TESTIMONIALS

I wanted to share a story with you that highlights how much David has learned with your program and is a testament to you and your staff. We were at the pool Saturday and Dave was playing with some of his friends during the break. They started off having a squirt gun battle and this led into play fighting and wrestling which is normal for kids. There were about 8-9 kids playing like this but there were 2 boys who happened to be brothers who started to get a little serious with their fighting.

I decided to not interfere and see how David handled himself. David and his very good friend Mohammed who has come to many of Dave’s classes were on the same team so to say and the bigger of the brothers starting to pick a fight with Mohammed while the little brother who is actually a little bigger than Dave, went after Dave. The brothers starting to throw punches at Dave and Mohammed and while I wanted to protect Dave, I also knew that Dave was safe because while the kid who was trying to fight Dave was bigger, Dave is much stronger.

Anyway, neither of the brothers ever connected against Dave or Mohammed and what I saw made me extremely proud of Dave and very happy he is involved in your program. Neither Dave nor Mohammed ever threw a punch but instead Mohammed wrestled the big brother to the ground and told him to stop being mean and just play. Dave grabbed the other brother’s arms and told him NO-NO-NO, we don’t play like this.

About that time the mom of the brothers came over to see what was going on and saw me, so I explained what had happened. She is a good mother and understood completely and actually her sons are really good kids who just got out of control for whatever reason. Dave and Mohammed came back to the table and I asked them to tell me what happened as I don’t even know if they saw me watching. Dave told me that Phillip had gotten mad about something and starting to fight mean, but Dave knew that hitting him was not the right thing to do because he learned this in Tae Kwon Do.

He also said that he knew he was stronger than Phillip and all he wanted to do was hold his hands until he calmed down. Mohammed said that he learned the same thing by watching Dave in class which is why he did not pummel the older brother. Mohammed is a very strong kid for his age and could have done serious damage if he had wanted to. Dave asked me if his Masters would be proud of him and I told him, absolutely they would be proud of him and he wanted to know if he did the right thing, which again was absolutely you did the right thing. All the kids were playing together within 15 minutes of the end of this incident, but again I was very proud of Dave and Mohammed for the way they handled themselves.

I was amazed at the answer they gave me for what they did and I cannot emphasize the importance of people getting their kids involved with your school at an early age and sticking with it. The fight could have turned ugly—which I obviously would not have let happen—but there will be times in Dave’s life where I won’t be around to intervene if necessary but based on what I saw from Dave and Mohammed in dealing with this situation on a higher level than I would have ever expected, I know he will be fine. So thank you and your instructors for all you do and all you teach. I am a very proud parent of a one day to be Black Belt and extremely happy that Dave is involved and will continue with his education from your school.

Sincerely,
Darryl Graham
September 13, 2010

As a parent of two active boys, ages 10 and 13, who have both been students at Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do I would like to provide a terrific recommendation for this school.  My younger son took classes for over a year and my older son has taken classes for more than two years.

The school is well run, respectful to both parents and students, has terrific instructors, and the program is well rounded.  The instruction is age appropriate from pre-school through middle school.  I have to say I am still impressed by how well the instructors manage groups of such young children.  The environment is positive for the students and welcoming to the parents with ample class space and observation space provided for both.  The program offers a unique balance of learning, discipline and fun which lets the students acquire TKD skills, meet their goals, and feel accomplished and motivated to participate. The program itself is multi-dimensional meaning that Tae Kwon Do skills are taught along with an emphasis on appropriate use of the skills in and out of class.  In addition, the student creed and “Message of the Month” program encourage students to be good community citizens.

The citizens of Fairfax County would certainly benefit by adding Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do to the Fairfax County Recreation Catalog offerings.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Brown

I highly recommend Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Doe. Even beyond the organized office, the pleasant location, and the inspiring curriculum, the skillful instruction makes this school superior. To watch Master Rhee instruct my kids is to watch a master indeed; he can be funny and stern at the same time, and his manner with the young ones is never abrupt or condescending. I believe his skill is unmatched. Jhoon Rhee would be a great addition to any county program.

