. . . from Students and Parents
"I began working with Sensei
Basinger when I was six years old. Over ten years later,
after having worked
with her for many, many years, I am proud to say that she has taught me
so
much. From karate to dealing with conflict
and so much more. She is a wonderful
person and I greatly recommend Karate STL to all men, women and
children."
- Chris
"There are a couple of things that set apart Karate STL from
many of the other dojos in the area, and really in the U.S.
1) This dojo is not a “belt factory.”
Belts are not handed out because students show up to class; you have to
earn your belts. The instructors are
very helpful and patient. If you want to
learn and advance, you will but you have to do your part.
2) When I first joined, the instructors
kept talking about our karate “family” and I have certainly heard that
kind of hype
before. It is no hype here. We really are like a
big family. We have a summer outing, and opportunity to
travel to Michigan and train with our grand master every summer, holiday
parties and
other outings. But all that extends to
the dojo also. The motto of our branch
of karate is “friendship, cooperation, learning.” I have
never felt intimidated or threatened
in my dojo. Everyone works together with
the goal of learning self-defense in a friendly, fun
atmosphere. No one is trying to beat you up here – and
that is exactly what I was looking for.
I take Karate seriously but I have no desire to come to work the next
day with broken ribs!
I was certainly apprehensive about starting Karate in my 40s
but I am so glad I
did and I am so glad I chose Karate STL!"
- Carl
"I found Karate STL while searching online for a
karate school for my son. I was very impressed with the info
found on the
website and the philosophy of training that focuses on character
development,
as well as self-defense and physical achievement. My son just
wants to do it
because "the moves are cool" haha. My son has only been to 4
lessons
and loves it! Sensei Basinger clearly knows what she's doing
with these kids
and keeps them engaged and learning the whole time. Karate
STL has exceeded my
expectations."
- David
"My
children have been students of Karate STL for 12 years. It
has been a wonderful
learning experience and has taught them to focus, to practice, and to
be proud
of their accomplishments--big
& small.
My oldest daughter found her mentor
in Sensei Basinger at age 6. She is now 18 and continues her
karate while in
college. My middle daughter, now 16, stopped karate after 2
years to study
dance, but still feels welcomed and at home with the Karate
STL
family. My 8 year old son started karate at 7 and does so
much better focusing
when he is in karate session.
Another great thing about Karate STL is students
work at their own pace. You can't fall behind because you
aren't on a time
schedule. You don't test every [6-week] session; you continue to
improve your technique
as you learn new kata. Each class has multiple belt levels
within your age
group. Intermediate yellow belts can work with both beginner
& advanced
yellow belts---reinforcing learned [skills] while helping others.
Nothing helps
youth to build self confidence more than passing on the knowledge they
have
learned.
Also, when life seems too hectic, we can not sign
up for a session, come back in 6 weeks and continue where we left
off...again,
because each student works at his or her own pace. I
recommend Karate STL to any family who wants
their child to have fun while learning to focus, to improve by
practicing, and
build self confidence while learning to keep themselves safe."
- Lisa
"I
cannot express how Thankful I am that my daughter is a part of the
Karate STL
family. She started when she was in 3rd grade and now she is a freshman
in high
school and a brown belt. She has learned patience and she found a way
to
control her anxiety. Sensei is an amazing teacher and truly a wonderful
person.
My daughter loves to help teach the younger students and help in the
self
defense classes. It gives me peace of mind knowing she can protect
herself if
she needed too."
- Amber
"I drive my child from Wildwood to Maryland Heights [approx. 20 miles] to
take karate with Sensei Basinger and it is well worth it. He has Autism
and she is able to see past his disability to his strengths. She is
always encouraging and has a friendly smile for her students. I highly
recommend karate stl to anyone looking for a very positive karate
learning environment."
- Michelle
"My
son Brian started last year and he loves it it has taught him a lot
and his
confidence has gone up he will keep going until the end hopefully he
will be a
teacher some day for her we love you sensei."
- Amy
"Karate has taught me to control my strength.
Sensei
Basinger is very patient and understanding. In class, we
don't just learn how
to fight we learn how to defend ourselves and even how to get away from
someone
that is trying to bring us harm."
- Kaylee
"This is a great program and very
reasonable price! We love it and would
recommend it to anyone!"
- Autumn
"I have to say we love karate stl. My daughter
has found her niche and loves the sport. I wish she was able
to test every [6-week]
session but understand that some lessons are harder than
others. I think the
sessions are reasonably priced as well."
- Dana
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