Subject: Re: I need your approval and advice
From: @aol.com
Date: Mon, September 21, 2009 7:28 am
To: kickboxing@craigsmithkarate.com
Craig,

I want to share my story with you and your parents.

I have two (2) children, now ages 18 & 16 with birthdays approaching they will be turning 19 & 17 in just weeks. Our background a little unique in the fact, my husband, Jimmy has been doing martial arts since he was a teenager.

My children were 5 & 7 when they started with "Craig Smith Karate". Only weeks after starting, Jimmy decided he could not sit on those parent bleachers, he could be useful while he was there and assist in teaching. You taught him your style as he was accomplised in an oriental style not American. I found that I could not sit on those bleachers as well, so if money needed to be taken, telephone calls needed to be made-I was the one. Our children are no different than anyone elses. Shorting after starting and we started with a bang-6 day a weekers we were-you told Jimmy and myself that the day would come and our children would not want to come to karate as much-at that time it would be our JOB to get them there, Well that time came and yes, we had to fight with our kids-however-it was not a multiple choice question, They came regardless. Our children also participated in other sports....Jimmy coached those sports as well and I was team mom as well. Both of my children excelled in sports but let me tell you from EXPERIENCE, just because your children are ATHLETES, it does not mean they are the chosen one and will receive the scholarship. When kids are young, you will find they are good at alot of things. As they get older---the superstars thin out. There is nothing wrong with kids trying all sports but our story is valadated. So many people have asked Jimmy and myself, why are your kids different. I promise you our response is not football or baseball, nor is it softball or lacrosse or even field hockey not even cross country or golf-our response is ALWAYS KARATE, My daughter, Christina is a very average student (yes, when she was younger, she made principals list like all the rest, so did Tony). Christina just went away for her freshman year in college. She was average in her GPA, she WAS NOT average in her commitment level or her community service that she acquired with your studio. She got in to EVERY college she applied for. Many of her friends had much more favorable GPA's, but they did not have her level of commitment and it made her SHINE. Let me tell you also, she was a very timid, shy little girl. She came out of that shell with the confidence that she acquired through your program. She has become class president, been on every homecoming and prom court. She played sports and made every team through middle and high school. It is funny, when she would be annnounced for homecoming, they listed her as playing varsity field hockey and lacrosse, being president, but they TALKED about her doing karate and Kickboxing. That is what made her stand out,. Much because it is a life long commitment, The same goes with Tony. Have you ever seen a kid with more confidence,

In a round about way, what I am trying to say Craig first and foremost-Thank you! My kids are different. You taught them that the black belt WAS NOT the end, it was the beginning. You taught them they MUST give back what has been given to them and that there is not a dollar sign attached to everything. You have been and will continue to be a part of our family and we yours. I hope the journey never ends. Many people may come and go through Craig Smith Karate and Kickboxing but you can always count on us as your core. You have added something to each of our lives-Jimmy, myself, Christina and Tony and we are truly thankful! And by they way...Christina had to write her first paper in college a few weeks ago. It had to be a description paper with MeGA details. Guess what Her choice to write about? Getting her first degree blackbelt. It was awesome!

 

 

Subject: upcoming 2009
From: Tensey
Date: Mon, September 28, 2009 5:31 pm
To: kickboxing@craigsmithkarate.com

Hello Mr. Craig.
Sometimes you come off as arrogant to the parents but your writing abilities and love for our children overrides this for me. I'm glad that you're incorporating Scripture as well as inviting parents out to the ministry on Sundays. This gives them a well rounded experience they can't get for free. Just look at the outcome of both Jessica and her father being baptized. That says something tremendous about your business practice. Since we have left your training facility, Floyd Jr. has become a more aggressive defensive soccer player. Besides this, he won two belts under your teams' instruction and held his vomit until after a fight. Something that I don't have so much control over. Just keep doing what you do and trusting God and He will bring a harvest for your labor. Congratulations on all of your new business endeavors. Hugs!!! Say hello to Nelson, Ed, and the rest of the CSK team-parents for us.
Tensey
 

Subject: Re: Team USA Rolls Through competition plus CSK info for the
week.
From: "Steve"
Date: Wed, September 02, 2009 6:29 pm
To: <kickboxing@craigsmithkarate.com>
Mr. Craig,

Mikey and I would like to thank everybody for there support a special thanks to Faber Schneider and Tim Scarry. Craig if it wasn't for you training Mikey all these years and helping him he would not be where he is now and would not be as accomplished academically and with sports. I believe especially a kid like Mikey and other kids that are like him where school is not easy you have instilled discipline through tough training and have been an exceptional mentor. Train the body and the mind has to follow seems to be a Philosophy that works. All the coaches at Craig Smith Karate are great instructors and friends to Mikey. Your partner Jerry Rodriguez is an exceptional person and I would like to thank him very much for everything he has done for Mikey on his trip to Trinidad. You couldn't ask for a better coach to be in Mikey's corner than Mark Greubel he said he felt very relaxed and Coach Greubel gave him confidence to go out and destroy his opponent, which he did. We look forward to a everlasting relationship with Craig Smith Karate and all the people associated with it.

