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Our young adult daughter with Autism has been working with Master Eric Ribeiro for about a year and a half now. I cannot say enough positive things about Master Eric. He is simply gifted at working with individuals who are neurodiverse. It is not just his ability to teach her Taekwondo, it is also how he speaks to her, interacts with her, and teaches her other skills like patience and focus. Our family is thrilled we found Resilient Martial Arts.
I can’t say enough good things about Resilient Martial Arts. My son has been with them for 2 years now. Master Ribeiro and Master Fracker are phenomenal with the kids. We pass several other martial arts places to go to this one, and are so happy with our decision to join. Couldn’t recommend this establishment more.
I learned about Resilient Martial Arts through the Autism Society of Central Virginia. Master Eric has consistently supported ASCV, including offering free sessions to members. I participated in several of these, and both of us enjoyed working with Master Eric, whose goal is to make participation available to all. My grandson loved these sessions so much that he started taking lessons. In the past two years he has moved up to green belt in a supportive environment that allows him to interact with other children. And the Christmas parties are a blast!
Our son has been attending Resilient Martial Arts since 2020 and we could not praise the instructors enough! We have seen a difference in his confidence and self-control over the last 2 years. The instructors are attentive and dedicated to improving the student's discipline in learning and mastering the various techniques and forms while also learning life skills.
We love master Ribeiro and the early skills class at Resilient martial arts! My son is almost 4 and we were looking for a class that would increase his self confidence, allow him to work on his gross motor skills and socialize with friends. He loves earning stripes as he works on various skills like kicking, punching, crawling, rolling, or catching. I love seeing him work toward something. Master Ribeiro is warm but also expects students to show respect. He is a great role model for our son. We are excited for our child to continue learning at Resilient Martial Arts and would highly recommend it to other families.
Highly recommend Resilient Martial Arts to every one! My children have learned respect, control, and so many other positive qualities and habits. The instructors are fabulous. They are amazing with the kids, patient, knowledgeable, friendly, and I can’t say enough great things about them. Resilient Martial Arts is like a second home and the relationships the kids make with other students and the instructors is unmatched.
My daughter started there exactly two weeks before her 3rd birthday... Now she is five! She loves that place! The instructors, especially Master Ribeiro, are really nice and know how to deal with kids. What I like the most is how they try to install great values in the kids by teaching them at an early stage about anti bullying, respect, discipline and kindness. My daughter also loves the parents night out activities organized there.
Masters Fracker and Rebeiro take such good care of the kids in their school. They are encouraging and kind, while instilling discipline, focus, and technique. My son has grown so much.
The confidence, skills, and fun Jacob has is wonderful. These are teachers of heart and we appreciate all they do for our family.
I can’t explain just how amazing this place is! My daughter was born at just 23 weeks, 1lb. She just turned 3, and is doing well but had a long bumpy road. With said, she has some visual impairments, mild cerebral palsy, and severe anxiety issues. We are four classes in now, and although my daughter cries each time we get to the school, the instructors (every single one) ALWAYS treat her like their own and take their time with her. She comes out of class so happy and oh so proud of herself! They do not treat her differently because of her impairments, they are all patient and kind, and above all understanding. We are BEYOND pleased with GEMA, and the staff to include the wonderful families we have met. Thank you GEMA for creating a better world for my daughter!
An awesome martial arts school that truly cares.
I have had a blast. I look forward to continuing to learn each form.
We love the instructors and family atmosphere! Thank you!
I've tried a bunch of martial arts over the years, but it wasn't until I got to Gentle East that I realized that the art itself doesn't matter so much--it's the attitude of its practitioners. These people aren't learning and teaching how to kill, but how to live. How to live despite trauma and illness, and to keep practicing their art even if it's just in their hearts. The tenets are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit, and they mean every word. They teach the kids that other dojangs won't. Autistic, physically challenged, special needs, you name it. They're fully engaged with the messy business of life. A whole lot of families are glad that Master Barbara Robinson followed her vision. Ours is one.
Love, love, love this place! The staff is incredibly kind and supportive, and the family atmosphere is palpable the moment you walk in the door! I am so impressed with the work being done with autism spectrum kids, as well as other kids with physical challenges. No one is made to feel like they don't belong here! I even joined the mommy class and my toddlers are allowed to run around us while we work out. I've lost a few pounds, and gained some amazing (non-judgemental) mom-friends! An oasis of kindness and support in the middle of what is often a 'keep up with the Jones's " area of town.
Most martial arts forms are rooted in tradition and have been taught the same way for years. And while tradition is vital to keeping the art preserved, the traditional way of teaching it isn’t as effective. As times change and as Instructors become more educated, we must adjust to meet the needs and understand the […]
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it has taught us the importance of slowing down and appreciating the moments we have with our loved ones. On the flip side, it has also caused some additional stressors for parents as they have had to play the role of teacher while also fulfilling their work demands. […]
The development of a child is one of the most fascinating things to watch. From infants mirroring the movements that they see to toddlers and older children mastering high-level developmental skills, the growth they experience in a short time is astounding. And while it’s important for children to master many skills, bilateral coordination is important […]
The term “age-specific” is used very often in education and healthcare. It has a very definite meaning and is used to describe things that are prepared specifically for the age of the child it is targeting. However, this term is often used more loosely, especially in the martial arts world, when referring to “age-specific classes.” […]
When we think of human behavior, we often first focus on the problems or deficits that people have and how this affects their achievements, or lack thereof. Rarely is the first thought of what motivates someone and how to utilize that to help them grow and develop. Abraham Maslow’s development of the “Hierarchy of Needs” […]
Adolescence has always been a challenging time for parents and teens to get through. Typically, this is because adults feel teens are lazy and/or out of control. However, these behaviors are usually present because teens feel uninspired and lack the right motivation in their lives. And while the development of the brain hasn’t changed, the […]
Guest Blog Post by Jennifer Salama Raising a child can be one of the most rewarding jobs around. And while it’s exciting to watch children grow and develop into caring humans, parenting definitely brings about its fair share of challenges. Fast forward to 2020 and we are now faced with parenting during a pandemic which […]
The importance of Instructor Training Choosing a martial arts school has always been a guessing game for most parents. Unless they have prior experience, to them, any style is coined “karate” so deciding on the best place is purely a guess. Parents generally look for a school that teaches punching and kicking, emphasizes discipline, and […]
Children of all ages are spending more and more time on digital devices. Online schoolwork and staying connected to family members are positive ways children can use technology. And while video games and social media apps are ways for children to connect and “play” with friends, these platforms are also a breeding ground for inappropriate […]
Over the past few months, our inter-personal interactions have been minimal, and our social skills might be rusty. Additionally, prolonged school closures have had a negative impact on children’s social development, and we are now challenged to help them to regain skills that have regressed while also developing new skills. Though some children will return […]