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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.
Leading by Example The Power of Self-Care in Parenting Parents have always served as the first, and, most important role models for their children. While other family members, teachers, and coaches have a significant impact on a child’s development as well, children most often, follow the examples set by parents. In the wake of the […]
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How to Talk to Your Child About Bullies and Prevention School safety should be a right for all students alike. It’s up to you as a parent to teach your child about bullying. Empower your children with the facts and ways to stop bullies in their tracks. Bullying is a serious problem that can have […]
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The world is a crazy place right now. Here in Midlothian, where coronavirus has us all staying home and being responsible about our social distancing responsibilities. Many people are left wondering what to do as they find themselves thrust into the world of homeschooling, telecommuting, and even unemployment. With the recent mandates by government officials, […]
Stress is a significant part of our lives today, and while we all experience it, children and teens have a more difficult time managing it. Academic pressure, social tensions, and family stressors can all impact a young person’s mental well-being. For this reason, parents need to help their children develop coping skills by guiding them […]
There are a few ways that people find a martial arts school. Some drive by, some search for “martial arts near me” and start researching the schools in the area. But a certain amount of people in Midlothian find Gentle East Martial Arts when they were looking for something completely different. A search as simple […]
Most kids are not naturally self-motivated. When your child’s mindset is not in the right place, even the most fun activities can be a struggle to get to. With that said, here are some strategies to help you work around a lack of motivation when trying to get your kid to class. 1. Be attentive […]
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 […]