Sincerely,
Mike and Steve
 

 

Subject: in response to your email
From: <@cox.net>
Date: Thu, August 06, 2009 8:50 am
To: "kickboxing@craigsmithkarate.com"

Craig,

I wanted to let you know that I do agree with your ideas. I know that we havn't been a part of CSK as long as some folks have, but we are there alot. Honestly I had wished Andrew would have stayed with the fighting but he doesn't seem to be cut out for it. However, I would welcome a situation where we could keep him as fit as he was when he was Team Training. As far as you spending more energy on your fighters..I have mixed feeling on that thought. I believe the team needs the time spent to be the best, and I think that you have done everything(plus your instructors) to enable your fighters to be the best and to be safe. I however always feel when Andrew takes a class that you are teaching he is getting the best. Your right, there is only one of you and we understand that you need to spend time with new Clients. So just know that we support you and you can count on us to give you honest feedback. I think that Andrew has benefitted greatly having you and all the other instructors in his life. So, thanks for what you are doing..it's greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Bonnie
 

 

Subject: Bootcamp
From: "Amanda
Date: Sun, May 03, 2009 1:18 pm
To: kickboxing@craigsmithkarate.com
I cannot WAIT to hear how the kids did with Bootcamp!!!!! Eris cannot wait till the next bootcamp and she is looking forward to her belt test. Also, I want to thank you for giving her the chance even though she is just 3 years old. For not ever thinking she was too young and pushing her forward. You have done an amazing job challenging her and making her a little leader.
I get teary eyed to think that we will be leaving your school soon, but we will be back more often than none.
Thank you again for everything.
God Bless,
Amanda

 

Subject: thank you
From: "Amanda
Date: Wed, April 15, 2009 11:30 pm
To: "Craig Smith, Kickboxing and Karate"
<kickboxing@craigsmithkarate.com>
Mr. Craig,
I wanted to thank you very much for getting us intouch with Kevin in SC... unfortunatley he is an hour and a half away from where we will be living... now more than ever i am terrified to take Eris out of your school and the thought of not finding another school as amazing as yours and along with the staff that completes it. We are looking forward to this last month together, and the days that we will be in the Virginia Beach area, we will attend classes when we can...
You truly are an amazing man and I can't thank you enough for giving us that chance. God bless


Subject: Great Smoker
From: Chris
Date: Mon, February 09, 2009 9:51 am
To: <craig@craigsmithkarate.com>
Craig,
I want to tell you how impressed I am with my son's progress. This weekend's
smoker was my first opportunity to see Andrew fight since I returned from
Iraq. My impression of Andrew, and the team as a whole, is one of
dedication, conditioning and attention to detail. I am very impressed with
training of the fighters and the professional conduct of the coaches.

I am very proud of Andrew's accomplishments and I know that is in large part
to the great group of instructors and coaches at your studio.

Sincerely,
Chris
 

Subject: Re: Kickboxing vs. Isshinryu karate
From: Rosa
Date: Mon, December 22, 2008 4:16 pm
To: kickboxing@craigsmithkarate.com
Dear Craig,
I have not personally experienced the emotions, the physical aspect, neither to say the mental capacity that someone has to have in order to be a kickboxer. However, I can speak for my children who have been Craig Smith's students for almost two years now, and I can definitely say that this particular sport is not just a sport, most definitely is not just a boxing match. The strategy involved in kickboxing requires someone who is willing to give 100% of their most human capacity at all levels, and what I mean by this is that, kickboxing can make a whimp and an afraid person to confront pain into a positive person, a negative person into a self-confident person, a physically weak one into a fit person but most of all, kickboxing challenges a child or an adult for that matter their mental and physical capacity that could never be discovered with any other kind of sport. I am not trying to degrade or disrespect any other kind of martial arts. A kickboxer is demanded to have the most physical endurance someone can have and the skills involved in it, is to teach someone to defend themselves with every limb of their bodies. My children have expressed how kickboxing has made them stronger and whenever they have competed they can physically experience the pain involved in it but the skills, the mental capacity, the discipline and the endurance that comes along with kickboxing cannot be compared neither nor considered as just a boxing match. Someone cannot say I don't like rice and beans if they have never tried it!!!!
 

