Student Testimonial from Kris Buonomo | Faustini's Institute of Martial Arts and Fitness

What Our Students Say

Kris Buonomo

I had started the martial arts ten years ago, when I was four and we were still at the old dojo. These past ten years of karate have helped me physically and mentally in many ways. As you can guess, the arts have given me the knowledge and the ability of what to do in case I get into a bad situation, but that is only a small part. Beside all that, it has helped me in many other ways. I have better hand-eye coordination than I would have if I didn't take the martial arts. I am also more flexible than I though I would be possible. On top of both of those my balance is much better than I would have ever even come close to if I hadn't taken karate. The martial arts have also taught me things such as self-discipline, courage, and respect. As far as discipline goes, I have learned that I must have the control to not be the first to attack; I only defend myself if someone tries to throw the first punch. I know I should never start a fight. The arts also helps me to F.O.C.U.S. or Follow One Course Until Successful. I feel like I have followed that course by not quitting martial arts, because there were many times I would have preferred to just be out with friends instead of having to show up for class when the weather was 90 degrees. They were swimming and I always had to get out of the pool for class. So I feel like I completed that part of the course by getting this Tae Kwon Do Black Belt. I know I still will be on that course because I want to achieve my Black Belt in Heiho Shin Do too!

For courage I have learned that once I'm in a fight, I must stay until it is finished, I can't just cowardly run away. For respect I have learned to respect others and their wants. The arts have also taught me important lessons about life and the "real world." For instance, it took me ten years to be ready to take this test. To me this is a lesson on how in life things aren't just handed out to you. You have to work hard in order to get what you want, just as the dojo slogan is, "Desire Creates The Power To Achieve." If you have the willpower, nothing can stop you. It also teaches you that everything you do has a reaction. This reaction can be good or bad and the martial arts helps you to make choices that will have a rewarding action, not a consequential one.

I would like to say thank you to Sensei Rich and all the instructors and students who helped me along the way. There were many times in the beginning I would get frustrated with the corrections I was told to make. I know it was those corrections that helped me to succeed today. I would also like to thank my Dad for introducing me to the arts, I know he loves it and is proud that I stuck it out to get where I am today.