There are so many good things to say about Tristar, I'd have to start with its warm inviting atmosphere. Studying there for only a year now has opened my eyes to a whole new way of martial arts. With previous experience in both Tae Kwon Do and Judo I've come to embrace Taijutsu as my favorite art. Tristar has made me more confident in my martial arts training and with my overall fitness. All the awesome instructors and the many wonderful people I meet in class each week has made my decision at Tristar the right one. I'd highly recommend Tristar Martial Arts to anyone.
Brian D.

My son and I began taking lessons at Tristar in January, 2007. In this time I have seen him develop more self confidence, a higher level of respect for others and he has made many new friends. I have been pleased as I feel that I am in much better shape and he and I have developed a closer bond by practicing martial arts together. The staff of Tristar excels at being role models for all students and we look forward to every lesson. Thank you Tristar for doing such a great job!
Dave R.

My son has been attending classes at Tristar Martial Arts for the last two years. After attending the introductory classes, he seemed very excited about learning new striking and blocking at his next class. After he earned his second belt, we could see a definite change. When he started classes he had problems with focus, eye contact and following instructions. He had difficulty standing at attention and refraining from calling out answers. He now proudly displays the six belts he's earned on his "Honor Wall". His focus is greatly improved and his physical abilities have increased ten-fold. He answers his father and I with "Yes Sir!" and "Yes Ma'am!" He always looks forward to test day.
Laurie G.

I could go on and on what Tristar Martial Arts has done for my son, Randy. Randy is 13 yrs old and has been a member of Tristar for over 9 years. Tristar has always been available for him, whether it was taking the time to hear his concerns or share his information. They have always been very professional in their training, whether it was to teach a new technique or to just have an open ear. Everyone has always shown respect to Randy. Randy has built his self confidence and self esteem up. Randy has learned to set goals that have been attainable goals for him to reach. Randy has learned to respect himself and others. It has help Randy build character. Randy is not always the most patient person but thru Tristar Martial Arts he has been working on better patience. As a parent, I really enjoy watching all the students, but no one can ever imagine how much I really enjoy watching Randy in class. I really hope that he continues with his Tristar training as he grows older. I believe Randy has established a good relationship with the Tristar Martial Arts family and I would like to see it continued. I truly appreciate the Tristar family for what they have taught my son. I wish my son and Tristar continue success.
Karla W.

Martial Arts has helped my son with his confidence. His confidence has definitely increased since starting at Tristar. His fitness level has also improved since starting Tristar.
Ann G.

Zachary's mother and I had a meeting with some of his teachers this morning (a couple of his grades are low). While going over things we thought would help him with his problem subjects, each one of his teachers commented on how nice he is. A 'sweet boy' is what many of them said. This isn't necessarily something new, he's pretty much been a good kid. But there were two things that made me really proud of the person he is becoming. The Assistant Principal had said she saw something she had never seen before: She saw one student drop all his books and Zach walked over to him and offered to help pick them up. She sincerely seemed impressed with him and her opinion means a lot to me since she was my 8th grade teacher when I went there. The other comment was by one of his teachers: She said that Zachary brightens her day, every day. That there isn't a day when he doesn't come up to her and ask her how she is doing.
I've really tried to instill in him these qualities and I know you and your staff do also. It is the main reason I will keep him with your school. These comments reflect on us as parents but they reflect on you and your school also. I'm really happy to have found something that he likes to do in his spare time that reinforces the qualities I feel are important. Keep up the good work!
Paul S.

I wanted to show my daughter, Isabella, the importance of protecting herself in today’s world. She joined at the age of four, and I followed one month later. Tristar helped her overcome her shyness and increased her confidence. Tristar continues to help my younger son, Ben, improve his focus. For me, it is so much a part of my life; I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I am confident, physically fit and am both mentally and physically strong. Each instructor gives their heart to teaching everyone, which makes us feel valued in our training. Tristar is equivalent to Disneyworld. They really go out of their way to make sure that you are happy and will do anything they can to help you achieve your goals.
Patty J., RN

