Excellent Experience
In January, my husband and I decided it was time to get our four year old son involved in a social/physical activity. We had heard good things about Master Gohring and thought we should give his school a try. The three of us were given a free lesson together to give us a small taste of what the school is all about. My husband and son were signed up that day and started Kung Fu classes the next week. I, however, hesitated and wasn't so sure about Kung Fu. Then, Master Gohring introduced me to Tai Chi. He invited me to observe the beginner class to see if it was something I thought I'd like to do. I observed then started lessons that week. After the first lesson, I was hooked. I look forward to every lesson. This week marks a month since I started Tai Chi at Master Gohring's Tai chi and Kung Fu and have already noticed a difference in my overall well being. I am more flexible, sleep better at night and the usual aches and pains aren't as frequent or severe. Besides the physical improvements, my family has a common interest we all enjoy. Master Gohring has a saying, "The family that kicks together, sticks together." He is dedicated to strengthening families through martial arts and is sincere about it. I am very happy with our decision to attend Master Gohring's Kung Fu and Tai Chi and would highly recommend it to anyone that is considering studying martial arts.
Mrs. Minton
The perfect martial arts school for families
Our entire family has been studying martial arts at Master Gohring's Tai Chi and Kung Fu in Austin, TX for the past two years, and we absolutely love our school. It is one of the best investments we could ever make for so many reasons. Of course, learning and practicing martial arts gives us increased energy and strength, improved posture and bodily control, clarity of mind and focus, and the ability to defend against a physical attack. But, there are some other aspects of Master Gohring's school that have impacted us on other levels. For example, when my husband and I enrolled our two children in the Little Dragons Kung Fu class, we did not know or expect that we also would be able to take Tai Chi or Kung Fu classes at a discount. Because of this generous policy, our family has a common interest that is healthy, active and affordable. We are grateful to Master Gohring for promoting families in this way. I am also impressed with Master Gohring's sincerity. I believe he and his instructors have the best interests of the students at heart. Master Gohring is honest in both his praise and his correction when he teaches. He has a natural style and a true desire to help his students discover their inner teacher. Another thing I admire about Master Gohring is his ability to command the respect and attention of his students, from the Little Dragons (4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds) to the most advanced. I like the way he requires everyone to say, “Yes, Sir/Ma'am” or “No Sir/Ma'am” to instructors or Black Sashes. Because he creates an awareness and healthy respect for authority,we as students are open and able to take advantage of the wisdom of experience. In sum, I feel honored to know Master Gohring and to call him “Sifu” and would vouch for his integrity and ability as a teacher without reservation. I invite everyone to come visit Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu!
Mrs. Stroud
Dear Master Gohring,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a written affirmation of your character and the value of being a student at Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu.
Let me first say that learning and practicing martial arts has many very important benefits to one's physical health and well-being: increased energy and strength; improved posture and bodily control; clarity of mind and focus; ability to defend against a physical attack; etc. However, I would like to talk about some aspects of you and your school that have impacted me on other levels.
First, I would like to comment on your generosity. When my husband and I enrolled our two children in your Little Dragons Kung Fu class, we did not know or expect that we also would be able to take Tai Chi or Kung Fu with your family discount. Because of this generous policy, our family has a common interest that is healthy, active and affordable. Thank you so much for promoting families in this way.
Second, I am impressed with your sincerity. I believe you have the best interests of your students at heart, and you are honest in both your praise and your correction when you teach. You have a natural style and a true desire to help your students discover their inner teacher. I enjoy the way you provide simple analogies and examples to explain certain concepts. Your classes are always constructive and satisfying. Thank you for your wholehearted commitment to what you do. It is inspiring.
Third, I appreciate our Student Creed: “We follow the five hearts: Faith, Respect, Perseverance, Patience and Humility.” Because we recite this creed at the end of every class, our children have it memorized and are learning the meaning behind these very important values. As a family, we aspire to have these kinds of hearts, not only to become a Black Sash in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, but also to achieve any kind of goal in life. Thank you for requiring us to recite these five simple words to remind each of us what it takes to be a successful person.
Finally, I admire your ability to command the respect and attention of your students, from the Little Dragons (4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds) to the most advanced. I like the way you require everyone to say, “Yes, Sir/Ma'am” or “No Sir/Ma'am” to instructors or Black Sashes. Because you create an awareness and healthy respect for authority, I believe your students are open and able to take advantage of the wisdom of experience.
You also remind your young students that they “must do what their parents ask them to do the first time they ask them to do it, every time.” I have quoted you many times at home, and it is clearly understood that this is also our expectation. Your example has made me a better parent, and I thank you for that.
