Testimonial #1

When I first came to Gold Summit I had some serious problems with life...by Trevor Alvut
Trevor has been training at Gold Summit for 3 years as of 5-07 and is 21 yrs. old

"When I first came to Gold Summit I had some serious problems with life. I smoked,drank, and did all kinds of drugs everyday. I was also taking anti-depressants for anger and emotional problems. Laoshi encouraged me to stop partying but I didn't listen. I stopped coming to classes and my life seemed to be going down the drain. Laoshi decided to suspend me and gave me a chance to get cleaned up. While I was suspended and getting help with drugs, I believe it was staying in contact with Gold Summit that offered the most support. I quit smoking, drinking and drugs and stopped taking medicine for problems that disappeared under the support of Laoshi and Gold Summit. I've been back in class for 2 years and I am a new person. This school pushes you beyond your limits and shows that you can be without limits. Laoshi has shown me a new way of life that saved my life and transformed me. The community of Gold
Summit is a tremendous support for striving to improve yourself and dealing with life's challenges. This Institute is so unique and I feel really lucky to have a chance to be a part of it. Gold Summit is about making a difference in people's lives and it is an all accepting environment where people try to improve themselves and grow stronger while supporting each other like a family."

 

Testimonial#2

I can finally see my Abs! by Rasheed Jones
Rasheed has been training for 3 years as of 1-07 and is 33 years old

"I have always been working out and trying to stay in shape, but I could never get the results that I wanted. I tried a lot of different gyms, personal trainers, but didn't get the results I was looking for. I found out about Summit's Boxing Program in the NewsPaper so I tried out. It was cool, but once a student showed me the Kung Fu class, I was hooked. I thought because of my age I would have trouble keeping up with the younger students. When I first started, I weighed 195 lbs.and now I weigh 175 lbs. I have so much more energy, I'm stronger and Faster, people say I look younger, too. But what I'm really happy about, is that I can finally see my abs. Gold Summit has really changed my life, I feel I can do anything I put my mind to."

Testimonial #3

Three weeks after I enrolled, I suffered a devastating family tragedy...by Mike Adolf
Has Trained at Gold Summit for 1 year, as of 1-07, and is 25 years old

"Three weeks after I enrolled into the Summit Kung Fu program, I suffered a devastating family tragedy. My aunt was gunned down by a jealous ex-boyfriend.I was completely lost and I needed an escape. I found it at Gold Summit; it was extremely therapeutic to be at such a positive place and be around such positive people. I spoke with Laoshi about what happened. She instantly made time to speak with me and her words gave me direction. The short time that I spent at Summit gave me courage and resolve to give a speech at the funeral promoting peace and forgiveness. More importantly, I found the strength within myself to forgive my aunt's killer. The Buddhist principles that I learned at Summit, through reading and speaking with Laoshi, helped me to end the cycle of hate and violence. Ive learned so much at Summit but most of all Ive learned about myself. I was given the tools to come out of a tragedy a better person."

Testimonial #4

My health took a complete turn for the better...by Alberto Villafane
As of 1-07, Alberto has been training for 3 years and is 30 years old

"I have gained much since coming to Summit, both physically and mentally. My allergies have all but gone, Colds happen less frequently and their severity has diminished. My knee pain has diminished as well. My flexibility has increased. I am less fatigued and have greater stamina. All of this has helped me play sports at a
higher level. I find I am less fearful in general. My anger has also subsided much. Now, I let some of
those thoughts and feelings pass without getting angry at myself and others. I am learning to accept pain. Finally, I have gained a love for my School, my Teacher, and for my brothers and sisters. This is a great benefit considering I started training to get fit (to lose weight actually) and gained a loving, caring family."

 

Testimonial #5

Ten years of Drugs, alcohol and then Kung Fu? by Sara Cecchini
As of 1-07, Sara has been training for more than 5 years and is 29 years old. She is currently in training for her test to be an Assistant Black Sash instructor. She is also the Business Manager, Instructor for the children and Yoga classes.

"When I first came to Summit, I was very arrogant about what I thought I knew. I was a smoker, a drinker and had used drugs, including cocaine, for 10 years. After 10 years of "partying" I began to have major depression, mood swings and health problems. I was socially crippled. I could barely hold it together and often couldn't leave my house. Despite my extremely bad & impolite attitude, I was given an opportunity to improve at Summit. The moment I knew I began to change was the day that I realized that no matter how hard I tried to hide my faults, Laoshi saw right through me and accepted me. She gave me the tools I needed to improve myself and over time I became less angry, irritable and depressed. In short, I became less self absorbed. I came to understand what true compassion means. Laoshi helped me despite me being a rude & annoying know-it-all. Through the years of training my health has greatly improved. My appearance has improved every year. My mind has become disciplined and centered. I am less likely to get swept up in my emotions.
More than that even, I have discovered a community of people that have become my family. I can train and sweat with these brothers and sisters and know they will not judge me, but instead share my pain and determination. And Laoshi has set the example of how I want to live my life. I continually look up to her to see how it is to be truly compassionate, sincere, honest, patient, diligent, generous, respectful, humble, fearless, fair, understanding and strong."

