Mr. Colon I just wanted to say thank you so much for convincing me to take your class.
I cannot begin to tell you how it has changed me, I know you are probably laughing right now but
it has.  I felt like I was in a rut. It is finally nice to have done something for myself and to feel good about it.  I just went down in couple sizes.  I was shopping for new clothes yesterday.  I am shocked that I did it.  I am getting ridiculously annoying to my family and friends cause I am so excited but you know what I don't care for once.
You all are so great and supportive which makes it a lot easier for me. I know it wasn't like I had to lose 100 pounds and everyone would ask me why am I doing this, I don't need to but the thing is I did.  I needed to feel better about myself and now I do, so thanks!!   


AnnMarie M. - student & mother of 2 (both students!)



Mr. Colon,

When we first brought Chris into class 8 years ago, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. He was sort of a timid boy and we weren’t sure if martial arts would be for him, but after he got his white belt, you would have thought he was just handed a gold brick. We didn’t know it then, but a transformation had begun.

Six years later, as he stood before you to receive his Black Belt, that timid little boy had turned into a strong, focused, determined young man. It was probably the proudest moment of his life, and certainly one of the proudest of ours. As he heads off to college this fall, the skills and qualities he has gained from you and your staff will serve him well in his studies and far into his adulthood. He wears the TDMMA emblem proudly on his arm and will always consider himself part of the Tong Dragon family.

I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks to you and your staff for all you’ve done for Chris these past years. TDMMA is the best!

Respectfully,

Geoff and Liz Barger



The Barger Family



 
Sifu,
 
I completed my second year as a student at Tong Dragon Academy and provide the following comments on my experience during year two.
 
-  A couple of new belts and armbands with different colors and new stripes for my BJJ belt.
-  A deeper understanding of the Martial Arts and an appreciation for the strategy and techniques.
-  Many more friends and shared experiences that will be remembered.
-  Instructors who are professional, committed, knowledgeable, and student focused.
-  Facilities, equipment, and website updated to remain relevant.
-  Successful competitive fighters.  
-  Several seminars lead by accomplished Martial Artists which provided new experiences and horizons.
-  Periodically classes pose physical and mental challenges to attend, however extreme satisfaction is always experienced at the conclusion.
-  My commitment to the Martial Arts grew with time.
-  The investment in money, time, and physical and mental effort are rewarded with large dividends of personal satisfaction.
 
Thanks again for another wonderful year, I will report again at the end of year three.  Well Done!
 
Vr, Larry


Larry N., TDMMA Student, 53 years young, after year 2 here and climbing Mt Washington



Enhanced respect for all. My new found quality of life is immeasurable. TDMA has really helped to reduce my stress and suppress my anger.


Ryan A, Adult student



“Anthony is a very bright student. His academic skills are great due to his ability to recognize letters, shapes, colors and numbers. His motor skills can be improved by coloring, cutting and practicing pencil use at home. His martial arts has improved his patience in the classroom and I believe he will easily transition into the pre-k class.”
Mary Reck, Director


Red Apple Day Care Teacher Evaluation, about Anthony F., Child student



Eric was a very shy little boy when he joined Tong Dragon. He has since developed into an outgoing disciplined pre-teen and how has many friends and is very sure of himself. In fact, he has developed into quite an active sports person – basketball he excels at being a great team player. We feel Tong Dragon has instilled the fundamental into his person.


Ralph Hodges, Grandfather of student Eric Clague



As a police officer and a defensive tactics instructor I am faced with the fact that I will be involved with physical confrontations. In addition I have the responsibility to instruct other officers in this field. Submission grappling gives law enforcement officers the ability to control situations that go to the ground. Studies have shown a large percentage of physical confrontations involving law enforcement, namely arrest situations, and go to the ground. Tong Dragon has provided me with the techniques, endurance and mindset to win the confrontation. I would recommend this training to all law enforcement.


Lt Paul Hafner, Ocean County Police Officer & Defensive Tactics Instructor



Sir,

I completed a year with you last month and wanted to give you some feedback on my experience.  Tong Dragon Academy has exceeded my expectations for the following reasons:

-  It has allowed me to maintain peak physical condition and work on my flexibility and reaction time.
-  Establish a true perspective on the effectiveness and capability of the mixed martial arts.
-  Participate in a warrior environment with a high degree of respect, discipline, and camaraderie.
-  Developed respectful relationships with many peers of different ages.
-  Every class is new and exciting and always has something different and interesting.  
-  The variety of learning 3 martial arts at the same time is fulfilling.
-  The environment in the Academy is always pleasant and conducive to learning.
-  Instructors are highly qualified, well respected and earn their positions every class.
-  Even when class is mentally and physically challenging to attend, there is always a sense of accomplishment and well being when completed.

Congratulations on all that you do, I am extremely pleased to be a student in your Academy.  I always look forward to attending. Thank you for expanding my horizons, I expect a long relationship with the Academy.  Well done!