In closing, I feel honored to know you and to call you “Sifu” and would vouch for your integrity and ability as a teacher without reservation. I look forward to walking the path of self-mastery as a student at Master Gohring's Tai Chi and Kung Fu.
s
Respectfully yours,
T. Stroud
Master Gohring,
Evan has now been in the Kung-Fu program for almost 10 months and recently joined the black sash club and graduated to orange sash and he could'nt be happier. We have seen a definite improvement in his physical and mental well being. His self esteem has gone through the roof. He is well disciplined at school and his upper body strength has improved. Additionally I don't have to remind him to do his homework it comes automatically with the routine of going to class twice a week. The BSC has really put him over the top, he is enjoying every minute of it. Thanks again for all you do for these kids.
Mr. Mertens
Dear Master Gohring:
Brianna started out with your Little Dragons class at the mere age of 4. Barely making a straight line while running, she now knows her Tiger Stances, Wu-Shu, is more flexible than ever, and even more!She has progressed into your big kids Kung-Fu class and only gets better, stronger and more focused with each and every class. She is the proudest she has ever been since last graduating to her Gold Sash the last graduation.
Now we have all the confidence in the world that she will do great once she begins kindergarten this August. Kung Fu has helped her to prepare for a structured class setting and being around other children as well. Your School is the first School she has ever been in and she has gained confidence, has respect for others, follows directions with much more ease, and has even made friends.
Sifu.. you, Connie and your School has been such a wonderful part our lives and she plans to carry on for many years to come. Hopefully when we get settled a bit more we will accept Black Sash Club so that Brianna can set her goals of achieving her Black Sash by the young age of 10 or 11. WOW. We are very proud of Brianna, and believe in her 100%. This is a real investment in her future! She is in great hands. Thank You so much!!
Sincerely, Tiffany & Jose B.
Dear Master Gohring:
We started Lani in your Kung Fu program because she'd watched her brother for a few weeks and decided that she'd like to try it. At about the same time we had taken her out of ballet classes. She was progressing sufficiently in ballet, and seemed to get some benefit from it, but she didn't seem to enjoy it as much as we'd hoped. After starting Kung Fu, Lani quickly learned the five hearts, and proceeded to learn and perfect the moves, sometimes helping her little brother who had started before her. It seems clear that Lani has definitely chosen the correct path with Kung Fu.
As the middle child, Lani struggles a bit with finding her “thing”. With Kung Fu, the five hearts taught her to select a path and to have the patience and humility to pursue that path. The result is that she understands that she does have the ability to pursue something and do well, because she's done just that with Kung Fu. Besides the enjoyment she gets from the classes, she's also growing stronger and healthier physically. But more importantly, she's gained more confidence and is much happier with herself.
Thank you for your program,
Denise J. and Joe R.
Dear Master Gohring:
(My mom is typing this letter for me because I can't read yet, but I'm telling her what to say.)
Thank you, Sifu, for teaching me. I like learning kung fu because it can help me defend myself. I'm learning to only use your attack when you need to and not against my little sister or my friends.
I feel happy when I leave kung fu each time because I've learned more stuff from you. I think learning kung fu is making me stronger. Kung fu is helping me learn to pay attention and use my body.
Sifu, I like you a lot. I think you're a good teacher. Thank you,
Guy F.
Dear Master Gohring:
Alex (pictured) has been taking classes with you for approximately 16 months. In that time he has shown a great deal of progress in learning to be part of a structured class environment, following directions and performing repetitive tasks without complaining. All of this was difficult for Alex at first, but the Little Dragons class was very helpful in introducing him to these concepts. The transition to the Big kids' class came at just the right time and the added expectations placed on Alex have helped him realize that most things worth having take effort and time to achieve. I am very pleased with Alex's progress to date and look forward to his continued success in your school.
Sincerely,
Marcy B.
Dear Master Gohring:
Kung Fu has gotten me stronger. I can do push ups better, crunches better and jumping jacks better. Kung Fu has also made me more flexible. I really enjoy learning and practicing Wushu. I also like six-point sparring.
Thank you, Xee R.
Dear Master Gohring:
We've been very pleased with our seven year old Xee's progress and dedication to your program. The school provides exactly what we were hoping for and more.
Since Xee started at the end of last year, he's dramatically increased his attention skills and his ability to learn in a group situation. In his first classes, we were very much aware of his "individual" spirit which meant he had to learn quickly to focus on what was being taught instead of simply staying in his own play world. He did learn quickly that if he wanted to continue this activity, he would have to pay attention to you, and to the experienced students and focus on being a part of the class. We were very pleased to watch the effect of your training when Ms. Connie substituted on a recent evening. Xee gave her the respect she deserved, and very effectively walked through Tiger Breathing and Wushu Basics at her request. It is a great testimony to your ability as a teacher to see the behavior of your students in your absence.
Because he understands and attempts to follow the five hearts for class, we are able to help and encourage him to follow the five hearts in all areas of his life. He is able to apply the five hearts to his school work and he seems to enjoy learning more than he had prior to your class.
