The following are real-life testimonials given by parents who have used our program:

Sensei,
My son began attending South Austin Karate in April 2000.  He had wanted to be a part of martial arts since he was five years old.  I discouraged his ambition for several years.

My son was four years old when his father and I divorced.  It literally ripped his world apart.  He became very violent, very disrespectful, and very angry to his teachers, his friends, and most of all me, his mom.  I tried psychologist, psychiatrist, and family counseling.  I tried love, discipline, and all the time in the world.  Nothing worked.  My parents who had just retired offered to take him and raise him.  That of course, was not even an option.  It was my responsibility to be there for him.

He was eight years old when I finally gave in to him and his desire of learning martial arts.  I was concerned because of his behavior and thought that martial arts would only intensify his anger and violence.

South Austin Karate was my first and last stop.  Your studio has changed his life forever.  He now has respect, a loving heart, self control, and academically he is awesome.  I will never be able to repay you for what you have given my son but, I am sure you require no repayment at all because what you have produced for the future is a boy who will grow to be a fine man.

Forever grateful,
Debbie Povec

Dear Sensei,

I wanted to thank you for all that you have given me and all that you have helped me become.  I know that during the past four years I wasn't the easiest of kids to tolerate but you stuck with me through thick and thin.

I came to you as an unruly twelve year old girl with out any hopes and any dreams.  Through all the workouts you helped me get my mouth and my attitude under control.  It was you who who picked me up and never quit or let me quit.

Sir, today I would like to thank you for helping me become a person I only dreamed I could be.  Not only am I a straight "A" student but I am also looking forward to college and a future I never stopped to think about.

Thank you Sensei, for the life you have given me and for helping me be the person that you have enabled me to become.  I owe you a lifetime of debt and gratitude.

Thank you,
Ashley Adams

South Austin Karate is a great place for kids to learn an art and at the same time learn discipline, respect, and high standards regarding family and education.  My son, started attending South Austin Karate at the age of four and has been there over seven years now.  I am very impressed by the skills he has acquired and the things he has learned.

At first when my husband suggested our son take karate, I was hesitant.  I didn't really want him to learn something I thought was like fighting.  I was surprised to see all the character building traits being taught.  He learned very early how to be respectful and to take direction.  I was also pleased to learn that the techniques are taught as an art and to be used in self defense.  I feel he has acquired the skills necessary to protest himself in a dangerous situation and in time has gained confidence and self-esteem.

Thanks to South Austin Karate!  We are proud to have our son attending such a caring, character building studio.

Mike and Karen Hodson

South Austin Karate has provided my child a safe environment for after school care, as well as an effective method of martial arts instruction.  During the four years at South Austin Karate, my child's self esteem has blossomed and he has learned valuable leadership skills

Lisa Putman

Although my son has been coming to South Austin Karate a short while, I know now we have found  the right place for him.  His confidence level has improved 100% and I've never been more proud.  The staff are all wonderful, thank you Sensei for such a great program.

Paula Ojeda

South Austin Karate has given my son a new sense of self esteem.  He feels so good about his accomplishments and looks forward to coming to South Austin Karate everyday.  The discipline is administered with care and concern for the growth of our children.

Kim Frederick

I love South Austin Karate.  I always feel at ease knowing that my sons are in good hands after school.  I would and do recommend South Austin Karate to everyone.  We all love the program and the values that are taught to the kids.

Alisol Valdez

SAK is more than a place that teaches my children martial arts, it is our extended family

Debbie DeCroix

In these days of unpredictability, I feel good knowing my son and daughter have the confidence and skills to defend themselves.  South Austin Karate provides not only physical training, but mental discipline.  I now have two children who are honor students, respectful, and proud.  South Austin Karate is a safe, affordable, and fun alternative to after school care.

Sandra Simons

The exemplary commitment from Sensei Bainton and his staff to each individual student during and after hours is what make this studio stand out from the rest.  His ability to combine the importance of family and education in his art has made both of my children better people today.  I strongly believe enrolling my children in this program was one of the best decisions I've ever made

Darla Adams

Dear Sensei Bainton:
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for the wonderful work they have been doing with my son.  As a single mother, recently divorced, it is very important to me that my son be exposed to professional and caring people that can help me do my job of teaching him about himself and his peers.  He is certainly getting that experience at South Austin Karate.

Your staff are not only well trained in their art, but also knowledgeable in the field of child development.  Jess has been learning your martial arts very well, and most important of all he enjoys it very much.  I have observed your instructors during several different classes and it is obvious that they enjoy what they are doing, and they really do care about the kids.

I have been continually impressed with the way you and your staff live up to your values and teach it to your students.  Thank you for your dedication to teaching your art, for providing a positive environment for my son to learn in, and for all that you have done for him personally.

Sincerely,
Marian Mailloux

My son has gone from being a "C" student to a straight "A" student in school.  He has gone from being kicked out of day care to a student leader and assistant instructor at South Austin Karate.  This massive change and focus on responsibility is due to the partnership between SAK, my son, and myself.

Doug Fowler

In our opinions, the reputation of Dr. Bainton and his program are above reproach.  In the few short months our daughter has attended, she has become more self confident, self disciplined, and more respectful of our family and home.  Her school work has improved and she has developed more self control than she had just 3 months ago.  Our daughter has been diagnosed as ADHD-Inattentive, and this particular program has been a godsend to our family.  Something we could never say about any daycare she has attended.  The values and discipline taught at SAK are an integral part of the program and are enforced with such nurturing care and structure...It is unfortunate there are not more people like Dr. Bainton, with the knowledge, foresight, and compassion to develop the same type of programs for our youth.  In this time of prevailing drugs and violence, on the streets and in the media, we need more people like Dr. Bainton teaching and leading our children.

Sincerely yours,
Doug and Gina Treuter

I recently signed my two daughters up for your evening classes.  I want to commend you on your quality of service and your instructors.  Your instructors are young, knowledgeable, stern but not mean, and offer wonderful discipline for my children.  This discipline has been a part of our parenting style since our children were born and is strongly reinforced at home.  In addition I wanted to commend you on your personal approach to the children at school.  I was at the school yesterday for pictures and I witnessed you reprimanding a middle-schooler for throwing objects out of the bus on his ride to your afterschool program.  I was thoroughly impressed with your stern attitude towards his activities.  People these days are so afraid to reprimand other people's children when they are behaving badly.  In fact, people are afraid of their own children and I feel this is a significant cause in children's attitudes in our country.  You were stern, honest, and impressionable to this young man while at the same time not putting him down or calling him names to demoralize him.  I juts wanted to know how I feel about your teaching style...which in turn shines through in your trainers and employees.  Thank you so much for all that you provide for our children that is above and beyond the karate moves.

Sincerely,
Dacia Osborne