Testimonials
August 2017-
Hi Mrs. Malakoff,
As a Little Dragon, I've watched my preschooler move from a shy, clinging little boy in class to the kid excitedly practicing, playing and answering questions. He looks forward to classes all week and beams with pride when he accomplishes the games and exercises.
Thank you so much for trying this out. Jonah will be out of school every day at 1 and it will be nice to get him to his activity earlier in the day;)
Thanks again,
April 2016-
Hi Mary Ann
I just wanted to write you a quick email and let you know how incredibly happy we are with Bence and Akos taking Tae Kwon Do at Kang's. I have seen such a big change, in B in particular, since they started doing Tae Kwon Do with you. They are listening more, and if they aren't listening I can get their attention and they respond when I tell them I don't feel they are being respectful. We talk a lot about the words of the month at home and about how we can act to model those characteristics. B had to say a poem in Hungarian at Hungarian school last week. He was flustered the first time and couldn't do it, but didn't give up and tried again after everyone else finished. He really showed "indomitable spirit." B has been taking the "Best Lists" handed out last week really seriously. Three mornings in a row he got dressed by himself, brushed his teeth and made his bed (which he didn't even know how to do before this week) by himself. He even taught A to make the bed and they did it together. And he did all this by "taking initiative," i.e. without me asking.
From the beginning I have been so impressed with your academy and love the sense of family you create. All the instructors are caring and know how to engage the kids on their level. I haven't seen another studio that I have felt this good about and has so much fun while doing it. I truly appreciate the positive influences you have had on my boys and family.
All the best,
Alison N.
Dec 2015
We are so grateful for Kang's Li'l Dragons program! Our Li'l Dragon, Leo, has not only been introduced to basic Martial Arts techniques, but he and his preschool classmates are also learning safety skills and life skills as well! In particular, my husband and I were blown away by the comprehensiveness of the program when we saw Leo perform at the belt ceremony! While it was certainly amazing to see Leo and his classmates perform basic kicks and punches on command, it was even more impressive to hear his class of three year olds tell why they bow ("to show respect"). And they had also learned other rules like, "if it doesn't work, change it." It should also not go left unsaid how lovely and gentle the instructors are with these preschoolers. We have had other experiences with martial arts programs for kids this age, and have never seen instructors able to build as lovely a rapport while also commanding respect! Thank you, Kang's Black Belt Academy for making such a wonderful impression on our Li'l Dragon... and on us!
Jen S.
July 2015: Max came home from Kang's Day camp today and said "camp is the best thing in the whole world and that he wishes that his entire life could be camp." For a little boy who doesn't have too much fun interaction with little kids, this is really huge- and I thank you guys and your staff SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!!!!
Amanda M.
July 2015: It was an awesome class. Gotta work on my coordination a bit but it was fun. Yes I was a little nervous at first. Lol. What a work out. I have new found respect for TKD. Thank You Mary Ann for encouraging me to try it. Tyler is so excited we have something to share!
Debbie Washington, Adult TKD
Our son has autism, and when he started at Kang’s in August 2014 (at the age of 7) it was the first time for him to participate in group activities with “typical” kids. So we were anxious, and visited several martial arts schools before making our choice. But anxiety disappeared almost immediately when he started, and started to ask to go to Kang’s almost every day. He really enjoyed it.
It helped our son build his self-confidence, but also strategies to control his hyperactivity. His interest in peers grew drastically, as did his participation in social life at home (laying the table, playing with others). His fine motor skills increased, and he became more flexible. With all these positive developments our son was also able to participate in Kang’s summer camps for short periods during winter season.
We are very grateful to the incredible Kang’s team, who is not only managing this academy as a real family (including by teaching core values and the importance of learning) but is also very well aware of specific challenges that kids with special needs face, and ways to efficiently address them. Thank you guys, keep it up!
Pauline & Marc
My son's behavior at preschool was so explosive and unmanageable that we had to withdraw him. It was a very stressful time and we were freaking out that he would greatly struggle in Kindergarten. We decided to enroll him in Lil Dragons immediately. I also feared he would be unmanageable at Kang's!
That was never the case. My son was excited about Lil Dragons class right away and bonded with the instructors - especially Mr. Page.
While my son was attending bi-weekly class at Kang's we had him tested by the county and he ended up with an IEP and placement with a public preschool. He succeeded greatly at his new school and a big part of that was due to his Kang's training. What a change!
