Here is my story. In the summer of 2011 I searched for a martial arts school for my son to learn self defense, discipline and respect for himself and others. I looked for a place for him to learn from great roll models. Instructors that I would want him to behave like. I found other places that taught the arts but there was always some out of shape self proclaimed 10th degree blackbelt instructor who did not fit the discription of what I was looking for. The price was right but you get what you pay for. I then walked thru the doors of the Tiger Schulmann of Bensonhurst and met with Joshu Sean Nolan who was both confident and knowledgable and not out of shape by any means. He answered any question I had and invited my son to try out the class for free. No strings attached.
Well the class was run by both Joshu Nolan and Sensei Levy, his partner in this location. Sensei Nissam Levy is unbelievably talented. He is a no nonsense leader with a need for perfection in everyone taking his class and a true gentleman. Not only did they run the class together but I watched as they paid close attention to each student on the mat, correcting mistakes and pushing the lazy ones to try harder. Needless to say this was where I wanted my 7 year old son to be. After class I sat down with Joshu Nolan and Sensei Levy and discussed tuition and scheduling. I chose to pay upfront and save some on the tuition. After I was done, they told me that I was invited back to also try a class for free. I didn't know Tiger Schulmann offered a class for adults. I showed up a few minutes early and saw a waiting room packed with adult students. Again I was surprised. What a following! They gave me an introduction to the class, a free starter set of gloves and I took my first and certainly not my last class. It was the most intense class I have ever taken with Sensei Levy again making his way from bag to bag correcting mistakes and motivating everyone. I was hooked!
I signed myself up that same night and started training three days a week. After a few months Sensei Levy told me and my son we can begin grappling, or submission wrestling, which is another facet to the training they offer. This class was awesome. Not only do you use muscles that you never used before but you learn to defend yourself if you wind up in a situation where you are on the ground. Basically you learn how to really hurt someone up if they make the mistake of messing with you.
My wife now trains and I now am in a kickboxing class which teaches you more complex combinations and defensive training. My son as well is training in grappling and kickboxing. He is as into training as much I am. We each put in 10 hours of class time every week and have unlimited access memberships that we take full advantage of. A Great value! My son has now lost his chubbiness, is developing muscle and has the strength I have never seen before in a 7 year old kid. He has both confidence and discipline. He now has roll models that i can say i could not have chosen better ones.
I am a 45 year old man who was never really out of shape at 195 pounds and am now a 45 year old man with the body of a 20 year old at 162 pounds. I feel younger, look younger, am a better father and husband. I run my life different, my business better, am stress free and lead a healthy lifestyle. I am off the cholesterol medication that I have been on for the last 12 years. I wake up every day and can't believe how I look and feel.
The school recently moved from Bensonhurst to Bay Ridge. It is now located in a brand new facility with a bigger mat and brand new locker rooms. Both Sensei and Joshu are great people whom I am proud to be on the mat with. They are extremely knowledgable in their field of self defense, diet and everything associated with mixed martial arts. They are great at working with kids teaching them more than just how to be a good martial artist.
The staff at this location will help you with diet plans if your goal is to lose weight, help you with techniques you may have trouble with or help get your kid to do their homework when they give you a hard time. Sempai Jenna Serio and Tyrone Mason are great to train with and have become good friends to my family. This school now offers adult core classes at 12 pm monday thru friday in case you have problems with evening classes under the watchfully eye of Jenna and Tyrone. I highly recommend this school for all the reasons above. If you want to make a difference in your health and quality of life look no further. I just saved you the trouble of looking. Me and my family are lifers. read more