Below you will find excerpts from some of the letters we receive from students, their parents, and former students who have something to say about their training here at Pecoraro‘s Academy of Martial Arts. We have edited the letters to remove personal information about the families and children’s names, and in some cases have reduced the length of the letter for space and readability reasons. We take great care to ensure that the original intent of the message is preserved in all cases where we have edited content.
We gratefully and humbly accept any testimonials our students wish to provide us. If you wish to provide us with feedback, please let your primary instructor know or contact us via e-mail.
“Pecoraro’s Martial Arts has provided me with a positive outlet to help me establish a better balance in my life and to make some great and lasting relationships. I enjoy going to each of my classes because I am able to be with friends, exercise, learn all a variety of martial arts styles, and am encouraged by my instructors and by other students to do my personal best. Each person I interact with is patient and willing to explain how to do things, and whenever I need help, all I have to do is ask! At the beginning of nearly every class, we are encouraged in one way or another to get into the moment, to put the stresses of the day aside, and to have a fun time learning and growing. This means that each person is engaged and able to not only take from each class, but to give of himself or herself also, which is a great feeling indeed! Practicing martial arts at Pecoraro’s is a key part of my life because I get to overcome challenges, be with people I care about, take care of my body, encourage others, learn from others, and practice a healthy lifestyle.” ~Becca
“The decision to join your academy instead of a gym membership was the right one. Adam’s approach in keeping the kickboxing class moving, changing the dynamics, and giving everyone a workout is exactly what I was looking for. Lars’ Aikido class is another great offering by someone who seems incredibly competent. Thanks for putting together these programs!” ~Bob
“The decision to join your academy instead of a gym membership was the right one. Adam’s approach in keeping the kickboxing class moving, changing the dynamics, and giving everyone a workout is exactly what I was looking for. Lars’ Aikido class is another great offering by someone who seems incredibly competent. Thanks for putting together these programs!” ~Bob
“I thank the heavens that we found you and my children have chosen you to make a part of their lives. We come to class because they want to come and they are upset if they have to miss. Adam, The energy and enthusiasum you bring to all your classes is infectious and unique. But you combine that “fun” side with your awesome physical abilities and your motivational words. As humble as you are, I’m sure you do not realize the power of your words. You have the ability to draw people in, get them to listen and then try to follow through. ” ~Laurie
“I have been training with the Pecoraro family for over fifteen years. Over those years I have accomplished more than I had ever hoped to from both physical and mental standpoints. The Pecoraro family has developed a Martial Arts training facility that is one of the most forward thinking facilities I have known. At one time, martial arts training was very specific and non diverse, I trained at several of those schools prior to coming to Pecoraro’s Academy. The Pecoraro’s realized that there is not just one best style of martial arts, they combine training in several styles of martial arts to develop individuals that become well-rounded martial artist. I commend the Pecoraro’s for always striving for constant improvement and I thank them for all they have helped me accomplish. I highly recommend their Academy to absolutely anyone.” ~Dave
“I feel so much better for the experience Hard-Core Fitness has given me. I’ve lost almost 25 pounds in less than 90 days and more than 3 points reduced on my BMI! I love the 30-minute workouts that change every day as well as the great group motivation and the personal touch and attention of the instructor/coach, John Pecoraro.” ~Crystal
“I’ve had the pleasure of being a member of Pecoraro’s School of Martial Arts for one year. I have struggled most of my life to achieve a consistent level of physical fitness even though I have intellectually understood the importance of physical fitness to my life. Unfortunately, I personally found the process of physical fitness to be boring, uninspiring, and lacking in practical application.After a year at Pecoraro’s I can finally say that I have found my niche! I’m fully engaged, I’ve lost 10 lbs, and I’m in the best physical condition of my life! So what’s different about fitness at Pecoraros Martial Arts than anything else I have tried in the past? For me, I found that physical fitness was no longer my goal…it had become a byproduct of a quality martial arts education. Over the past twelve months I have learned that martial arts is much more than just rote physical training; it’s also the application of techniques and a healthy perspective of what martial arts should be. I found this holistic approach to bring about benefits that extended beyond the physical well being to include elements of self-confidence and personal character development, all of which are actualized in the classes and not presented as mere words. Let me finish by sharing that the school places great emphasis on the benefits of healthy relationships, built on the foundation of encouragement and mutual support for one another. This means that if you have the desire, I promise you that the staff and fellow students will help you to achieve your personal fitness goals. I know because it’s worked for me!” ~ Carl
