"I thought my days of training karate were over in 1988 when I fell 70 feet in a mountaineering accident and suffered multiple fractures and other trauma to my entire body. When my kids started training this Fall at the Summerfield branch of Universal Kempo Karate, they wanted us to do it as a family. Through my children’s encouragement, all five of us signed up and began our training. It has been an excellent experience.

Senior Head Instructor Brad Mears, does a fantastic job in leading the nearly fifty participants in our bi-weekly training. He, together with the other instructors, impart discipline, confidence, respect and better health as well as develop life long skills and friendships. In the past five months, my body has strengthened. Pains that I thought would be with me all of the days of my life as a result of my accident are improving. As my body has strengthened, the aches and pains that have been with me for years have lessened and that has had a positive effect mentally as well as physically.

"Our whole family trains Kempo Karate together at the Summerfield branch of Universal Kempo Karate. It has been a fantastic experience. As I watched the instructors the very first night my kids attended, I was impressed at how they dealt with all of the children and I decided then and there: this is where I want my kids to train karate. Senior Head Instructor Brad Mears leads an all-star group of instructors that are excellent in how they relate to students and break down all of the elements of learning karate into easy to learn steps. The school is a positive environment and I would encourage anyone to bring their kids and even attend as a family. You cannot go wrong, and your kids will come away with confidence, discipline, respect, better health and life long skills."

"In the year that I have enjoyed being a part of the Universal Kempo family, I have grown tremendously.  My core strength has definitely improved.  My upper body, lower body and aerobic fitness levels are at my highest levels since I was in my early 20s.  With this increased strength comes an increased awareness of my growing abilities to defend my family and myself if needed.  I have been enrolled in other forms of martial arts, but this one is the most complete and most family oriented."
- An Adult Student

"Before joining Universal Kempo Karate, I had trouble doing quite a few activities in gym class.  I've noticed that doing these activities seem to be getting easier, and I am gradually doing better."
- A Junior Student

"Before joining Universal Kempo Karate, I had trouble with my shoulders both in strength and mobility.  Since training at the Summerfield Branch I have increased my strength and am now able to do 45 pushups in one session whereas I could only do 3 before and my range of motion in my shoulders has increased dramatically."
- A Female Adult Student

"Since Beginning Universal Kempo Karate, I have found that I have gained more muscle, where before I did not have much because I was not interested in physical activities."
- A Junior Student

"When I started, I think I had poor muscle tone and not much strength or stamina.  Now, activities such as push-ups and "floor wipes" seem much easier.  My neck muscles used to become stiff/sore regularly, but now it is rare." 
- An Adult Student

"In class, there was a person who was not being very kind.  Before, I would have gotten angry towards them, but remembering my instructor saying to understand that people have bad experiences, I did not let it get to me to the point that I got angry with them."
- A Junior Student

"At school, one of my friends is hard to work with.  she gets upset easily when she does not get her way.  I have learned to be patient with her so that we can compromise and not get into as many disagreements."
- A Junior Student

"I value the friendships I have gained with other adults in the class...I have few opportunities to get to know people that are not connected with my work, so it's nice to meet folks that have different backgrounds."
- An Adult Student

"My favorite self-defense move is perhaps Club 3.  I like it because it seems 'natural' and practical."
- An Adult Student