Very respectfully,

Larry

Larry N, TDMMA Student, 52 years young



Tong Dragon has taught my son, Liam, self-discipline and self esteem right from the beginning. In first grade our family became involved with Tong Dragon. Liam is a kind, loving and respectful person who continues to grow everyday through his training at Tong Dragon. We always kid him about putting a bed in the back room of the school because if he could, he would be there 24/7. Thank you Mr. Colon and his staff.


Jerri Kerrigan, Mother of student



Sir,

Since joining Tong Dragon, I have had nothing but great experiences and gains. Tong Dragon offers every option for training, self defense, cardio and strength and conditioning.  I take advantage of all the classes offered as well as supplementing with the Kettlebell training.  As a female, the important things for me are: a safe and friendly environment, learning self defense, challenging workouts, staying in shape and the ability to compete.  

Tong Dragon has become a second home and family for me.  Everyone, including staff and students, make it a fun place to train and keeps me coming back.  I feel more empowered having learned self defense, which has also boosted my confidence.  The cardio workout is insane and definitely better than anything I could ever do on my own.  My cardio endurance has increased tremendously and keeps getting better.  Until Kettlebells was offered, I always felt as though I was missing a part of my workout and that I should find time to go to the gym.  Now that it is offered at the school, I feel like I can accomplish it all at one place.  I have lost 20 lbs, 9 inches and transformed my body.  I am completely addicted and tell everyone about my passion for Martial Arts and Kettlebell training.

Thank you to everyone at Tong Dragon for making it such a great place to train.



Carolyn Card, Freehold NJ



 
Sifu,
 
I finished my third year at Tong Dragon and provide the following observations.
 
-  The Academy experience is a significant incentive to continue to participate.
 
-  Standards remain high.
 
-  Kali and Kettlebells training provided welcomed new experiences.
 
-  A deeper understanding and appreciation for the martial arts
 
-  Allows for maintaining high physical fitness.
 
-  Increasing network of new students.
 
Congratulations for a job well done and look forward to reporting at the end of year four.
 
Vr, Larry


Larry, Adult Student, 3rd year review



Mr. Colon & staff:
I am writing this letter to thank all of you for your part in our children's development. Over the last several years Tong Dragon as been a positive influence with their decision making, focus and commitment.
As they move into their teen age years, the lessons they have learned become a critical part of good decision making as well as reinforce the values we teach at home!

We first started them in your school to keep them in good physical shape as well as keeping them involved with team activities. While this has been accomplished, the other benefits are far greater and will have a bigger effect on their growth.

Our family is very grateful for what you represent and have taught our children over the years and look forward to many more.

Sincerely,
The Merlo Family



Vincent & Emma Merlo



I have been training at Tong Dragon for over a year and think that the staff is completely professional and friendly. Training Martial Arts as a female can be intimidating but Mr. Colon makes every class fun and exciting. He pushes you to your limit and shows you what potential you have. He is a modest teacher and makes you feel confident that you are training with a knowledgeable staff and breaks everything down. He is patient with his students and treats everyone equally. Tong Dragon is a great place to train!


Carolyn



Tong Dragon is awesome!!! Mr. Colon and all the other instructors are very professional,qualified, friendly and are all around great people. The classes are very fun and will get you in shape/ teach you all the skills you need for which ever martial art you train...Muay Thai, BJJ, No Gi Grappling and MMA. The school is great for anyone/any age...from the kids classes to the adult/ fighter classes, there's def. a class for everyone in the family!


Pat B



Great place for both kids and adults. No flashy, theatrical board breaking, just practical, useful martial arts skills. Mr. Colon and staff take a very personal interest in every student and help them reach their full potential. Go check it out, you'll be glad you did.


GB



Tong Dragon is a stellar martial arts school. Mr. Colon and his entire staff are very qualified, professional, and genuine. My two boys not only receive solid and consistent training, but have instructors that care and take interest in their development. Training at Tong Dragon has developed and strengthened core values like respect, discipline, confidence, and optimism in both my sons. The school continues to better them as martial artists, competitors, and young men on and off the mat. Tong Dragon does not disappoint!


Amy B



Tong Dragon is a wonderful place for martial arts! Mr. Colon and all of the staff are very nice, helpful, and professional. We started with my son, then my husband, next was my daughter, and now me.. It's our second home. For kids, it shows them respect, confidence, safety, and the are having fun at the same time. As for adults, or for my husband and I, it changed our way of living and motivates us to do something for ourselves, and as a family! For my husband, who trained before, and myself who has never, Mr. Colon and his instructors are very helpful and are always making sure you have the proper technique, and push you to do your best! It is a great place to be a part of!!


Cucinotta Family



Mr Colon and his staff has been training both my boys for about 4 years. Tong dragon instructors are dedicated to developing self esteem well being as well as the martial arts. I can't say enough good things.


NJScorpio



Tong dragon is an exceptional place, where everyone is treated like family. My daughter has learned important physical & life skills, confidence, self discipline & more, that has helped make her a wonderful & well rounded girl. I couldn't recommend Tong Dragon enough.


Laureen C