When my kids started out at Tristar, I thought it would be a fun activity for them. Looking back over the past year I realize how much it has helped them. My older child, Allison, started out kind of insecure and not very confident in her ability to perform the techniques. I have seen such a change in her confidence! She has no problem talking with the instructors and asking for help and she now works willingly with new people in class. This confidence has also passed over into school. She used to be more of a “follower”, where now I feel she has found her own voice. She stands up for herself better and doesn’t get as frustrated when things don’t go her way. My son wanted to take lessons for a year before I signed him up. He has so much respect for what he is being taught and really tries to live by what he learns in class (He is only 7, so I am impressed!). If he is misbehaving, I ask him if his behavior is what would be expected of him at Tristar, and he immediately thinks about how he is acting and stops. He has so much fun with all the instructors, that I don’t think he realizes that he is learning life skills. I joined Tristar at the urging of my kids and at the time, I didn’t think I would be able to do it. Now, I love having an activity to do with my kids. I feel great realizing that I can do the techniques, and the push ups, which I never could do before!
Thank you for all you do!
Stacie S.

After not having the best experience with another martial arts school in the area I was hesitant to try martial arts again. However after taking the initial step and attending my first couple of classes I was hooked. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and proficient in the martial arts and all the while provide the family atmosphere so many people look for. Everything that I have gained from Tristar I have been able to put to use in my everyday life and I simply can't see myself not having martial arts in my life. Thanks Tristar!
Vernon W.

My son loved your school from his first break of the board. It has taught him confidence and respect which are two traits that are valuable in today's world. These traits are passed down through his schoolwork and how he treats others. The instructors go out of their way to know my family and acknowledge their presence at the school. They have made him feel important and valued. He looks up to all of the instructors as mentors.
Chris S.

Tristar Martial Arts has strengthened our son's respect, focus and self discipline towards self and others. Tristar fosters these qualities before, during and after each lesson allowing him to practice what they look like and sound like. Tristar has provided a valuable opportunity for our son to enhance these key life skills.
Rick and Loel R.

   Cecilia tells me everyday how much she enjoys Karate. Since starting when she was 5 yrs old, she has developed into such a polite, smart, focused, considerate girl. I believe that Karate put a positive impact on her life. I see how she interacts with other kids in school, and she has no problem speaking up to another child if they are hurting someone’s feelings... She has told me she has been faced with some peer pressure - and she is very confident and independent and has been making the right decisions.
   Cecilia has expressed to me on several occasions, how much she would like to be asked to join the Demo Team. She loves to perform and she is now taking gymnastics (accelerated classes) to become even more fit. She also works out at Athens Gym!
   I could go on and on about how much Cecilia has benefited from Karate. She is very independent and gets ready for school by herself and comes home from school, and does her homework before I get home from work.
    She is growing into a wonderful young lady and she is very focused on working towards her 2nd Degree Black Belt.
Kimberly A.

We started our son, Dan, at Tristar to help with focus and found a sport that he truly loves, so much so he joined the Black Belt Club. He absolutely loves going to class and thoroughly enjoys all of the instructors there. The one thing that we have found about Tristar is they reinforce all of the values that we try to teach at home. Each week we take Dan to class, there on the board, is one of the values we teach. We have seen a huge difference in Dan’s personality and we enjoy going and watching him take his classes. Now, our 4 year old, Olivia, is in the Little Ninjas and she gets so excited on Friday afternoon because she knows she gets to go to Tristar. We feel that Tristar has been a true blessing to our kids and our family. Thanks!
Kim & Carol C.

Tristar Martial Arts has been a wonderful place for our two children. Tristar is more than learning about karate. It’s about setting goals and striving to reach them through perseverance and hard work. Our kids are learning values that help them succeed in school and will help them later in life. The instructors are wonderful. Mr. Thompson is welcoming and always greets us with a smile and handshake when we enter the dojo. It makes us feel like we’re part of a family. As soon as our kids get their report cards, they are excited about sharing their grades with the Tristar instructors! Thank you for all the time and effort you put into designing and implementing an exemplary curriculum. Our children are thriving in such a “pumped up” environment!
Dennis and Shalini M.

Tristar is more than just a place to learn Karate, they are truly part of the family. My oldest son started when he was 6 years old and was shy and had low self confidence. Since joining Tristar his grades have improved and he has become a more outgoing confident young man. When he went to the adult belts he started with his father and tragically his father died suddenly and the entire Tristar staff surrounded not only my son, but my entire family with more love and support than I could believe. They made my son feel stronger every day and have helped fill the void with tremendous role models. This support made me enroll my other 2 younger sons at the age of 5 and I have already seen a world of difference in less than a year. Tristar's dedication to the well being of their students reaches far from just teaching Karate, it goes into making someone into a better and stronger human being.
Thank you Tristar.
Suzette A.

