I am a 39-year old mother of two. I went to RDCA to sign up my young son for Karate. Heidy Quintero, the Program Coordinator gave me all the info for my son and then suggested that I might like the “mom’s class”. The idea of taking up Karate at my age seemed impossible, but I was willing to give it a try. That was over a year ago. Now I am a very proud Orange belt with skills and strengths that I could only dream about. I take the mom’s class on Key Biscayne two times a week and long ago added a third class in Coconut Grove. I am on an amazing journey towards becoming a Shodan (black belt) which involves body, mind and spirit. That is the beauty of Karate, it incorporates the physical and spiritual. Sensei often tells the freshmen that we are there for our spirits but just do not know it yet and it has been proven to me over and over again. It is a profound learning process of getting to know and control yourself, making life so much more pleasurable and peaceful. And of course, it’s the greatest workout ever! Every class is different, pushing your body farther than you thought you could and strengthening different muscle groups all the time.  Every new belt brings the tremendous challenge of learning the positions and defenses plus remembering those of the belts before. The focus you need in class is so powerful that it also teaches you the lost art of concentration. I have never left the Dojo without a big smile on my face, ready to take on the day, with an amazing feeling of empowerment. RDCA has changed my life.

Paola Padovan

My children used to kick, scream, and complain all the way to every other sports practice.
They have now learned at RDCA how to kick and scream all the way to State Championships.
What started out as another after school activity quickly became an anticipated discipline that extended to my entire family then blossomed into an extended family of RDCA parents and children.
As a parent, I am delighted with the Academy of Martial Arts, and the emphasis placed on respect, discipline, and appreciation for each another; and also how that has translated into a balance of serious sport with serious fun.
 
Eddie Dziura

Less than 2 years ago, my shy, somewhat introverted, 6 year old son began Karate classes with Sensei Robert Duzoglou at the Academy of Martial Arts on Key Biscayne.  Today, at 8 years old, my son holds a State Championship in Karate and has won first place in two national tournaments.  Sensei Robert Duzoglou and his wonderful instructors have taught my son a self-confidence and belief in himself that he will carry with him the rest of his life!  For this, I am eternally grateful. 

Kathy Dziura

When I started karate I learned that even thought you can have fun you should always have repect and dicipline. I learned that my biggests dreams could come true if I tried and tried and practiced. After 8 years I am still doing it even thought most of my friends have quit. I have learned that my body is like a big rock. I have to polish it take care of it and work with it and in time it will be a diamond.
 
Jordan Fuch

Having become a part of RDCA, has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Slowly but surely after starting Martial Arts training, I realized that this program would enhance and change my life forever. For the first time in my life I am excersizing on a consistance bases and have been able to lose weight as a result. I also have gained more control over my self doubts and fears through believing that any goals I set for myself are attainable by real measurable steps and results. With the schools motto of "BLACK BELT EXCELLENCE EVERYDAY AND EVERY WAY", I find that this program has challenged me  to rise above my own personal obstacles to become a stronger, confident, healthier person all around. I would reccomend this program to everyone wanting to change their lives for the better. 
 
Heidy Quintero
Age 30