April 18, 2008

Mr. Fantle,
Taekwondo meant so much to me when I was training. I'm only now realizing just how big of a hole I created in myself when I left. Practicing the art gave me a way to socialize which, you may recall, I had trouble with when I first entered your academy those years ago. It gave me a way to exercise in a productive, tangible manner in terms of increased flexibility, muscle tone, and just a feeling of moving in ways that students and masters past and present must surely have.

Taekwondo helped me to focus more by giving an outlet to burn off all the extra energy I had (and still have). Most importantly, it gave me something to look forward to. I miss the rough feel of a do-bak against my skin, the firm (but rarely even) knot against my waist, and that happy exhaustion that comes just after a long sparring bout, when everyone is breathing hard, your gear is sticking to you, and your instructor is giving you blow by blow of what you did right and what you need to improve.

I miss it, and wish that I could find somewhere to train again. I've visited other schools, tried their arts, but nothing could ever get me jazzed up the way being in your school did.

I know that it's changed very much since I left (I've still been reading the e-mails. I can't believe how much it's grown!), but I'm sure if I walked back into your school, saw the lines of trophies and medals glimmering, the checkerboard pattern floor and the blue, spongey training floor, it'd feel like I'd never left.

Still your student, even from afar,
Jonathan Diehl

April 17, 2008

Mr. Fantle,
We love the academy – Zola is still very into it, and there hasn't been a single occasion where she has protested going to class. She enjoys class, and her poise and coordination have improved significantly.

Sincerely,
Susan Ray

April 5, 2008

Mr. Fantle,
Thank you for your reply and also your support to the students. You and your instructors are patient, encouraging and attentive. At first, I didn't think it was possible for me to learn so much in a short timeframe. You have a large academy but everyone is made to feel important.

Sincerely,
Kay Caster

February 29, 2008

Mr. Fantle,
Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly We are truly enjoying being a part of your program and we love the wonderful influence Taekwondo has had on Cierra. Cierra tells everyone that Taekwondo is "her passion" and she means it. Thank you for all you do to run a professional and fun academy.

Angela Ulmer

December 21, 2007

Mr. Fantle,
Thank you for sending Ms. Burleson and Mr. Maddox to KLES for the past three days to teach fitness and child safety. The kids loved it and it made the last days for us REALLY easy. They are so energetic and funny the kids pay good attention to them. They were very aware of the developmental differences between the different grades and handled the modifications and challenges well.

Thank you again for contacting us and helping during the holidays.

Connie Smith
Killearn Lakes Elementary School

November 10, 2007

Mr. Fantle and Ms. Burleson,

Thank you. I enjoyed the testing today. And in my opinion your program is turning into an excellent experience for Jack. Besides increasing his physical coordination and balance, I can see that it’s already enhancing his confidence and poise. I attribute that to good management good teachers, and a good method.

Thanks again,

Joe Straub

October 24, 2007

Mr. Fantle:

I really got a lot out of yesterday's workout. I lost a bit of motivation when I realized it would be only Mr. Hall and myself, but you didn't let that affect giving us a great work out. I really appreciate all you do for us, the students!

Thanks Again,

Kathy Maddox

September 27, 2007

I began Taekwondo over two years ago. My nephew, Noah Andrews was testing for his green belt in Tallahassee and I thought it would be a lot of fun for my daughter, Grace and I to join. Grace is now a brown sr. and she's really persevered as well! I can see a dramatic change in her confidence level.

I began Taekwondo with little confidence and struggled to remember the forms and one steps. I am 32 years old and have a.d.d. (attention deficit disorder). I knew that it was going to be a challenge, but I like challenges and really needed one at the time.

I wasn't diagnosed with a.d.d until I was 22 years old. I tried everything to better myself. I wanted to get along better with others, be a more organized person, and communicate my thoughts in a more understandable fashion.

I played high school softball, was on the swim team and I never felt that I completely belonged or was needed. Although I tried my best. I tried everything to change the way I was. I took the dale Carnegie course, attended Sylvan, Woodland Hall, plenty of therapists, and although I received bits and pieces of help from these places, I wasn't satisfied and still felt alone to suffer through my chaotic life.

Well, thanks to Taekwondo Academy (Mrs. Fowler, Ms. Burleson) and the support of my family and my wonderful husband Alan who has always believed in me, I am now a (l1 probationary black belt. ) I finished 2 years of TKD and didn't give up. Although, I still struggle with the forms and remembering the details, I have plenty of TKD friends that have helped me without hesitation and they know who they are!

When I first met Mrs. Fowler I knew she cared. She encouraged me when I doubted myself. I have never felt that I didn't belong. I have been lifted up from day one and Mrs. Fowler has always been very respectful and professional, yet very approachable. I know my instructor (s) believe in me. Ms. Burleson has always been there to help me when I have struggled and has always encouraged me. I have never laughed harder at myself than I do when I'm at TKD. It's really a safe haven for me.

