Ahh I remember the times I spent at this dojo. Coming from a Filipino household, Mayo Academy was the most ideal place to learn martial arts. I came in at a very young age and was a shy little boy who didn't know anything about martial arts. I remember a time when we had to make a sparring circle and 2 of us would be chosen to spar. When it was my turn, I pretty much looked so much like an amateur and would really make me a laughing stock in the real world. It really made me sad but hey, you come to school to learn. The best part about that moment is when Sensei came up to me after class and gave me tips on how to better improve my way of fighting. He was very sincere and easily understandable when explaining things to me. That was the spark to my development in the martial arts.
Throughout the years, I met many friends and of course sparred with them. I was able to learn many new skills and techniques which enabled me to further develop myself physically and mentally. There were times I experienced where any other person would stand up and make the wrong move which was spring into a fight however, I was taught self-discipline and self-control. As a result, I was able to maintain a clean image while having an ability to defend myself when the time comes. To this day, I still remember the techniques I was taught and I still keep myself from choosing the wrong path.
Mayo Academy in general is a wonderful dojo. To me, it was like a second home. It was somewhere I always looked forward to going after school. It’s a place where you are taught many forms of martial arts while being in an extremely friendly environment. The staff here especially Sensei Jonas are very outgoing, respectful, well trained, and pretty much family. The many years I spent here unfortunately came to an end due to family moving and a more focus on education. I loved it so much that it took me days to finally say that I had to split ways. I teared a bit when I left the facility too. It was like letting go of something precious you had for so many years.
To whoever is reading this review, you really should consider signing you or your child up to this academy. As a former student, I can assure that you will definitely learn a lot here while having a great time. Mayo Academy is definitely one of the main reasons for me being the man I am today.
Lastly I would like to end this review with a creed we once had to recite before the class started. It’s a creed that pretty much sums up the academy and martial arts in general. “I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that may reduce my mental growth and physical health. I will develop self discipline in order to help bring out the best in myself and one another. I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively to help myself and others, to help myself and others and never be abusive or offensive. This is a black belt school. We are dedicated! We are motivated! We are on a quest to be the best!
One more thing I’d like to include .Thank you Sensei Jonas, Sensei Lanie and the Mayo Academy family. Thank you for being a part of my life and for helping me shape into who I am. I wish you all the best in life. God bless!
Log In