Craig,
Thought you should know I recently completed a physical and owe you
a debt of thanks.
The reason I bring this to your attention is that my doctor asked what
exercise I do because he does not see very many men over the age of 50
that are as physically fit as I am.
He noted that I am at a perfect 120/80 and liver, kidney, etc. are in
great working condition.
I told my doctor that I work out at Crag Smith's Karate and that I am in
the Kickboxing classes.
Doctor told me that if I continue with this type of exercise that I
should remain very healthy for a long time.
Thanks again for offering such a great program.
Sincerely,
Al
 

From: Cristy
To: kickingboxing@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 2:48 pm
Subject: Re: ThankYou
Hey Craig i just wanted to say Thank you for what putting together saturday. I
think that it was a great experience for all the fighters and i think that you
giving out awards to everyone really boosted alot of confidence for alot people.
The turn out was great and there was alot of good fighting from everyone. I
think that the support and the confidence that you are instilling in these
children and young adults is great. Please let all your instructors know that i
am very thankful to all of them for what they have done for Emilee. She is
improving eveyday and the heart that she shows just amazes me. Thanks again!!!!!
 

From: Leah
To: kickingboxing@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 8:48 am
Subject: RE: Team Smith shows its stuff at Kickboxing Event (Big Time)
I have to say that this was the first fight that I have been to, to support Team Smith and I was so proud of all of them. I was overwhelmed by how good they fought and never gave up. We were in the best shape compared to the other fighters and know I realize how important it is for them to do Team Training. Hopefully one day when my son is ready to fight I know that he will be on the best team there is. So I just want to say congrats to every fighter who gave there all on Saturday. And great job to all the coaches who helped get there team there. I know that these coaches don’t have to go train with our kids everyday of the week but I am sure glad that they do. So great job to all the fighters and to the coaches who helped get them to where they are today.. May God Bless each and everyone of you..

Leah

Mr. Smith,
I am so very pleased I found your school. I came to you after visiting my doctor last January. He was not too pleased in my lab results and physical condition. My blood pressure was up. My blood sugar was bording on becoming diabetic not to mention my weight being up there too. He informed me I needed to start taking better care of myself. After looking around and talking to some folks, I decided to give CSK a shot. At 51 years old, it is not easy to get back on a physical regimen.

I am pleased to report to you that after a follow-up physical just 2 weeks ago, my doctor is very pleased with my progress back to a healthy life. My weight is down over 15 pounds, my blood sugar went from about 120 down to 80, my cholesterol is down to 131 and my blood pressure has dropped back to a normal level. He asked me how I had made such good progress and what I was doing different. I informed him that I was working on my eating habits and working out at your school pretty consistantly about 3 days a week. He asked me where I was going and I told him Craig Smith Kickboxing. He said he was going to tell a few other patients about your school.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you, the coaches and other students at the school for assisting me in obtaining these results. Without your motivation and support and that of the others at the school, I do not think my progress would have been as good in such a short time. I have found my experience there to not only be very challenging one but also a fun one too. You constantly push and encourage us to do our best. The staff at your school have all been very informative, positive and encouraging. I look forward to more progress and continued enjoyment from my workouts at CSK. I am proud to be a member of your school.

Thank you all for what you have helped me to achieve so far and I look forward to continued success for all at CSK.

Tim

 

From: David @raytheon.com>
To: kickingboxing@aol.com
Sent: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 8:08 am
Subject: Re: Instructors roles and being hard on students, is tough on both!!!
Craig I could not agree with you more. I think some may forget that as parents we might be harder on them than any of the instructors are. It may be difficult for some to watch as an outsider looking in. However the training they receive at your school transcends at home as well as school. I know that for me I expect that type of discipline at your school. Karate / Kickboxing is not daycare, but the oppertunity to learn self discipline and self defense. I also see many kids whose confidence grows by leaps and bounds through training at your school. I know for Carly when she first came to you how nervous she would be during a test and forget and pause but because you and the other instructors push her she is much more confident she has overcome the fear of testing not only at karate but also at school. I thank you for that. I hope other parents feel the same and if they will stick with the program they will learn it too.
 

From: Jim    @vbgov.com>
To: kickingboxing@aol.com
Sent: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 8:03 am
Subject: RE: Instructors roles and being hard on students, is tough on both!!!
Craig, you and the others keep on yelling and disciplining the kids ! Trust me when I tell you there is not enough of that going on in the world these days and the kids need to learn it. The discipline you instill in the kids this week, may save his/her life next week when he/she is faced with a difficult decision of doing what is right or wrong !

This is the second email I have seen from you on this subject in the last couple of months, while I know it's hard and even frustrating at times to stay on the kids day in and day out, in the end it's worth it !