I would recommend Crawfordville Taekwondo to anyone! It has helped me in every area of my life. I have many things to work on, but I'm not quitting!! I know that this is the best therapy for my a.d.d.

If all Mrs. Fowler did was teach TKD, I probably wouldn't have lasted. She cares about every person and their success. People really don't care how much you know until they know how much you care!! Thanks so much for all you have done to help me!

Sincerely,

Amy E. Andrews

October 5, 2006
Mr. Fantle:

I was speaking with one of our vendors Friday, and he was telling me about this great TKD school in Crawfordville that he's enrolled his 5 year old son in.

He was impressed how the instructor makes class fun, but still maintains discipline. Also, his son is learning and remember details, such as retracting his front kick...

I was proud to tell him that is one of our schools, and I work out with Mrs. Fowler.

So often we only hear about the negative things, thought I'd pass on the good stuff.

Kathy Maddox

October 5, 2006
Dear Mr. Fantle,

I wanted to express to you what a wonderful experience my family and son, Kyle Hopson, have had at your Tallahassee Tae Kwon Do Academy over the recent four months. We have recently moved to Tallahassee from Dayton, Ohio. Kyle had previously attended an academy in Dayton that was exceptional as well, so we had high expectations for you to begin with.

Since coming to your academy I have been very impressed with the staff that you have working for you. All of the instructors really seem to care about the children and always have a positive and pleasant attitude for the students and parents. It is my understanding that they are all volunteering their time, which impresses me even more. I see them laugh and interact with the children and really set a great example for the youngsters. I feel as though I should get a list of the names of your entire staff so I do not leave anyone out, as they are all wonderful! However, two of your employees have really stood out to me and I wanted to bring this to your attention. On many occasions I have witnessed David Maddox and Tara Burleson going above and beyond to take care of the students and customers to their very best ability. I appreciate the great things you are all doing for the students and applaud your efforts to make a difference.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kelly L. Hopson

Aug 16, 2004
Mr. Fantle,

Thank you for all that you do! You and the instructor team have done a whole lot in my life. I have gone through a lot of stress in my life and you all have helped me through it. I am so glad I am involved in the team. I can already tell I am going to be very stressed with 6th grade but I know I can come here and I am able to calm down. Anyway, thanks again for helping me and my life.

Thank you sir,
J. F.

July 26, 2004
Dear Brad Fantle:

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to you for your very active participation in our D.I.V.A.S. Girls Mentoring Program. The Smith-Williams Service Center supervisor and Foundation Board have also asked me to pass on their sincere appreciation for your efforts in supporting the mentoring group in this important undertaking.

The girls have obtained a great deal of valuable information on how to use martial arts to protect themselves from harmful predators. The question and answer period reflected the eagerness and enthusiasm your participation in the D.I.V.A.S Safety Protection week.

Again, thanks so much for your wholehearted participation in our program. I have no doubt that the safety awareness workshop/seminar would not have been the success that it was without your presence.

Sincerely, Mrs. Julianne Veira
D.I.V.A.S. Mentoring Program
Director and Staff Advisor

March 25, 2004

Thanks so much for the box of supplies for the GA Girls and RA Boys for their camp packs when they go to camp this summer. We greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Mari Brogdon
Woodrun Baptist Church

June 17, 2003
Dear Brad,

On behalf of the Tallahassee Old Timers Club, I would like to thank you and Chris Self for taking time out of your busy day to entertain our club members at Piccadilly's Restaurant in the Governor's Mall on Monday, June 16th, 2003. The club enjoyed the demonstration. Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Don Pumphrey, Sr.
President
Tallahassee Old Timer's Club

October 2003
Mr. Fantle,

Thank you for making Zachary's birthday party something special for him. We appreciate all that you do for our family.

- C. D.

October 22, 2001
The Women's Show was great!!

Ryan was thrilled to be there Saturday and was so excited about adding another day! Thanks for being so supportive in helping Ryan. He said he didn't want to leave tonight until he told you about his day, so I appreciate you giving him the individual time to hear his thoughts after class. The entire ride home he kept saying "My sir listened to me today. I told him the truth." Once again, I think you have a great program and I can only hope that Ryan continues to see the changes in himself that your instruction has been able to teach him.....He knows he is improving in his self-confidence and I feel his attention to detail is more apparent each time he practices is form.

All the Best!
Karen (and John) Nicholas

October 2001
Mr. Fantle,

I wanted you to know that I brought my daughter to a birthday party at your spot and she had a blast!! The gentleman who facilitated the party was terrific with the children. You do great work!

Lori Roberts, publisher
Family Forum magazine

September 2001
Mr. Fantle,

Thank you so much. I can't tell you how much we appreciate your help. We are so glad that we chose to put him in TaeKwonDo under you. There aren't many coaches or teachers that would go out of their way for the kids the way you do. You are just as much an inspiration to the parents as you are the kids.