Physically, Xee is becoming much more self confident. He is very aware that his strength and agility are increasing, and he understands that with practice he can "get better." Before he started, he seemed to think that he should just be able to do the moves automatically. Now he knows that he has to pay attention and learn to do the moves correctly, and then to practice, and apply the corrections he receives from you. The result is that he has learned and perfected the moves and understands the progression from being a beginner to being accomplished. This is a valuable lesson that will help him in all areas throughout his life.
Sincerely,
Joe R.and Denise J.
Dear Master Gohring:
I believe that enrolling Megan in the Kids Martial Arts Program has helped her tremendously. She has become more disciplined and has learned to follow directions better. It has helped her get stronger and in better shape. She has learned a lot and has gained more confidence in herself. She has also become more goal oriented. At the start of this school year she wanted to earn her blue sash before the school year ended. Through a lot of hard work and good leadership, she accomplished her goal. I am very proud of her and I look forward to seeing her accomplish her ultimate goal of earning a black sash.
Sincerely,
Larry M.
Dear Master Gohring:
My son, Theron (pictured), has been attending Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu for one year. He has come to look forward to the days that he attends his martial arts class and I can see strengths that he has acquired through his instruction at his bi weekly classes.
Theron is overcoming severe dyslexia, so, he experiences frustration and struggle on a regular basis. I feel that the self-expression and relying on oneself has been great for him. Each time he achieves a new goal, he knows that he alone is responsible for reaching that goal. As he said," I really like my green sash. You know why? Because I really earned it. I feel like I'm wearing power!"
We have noticed not only a physical improvement in our son, (strength has increased and muscles are toned), but his patience and self-discipline personally (in general and with schoolwork) have improved as well.
Theron has gone to class in the midst of a "really bad day" and left class feeling great. The breathing exercises and meditation have given him skills that will help him deal with stress. I think we can all use those!
I am very happy with the instruction that my son has received in this class. I feel that his instructor has just the right balance of discipline and caring with the children. We have learned a lot in one year and we plan to continue to learn more.
Thank you, Bonnie C-K.
Dear Master Gohring:
Max started taking kung fu lessons shortly after he turned five. He's seven now. He has been in kung fu class for two years and it has helped a lot with how much, and how quickly, Max has developed.
Since kindergarten, Max has made a habit of walking along a very uneven row of landscape timbers which are pounded on end around the edge of his school's flower garden. When he learned how to crane kick, that move became the posture on the last post. Back when he was five, Max always had to hold my hand. Now he likes me to be close by, but he doesn't need the extra balance, or reassurance, from me. His motions are smoother, and he reports being more successful when his P.E. class does gymnastics or climbs ropes.
His concentration and body awareness have also made some leaps. These are traits that I think are valuable, and things that I'd like to see him develop at an earlier age than his parents. Lately, the movements and the understanding within class appear to be a easier for Max.
I'm proud that he has kept with it and that he is on his way to gaining a lot of the enjoyment, development, and skills that martial arts has to offer. I am hopeful that Max will make this into a lifelong endeavor, and will do my best to support him.
Sincerely,
Joe H, Max's dad.
Dear Master Gohring:
It is with great pleasure that we compose this letter, Our son Vincent has been attending your kid's martial arts class for a little over a year and the growth we have seen due to your instruction has been outstanding. We truly appreciate the time and attention you have shared with our child and his classmates.
It has been truly gratifying to see our son grow physically. His strength and coordination, his stamina and flexibility are vastly improved since he started martial arts training. In addition, his self-confidence and self-discipline have improved remarkably.
We have, and will continue to recommend your school to our friends and family. We wish you luck and continued success in all that you do.
God Bless,
Russell and Antoinette S.
Dear Master Gohring:
Great changes have come about since our son August has been enrolled in "Master Gohring Tai Chi & Kung Fu." We have noticed that August has displayed a more positive attitude towards routines and tasks in general. This program has also helped our son to develop mentally, physically, as well as emotionally, which in turn helps to promote his self-esteem. August has expressed to us how fond he is of his school and instructors.
Thank you for all you have done for my son and many other people who prosper because of your school.
Sincerely,
Richard C. & Deborah L.
Dear Master Gohring:
My son, Gabriel, has been studying here for about two and a half years. Perhaps I am biased, (since, after all, he is my kiddo) but I am so proud of his progress. There have been times where he has lacked motivation, but when this has happened, Sifu Gohring has ALWAYS taken the time to talk to me about this, and devise a plan to keep Gabriel on track. Physically, the benefits for Gabriel are obvious. He is remarkably flexible and coordinated, and has excellent balance and poise. Developmentally, the program has been wonderful for him, too. He is learning virtues (the Five Hearts), which so many children today are doing without. He is learning respect for himself and others, as well as discipline. The very most impressed I have been so far though, I will have to say, was a conversation I overheard one day between two staff members. They were discussing INDIVIDUALS in a certain class, and things they as instructors could do to help the individual students. It is because of this personalized attention that Gabe and I continue to study here. It is invaluable ... and because of that we think this school is invaluable, too.
Sincerely,
Marlo M.
