this, I may just write to her too!"



To everyone at RPKC,
I would like to thank you for all the support over the years. Some of the best memories I have are in this studio, along with some of the most painful as well. I cannot wait to be back training with you all again.

...the studio has been a second home for me and everyone there a second family and I am missing you already.
Love, Brittany (Ms. Thacker, 1st Degree Black Belt, RPKC)