Vero Beach Karate Association: Instructor Certification

Here is what VBKA students -- past and present -- say about the Vero Beach Karate Association!

Though its been two years since I've graduated from high school, it's hard for me to believe that I'm already moving away to college. For more than six years now, I've been training under your instruction and learning more about myself than I ever thought I could.

Before I started training in the martial arts, I was looking for a fun activity to get involved with. My brother had taken karate for a little while, and it seemed like a sport I'd really enjoy as well.

Shortly after I began, however, it became clear that karate is about more than just kicking and punching at VBKA -- it's about progressing in all areas of life, seeking enrichment, maturing into a leader, disciplining oneself and one's character, and above all, never settling for less than a personal best.

And though I may be moving away, I know that the lessons you've taught me will always follow me wherever I go -- and for that I will always be thankful.

... Anne Shroyer, August 15, 2007

When I was seven years old, I played baseball for a few months. After being hit in the chest with a ball, I wanted to quit baseball forever. It was at this time that my parents decided to put me in karate. That decision is by far the best decision ever made regarding my extra-curricular activities. For the past eleven years I have lived and grown from this karate school, soaking up everything I could from it. I want to broadly thank all of you for giving me such a wonderful experience here at the Vero Beach Karate Association.

I want to thank Mrs. Zeran for all of her teachings when I was a kyu rank. Since most of my growing up was done while being in your class, I feel that you have had a phenomenal influence in my discipline and personality. Thank you for your dedication to making me the best I could be in my childhood. You have always shown interest and care for my life, and have always had a minute to talk with me about anything. To partner for you on your 5^th Dan test was truly an honor.

I want to thank Mr. Myers for teaching me how to put my guard up. That was a joke of course, but seriously, I have watched you teach many classes, mostly from either Judo or the camp sessions. I have picked up many of your teaching habits. I see you as an outstanding martial artist and look up to your hard work in training and your ultimate love for Jiu-Jitsu. We have shared numerous laughs together during camp, and many, many rides to Country Kitchen in the years past. Although many people don't see it, thank you for showing me your softer side.

I want to thank Mr. Voyles for being the ultimate training buddy. You truly have pushed me to limits I thought I never could reach in such a short time. I owe my endurance and strength to your motivation. It pleases me so much to know that you are taking over my classes. I cannot wait to return every now and then to see what you have done with them! You have a wonderful burning passion to make the classes better, and step by step, it is being achieved. You have taken myself, and my classes, to a new level.

I would like to thank Mrs. Watkins for all of her "mommy" attributes. You helped to broaden my means of teaching by letting me help you with your classes. Because of you I feel much more comfortable teaching adults, simply because I feel I understand them a little bit better now, and can adjust to their needs to make things work. You have shown the most care for me and have helped me in my time of need no matter what the subject... Thank you for being a wonderful instructor and mom.

I want to thank Mr. Willis for everything. It was you that got me interested in teaching, and recently the professional side of martial arts. It was you that taught me all the life morals that I live my life by. You sat me aside and showed me an entirely new view of the world and what wonderful things I could do for it. From stories of the ancient Greeks, to business practices... You have opened my eyes to what one person is capable of doing in this world. Thank you for your teachings. I owe all of my success to you.

Thank you again for everyone's contributions to my life. My best wishes fall out to everyone at the Vero Beach Karate Association.

...Jason Wesley, August 2007

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The website looks awesome. I wanted to say hello, but more importantly to say "thank you." Most of you know that I will be attending Pharmacy School at UF in the fall, one of my greatest personal achievements. I thank you (VBKA) for teaching me so many of the valuable life lessons that have helped me get where I am today. There is no doubt that the karate school has allowed me to see my potential and has given me the tools to succeed in life. I look forward to aiding VBKA in the future, in hopes of "paying back" the priceless experiences I encountered and what has resulted from those experiences. THANK YOU!

Christopher B. Schell, March 16, 2008

For the past three years VBKA has been giving our nine-year-old daughter the chance to discover herself. Through hard work and endless goals, she is acquiring great mental and physical strength. Dedication to the sport, as well as to the Vero Beach Karate Association, is easy. The people who are part of it share the same goals of greatness for the students as well as for themselves. Friendships grow and mentorship becomes part of the process.

It is so worth the drive we take three days a week to ensure that our daughter develops the skills that may protect her, as well as refine her into an amazing human being.

... Judy and David Bracken, Ft. Pierce, FL

Thank you so much for honoring me with the extremely generous scholarship. I am so grateful for everything the Vero Beach Karate Association has done for me over the years, and I will always remember the many valuable lessons I have learned -- especially during Black Belt training!

... Sonya Makhni

Thank you very much for the $2000.00 scholarship; it was much more than I expected. My time spent at the karate school has taught me many things: leadership, commitment, and self-control. I also have many great memories of the numerous activities and events, not to mention the training sessions and testing that took place there. I have made many friends whom I hope to keep in contact with throughout the coming years.

Again, thank you for your generosity and your commitment to helping the youth of our community by providing a safe and enjoyable environment for us to grow in.

...Colin Wester

In the short time that Liam has been enrolled in your school, he has gained confidence, coordination, and has become a more extroverted young man of 9. We appreciate all that you are... We give our special thanks to his teachers: Mr. Wesley, Mr. Voyles, Mr. Kiernan and all of the wonderful young people that assist these teachers. You are the best examples of everything I would want Liam to be. Thanks for your dedication and patience.

...The Carroll Family, August 28, 2007

My 12 year old son and I started taking classes at the Vero Beach Karate Association in August of 2002. Yesterday, September 8, 2007, I passed my black belt test. I have to say, I never thought I would go this far. The amount of encouragement at VBKA is incredible, starting with the teenagers that have been shaped and formed by VBKA. They give their help when asked, cheer me on with “You can do it Ms. Sherry,” and “Come on Ms. Sherry, you can make it,” and are always polite and courteous. Okay, almost always… they are teenagers after all.

Mr. Willis, Head Instructor, is an incredible man. He truly cares about me as a student and a person. He has given me his time, his words of wisdom, and his support. Mr. Willis has inspired me to be my best, both in karate and personally. When I said “I have gone far enough, I don’t need my black belt”, he wouldn’t hear of it; he never gave up on me.

Mr. Voyles, one of my instructors, pushed and pushed me. When I would say “I can’t do that,” he would respond with “Yes you can, Sherry, now try again.” He wanted me to succeed. He wasn’t negative and would not allow me to be, either.

Now last, but certainly not least, the woman who runs the show... Mrs. Watkins has been my main instructor since I started. She is an outstanding woman. She has kissed my boo-boos (and everyone else’s), let me cry on her shoulder (literally), made me smile when I was mad at the world, and has shown me kindness over and over. She is fantastic with the kids, loving with the teenagers, and superb with the adults. If I missed class, she would call me at home and say “Where you were last night, is everything okay?

There are many more people at VBKA who have played a part in my success. They have become my friends through our training together and I am honored to have earned my black belt with them. Thank you, I love you all!

... Sherry Chapman, September 2007