Testimonials
"Hoshin has changed me and my friends, because when my friends found out I was doing Hoshin they stopped bullying me and pushing me around and calling me names. Hoshin has changed me because I was not confident in myself but now I am.
Im also more fit and healthy from our fitness training and stronger than before. I have improved on Stranger Danger and in my manners and concentration"
By a Golden Dragon 2011
"Martial arts has helped me become more confident and courageous. When I am faced with something that, before, I would have run away, now I wouldn't. I was often teased about being smart by dumb people and people were saying "FAIL!" to me. Martial arts taught me "fogging" so when things like that happened again, I was able to defend myself with words. Sometimes, there was a bully at school who came and choked me (either with two hands or one hand) and hurt me quite a lot. and I wasnt able to escape until they stopped. Now that I know Hoshin, I was able to defend myself by twisting their thumb off my neck or doing a different move for when they have both hands choking me. Martial arts taught me discipline and self control.
Sometimes, people would do something to enrage me (and I would get angry too) but now, when they try to make me angry, I can be a bit more in control of myself. Marital arts made me more alert and aware of my surroundings, thus meaning that I didn't hurt myself too much (eg: banging my head, hitting my knee, rolling over on my ankle)
Whenever I fell over (like tripping on something) I knew (and know) that I could do a breakfall to stop most of the impact. Another thing that Hoshin helped me with, and changed me, is (rather strangely) my public speaking. I was more resilient to being nervous when speaking, making me speak clearer and louder. Hoshin has helped me with quite a few things, so I enjoy it a fair bit, and I plain on continuing with it for a long time..."
By a Little Dragon 2011
"Hoshin has changed my life because I used to be bullied. But now, thanks to Hoshin, I have developed strategies and enough confidence to stop such bullying from happening again. I still plan on trying to increase my physical abilities to their maximum, like sprinting, the splits and kata. The confidence that Hoshin has given me has allowed me to share my ideas to more people and will help me direct the Hoshin movie this year. (Lucas wrote the story for this years movie, it's a cracker!)
Hoshin has also given me patience and the power to ignore people when they bother me.
As you can see, Hoshin has shaped me into the Kid I am today, and has helped me with life in general"
By Lucas, a Golden Dragon 2011
Dear Sensei
My two boys have participated in the Manners Program, completing level 1.
They are currently working on Level 2 and I have found that the program has
helped them think about their manners & behaviour and improve in that area
each week. One particular area where the improvement has been significant
and very welcome is 'doing it the first time'. As any parent knows,
getting the children to do what is asked of them without repeated nagging
can be a difficult task. I have found that when the kids have a focus and a
goal, they are motivated to change their behaviour and actually do what is
requested immediately. The Manners Program has certainly helped my
children's table manners, courtesy and improved the overall level of
co-operation in the family. They also have felt a great sense of
achievement when they receive their medal in front of their class and
parents.
I recommend the Manners Program as a useful tool for parents in teaching
and reinforcing positive character traits and good manners in their
children.
Regards
Deborah Hodge
Hi Rose, just wanted you to know that even after 2 years we are still using the wonderful booklet that was given to us as part of our daughters martial arts training,"manners for the modern warrior". We find it extreamly useful for our entire and extended family, thank you so very much for all you hard work and a great job. thanks again, kelley and chris
I think that our children have pretty good manners when compared with some others. Of course there is ALWAYS room for improvement!! nobody is perfect. I have found the Manners Program to be a great way of reminding our children of what is expected from them in regard to good behaviour/manners. Our children enjoyed the fun way and simple diagrams that Rose Smith has portrayed each topic. They were very attentive, keen listeners. We found
with this gentle reminder their manners did improve. The program also demonstrated to our children, that what we have tried to teach them, is a lesson that is not just coming from mum and dad. These same manners we have
taught them are appreciated by everyone.
Many children (and parents) these days simply just have no idea on how to be polite. It's a bit of an education for a lot of people - young and old!!
We can highly recommend this program for young and old.
Bronwyn Leopold
Dear Sensei,
I am writing to let you know how helpful Hoshin Jutsu has been for my 5 year old Jack and his little sister Sarah. The manners program has been a fabulous extension on martial arts. My children have learnt so much form the modern manners program, it is quite amazing. They are always thinking of others and being kind and helpful. Their table manners are very unexpected and to have your 3 year old not argue back and say "ok no
worries" when you tell her no is truly a pleasure! Jack has taken away things like acceptance of others, good sportsman ship and very importantly, stranger danger. I don't think as a parent you think to teach children so
young the importance of strangers unless something bad has happened. This I believe should be taught to very young children at an early age and I commend you on starting this program. Thank you again for introducing the importance of these issues to my children.
Kind regards
Marnie Govorko
I have 2 children aged 10 and 6. Both of them are attending the Hoshin Jutsu Martial Arts program in Avalon once a week. We have been using the 'Manners Programme' given to us from the Avalon Dojo, since they both needed more focus on respect, courtesy, manners, time-management and anti-bullying tactics to help them through 'each day' in and out of school. I have been struggling to get them to co-operate and listen to my requests. After a couple of terms following the simple daily guidelines of the 'Manners Program' I can already see the enthusiasm in my children in achieving particular goals set out in the Program. It's still a long way to go but it's been a great start to a positive outcome.