Sincerely,
Chris Clardy

We would like to recommend Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do/Falls Church for consideration in your contracting process for the Fairfax County recreation program. Our nine-year-old daughter has been a student at the Falls Church location for nine months and we have found it to be a positive experience.

The classes help to teach self-discipline and respect, for yourself and for others. Older student serve as instructors and mentors and tangibly demonstrate what can be achieved if you are focused on your goals. The students are attentive and discipline and expectations on the part of the instructors is age appropriate and builds upon the core goals of self-discipline and respect. The teachers are knowledgeable and skilled in their techniques and there is no doubt that they sincerely care for their students. They know each child by name and make a special point of recognizing effort and commitment.

Our daughter has participated in other classes of the County’s recreation program. We can unequivocally say that Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do/Falls Church would be an excellent addition to the County’s program.

Sincerely,
Mike and Kim Copperthite

I strongly support the efforts of Master Rhee to continue providing services on behalf of Fairfax County. The program run by Master Rhee promotes self esteem, healthy eating and exercise habits, and respect for others.
My son has been in the program for a number of years and loves being there. He always feels good about his progress. As a parent I appreciate the positive messages.
Each student sets goals for themselves as far academics and social projects.

The message received is not just athletics and competition. It is an educational message about one’s place in community as well as strengthening the body and mastering Tai Kwon Do. The program in place represents decades of dedication to the martial arts and to the community. I see no other better partner than Master Rhee for Fairfax County.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at work 703 893-9600.

Sincerely,
Susan Earman

I am writing to strongly recommend the Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwan Do program as a wonderful opportunity for young kids in this area to study the martial arts. My son is five and has been a part of the school for a year. I chose this program over many others in the area because of their message of self-respect and friendship and because of the caring way that the staff conducts the classes.

They have classes for adults, teens, and elementary school children but I spend all my time observing the “Kneehigh Ninjas” or the kids who are 4-6 years of age. This is a tough age to teach discipline to but many of us have sought out this program because they are so successful at getting young kids to stand still, show respect, master the technique of Tae Kwan Do, and, most important, have fun doing it. My son is always excited to go to class and we have found that the messages and the training carry over into life at home and at school.

The student creed at Jhoon Rhee includes “to keep friendship with one another and to build a strong and happy community.” This is an organization that I think Fairfax County Parks and Recreation should be very proud to support.

Sincerely,
Deborah Gilpin

I am writing to highly recommend Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do as a site for Fairfax County martial arts classes.

My son Nathan was introduced to Jhoon Rhee TKD at a friend’s 5th birthday party. Soon after, he began taking classes. At the age of ten in preparation for his Black Belt exam, he wrote an essay (excerpted below) on what he learned from Jhoon Rhee TKD. I think his words convey the program’s value best.

"I learned to be confident performing and at school. I am comfortable trying out for lead parts in plays at school. I am able to speak out in front of an audience without being nervous."

"Jhoon Rhee TKD helped me be a better athlete. TKD training has given me speed and power for all sports."

"Jhoon Rhee TKD taught me about success and defeat. I don’t brag when I win and I don’t mope when I lose. I also cheer my teammates to give them confidence to do better."

"I learned about commitment. Commitment helps me give 100 percent in everything I do."

"One of the most important things Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do has taught me is to respect my teachers, my coaches, and my Mom and Dad."

"Another thing Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do has done for me is give me the opportunity to go for a big goal that takes many years. Earning a Black Belt is the biggest thing I’ve ever gone for. It has taken so long, but now I’m almost there. I am going to remember this for the rest of my life. It feels great. My instructors gave the most to me. I learned all these things from them and then some."

The Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do instructors are committed, highly qualified and caring. It is a martial arts program appropriate for everyone - all ages and backgrounds – but it is especially valuable for kids. I am very pleased to lend my support to their application.

Sincerely,
Veronica V. Goff