Judo Seminar in Pleasant Valley

The seminar was EXCEPTIONAL!!! Col. Harris was very methodical, meticulous and covered every technique with utmost attention to details. I learned quite a bit. Many questions were answered, holes in my knowledge filled and my eyes were opened to different approaches. Overall, this has been one of the BEST seminars I've ever attended. -Alexander

Machine Gun Cody

My story is about confidence and how it has helped me become stronger and wiser and hopefully successful some day.

I have learned that self-confidence is an attitude which allows me to have a positive view of myself; by focusing on what I can do, I can feel good about myself for my efforts rather than emphasizing on my end results.

I have approached every new experience as an opportunity to learn rather than to celebrate the occasion to win or lose. My parents and Sensei Carrano remind me that I can't always do everything perfect, that it's only possible to try to do things and to try to do them well and in the process I have fun. It strives me not to let others discourage or stop me from conquering or accomplishing what I set out to do.

The Regional Karate Tournament was a very good learning experience for me. As I entered the arena I looked around and noticed that I was the shortest and the skinniest in my division. While waiting for my turn, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and heard that voice "be strong." I applied everything that I had and what I was taught at tournament practice and I proved that size does not matter. I stayed strong and very focused and I carefully listened to Coach Ryan and on that day my confidence and the power to believe in myself made me a winner. I now have a nickname given to me by Coach Sensei Ryan: MACHINE GUN CODY

Cody Alves