Dear Parent,

Confidence... Focus... Courage... Self-esteem... Discipline... Respect...

These are all things every parent hopes their child will have. And it's no wonder - in today's world, it seems harder than ever to raise your kids so they're happy and successful in life.

The fact is, you're getting less and less time to spend with your kids, and all the while your children are being influenced by negative messages from T.V., the internet, and their friends.

But what's a parent to do?

Actually, there is something you can do to give your kids a powerful, positive influence in their life. You're about to find out exactly how in a minute... but first, let me introduce myself so you know that I'm on your side when it comes to your kids.

Above: Master Lykes promotes a proud student to her next belt.

+ Certified International Master Instructor

+ 90% of the students in his program for 6 months or longer have a B+ average or better on their report cards

+ Teaching Martial Arts in the local community for over 20 years

+ Bachelors Degree from SUNY with a major in Business and a minor in Psychology

+ Volunteer in our community for various fundraising activities including the D.A.R.E. program, Toys for Tots, The Boys and Girls Club, Relay for Life, and Stars for Hope

+ Master Lykes has trained hundreds of students who have gone on to lead successful lives and continue his example of having a positive impact in their communities

Martial Arts Provides:

• Confidence Building - Martial arts classes are a great confidence-builder. There is no greater pleasure than seeing a shy, withdrawn student arrive at our school, and to witness them as they come out of their shell over the following months.

• Increased Focus - Martial arts training helps children learn to focus and concentrate - this is due to the combination of movement and memory, which recently has been proven to increase mental acuity in the elderly as well.

• Reduces Aggression - Studies show that aggression in children is actually reduced when they participate in martial arts classes under a qualified instructor (Adolescence, Fall98 and Fall01).

• Improves Social Skills - Our program at Lykes Martial Arts teaches children the proper way to interact with adults and other children. We do this by instilling respect for others and providing them with a social framework that includes guidelines and rewards for acceptable behaviors.

POWerful Words: A Central Part of Our Program at Lykes Martial Arts

Above: Mr. Vandewater hands out a POWerful Words worksheet to a student at Lykes Martial Arts.

At Lykes Martial Arts, we consider the POWerful Words program to be an integral part of our curriculum.

The program was created and is continually refined by Dr. Robyn Silverman, a positive youth development and character education specialist.

Powerful Words instills principles such as respect, self discipline, charity, courage, perseverance, self esteem, and more in the children who train at Lykes Martial Arts.

"Our son Matthew was given a free trial pass to allow him to try Lykes Martial Arts. Honestly, we didn't know what to expect but agreed to give it a try.

Immediately, Matt took a liking to it so we decided to sign up for a program. Matt has learned self confidence, respect, and an incredible sense of accomplishment. He is part of the Leadership Team, and at just 10 years old, often finds himself leading the class as part of the Lykes philosophy of learning through leadership.

Of course, nothing this good comes without commitment. It has taken a commitment of time and money on the part of our family, but it has been so worth it!

Lykes Martial Arts has made a significant positive impact on Matthew's life."

John and Maureen Finch
Parents of Matthew Finch, Age 10
Kingston, NY

"Ralph has been in this school for about three years now. When he first started, he had issues with anger, self control, standing still, school, and the list goes on!

In just the first month I saw such a big change in him! All of his grades went up! He would never look people in the eye, much less get up and do something in front of a group of people... now he is on the demo team!

People that have known him since he was a toddler can't believe what a great young man he has become. He has so much pride in himself and the things he does. He is always trying to help people if he can, and isn't afraid to ask for help when he needs it too.

I know that what he has learned in this school will be with him for the rest of his life... Thank you for everything you have given him, and indirectly given to me."

Heather Tice
Mother of Ralph Dimeo, Age 9
Tivoli, NY

"Master Lykes,

Matt has been one of your students for eight years. I believe that your classes reinforce the morals and values that we try to instill at home. You and your staff encourage discipline and focus both in karate class and in school.

My son exhibits self-confidence, respect, and thoughtfulness of others, not just in karate class, but also in everything that he does.

Matt was only four years old when he started attending your school. I believe that with your help and encouragement, he has attained each goal that he has set for himself. Presently his goal is to attain the rank of third degree black belt. I am confident that you will see him reach this goal as he has the self-discipline and motivation needed to move forward.

I feel that you offer a great program and I highly recommend it to other parents for their children. Thank you, to you and your staff for all that you do."

Pat Cotton
Mother of Matt Cotton, Age 12
Palenville, NY

"Master Lykes,

When Thomas first approached us about learning Martial Arts we were extremely hesitant. Tom had a taste of your program via your demonstration at EJA Elementary; he was persistent.

And so we decided that we would 'check it out', if only to show him we would sincerely listen and then decide, rather than to dismiss his wish.

And what we learned was that your program wasn't about punching or kicking - it's about the values we want to instill in our child: Integrity, Honesty, Respect, and Perseverance.

This is why I would recommend your program to anyone who asked me. Learning the moves is a plus, living the 'code' is the core."

Jeff Miller
Father of Thomas Miller, Age 10
Catskill, NY

"The biggest achievement that my daughter, Gabrielle, gained from joining Lykes Martial Arts is self-confidence. She has always been good in school and made friends easily, but I believe this program really promotes and recognizes the kids when they do good work and achieve their personal best. She is very proud of what she has achieved in martial arts so far and so is her family."

Wendy Cofone
Mother of Gabrielle Sloves, Age 8
Mt. Marion, NY

"Our daughter Nicole has been at Lykes Martial Arts for the past two years and really loves it.

Besides the fun it provides, it has empowered her to become more focused in her work at school, more responsible at completing homework without being prompted more than once, and she even accomplishes her home duties with a new attitude - a good one! Nicole has become a disciplined girl, whereas before she was lacking that quality, and now she has applied it to all areas of her life.

We couldn't have asked for a better program when she started, and we are thrilled and excited to continue, to see how far Nicole can go in life with these skills she has acquired. Thanks for the time and effort you put into each individual child. Nicole has benefited, and we have also reaped the rewards as a family."

Janet Ljutich
Mother of Nicole Ljutich, Age 10
Elizaville, NY

"In only a few months of her attending this martial arts program, we have already seen positive character changes in Natalie. She is starting to become more confident of her surroundings. She is beginning to assert herself more at school and home and we are really noticing a change in her concentration levels.

As any parent can tell you, a 6 yr old can at times have problems concentrating. Her schoolwork has improved and her teachers are beginning to take notice of the positive changes in her. She is learning how to be a leader and not a follower which is a huge character trait and useful for her whole life.

If these are the changes our family has seen in her in a few months, I can't imagine the changes we will see in her in the future! Thank you Master Lykes and Mr. Van De Water for all your help, patience, guidance, and life lessons which you are instilling in my daughter, myself, and my whole family! "

Eric Schepp
Father of Natalie, Age 6
Saugerties, NY