There aren’t very many activities in our children’s lives that we get to play an actual active role in –  having the same experience as they do, at the same time, allowing us to tell them we truthfully understand their experiences.  Sometimes we can be their coach, or their chauffeur, and always their support system, cheering them on from the sidelines, but at Master Gorino’s we have the opportunity to go a step further.  Together as a family we work on our physical and mental fitness, our control, and most importantly, our self confidence.

My sons were nervous so Master Gorino said the trial was for the family and I could not say no with my sons looking at me.  I was way out of my comfort zone.  My sons and I have now been black belts for almost a year. Taekwondo helped us bond with each other as they see it’s ok to make mistakes and try even when you think you are not good at it.  It helped us stay healthy and not go stir crazy during COVID. It has allowed us to create friendships and my sons to gain confidence in so many areas.

She has made herself available outside of class time and genuinely cares for my daughter’s  well being (and all her students).  I feel that Master Sharratt is one of those humble unsung heroes that takes small steps that have large and lasting implications.

He is more lively at school, more helpful around the house, and more competitive in his other sports. I wanted Tae Kwon Do to be something that gave him the drive and motivation to become better in all facets of his life, and that is exactly what has happened. I’m proud to see the determination in his spirit to become better and perform his patterns with more precision. On top of the progress with the martial art, Tae Kwon Do is teaching him how to be a well-rounded person in society, and I have Grand Master Gorino and Master Sharratt to thank for that

We, as parents, feel supported in raising strong and capable young adults whose integrity will contribute to the betterment of society. From excellent physical training to the instructors’ sincerity and enthusiasm to the development of respect and self-reliance, our family is convinced that Master Gorino’s TKD provides our children with an environment to thrive.

He had ADD, speech and reading issues and a learning disability to boot. We were told that TKD would help in all of these areas. So we signed him up, best decision we ever made! When he started, he was shy and really had little to no confidence in himself and no real friends at school. Master Gorino’s TKD helped him become strong and confident, he is definitely not shy anymore and he has made some truly incredible friends. Finally after watching Colton train for 8 years I decided to join myself. It has been life changing! I’m becoming stronger, I’m learning techniques I never thought I’d ever be able to do.

The dojang has given me a wonderful family, including many people who I would never have met otherwise. We all come together with the common interest of Taekwondo but we all leave the dojang with new and different experiences. Many of my classmates are friends that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life; even though we all come from different backgrounds, we have learned to acknowledge and appreciate our differences.

Now I am 19 years old and the benefits of the program have taught me more than any other sport, or school program can even reach for. Grand Master Gorino’s commitment to excellence and his love for his students shows in his teaching. Growing up with ADHD, Dyslexia and many other learning disabilities, Grand Master Gorino taught me to never let these get in the way of my goals. He taught me to never even think of the option of giving up. Putting yourself or your child into the program is the best investment you can make.

However, I wanted to get back into better shape and learn more self defense. Master Gorino and I had some frank conversations about my safety and if this would be a good fit, since I was 85 years old at the time. I am currently an 86 year old yellow belt and look forward to earning my green stripe rank shortly. All ages are welcome to join…even an old goat like me!

I embrace adversity, it is what keeps me going. Through time I improved my physical abilities and knowledge of the art. I attribute my self-improvement to the great instructors throughout my experience. The instructors are welcoming, kind, and patient with you. Eventually, I had the pleasure of teaching. There is beauty in helping others and seeing their good outcomes. There’s something special when people come to you with gratitude for your part in their progress. I developed fruitful bonds that have led to collaborations and genuine friendships.

Wow!! Danya has had an awesome year! I am so excited right now and I like to give credit when it’s due. She is a TOTALLY different kid than she was a year ago. When I went to her conference, her teachers said she was disciplined, organized, courteous and a leader. I  responded, “No, I am Danya Flood’s mother.” They responded, “Yeah, we know!”  I was convinced they were talking about someone’s kid. But conferring with the teachers, they correlated the timing when she was getting her black belt. They said your Dojang must be awesome. I agreed. But now I am seeing the reward.

I thought that it was for my family until about six months later when my youngest son asked why I wasn’t also in Tae Kwon Do. I decided then to join since this was one of the few activities that families can do together. I have come to know, and be friends with, many other adults in the 18 months I’ve been at Master Gorino’s. Most are in Tae Kwon Do for self-defense reasons or to get in better shape, but I joined to relate to my sons and to stay in touch with my family. Through Tae Kwon Do my family is better able to defend itself, is in better shape, has made new friends, become more disciplined, and has grown closer.