My name is Patrick Ho. I am fifteen years old, a sophomore, attending Manteca High School. I am currently a math tutor at MHS, a black belt at the International Self-Defense Institute of Manteca, and I also help instruct at ISDI Manteca. I have done martial arts for six years under the guidance and teachings Sensei Mark Cameron and Sensei Courtney Meyer. I can say, from personal experience, that studying martial arts at the International Self-Defense Institute has given me the most useful tools to apply in life. Before studying martial arts, I had no sense of respect, self-confidence, or determination. Respect is a big part of what we learn at the martial arts studio. Respect for our parents, elders, peers, and ourselves. Without respect for others, you can never earn any respect. That is a valuable thing that some of us has forgotten and all of us must share. The confidence that this martial arts studio had given me is beyond measure. If it were six years ago, I would never have imagined myself demonstrating a technique in front of a class of twenty people; not only do I do that now, I’ve made an eighth grade graduation speech in front of hundreds of parents and students. It was something that I would never have done if I hadn’t taken martial arts. Plus it had led me to become more enthusiastic about asking questions in school and making plenty of new friends. Determination is one of the things I am most grateful for. The will-power that Sensei Mark Cameron has taught me through this well designed program has shaped me into a stronger person. It has gotten me through lots of tough times. Whenever I’m on the verge of quitting, I remember the wise words of my teacher, “You can never lose if you never quit. Just keep going at it and you will get it someday.” Sensei Mark Cameron has taught me the true meaning of a winner. Winners are those that don’t quit and I will remember that throughout my life. These are only some of the things that have I gained throughout these six years of training. I am mainly thankful for all the wisdom that my instructors had given me. Not only that, but the sense of a family I feel whenever I come in to train. The friendly atmosphere and welcoming smiles are also a plus.

I took martial arts as a teenager, right up until the time I had a devastating knee injury. I figured that would be it for me so I never went back and pretty much gave up on the idea. While at one of Manteca's street fairs I talked to the people at the MMA booth and it started me thinking, maybe I could? What's the harm in trying? I can leave if I feel I can't physically take it and the trial is free. I went into the Dojo, watched a class and talked to one of the Senseis. I found out that my age (59 at the time) didn't make any difference and physical issues could and would be worked around, so I started my free trial. That "trial" was a year and a half ago and I'm still going almost every night. Don't get me wrong, you will get a good workout. It's amazing how much it's helped my balance, strength, flexibility and cardio endurance. I feel so much better physically and mentally, it helps with stress relief and even works my memory at the same time. No pressure, I focus on making progress not perfection and have come a long way in just this short time. So if you think your too old or can't physically handle it, think again, you just may surprise yourself. While researching on line "Am I'm I tool old for martial arts?" I found this quote: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time in now". It is so true. Johnny V.

i have been a student at mma for about 4 years and have trained at other karate schools in the area, sensei mark and the staff at MMA are by far the best in the business...