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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.
Good behavior is a learning process for children, and we are their roadmap. Children usually behave based on their own emotions and impulses. At the same time, being a parent is also a learning process and sometimes we rely on our own emotions and impulses to teach. Usually, that means we often resort to punishments […]
5 Presidents Who Studied Martial Arts The term “Martial Arts” is a relatively broad expression that encompasses a variety of different disciplines. Typically, when we hear the words martial arts, the first ideas that come to mind are one or more of the techniques that have developed in Asian countries. However, the martial arts […]
If you are looking for a way to improve your health or get in better shape, you should head to our martial arts school. Men’s martial arts could be the fitness solution that you have been searching for because by nature it’s a comprehensive workout that utilizes your body weight to increase strength and conditioning. […]
25 Tips to Help Foster Holiday Gratitude The holiday season can be a frenzied time of shopping, presents, and sugary foods. It is important that we help our kids navigate the whirlwind of temptation and indulgence by helping them to learn about gratitude, and why we actually celebrate holidays. A strong sense of gratitude has […]
As Instructors, in order to be effective communicators with young children, teens, and adults, it’s important that we understand what’s going on in their minds and bodies as they grow up. Fortunately, much research has been done in this area which provides us with a roadmap which details the typical behaviors/skills people have at various […]
There are numerous benefits of martial arts for kids, including improved physical health and a boost in self-confidence. Martial arts can also teach children self-defense skills that can help them ward off bullies and protect themselves from violent attacks. More importantly than fighting off others, however, martial arts teaches kids how to become masters of […]
As a soccer dad, one of the most important things I learned was to manage my expectations of how my daughter was doing on the field and to avoid comparing her progress to that of her teammates. To be honest it was extremely challenging as we all want our kids to do well. The purpose […]
Goal setting is one of the most highly linked characteristics to the success that individuals have. Top athletes and successful people all use goal setting. And while it is a trait that is most often associated with adolescents and adults, younger children can also benefit greatly from beginning this life skill at an early age. […]
“CHILDREN DON’T QUIT TAEKWONDO, PARENTS DO” “Children don’t quit Taekwondo, Parents do.” If you want your child to benefit or even receive their black belt and more, than you as a parent need to have a black belt commitment too. Start with why you want your child to learn Taekwondo Parent – “I want them […]
The learning process is vital to the healthy development of a child’s brain and their experiences and interactions largely influence how this happens. This process doesn’t just take place in the classroom but in all areas of the child’s life. Because of this, learning is better approached when it is an active process that triggers […]
