Keiko Shin Karate Academy

I have been doing karate for five years and hopefully I will be getting my black belt in January. I love doing karate ,I love being a senpai (I love helping), and I never want to leave the dojo because Sensei makes it so much fun and everyone learns a lot.
I have a great respect and admiration for Sensei and Mrs.Ibe for helping me put my life in the right direction. They are like a family to me.

 

I enrolled my son into Keiko Shin Karate Academy over two years ago.  Sensei Ernesto, Sensei Alex and Ms Ibe are true professionals with caring hearts.  My son has grown in confidence and discipline, as well as in skill.  He recently went to his first competition with the team.  He gained medals and a huge boost in self esteem.  Along with his skill, my son has also been taught some valuable life lessons and acts of chivalry.  He has become a leader and has a enthusiasm to learn.  All of my son's growth is a true testament to Keiko Shin Karate Academy and it's wonderful Sensei(s) and staff.  Thank you for everything!!

 

The girls had a great time tonight during the surprise Christmas party. Thank you Keiko Shin for all your hard work and dedication to the kids.
Go Keiko Shin!

 

"I am a single mother of two nine year old twin boys. There have been going to Keiko Shin Karate Academy for about three years now. Sensei Fuentes, the owner, has taught my boys not only karate, but also respect, self confidence and discipline. Both of my boys are at the top of their classes in school. Going to the dojo is like coming home. They have created a warm family like atmosphere. The staff is friendly and courtesy. Sensei Fuentes became a role model to my boys. He not only teaches the kids, but he cares for them as well. I highly recommend this academy. Thank goodness for Keiko Shin Karate Academy!"

"I knew that I made an excellent decision when I decide to enroll my kids on Keiko Shin Academy. Keep going my friend and you can count on us to support your goals. Congratulation Again about your National title!"

"Sensei Fuentes has changed my child's life forever! My Scotty is special needs and was diagnosed with speech delay disorder and fine motor skills issues in his hands. Overall, he was considered 'Developmentally Delayed'. Therapy took care of his speech delay disorder, but until we enrolled our son in Karate under Sensei's leadership, his fine motor skill problems persisted. He could barely lift anything and had no power in his hands. It was only a few months after we joined the dojo that we began to notice a massive change in our boy. He had amazing confidence, his grades improved and his strength was becoming noticeable. Now, two years later, he is a Blue Belt, is respectful to everyone, believes in himself, is a straight 'A' student and is so strong, he actually has to be careful when he hugs us. If it were not for Sensei and Keiko-Shin Karate Academy, Scotty would not be where he is today. My wife and I cannot thank Sensei enough. More importantly, Scotty is having FUN! He LOVES going to Karate and drags me out of my seat when it's time to go to the dojo. The change is remarkable."

"Sensei, I have been thinking alot about your teaching and words to everyone at the dojo, as well as my own observations from other karate students during the last tournament. To me, it is absolutely no secret 'why' our dojo is #1 in the state of Florida. Two key things.... the first (we call at my company) The Will to Win'. Our competitors train hard and train seriously in the dojo, it is not simply 'a club'. The Will to Win is not something you can teach someone... they have to possess that internally. Our students have a Will to Win that is unmatched by any other karate academy. The Will to Win is an internal fire which always burns. The second, is that YOU inspire EXCELLENCE. For example, All of the 'polishing' or 'nitpicking' you do during kata practice is not simply nitpicking, but rather it is done to separate 'Good' from 'Great' or 'Great' from 'Excellent'. This was VERY clear to me as I was watching other competitors during the tournament. (Perhaps you saw the 14 year old boys doing kata - I didn't think either one was very good). In my opinion, other academies accept a lower standard (very high stances, wobbly arms instead of crispness, etc) There is a quote which I use at work, that I think sums up this point: 'Excellence is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities'."

"Thank you so much for having the party for the children. You are such a wonderful family and I am so glad that Noah is in your care with your excellent influence two nights a week. I know that not only the karate, but the life lessons, mean a lot to him. Thanks again!"

Thank you Sensei Ernesto, Sensei Alex and Ms Ibe parenting Lauren when I am not with her. She is growing stronger every day under your tutelage. Being on the tournament team sets her up with goals to work towards and confidence with her competition success! You all rock!!!

"Dear Sensei, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving the kids such a special time. Nei talked about the party all weekend, everytime she got the chance. Your family means a great deal to ours and we just wanted to say THANK YOU!"

"Wow! Sensei, wonderful job at the Junior Olympic Games in Iowa! Congratulations to them and YOU for putting out such outstanding students."

People are not born with confidence and self discipline. They have to develop these qualities. Karate at Keiko Shin has played an important role in developing these qualities in our daughters. In the 4 years that our daughters have been at Keiko Shin, they have increased strength and coordination. We have also seen improvement in other children. Some of them come in with very little strength or balance, and within a few weeks, they are in step with the rest of the class.
The Keiko Shin team really cares about children. They don't try to force them to like Karate. Instead, they bring out the natural quality in their students. Sensei Ernesto encourages them to become quality people- not just to become good at a sport.
Senseis Ernesto and Alex have different styles that continue to develop quality traits in our children that they could only get from karate.

"I have definitely noticed the 'special needs' kids in the Tuesday class, and I am incredibly impressed with how those children are incorporated into the program. I am especially attuned to those children's needs and limitations, since I am a psychotherapist, specializing in treating children and adolescents. Thanks so much, and keep up your phenomenal work for the community!"

Thank you so much Sensei for all that you do!!!
What a fantastic experience for us to be a part of. I find it so easy to be part of your karate family as I am so impressed with the cohesiveness and true care that you can see in each of the members.
I am so proud to be part of Keiko Shin!!!!
It is so important to find activities for our children that will build morals and that can applied to everyday life and I feel we get that from all that you teach and for the love that you show for karate!!!