Tristar has been a part of my son's life for 6 years. It has helped him become a confident young man. He can speak with confidence to peers and adults. He often refers to the message of the week when making decisions in his life. His teachers at school are always impressed with his manners and respect for others. He can go into a training class in a low mood and after a work out and pep talk, comes out a much happier person. It is nice to have a place other than home that he can get praise and support on a job well done, and also tell him like it is when he needs to work harder to reach his goals.
Thanks Tristar!
Jane L.

Tristar is the best! The instructors are motivating, professional, and make the classes fun! My son has been involved in Tristar for a year and a half and I have seen a difference in his physical fitness, respectfulness, & his ability to pay attention better in both school and at home. The biggest difference though has been his improved self-confidence! He loves it so much that his little sister decided to join Tristar too. She convinced me to join with her so I could start to get in shape. I’ve already lost 11 lbs., in just the first 2 months!
We love Tristar!
Bruce Z. – Westminster

Tristar Martial Arts proved to us that you CAN teach old dogs new tricks. After our son earned his Black Belt (and with much prodding by the instructors - thank you!), we decided it was time for us to give martial arts a try. At 44 and 50 respectively, we were skeptical about whether we can keep up physically. Frankly the idea of falling, doing rolls and cartwheels was scary! Close to two years into the program, we just love it. It has improved our confidence in our physical abilities - thus taking "I can't" out of our vocabulary.
Wynne and Chris H.

Martial arts has helped me a lot. I am more respectful and more conscious of my surroundings and of others. I love it at Tristar! It is so much fun! A big thanks to the instructors. They are all great.
your student,
Katie

My wife and I enrolled our son at Tristar when he was just five years old. We liked the school's focus on core life skills, not to mention the self-confidence that comes along with good martial arts skills. I was so impressed that I joined the adult program when our son "graduated" to the junior program at age seven. In the four-plus years since, my son and I have experienced first-hand all of the wonderful benefits of Tristar's well-rounded program. The school's constant focus on core values, such honesty, courtesy, respect, and commitment have been just as valuable to us as the terrific self-defense skills we've developed along the way. Tristar's family-oriented atmosphere, top-notch instructors, and practical curriculum make it one of the best Martial Arts schools you'll find anywhere!
Very Best Regards,
Dave B.

Our family has been thrilled with my son's progress in learning karate. As a parent I am comforted knowing important topics like strangers and bullies are being addressed and the kids are learning how to properly deal with these situations. When my daughter gets a little bigger I plan on enrolling her as well. There are about 6 kids in my son’s kindergarten class that attend karate and that also gives him a sense if fitting in with his peers.
Sincerely
Katie M.

Our daughters' confidence and self-esteem have improved tremendously. The impact that Tristar has had on our daughters has been impressive.
Eric and Anne W.
Police Officer and Teacher

Many people say you should check into all the schools….my response is "I don't have to." It is no surprise to me that your school is "Carroll County's Best".
Jennifer S.

My grandson has learned discipline, perseverance, responsibility, how to deal with strangers and bullies just to mention a few things. Your school is awesome and I feel this is the best investment I have made for him.
Peggy H.

I'm amazed at Tristar's ability to handle large classes while still providing individual attention to each student. The classes are challenging yet the instructors make them fun. Not only do we receive physical lessons but they teach the history of the moves and why they work so well. I've learned more about how to defend myself in nine months at Tristar than I did in three years of another martial art. The instructors are the best I've ever worked with.
Andrea K.

I have been a student at Tristar Martial Arts for over two years. My confidence level has increased as a result of the self defense techniques I have learned and I am in better shape physically due to the aerobic workouts and stretching that are a part of the curriculum. The staff at Tristar is extremely professional and very knowledgeable. I can't say enough about how pleased I am with my experience at Tristar Martial Arts. I guess what I need to say is THANK YOU Tristar Martial Arts!!
Rick R.

My daughter and I love Tristar. She can't wait to go to class every week. She would go more often if she could. The teachers are very attentive and consistent and really make it fun for the kids (and the watching parents too!). As a parent, I like the teaching of respect and self-discipline. I have been very impressed with the professionalism and caring attitudes of ALL the instructors.
Sincerely,
Laurie D.