 

Testimonial #6

Kung Fu training saved me from shoulder Surgery...by Michael Adolf
As of 1-07, Mike has been training just over 1 year and is 25 years. old

"Four years ago, I tore the cartilage disc in my left shoulder. At first I tried to ignore the injury, but it only became worse. Then I went to a physical therapist. After several months of physical therapy my shoulder was better; but far from healed. According to my Doctor, it appeared that surgery was my only option. However, I skipped my surgery consultation visit and continued to ignore my injury. That's about the time that I started Kung Fu at Summit Martial Arts. After onlya few months my shoulder was feeling noticeably better and much stronger. So I went back to the Doctor. He asked me what I had been doing, then he told me that I no longer needed surgery. Training Kung Fu is the only thing that helped my shoulder enough to prevent surgery."

Testimonial #7

I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life and didn’t really care...by Ben Trojan
Ben, as of 5-07, has been training at Gold Summit for 3 years. He is 21 years old.

"Toward the end of high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life and didn’t really care. I went to school all week, I did all the work, I got good grades, but I in no way really cared about it to speak of. On the weekends I would party with my friends, have a good time, and casually use drugs, sometimes alcohol. I was “at that age,” and I would fight with my dad on a constant basis about anything and every thing. We were both extremely stubborn, so even the smallest thing would turn into a long drawn out argument and leave us mad at each other sometimes for days.
At the end of my senior year, I really had no idea what I wanted to do; this is when I started training Kung Fu. Because of this indecision, I decided to take a year off after high school to get my thoughts together and see if I could at least figure something that I’d be interested in studying in college out. Toward the start of the year off, I didn’t really take the training too seriously, missing class more often than I should have, etc.
Without anything to really do, or anyone to really answer to, hanging out and partying with friends increased from once maybe twice a week, to several times a week. This went on pretty much the same way for several months. After almost a year of training, I was considered for work-study at Gold Summit. It made me really feel like I had something and made me want to take the training more seriously.
When I really started taking it seriously is when I started to notice its effect on my regular every day life. I gained a lot of patience, especially at home. After not much time, fighting with my dad decreased down to almost nothing at all. I wasn’t the only one to notice this; it was such a drastic change that my dad mentioned it to me as well. That wasn’t the only thing that changed as a result of take the training seriously. I began to look at the way I was living my life and decided this was not really what I wanted, a care-free life of partying almost every night, so I made the decision to stop. At first, there was a sharp decrease, and within a few months it stopped altogether.
Now I’m a sophomore in college, studying Anthropology and Asian Studies. I still live with my dad and our relationship has never been more peaceful. I haven’t so much as touch touched drugs or alcohol is almost two years. I attribute all of this to the training and education I’ve received at Gold Summit. Without the encouragement to lead a positive life and the discipline from Kung Fu, I don’t think I would have had what it took to quit my old lifestyle and adopt a more positive one."

 

Testimonial #8

I never imagined Kung Fu would help me to be more mature! by Matt Bogumil
As of 1-07 Matt has trained for just under 3 years and is 26 years old

"Looking back to when I first started training at The Academy, I have noticed dramatic changes physically, emotionally, and spiritually to my lifestyle and physical being.Training your mind to bear the physical stresses of Kung fu training and concentration also in Tai Chi and meditation, have helped me become more acute in studying, being patient, and also in handling yourself correctly in given high stressful, confrontational situations. My grades at School have increased. I no longer warm up before playing basketball (although I do a little bit anyways) and I have grown accustomed to diluting confrontations between my friends and family. All in all, the School has made me more mature (as much as I hate to admit it) ;) "

 

Testimonial #9

I was on several medications, diagnosed with Tourrettes syndrome, OCD...Student wishes to remain Anonymous.
This student, as of 4-07, has been training for 3 1/2 years and is 21 years old.

