I am D. Alexander-Brown, grandparent to Troy Anthony Brown, a Brown Two Student, and Kevin Anthony Forbes, a Blue Belt Student, who both attend Di-Cervo’s Karate & Kickboxing.

I am so very proud of Troy, not only is he a wonderful grandson and student, but he has been a tremendous help to me in helping his younger brother Kevin to achieve the level of performance that I share with you.

I am an avid reader. So, with Troy, I had read many books and magazines regarding improving the child’s attention span. I found many recommendations for music training and karate. The easier of the two disciplines to incorporate quickly is karate; altogether as with our household, music can be added or incorporated as well.

As a Christian, I was thrilled to find DKK. There were benefits aplenty, immediately with Troy, and he continues to excel. He has a refined boldness, a generosity of spirit, a determined outlook, and he shows respect to all.

Years later, Kevin joined our household; everyone at DKK participated in welcoming Kevin with love and discipline. The areas of love and discipline became foremost at home and at DKK for Kevin. One cannot just love a child and watch him grow – one must love and discipline that child.

Many behaviorists conclude that the word disorder is tantamount to the word deficit. In fact, the word disorder and deficit become equal. For instance, if your child has been diagnosed or classified as ADD or ADHD, look at those words carefully. Where is the deficit (or trauma) that yielded (or made) the disorder.

Go back and begin again – parenting with a purpose – it is not too late. Nurture your child, but because of the deficit, insist that he be attentive, listen, and obey. Does that sound like what happens at DKK – are they made to listen and obey at DKK? You betcha – with a generous requirement of respect!!!!

Also, if your child is hypoactive, sedentary, under active – alas, this is also a deficit. You must make the child move. Activity works all the muscles – the brain is also a muscle. Sound like DKK, katas, push-ups, written assignments, etc., you betcha!!!!

Then, if your child is hyperactive – he must be allowed to “burn-off” the extra energy – and not disrupt the classroom. Sound like DKK, push-ups, warm-ups, belt tests, sparring, etc…, you betcha. (Also, include mandatory practice at home, and shooting hoops in the backyard, etc.)

Finally, the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” is true. Talk to your DKK representative – tell them about areas of concern; and, tell them about your child’s improvements. They will join you in praising your child’s efforts and seeking solutions as needed. After all, team Di-Cervo is part of our village.

Note: Kevin was moved to a higher science class (after I appealed to the Board Director and God showed me how to fight for Kevin). The second test given in that class was all Kevin – he scored the highest grade of all. The entire teacher population was talking about Kevin. They sent a note home to me, and asked that I sign the test. Included was a message from his science teacher telling me that “In asking Kevin if he had studied a long time?” – Kevin told them, “No, I just studied half my free time on one (1) night.” Needless to say, they were amazed!

Kevin is now able to devote an entire evening of free time to study, if necessary. He does not become fidgeted, bored, or frustrated.

Thank you DKK and God bless you all!

D. Alexander-Brown

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May 20, 2005

To: All the Staff & Instructors at Di-Cervo’s Karate & Kickboxing School

I am writing to express my extreme satisfaction and pleasure with the curriculum and experience my son is receiving as a member of your school. My son Justin Munoz, age 5, joined the summer of 2004, and I have noticed a great improvement in his attitude. The discipline and respect being instilled into him is extraordinary. I commend everyone for their patience and kindness, especially, Sensei Edgardo, who I would love to have as my nanny! He has the patience of a saint! Everyone though is always pleasant and kind and they always greet everyone warmly. I feel like it’s an extended family and I love it! However, Justin does not like when we tell him we’re going to “tell Sensei” when he misbehaves, although he himself ends up telling him and obeys whatever disciplinary action that is taken. I look forward to many years with your school. Justin’s younger brother already mimics the moves and I have another “student” on the way for you! Keep up the AWESOME work!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Brenda G. Munoz

Community News

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November 14, 2005

Excerpt from The OBSERVER

Talented Bunch: Social Work Group's Hit Show

by Mustafa Gatollari

I stood, staring blankly at the sign posted on the MPR door, "$7 Admission." I searched my pockets. Empty. " I can't believe I'm going to have to PAY to see ventriloquists and stale stand-up comics," I thought to myself as I bummed the fee from a nearby friend and paid the congenial woman behind the desk. I didn't take two steps towards the MPR door until I heard krunk-a-licious beats blaring, commingled with karate screams.

When I walked inside, I was staring at the soon-to-be winners of the 2005 Rutgers-Newark Talent show: Di-Cervo's Karate school and they surpassed even my fearsome martial arts skills. While watching the children perform in envious awe, I discovered that the show was sponsored by the Socila Work Student Organization, to raise money for the Maria L. Varisco-Rogers Charter School in Newark.

...................The most talked about group of performers were again, the Karate Kids, proving that something as wussy as kung-fu can indeed be made cool with krunk, (please don't hurt me, Karate Kids!).

With a routine comprised of girls smashing one another into the floor, choreographed bo-stick presentations that would make Donatello of the Ninja Turtles blush, and an odd interpretation of the Destiny's Child song "Lose My Breath" performed by dancers in karate clothes, they were fated to claim the first place spot. Fated, I tell you. Fated!