Body Martial Arts of Chattanooga Tennessee

The Holman Family

We came to Body Martial Arts on a recommendation from an old family friend, who happened to be one of Master Edwards' trainers. We were not satisfied with the Taekwondo instructors that our son had previously had. We felt like he wasn't learning as much as he needed to be learning. Since coming to Body Martial Arts in July 2009, our son has benefited greatly from the instruction he has received.

We were so impressed with the quality of Master Edward's program that my wife and I started taking classes in January 2010 and our youngest son started in March of this year. We have benefited greatly, as well. Body Martial Arts is helping our family become stronger because the classes are designed so that we can all train together.

I have seen personal growth from every member of my family. Our confidence has grown. Our sons are maturing into leaders. We are there for each other to encourage and cheer as we master new skills and pass belt tests.

It is a great feeling to sit on the sidelines at a tournament and cheer your child on as they compete. It is an even greater feeling as you complete to know that your spouse and children are there cheering you on.

One of the most important aspects of Body Martial Arts and Master Edwards, is that he shares the same Christian values as my family does. We don't have to worry about Master Edwards teaching our sons to use Martial Arts to hurt people or to be cruel to people.

He is constantly focusing on the defensive aspects of being a martial artist as well. He tells the boys all the time that the only time Martial Arts are allowed to be used outside the studio is if they are being threatened. I have to say, it is one of the best experiences that we have undertaken as a family.

Johnny & Angie Holman
Parents of 2 boys

Sam Bankston - Parent

We wanted to expose our daughter to Martial Arts in order to build her physical and mental confidence, but also to give her a special focus - something uniquely hers within our family.

Body Martial Arts is a fun, diverse, and supportive group of families; I truly enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of the parent base as much as my daughter enjoys the classes. The instructors are extremely talented and knowledgeable in the practice of Martial Arts, and they are equally talented in working with children - which isn't always the case.

I have seen my daughter's self-confidence blossom; her pride in what she accomplishes at Body Martial Arts is reflected in a multitude of other aspects of her life.

This is a scary world, and children have access to, and are exposed to a great many negative influences in this day and age. We feel very strongly that Martial Arts training with a constructive, positive, and knowledgeable role model will have a tremendous impact on our daughter's entire life.

We trust Master Edwards with that role - and there is no higher praise that we could give him.

Sam Bankston
Wife and Mother of 2 girls

Shanna Jenkins - Parent

We came to BMA through our school program. Master Edwards would come to our school one day a week and teach an hour of taekwondo to my son. Then summer came and we wanted to continue my son's taekwondo at Master Chris' studio, BMA. Wow, what an improvement! We started going twice a week and it just clicked. The atmosphere in the dojang was so positive and contagious.

During the summer my son improved his belt rank and he was thrilled. He immediately came home and watched the Poomsae DVD for 2 days and learned his next form. I had never seen him so excited about a sport. It is awesome to see him learn honor, respect, courage, and strength in this atmosphere. It is great to see him learn that if he sets his mind to something he can accomplish it, no matter what.

Martial arts has benefited our family by strengthening our family bond. Martial arts has influenced me so much I am now taking taekwondo classes with my son. I have the option of watching him in the kids' class or he can participate in class with me. We come home and teach my husband and daughter self defense techniques all of the time. Taekwondo is a time committed sport and I really feel like we are spending quality time together whether we are just watching or participating in class.

I know I will look back at the decision to begin taking classes at Body Martial Arts with my son with a lot of pride. They are only young once. The self defense aspect of the classes gives my husband and I peace of mind. As a parent, what more could you ask for?

I would tell a new family interested in training in martial arts to go for it. The hardest part is getting started. Once there, you'll wish you had started years ago. I already feel more confident, more powerful, and more fit in just a few short weeks. What other sport can you actually participate with your kids? I'm not a sideline sitter, I still love to compete and martial arts is a great stress reliever for adults. The stretching is challenging but as I have learned early nothing is impossible.

The discipline learned from martial arts is not all that apparent in today's world and it is refreshing to see it again. We put limits on ourselves and martial arts has broken through those limits effortlessly. I cannot wait to see what I can accomplish in 6 months to a year just by trusting in Master Edwards and the taekwondo principles.

Sincerely, Shanna Jenkins
proud mom of Evan Jenkins

Julie See - Parent

I have three sons and we have been in martial arts for about 10 years. My oldest two sons have their black belts and my youngest has his red belt. They have had a few instructors good and bad. When their last instructor retired from competing and instructing, he helped us to find a place where they could continue their training without the problems that they were having with an associated instructor.

We found Body Martial Arts and Chris Edwards. Since being at the studio they have had an attitude change about themselves and their training. Their confidence and self-esteem has grown and their skills have greatly improved too. They are also in a leadership program and Oscar is a junior Instructor.

We have seen and meet many good and bad instructors but, Chris Edwards and Body Martial Arts have really made a good positive difference for our family. As a parent I know it takes a village to raise a child and these days we pick our own villages. Body Martial Arts is an excellent addition to anyone's village.

Sincerely, Julie See
wife and mother of three