What Our
Students Say About Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do
Here are some of the testimonies we've received from
students as well as parents of students.
Thank you so much for an excellent experience with the martial arts. Hopefully, I will find a comparable school in California.
Thank you again,
A Former Student
Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing offers much more than training in the martial arts, self-defense, and a great workout. If you're looking for realism and to be challenged, this is the place for you.
Master Alex Ziwak and Master Nellie Ziwak in one night can bring tears to my eyes, for a few reasons, all of which help to make me a stronger more loving human being. Their success is due to their caring, patience, and passion about their training, and the best part is that they want to transfer that knowledge to us. They are excellent role models and mentors.
Above all, Master Alex and Nellie Ziwak can help you overcome your fears and obstacles, which gives confidence and clearer direction.
Tori Battyanyi
Training at Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do will improve your physical and mental health and boost your self-confidence.
Larry Ballantyne
Black Belt
Jade started Tae Kwon Do when she was three years old. She has grown tremendously as a person, a student of the martial arts, and as an athlete. She has improved in every facet of her life since starting Tae Kwon Do. We love the atmosphere of Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do. There is a lot of attention given to every single child. We now have our youngest, Juan, who is three years old, in the "Tiny Tots" class. I know it will benefit him in the future just as it has benefited Jade.
The Rabago's
Note: Jade was recently
featured along with Master Alex Ziwak on the ESPN show, Cold Pizza.
See some
pictures here.
Read the whole
article here.
At the age of 56, I feel better than I did twelve years ago when I began this journey.
Jim Beers
3nd Degree Black Belt
Little did we know nine years ago when we enrolled our son in Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do that all of our children would eventually be students. ( Two of which are now 1st Degree Black Belts, and our youngest who has just begun the journey. ) We cannot express enough how valuable this experience has been for our children. Ziwak's has become more than a school for us, it has become a part of the family. Through the dedication and guidance of Masters Alex and Nellie Ziwak, our children have learned to always give 110% in whatever they choose to do in life. This lesson not only applies to the martial arts, but has helped in both school and in sports. Ziwak's undoubtedly has helped our children grow into strong, confident, respectful individuals.
Tracy and Kevin Sweeney
One of my main motivations to continue my training at Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do is the family I have here. It is something special that I wouldn't want to ever give up. Training here allows me to see and experience the tradition of Tae Kwon Do in its essence. Having instructors that motivate me the way Sir and Ma'am do is something I could never put a price on. I walked in the door around three years ago an athlete, but now I am on my way to being a true martial artist.
David Barrett
June 2004
My husband and I have martial arts training and want it to be a part of our children's lives. After visiting several other schools, we chose Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do because of Master Alex Ziwak and Master Nellie Ziwak's programs for and skills at working with children. Starting at age three, children can join the school's Tiny Tots class and begin to develop body control and coordination while learning to follow directions, take turns, and wait patiently. Our son has benefited greatly from the class, has made friends, and cannot wait until the next class. I was so impressed by Masters Ziwak and their student's commitment to tradition, excellence, and skill development that I decided to return to my training. Not surprisingly, Masters Ziwak have proven to be as skilled and adept at training adults as they are with children. I highly recommend the school to anyone seeking to begin martial arts training or introduce it to their children.
Julie Schweickert
1st Degree Black Belt
I had trained in Tae Kwon Do briefly when I was 19 years old, then stopped due to injury. I always knew I'd return. Almost 20 years later, a coworker who was training at another school told me how good Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do Center was. I decided to go and check it out. After watching just one class, I knew why this school consistently produces quality students. Unlike some "belt factory" type schools that guarantee belt rank for a price, Ziwak's is a true martial arts school run by two true 7th Degree Masters. By training at Ziwak's, I have continuously been challenged, encouraged, corrected, and improved. I have lost 50 pounds, and am in the best shape of my life. I cannot say enough about this school. If you're looking for the real thing, this is it.