Thank you Sensei!!!

"I had always wanted my son to learn martial arts once he was old enough to pay attention and focus. After his first day he was hooked! Sensei Ernesto manages to find a great balance teaching all ages, and incorporates both fun and discipline into every class. My son is challenged, encouraged, and rewarded for his efforts and the result is an extremely positive learning environment full of skills and lessons that will last a lifetime. Thanks guys!"

"My family and I recently moved to the New Tampa area a couple of years ago. I had to find an afterschool program for my seven year old son to be picked from, and also provided an after school program to keep him occupied while I get off of work. Keiko Shin Academy not only picks up son from school at a reasonable price, but they showed him love, care, and support with teachings of karate and with the importance of education. I highly recommend the academeny to anyone and the staff is wonderful. I look forward to my youngest son joining the academy once he's four years old."

"A special thank you to Sensei Ernesto Fuentes, my karate teacher, for paying attention and pushing me and applying the added pressure when I first started on the pursue of my goal. He had the bright idea to share my goals with a few other extremely driven students from the dojo which made the perfect breathing environment for high level accountability! His strategy is working because when I feel a bit of discouragement I think of you all: those who accepted to partner with me and share your support. Thank you Sensei!!! This experience has taught me to respect your belief and vote of confidence in me and also respect self promises. To not let myself down and follow through with what I promise myself!!!!"

"Dear Sensei, I just would like to thank you for all your hard work as you encourage us your students to a higher level of self challenge and healthy life style. Yesterday I was down. I don't know why exacly, just not feeling up to it. Not the class itself but in general. It was challenging. By the time I finish last night's class I felt pretty good about my efforts and what is slowly being accomplished. Well, I just want to say thank you and that you are making a difference not only in the lives of our children but ours (the parents) as well. Thank you!!! Well done Sir!!! Oss...!!!"

"Dear Sensei Fuentes, thank you for being such a great inspiration to Angus. He really enjoys the lessons. I have a website that I share with my immediate family in Brazil, so they can see the kids. Today, I posted some pictures and videos of the ceremony. Here is the link in case you want to see how they came out. All the pics and videos on the web site have a lower quality of the ones that I save at home, but you can still see it really well. Thank you."

When our son Jonathan (Jonny) asked to do karate, we searched the internet for the best dojo in town. After our first class at Keiko Shin, we knew we have found the best place for our son to grow, learn new skills and develop his character. Little did we know that four months later our 5 year old Jonny would learn an invaluable life lesson from Sensei Ernesto! It was the day of Jonny's first belt test (light blue) and he was nervous since morning. We practiced at home, prepared him as much as he could and reassured that he would pass. During the test, Sensei pushed the students to the limit and we saw our Jonny fighting tears as he was scared, unsure and lost at his first belt test. We thought he would quit, ask for help or start crying, but he didn't! He wiped the tears with his glove and continued on with all his strength and desire to pass the test. When Sensei asked him why he had tears in his eyes, his answer was because "he was happy"! That day we realized what a great life lesson Sensei taught our boy: to never give up, be ready for unexpected, conquer fears and believe in yourself. We watched with tears in our eyes as our 5 year old Jonny grew up right in front of us, developed character traits we never thought he had before and was determined to "win". We will be forever grateful to Sensei for this invaluable life lesson, for not only teaching karate to Jonny every week but for also developing his character, stamina and a winning spirit. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

"Dear Sensei Ernesto, we just wanted to share with you how deeply grateful we are that you are a part of Max's life and such a positive role model for our son.  Thank you for all the time you have taken before class starting to address issues I've shared with you prior to class concerning Max's inappropriate behavior, and doing it with such tact.  If I have ever came across as I was placing blame because of learning karate from you, I apologize.  That was never my intensions. You genuinely care about the character of these children and from parents whos child struggles with this, it is an incredible support and we value your guidance in helping our son understand the importance of his character and what he represents. We also want to thank you for trying to find low sugar treats for him as well, but it isn't necessary.  We came up with an agreement so Max doesn't feel excluded from the group when sweet treats are being passed out.  He is suppose to accept the treat, say thank you, hold on to it and when he gets home I trade it out with a piece of sugar free candy.  Again thank you for going out of your way for him, you and your dedicated staff are so wonderful! God Bless You."

 

Sensei, 

 You ARE cultivating leaders and strong members of community! We consider ourselves very blessed to be a part of Keiko Shin and we are very touched by what you and your family do to help Kolbie be all she can be!! 

 YOU ALL ROCK!! 

 Love and Thanks.

 

I enrolled my son into Keiko Shin Karate Academy after coming across an incident with one of the other local martial arts academy. At first, I was a bit hesitant since I thought all martial art academies were similar.  However, I was proven wrong. Within a couple of weeks, I noticed my son adjusted very well to the structured & family-friendly environment, his form and techniques improved tremendously, and he felt a sense of accomplishment & mutual trust from working with Sensei Ernesto, Sensei Alex, and Co-Instructor, Ms. Ibe. Not only was it important that my son learned Karate, I also wanted him to learn respect, self-control, and discipline. Over time, I saw that my son understood these principles that were taught and consistently communicated by the Sensei(s). By ensuring the students grasped the concept, I liked how the Sensei(s) took the time to explain the importance and expectations, which was then followed by stories that they all can relate to. Lastly, from a parent perspective, I truly appreciate how the Sensei(s) and staff operate from working with the students, maintaining a professional environment to quickly addressing questions or concerns. All in all, I knew I made the right decision when my son has developed the love for Karate and when he made it his personal goal is to earn a black belt from Keiko Shin Karate Academy.