I no longer dreaded the bad reports from teachers. My son is benefiting from the discipline & respect taught along with muscle coordination and life skills. No doubt this program will help him be a better athlete, student, and little boy!
We love Kang's and are so grateful for the energetic & dedicated staff.
Thank you!!!
Nichole B.
Good afternoon guys! I just wanted to extend my thanks to you all to say I'm very grateful and happy to have found a great group of people who, I feel, truly care and value the same principles as I do... My son has a very good time and learns a lot... I just wanted to express my indebtedness... YOU GUYS ROCK!!!
Evita :-)
I cannot tell you how much we appreciate the way that you and Mark truly care about the people that are your clients and the people that work for you. It is not like some businesses where everything is about the money. Yes, we are all in business to pay the bills and, hopefully, make some money too, but the best way to do that is to take care of the people that matter. Your recognition of that principle shows in everything that you do and really makes Kangs a place that we want to be associated with. You are good people and while I think it is something that is well recognized, I still think it is worth saying. Thanks.
Jeff
Owen & Chase love Karate, it's been great to teach them disciple, respect and martial arts. I think it helps them with everything they do.
Lisa A.
Nico loves Lil' Dragons! He loves the variety of activities, the enthusiastic instructors, the positive reinforcement. He's always excited to go to class!
Patty J.
Mary Ann,
You are WONDERFUL!! One of the things Katelyn said when she got her hair dyed was “I can’t wait to show Miss Mary Ann”. You have made such a great impact in her life – and I appreciate all that you do. Katelyn will be in class on Thursday. Thank you again for all you do!
Mary Kay
P.S. Katelyn really liked the voice mail Master Malakoff left for her too! You guys make her feel very special!
OK, OK, seriously, you guys are an incredible bunch of people!!!
I can't say enough how much we appreciate you all and love having you in our lives! Last week Wednesday, I had a very nice talk with Alexa's mother (i'm a dork, I didn't ask her her name!), and she started the conversation with -- we travel a long way to be here but I couldn't imagine being anywhere else -- the Malakoff's are so supportive and have been so good to us -- and I of course jumped in and added my two-cents in on how we just love the program, adore you guys, and couldn't think of being anywhere else either!
Then TONIGHT! WOW, what a nice suprise! Hudson got his gold belt! He was so surprised and so happy and reflective about his work and he was so happy!!!!!! And you guys handled it so beautifully! Such a surprise! THANK YOU! Then Mark sang Happy Birthday and included me, which was just so funny and cute! OH, then one more thing, my neighbor and friend Cindy Tofig-Murphy (mom to Will and Daniel) said she was incredibly impressed with the program, the spirit, the kindness, the great staff, so she signed up the boys immediately, not even giving it another thought! Awesome!
She was so impressed with the positiveness of it all! We're going to try and talk more of our afterschool group to join, too! Well, have a great night and know that you guys are truly special and are really loved from the Witte family. And just to prove it, you can ask Reese to show you her moves -- she's already practicing with her brothers and trying to say "Ah!" in her sweet little voice. All the Best, and thank you for everything!
Yours Sincerely, Tanya and the big gang
I would like to share some of my experiences with the Kang's Black Belt Academy in Sandy Spring, MD run by Malakoff’s family. My son started at Kings Karate in September 2011 at the age of 5.
In the short period he has being going there I see significant improvements in his skills and overall posture and physique. But most importantly Malakoff’s family makes it exciting for the little one to attend with varieties of programs offered and provide convenience to parents with offering flexible schedule.
We tried different classes and different programs but nothing comes close to the enjoyment of attending Kang's Black Belt Academy.
Thank you from the satisfied customer.
Elena
An Investment worth making: Kang's Black Belt Academy
I am a big martial art fan and a proponent of providing my children with advantages that will immerse them in positive activities that will help develop confidence, self discipline and self defense. I have 3 daughters. Before deciding on Kang's I spent a couple weeks exploring various martial arts websites, reading professors' biographies and visiting schools. I knew this was a long term investment for our family so it was important for me to find the right school and the right Master. I was a little skeptical at first because the cost at Kang's was significantly lower than the competition. I was concerned that the lower cost would be a reflection of the quality of the program. The old adage "you get what you pay for." After over 8 years with Kang's, I am happy that my concerns were unfounded. Kang's is a great Academy! Mark and Mary Ann truly care about their students. They are nurturing and work with students to develop leadership skills, responsibility and respect. They instill in the children confidence and discipline while teaching them self protection. Keep up the good work. Go Kang's!
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