Derderian Academy

Testimonials

 

I have three boys that have been part of the Derderian Martial Arts family for many years. All my boys have grown in their self confidence, their maturity, as well as their martial arts skills. The dedication that Sensei Raffi and Sensei Susan have for their students is unmatched!!  They have helped my boys not only grow as students of the martial arts but have taken a genuine interest in their personal lives......we appreciate all that The Derderian Academy Of Martial arts have done for us....come see for yourself!!!

Michelle Kearney

We have been part of the Derderian Academy of Martial arts since 2003. Our oldest son, Josh (aka, Spaceman) started when he was just 9 and he will be 16 in May.  We are very proud of him, he received his Junior Black Belt in June of 2009.  He stuck with it from a child to the young man he's become. His Dad and I believe that karate has a lot to do with what a fine young, bright, respectful, caring person he's become.  Our younger son, Jordan has been attending sine 2008  He has also learned a lot from attending karate, not only the different Katas and other techniques, but also respect and responsibility.  He use to be a toddler running around (getting hurt) way back when, and now to see him as a student learning the moves that Josh first learned many years ago makes us so proud.  He is determined to follow his older brother's path and also obtain his black belt someday.  There are many, many karate schools in our area, and I have spoken to many parents who attend these different schools, but none compare to Derderian Academy, not only for price, but also for the wonderful way Sensei Raffi and Sensei Susan care about all of the children.

Pam & Charlie Oliveira

 

Brandon, Zackary and I were all involved at another martial arts school and were fast losing interest after years of training, the school was not meeting expectations at all. The boys were at a point where they wanted to quit karate, when we found Sensei Raffi…. The change in their attitudes, and skill has been measurable, they no longer dread going to class, yet look forward to it... I can see all of us getting our Black Belts now and continue on our journey to learn martial arts.  We ( my kids and I) cannot say enough about the Derderian Academy and the training that we receive… VERY HAPPY and recommend often!!

Suzanne MacFarlane

Hello,

I want you to know that you are a big part of Zack's life (Matt's too).  I truly feel that if I had not met you at that time when I enrolled Zack into Karate he would not be the person he is turning into today.  I thank you and Susan for being the best roll models in my children's lives.
 Gina-Marie Hunt

I want to tell you how much I have been inspired to continue training in JKD & Kali because of your school and curriculum. I originally thought I would use it to "get back in shape" and maybe "give it a try" for a year, while honing some of the stuff I had previously learned. But after about 3 months, I started to really feel
some of the technique and it made me realize, not only how much I enjoy learning, but how much more I want to learn.

Jeff Soriano

"My goal at Derderian Academy was to learn how to effectively defend myself.  I've come away with so much more.  More confidence that has helped me in
other aspects of my life.  The experience is WELL worth it."
John Neary

"I've grown so much as a person and a martial artist while training at Derderian-Academy.  A lot of it has to do with the friendly environment and the quality of the programs.  If you challenge yourself here, the instructors and other students are very supportive in helping you to achieve your goals."

Collin Lieberman

 

In  January of 2002, I put our sons Ryan and Kyle in Derderian Academy. At the time they were at the young ages of 3 and 5. Since that time, I am very pleased with the way they have developed. The respect and maturity they exhibit in school with their teachers and other students is credit to the teachings of Sensei Raffi & Sensei Susan. They incorporated fun with the beliefs of the school from the beginning. My sons continue to grow within a culture they will take with them through life. The discipline and flexibility they have been taught has had a direct impact on them becoming very good students and athletes in other sports. We recommend anyone looking to enhance their children's growth or their own, this is the Academy to do it.

Kevin and Jodi Wagner 

"We love the confidence you have given our son, Etai.  Thanks to your school, Etai has learned to love Karate.  You and your staff are all wonderful, kind and knowledgeable folks and run a top-grade school.  Thank you for welcoming Etai into your family of students."
Boris Bally

I have had the opportunity to see many JKD instructors, in person and on video.  Hands down Sifu Raffi is one of the best Jun Fan Jeet June Do instructors I have seen and trained with.   His JKD program is an exceptionally well structured program, that takes time & effort to master. The program is about high quality and not about a high quantity of students.   If you are truly interested in learning Jun Fan Gung Fu / JKD and pushing yourself, this is the program and the instructor for you,
but............. be prepared to work hard, Sifu Raffi gives nothing away, you must earn it.
John Chartier