“Many thanks to Adam, John and Carol. I am very proud of my boys achievements. We all appreciate all that the three of you do for your students. We are lucky to have you and your dojo in the community. We are proud to be a part of Pecoraro’s Martial Arts.” ~ Debbie
“I was blessed with the opportunity to have trained with the Pecoraro Family for many years. If you are looking for something to help you or your children gain self-confidence, physical fitness, self-defense and self-discipline, I would highly recommend you give this Academy a try. To this day, I still use many of the personal skills learned in my personal and business life. I truly believe you will not find a place that offers a better family environment and has a greater desire to help everyone become the best that they can be. “You will never know if you do not try”. ~ Brian
”I would like to make a personal recommendation for Pecoraro’s Martial Arts. Both of my kids went through training when they were younger (much younger, they’re now 24 and 31!). This was the best decision I could have made for them. Not only did they learn self defense, but they also learned valuable lessons in respect, discipline, responsibility and other life lessons in a friendly, safe atmosphere with caring instructors. Both of my “kids” and I have the greatest respect for John, Carol and Adam Pecoraro for the hard work and dedication they put into their craft!” ~Judy
“Pecoraro’s Hard-Core Fitness class has helped me kick start my training. I’m training for my first triathlon in quite a few years and the Hard-Core class is great because it hits all the major muscle groups. The other major benifit to me is that enough classes are offered that I can always find one to fit my schedule. I really appreciate that John is always offering advice about how to modify the exercises so they will fit my needs. It’s amazing to me that the same class can fit college students as well as folks in their 70s. Thanks!!” ~Brian P.
I have been meaning to send you a note of thanks for not just the classes that you offer, but for the warm, welcoming & supportive environment that exists at every class. There is a special group of people that come to Pecoraro’s. Everyone is positive & encouraging which makes it a pleasure to be there. The dedication & passion the three of you have is admirable & contagious! I have to admit that this is the longest that I’ve ever stuck to a program and it’s because being a part of the Academy has become a very important part of my life. It’s not just about the classes. It’s about the people. It’s where I can focus on making me better – physically & mentally, knowing that those around me support my efforts as I support theirs. It’s also something special that Lauren and I will be able to say we had together which isn’t typical between moms & teenage daughters nowadays.
You have given me something beyond just kickboxing & fitness classes. When I walk through the doors, everything gets left behind. I know I’m walking into a place where support, respect & positive attitudes prevail. It’s a place where no one has a personal agenda, but is there to improve themselves while helping others improve. It gives me a break from all the craziness of commuting, work, teenage kids & just life as it is. It truly brings me mental clarity, physical strength & an emotional calm. So, thank you for creating the “other world” which makes me a better person in this one. ~Nenita
I earned my 1st Degree Black Belt at Pecoraro’s Academy of Martial Arts. Two years ago, my family and I moved to Idaho. You know I’ve checked out a couple schools here but Pecoraro’s is still one of a kind. ~DJ
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I chose Pecoraro’s, having heard good things about them from others. My daughter tried a complimentary class and was hooked! Her instructors gently took her hand and taught her not only martial arts, but respect, courtesy, and discipline. Within a few months she was doing better in school and at home. Her confidence improved, and it was so nice to see her smile and hear her laugh again.” ~Karen
“I have been working out at Pecoraro’s Martial Arts and have never felt better. In the time I have been there I have slimmed down and lost almost 3 1/2 inches off my belly, and I feel great! I have more energy and more confidence. Plus I get to learn a little self defense. Just a simple 30 minute workout 3 days a week is all it takes.” ~ Zack