"I don't think that any other school could have done what this one has done for me. It's balance of rigorous physical training and mental enlightenment has transformed my life.Although I speak of it very highly, the sense of humility here is that of traditional Chinese values. Before I joined this Institute, I was on several medications, diagnosed with Tourettes syndrome, OCD, asthma and anxiety. My family life was extremely stressful and often caused violent behavior in me. I used illegal substances occasionally to "escape"my troubles. Sometimes I would hope that my violent or aggressive actions would make me feel better but they never did. I was put in a psychiatric hospital before and kicked out of high school as well.The list goes on with many of the troubles I faced. My family was the main source of my problems so it wasn't just me who had to change. However, if I changed the way I dealt with my family's problems, then all that would be left were their problems. I joined Gold Summit in September2004 and was able to slowly reduce my medications to none.
I returned to High School and graduated as well. With a combination of Army training and this School, I have been able to function exceptionally. I am currently attending UB for filmmaking. Summit gave me physical strength to survive boot camp in the Army and mental stability to deal with my family and other negative aspects of my life.The first year I joined Kung Fu and Tai Chi class here was like a need for me. I'd start getting really agitated if I missed a week. My Teacher helped me to realize that the mental part of the training is something that can and should be used in daily life. Joining the Army was hard because I was gone for 6 months but managed fine by remembering the prior lessons. My Teacher also clarified the fact that after training here, medication wouldn't be necessary. I was in slight disbelief at first, but I've been off for two years and don't intend on going back on again. Gold Summit Martial Arts has been by far the largest positive influence in my life."

Testimonial #10 PART ONE

FAMILY joins together..Stress, back pain, high cholesterol- all decrease for Parents! by Maria Mogavero and David Nickens
David, Maria and their children, Alex & Caleb, all attend KF classes during the Kids & Family class time. Maria has been training At Gold Summit for 1 1/2 years as of 5/07. She is 40 years old. See David's Testimonial following Maria's.

As a Parent:
We joined Gold Summit Martial Arts Institute as a family in September of 2005 not only to become more physically fit, but to do something together as a family unit. In today's society, it is an uphill battle raising children to be respectful and obedient. We strive to instill good values and respect for others in our children. LaoShi's philosophies and teachings compliment our efforts. Our children both have perfect attendance in school due to their excellent health.

As a Student:
Working full time and raising a family is not always easy. Although I enjoy my job, it is often stressful managing my employees and dealing with customer problems, all the while striving to maintain a positive attitude. The atmosphere at Gold Summit Martial Arts Instute is very positive, helping to melt away a stressful day. I have learned to deal with stress and confrontation , as well as negative people, in a more productive manner. As I just turned 40 this year, I hear my (much younger) employees complain of various aches and pains, and I am thankful that I feel much stronger and more youthful than they do.

Gold Summit Martial Arts Institute has had a very positive impact upon our family, and I would highly encourage others, no matter what age, to experience the difference it can make in their life.
Maria Mogavero
Manager - 252
Liberty Travel

 

Testimonial #9 PART TWO

FAMILY joins together..Stress, back pain, high cholesterol- all decrease for Parents! by Maria Mogavero and David Nickens
David, Maria and their children, Alex & Caleb, all attend KF classes during the Kids & Family class time. David has been training for 1 1/2 years and is 50 years old:

As a Parent:
I discovered Gold Summit Marital Arts Institute when I was searching for a means to give my children focus, direction and confidence, along with an outlet to use up some of their youthful energy in a positive manner. I have two children attending Gold Summit Marital Arts Institute, one in the Zhong Ban and one Xiao Ban. I have seen measurable changes in both kids. I know that their Kung Fu training and discipline will have lifelong physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. I highly recommend Gold Summit Marital Arts Institute for any child.

As a Student:
While I was searching for a means to give my children focus, direction, I decided to have them attend Kung Fu training at Gold Summit Martial Arts Institute. And so they would know that what was good for them would benefit the whole family, we all joined the Kids and Family Kung Fu. I am a bit older then many of the other students, I will be turning 50 soon and I thought I could never keep up with the stress and strain that this type of training demands. I can honestly say that I am making great improvements, some unexpected. When I started at Gold Summit Marital Arts Institute I had constant lower back pain that was so extreme at times I could not stand up straight, let alone walk. Today the pain is completely gone. Also, when I started training my total cholesterol level was over 240 mg /dL and my HDL cholesterol (the good stuff) was below 35 mg / dL. Both are high risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease. They are now 165 mg / dL and 71 mg / dL respectively. Both are excellent and well within the desirable ranges. Exercise decreases LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) and increases HDL cholesterol and this is a remarkable improvement. I know Kung Fu training will not make me any younger but I do not have to feel my age. I believe that I feel the best I ever have, both physically and mentally.

David Nickens, B.S., MT(ASCP)
Instructional Support Associate
Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Science
State University of New York at Buffalo