Dave Gallucci
1st Degree Black Belt
I currently have two children training at Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do. My son is eight and my daughter is five. My son has been training for 3 1/2 years now and it has been a very positive experience for him. His self-esteem level became very high, he shows respect to people, and it has improved his ability to focus. No daughter had no focus ability when she started, but now in just siz months she has come a long way. She works hard and listens much better at home. Master Alex Ziwak has become part of our family. He teaches the children everything he was taught. I strongly suggest anyone to come and see what the scholl is all about because it is such a positive experience for your children.
Donna Hennessey
“It’s more than just about
punching and kicking”
These words from our instructor, Master Alex Ziwak, reminds us to always explore
the many benefits of martial art training. I have been training at Ziwak’s Tae
Kwon Do for six years and have found the physical benefits to be enormous. I
have dropped the pounds I always wanted to, gained strength in all parts of my
body and increased my energy level. The mental benefits, though, are even more
gratifying. Tae Kwon Do teaches self-discipline. It has helped me to reduce
stress and to focus on a proper balance in my life.
Tony D’Aurio
1st Degree Black Belt
My daughter started taking classes at Ziwak’s Tae Kwon Do almost a year ago, when she was five years old. As a homeschooling mom, it was important to me to find a place where she could interact with other children, but also experience structure and discipline. I made a good choice.
Master Ziwak teaches the classes himself. He has certain expectations of the children: he expects them to listen in class, and to try their best. But he doesn't just make demands. He talks patiently to the kids and explains why it's important to respect people and pay attention, not just at Ziwak's, but in school, and at home. He cares about them. And because the kids respect him so much, they give their best.
My daughter has grown so much since joining Ziwak's. She focuses better in school, and she pays more attention when people are talking to her. She understands the value of practice and hard work, in all areas of her life.
And, she has learned a lot from Tae Kwon Do too. I'm amazed at how much she's learned in one year. Because there are so many other instructors there to help, every child gets what they need, whether they're a white belt or an orange belt. And Ziwak's doesn't just focus on kicks and patterns. They do a lot of work on self-defense too. That is important to me, because, young as she is, I want to make sure my daughter will be able to take care of herself in any situation. By sending her to Ziwak's, I'm sure she will be. Sending her to Ziwak's was the best choice I could have made - they care about their students.
Carole Adams
Dear Sir,
I write you this short note to let you know how much we miss Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do Center and your instruction. Now that we are settled in our new home, we have been able to visit a few local Tae Kwon Do Schools. We are so disappointed with what we have seen so far that we are beginning to wonder if we ever find a place that even comes close to matching the excellent training and standards of Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do. We can truly say that we had the great fortune and blessing of training in an outstanding school with a great instructor, dedicated and committed to excellence.
Once again we thank you, your sister, and all the students who helped us along the way.
With Deep Appreciation,
A Former Student
Dear Master Ziwak and Master Ziwak,
As I'm sure you've noticed, I have not been to class in a while. In August I purchased a home about an hour from the studio. I thought I could find the time to make the trip every week, but I can't. This frustrates me because Ziwak's Tae Kwon Do has become such a huge part of my life and the week is just not complete without it. After a short while at two other studios, I quickly realized that the discipline, teamwork, and experience at Ziwak's created a program far exceeding anything else I've tried (and will try).
…
Thank you for your time and a year and a half of excellent training. I have recommended your program to numerous people in the Hamden area and I hope my place on the floor will be filled by one or more of them. Regardless of where I might train in the future, Ziwak's will always be the foundation of my ability as a martial artist and if my next Master(s) is/are half as good as you both were, I will be grateful.
A Former Student
I started Tae Kwon Do when I was just 3 years old. My parents started me in the Tiny Tots class on Saturday mornings.
When I was advancing in my lower belts, Sir wanted me to move up to the Kids class, but I was nervous and afraid of all the taller and older kids. My parents, Sir and Maam encouraged me to attend the class.
I will never forget this supportive act of my extended family.
Wow! This is my 11th year at Ziwak's, and I am still training hard.
This as well as other parts of my life has helped me to overcome asthma and increased my self-esteem. I am really glad that I have earned my First Degree Black Belt. I now realize that I have to give back to my school by helping and guiding the lower belts.
I have really appreciated the kindness and discipline that my instructors have taught me - this will last me the rest of my life.
Ryan MacDonald
1st Degree Black Belt