You and the other instructors need to just continue to doing what your doing, it's working !

James

 

From: Chris and Bonnie @cox.net>
To: kickingboxing@aol.com
Sent: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 9:37 pm
Subject: RE: Instructors roles and being hard on students, is tough on both!!!
Craig,

I just wanted to let you know that I have seen you "get" on my son and I've seen him "pay" the price for not listening to the instructions, however, I have also seen you praise him and uplift him as well as all the other instructors. I have seen him strive to work for every belt he's earned which for my son is more responsibility and motivation than I have ever seen him have. He feels confident of the skills he's learning. Yes..it's hard work, he's learning to be tough. He's also learning to be a hero in mind and body, so as far as I'm concerned this has been one of the best things we've ever done for him. Even if he does some other extra activity, we will encourage him to continue with Kickboxing.

Thank you,

Bonnie

 

Mr. Craig,
I would like to chime in, on this subject. I could not agree with you more, and I can truly say, " I would change nothing!!" Jessica turned 10 in March 08, and she is an instructor for your school, she has been on the honor roll for the last 2 years (same time we've been with you), and she has achieved the goal of EARNING her black belt, from you. Oh, you also taught her to dive in like, 5 minutes. Anyway, I am convinced Jessica is on a path to a highly successful future, and I believe you, Jim and others have played a HUGE part in assisting Me and Moe with molding her. Karate/Kickboxing is a way of life for her, not a sport she does or plays. Karate is so much more, a continuation of her daily education, like we spoke about before. Karate has taught her disipline, focus, work ethic, drive and responsibility. All of these qualities are essential. Jessica does play sports, ie. softball, but she could never gain these traits from softball, basketball, etc. With that said, Moe and I would like to say "THANK YOU" to the CSK family, from the bottom of our hearts. Mark
 

From: Mary  <@cox.net>
To: kickingboxing@aol.com
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 9:10 am
Subject: blackbelt test

Hi Craig,
Eric and I wanted to say how impressed we were with the blackbelt test. We have seen parts of them over the years but never start to finish. We are so proud of Tommy and the others who tested. They really gave 110%.
We are thankful that we found your school and signed Tommy up when we did. Being a member of your school has had a huge impact on who he is today and the man he will become. There are so many good examples at the school for him to look-up to and follow. Tommy has the utmost respect for you and your instructors.
We liked what Ed said about always representing Craig Smith, belt ON or OFF. After Tommy had showered and relaxed a bit yesterday, I asked him how he felt and he said " TIRED, PROUD AND HAPPY". I think that is a good way to feel.
Thanks so much,
~Mary


From: Ronda <@cox.net>
To: kickingboxing@aol.com
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 9:40 pm
Subject: Black Belt test
Hey Craig!
WOW! What a test! I am so proud of everyone that tested! All the fighters gave more than 100 % ! There was sweat tears and a lil blood and nobody QUIT! I get tears in my eyes to thank how honored my family is to be surrounded by such wonderful people! I thank you from the bottom of my heart and to all of your instructors for being a part of our family and for supporting Shalynn and helping her train for this awesome and prestige blackbelt that she received yesterday! I remember when Shalynn used to run she would be one of the last ones to finish or when she did a push up her butt was sticking up in the air and couldn't get it down. I remember when Shalynn couldn't get in front of a class and do a book report and now she loves it! I also remeber she won her first kickboxing match and years later lost her second to Andie Dodge and the other day she finished 300 hurdles hit every hurdle and fell but still finished the race! She never QUIT! And what I'm getting to as I'm crying is that it's because of what you, Jim and all of the AWESOME instructors you have given the kids what they need to be confident and know no matter win or loose don't ever quit! Thank you Craig for all you have done for Shalynn! She was exhausted last night and all she wanted was some Taco Bell! Thanks again Craig! Love to all! - Ronda


From: Kent @cox.net>
To: Craig Smith <Kickingboxing@aol.com>
Sent: Sun, 18 May 2008 9:09 pm
Subject: Black belt test
Craig,

When I started attending your school, like most of your adults I wasn't in it for any belt. I had no real goals for myself other than to be in better shape, spend time with my kids, and as a bonus, learn to defend myself. I
am grateful for the first time that you pushed me to test for my yellow belt. I didn't think much of it at the time but that yellow belt test started me down the road to where I am right now. Today has been painful,
but I know that after the ordeal that I and the others went through yesterday, there is nothing that I cannot endure. Bumps and bruises heal.
Your lessons will last a lifetime. The belt that you and your blackbelts awarded me yesterday is one of the greatest achievements of my life. I know that I still have a long way to go. I just wanted to say -thanks. Kent