I joined Tristar in March of 2004. The staff has always been outstanding, not only in their teaching, but also in the care and concern that they display for each individual who joins. It truly is a family environment, and joining was a very good decision on my part. They're also excellent role models for children; teaching self-discipline and self-respect, while also encouraging them to have fun. I hope that my children will be interested in learning form this wonderful group.
Sincerely,
Joseph M.

After many years of being a stay-at-home mom, it is refreshing to be involved in an activity that is so beneficial to me that does not revolve around my children. At Tristar, I'm not anyone's "mom", I'm just "me". I am more focused and in better physical shape than ever. I have definitely learned that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Kelli K.

I have found that the instructors are exceptional in teaching children through adults. As a U.S. Marine, I came to know what team unity is and the importance of being close with a group of people. I have found that Tristar has the same approach with their students. The leadership at the school instills a family atmosphere and the students in turn treat each other as a close family member.
Troy G. - Member of US Military, Serving in the Middle East

My daughter has grown from a shy child to a responsible young lady who is confident in her abilities. Her focus in school has improved as well as her grades; she is viewed as a role model.
Sharon W.
Executive Assistant

Our son was hooked after the first lesson. He was raving about the experience and couldn't wait for next time. That was something we hadn't seen from him before. Now almost the whole family is involved, including me. The instructors, the attitude, the dedication and discipline caught me from the start. Martial Arts has given me focus in my hectic life. I'm more self-assured in all aspects of my life now.
Bridget W.

The teaching style at Tristar is one of the best that I have come across. The teachers are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, great role models, and above all, patient. It's amazing how easy it is to stay with this program.
Kathy C.

I am so glad that I gave Tristar a chance. The family environment where everyone is so friendly is different than any other Karate school I have ever seen, and the sort of classes you receive are one of a kind. Tristar is the school I have been looking for, yet could not seem to find.
Katie R.
College Student

Here is what some of our local Teachers are saying about our programs!

Mr. & Mrs. Thompson, as well as the entire staff of Tristar Martial Arts, maintain outstanding levels of professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to their school. I am continuously impressed with the differentiated levels of instruction provided for it's students in addition to the level of physical fitness, discipline, focus and respect the instructors build into each class. The lessons my son, husband and I have learned, and continue to learn, within the school transcend beyond the school into our everyday lives.
Loel R.
Elementary School Teacher

As a teacher, I can comment on the benefits of the Tristar Martial Arts program. Some of the benefits are obvious: discipline that spills over to academics, physical fitness that helps in other sports. I feel very strongly about another benefit that may not be as obvious. My son is small for his age, making him a prime target for abuse by other boys. The middle school years are especially hard. Martial Arts has given him a much needed boost to his confidence. He carries himself in a more confident manner and he has definitely matured. Some of the bullies have disappeared from his life. Therefore, I feel that the Martial Arts Program at Tristar has a big benefit for students socially as well as academically.
Ann H.
High School Teacher

In the more than three years my two sons have attended classes at Tristar Martial Arts, I have observed on many occasions the talented and caring staff interacting with their students. As a teacher, I have noticed the positive impact of structure, individual attention and opportunities for every student to succeed. The fact that this is done so effectively in classes containing a wide range of ages and abilities is truly amazing. My sons have gained important life skills, beyond a knowledge of martial arts. In the past few years, I have recognized more and more of my students at Tristar, and have observed them in school to be motivated and respectful young people, ready to take on new challenges.
Rose Y.
High School Teacher

My daughters have both gained confidence and skills from Tristar. If they are struggling with confidence when approaching something new or unknown, I remind them to be confident as in Karate and they understand what this means and apply what they have learned.
On many occasions they have also been complimented on their firm handshakes, most notably by a friend who is a police officer. People notice when these petite girls give a firm and confident hand shake and a "hello, so and so, it is nice to meet you".
I have appreciated the opportunity to have input into their goals at each testing level. Sometimes my choices are not appreciated immediately, but they see the long term rewards.
Thank you to all the Tristar teachers who work tirelessly to train, encourage, and keep my daughters on target for their black belts and with many other important life skills.
Holly K.
Home School Teacher

It is obvious that everyone truly values and respects the students. I can honestly say that you make my child and me, feel at times that she is the only one there and she is the most important thing to you. The individual attention, instruction, and encouragement are wonderful. As a parent, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done. I can't wait to see what my daughter becomes as a result of this.
Cynthia K.
Elementary School Teacher