I thank the Avalon Dojo team for helping me find a clearer way to happy children.
Susanne Hanke
My son Jason started his Manners for the Modern Warrior program mid last year and whilst my husband and I always thought he was a fairly well behaved child it was amazing to see how focusing on different topics really improved Jason's manners. Jason was always quite shy talking to others and it was so amazing to watch Jason talk on the phone, family and friends also noticed the difference and commented. It also helped when talking to face to face with people, my sister was extremely impressed when Jason trying to give her an invitation very politely interrupted and asked if he could give her the invitation, she is still talking about it today.
The way Jason deals with his friends is also a pleasure to watch, his confidence in letting friends know when they are not being nice or bullying other kids is inspiring. I won't forgot when he came home and told me that
one of his friends hid another child's lunch box, Jason told his friend that it wasn't nice and if he didn't give it back that Jason would. The boy was so startled that he gave it back. I have no fear that Jason will suffer from bullying as he has learnt how to deal with most situations and has the confidence to tell us what is going on.
However my proudest moment was after he started the second course, we went to the video shop and Jason went in by himself to return the DVD. As he approached the door, a lady also approached, I watched in awe as he opened the door but as it had to be pushed, he pushed it then stepped inside and held it until she had entered. I couldn't see her faced but I am sure she was impressed as I was at his amazing manners.
I don't just recommend this program, I feel it should be compulsory at
school.
Thank you Sensei for a wonderful program.
I have two children attending Hoshin @ Avalon and we have noticed tangible improvements in both their behaviours since they started the Manners program. This has been most marked in our 10 yr old son James. One simple example is attitude to chores. He has transformed over the last months from someone who was very reluctant to help around the home and then only doing so with lots of complaints (moaning and groaning), to someone who now
usually responds upon first request and with a much more positive attitude (and NO we did NOT bribe him or change his pocket money!!)
So we have been very impressed and thankful for the Manners program
Sincerely
David
February 2009
Hoshins' Manners program and Sensei Rose are an excellent attribute for all those who do it. The manners program incorporates several themes used by people in everyday life. I feel that my manners have improved out of sight, and I have been growing more and more mature and well mannered. My parent's and I have been approached by members of the community telling us how they find that I am a courteous and caring person at my workplace, IGA and at the Surf Club. I always help out and am mindful of behaving in a well mannered way, which the manners program
aims to achieve, and I am excelling in schoolwork, and also in my track and friend efforts, inspired by Sensi Rose to try my hardest at all times and be a gracious winner and loser, which is generally fair and good sportsmanship. I think that the manners program has worked and that Sensei Rose is an excellent leader, teacher and friend.
Gold Belt Student (approx. 4 years with Hoshin Avalon)
Ben Ambrose
Dear Sensei Rose and Instructor Long,
I feel so reassured that Hoshin Jutsu is the correct sport of choice for my son. It incorporates everything Ive been looking for: exercise, motor skills, focus & concentration, listening skills, self discipline and of course, fun!
If only we could all make discipline as enjoyable as you do - and in raising a five year old boy discipline and fun are key words!
Thankyou for all your time and energy spent on my son.
Sincerely,
Marie Bou-Francis
31 - 3 - 05
"Under guidance from my instructor, I have changed many of my unhealthy habits. When I started I weighed 77kg, but I was only 167cm tall. At the end of the three month challenge my weight had dropped to 67kg, my friends all noticed my drop in weight and I felt like a much better person"
R Lewis, Accountant
"I was placed on a personal challenge along with other newbies that forced me out of my comfort zone and usual patterns of behaviour. I dropped a lot of the negative things I was doing and my lifestyle immediately became happier and healthier! At the end of the three month challenge I had trained my mind and body to a level of discipline that I have maintained to this day, 18 months later. I am definitely a different person"
T Brown, Teacher
"Since starting training, my balance and coordination have increased greatly and my fitness levels have gone from almost non-existent to well above average"
O Jane, Programmer
"What struck me primarily about Hoshin was its emphasis on street - based reality.. I was drawn by the speed in which you can become quite competent and also by the fun elements of the class - its never so serious that you cant have a laugh"
G Samuel, Student 2001
"When I began training in Hoshin, I sighted something magical in life, and in myself, which I cannot quite explain - but which I call the warriors path. It provided me with the final boost to release me from depression and inferiority, which I believe to be a permanent change"
N weeks, uni student 10 / 6 / 2002
"Hoshin has developed a unique program through application of Martial arts training to assist young people by giving them focus, self discipline and most importantly an improved image of self"
P. De Silva, Teacher 2004
"Hoshin promotes Honestly and trustworthiness. Students learn practical skills in conflict resolution, learning how to keep a clear head in a heated situation. They learn how to totally relax body and mind, the importance of fitness and posture, healthy eating and thinking as well as leadership and respect for others. Not just a school for self defence, I commend the excellent instructors who are dedicated to the total well being of all the students they teach."
E Macintosh, teacher, August 2002
"The Instructors of Hoshin deserve commendation for all the time and effort they have contributed and the results they have achieved. They have conducted their classes with good character and professionalism and I have been proud to be involved with them. As a police officer I must maintain good ethical standards and promote them in members of the community. I see the development of these standards in Hoshin Students when they are in the classes and in their private lives."
T Sneddon,
Crime prevention officer Hornsby. Jan 1999
