Below are testimonials from decades of teaching in the martial arts. The names have been reduced to initials, but the words remain exactly as they were written or sent to me.
AG: I greatly enjoy the classes. They provide a good physical workout with the emphasis in improving martial arts skills. The variety between classes is good; no one class really seems like another. I have great respect and appreciation for the instructors and advanced belts that have been involved with the class. Judo has definitely been a positive experience.
AH: Judo has been a sort of stabilizing force in some pretty rough times I’ve had, and without it, I’m not sure things would have turned out as well. I felt like I was included from the first day I walked in.
BB: Would you consider creating a tai chi subscription channel on YouTube? NO ONE teaches Taiji in the way you do. Your level of excellence is unparalleled.
BC: I am enjoying my classes at the Academy very much. I am having fun and learning – what more could I ask for? Keep up the good work!
BD: Thank you for accepting my “quirky” personality and making me feel welcome here. Each time I come through the door, I am proud that you are here for me.
CA: Just wanted to let you know that when S______ got home last night she couldn't stop talking about the Advanced Judo class. She loved it!! I believe that was a very good move!! Have a great weekend!
CB: The aura of the program is positive, challenging, and friendly. Everyone has been great and very patient. I highly recommend this academy to anyone who is interested. Keep up the great
work!
CM: I love the workout, the challenge of bodily endurance; I also would like to be able to physically defend myself.
CMS: Dr. Dewey, I was one of the members of the University Budo Club at MSU back in 1995-97 or so. I have wanted to write a thank you note for decades, and finally am getting around to it. I know that you have had a tremendous effect on my life. I still dream about being at MSU, and I'm usually heading up the stairs over the post office for one of your classes. I never ranked in any style, but I learned that a belt doesn't matter. Your mindset, your heart, and your love for the art is what really matters. Thank you for all of the work you have done that you probably never see. I appreciate all the lessons in the dojo and how they made such a difference outside of the dojo. Thank you for teaching honor, fun, movement, team work, respect, friendship, and equality of everyone. You make a difference. You always have.
CS: Great team attitude with all students
DO: In a world where so much is negative; it is great to go to such a positive place!
DS: Thanks for all the hard work ya'll do in preparing your students for the real world. Many would not be properly prepared physically, mentally, or emotionally without this training. I'm also impressed with the character building traits that are being taught and reinforced through these classes, and your mentoring.
EG: I’m having a great time. The instructors are very helpful and fun and the people that I’ve met have really helped me to achieve my goals.
JA: All the instructors I interact with are great.
JB: I feel comfortable every time I walk through the door. Every time you fall, there is a hand there to help you up. I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.
JH: Classes are excellent. They have an overall feel because of the way they are taught and actually cause you to look forward to the next class even more.
JK: The quick results of training…I can tell my body is getting into better shape. I want thank all the instructors for the knowledge not only in the arts, but also in how they relay or demonstrate to us students. Their patience and fun way of teaching makes it easy and joyful to learn.
JMcK: I enjoy [class] so much. You and your teachings have brought me farther along than I would have ever thought possible. This is an interest for my own personal well being that I wish to continue. Somehow, I will work it out so I can be there next semester.
JP: This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I love everyone here and I will miss this dojo and everyone associated with it so much.
JV: Martial arts has been a very positive experience for me. I’ve gained self-confidence, gotten into great shape, met some great people and dealt directly with personal issues. Martial arts builds character and enables a person to focus on his/her goals and achieve them.
JW: I came across the website for your school this afternoon and wanted to drop you a line expressing congratulations on the success of it. Those years of working out with the Budo Club are some of the fondest memories of my life. My greatest regret is never coming back and testing for my black belt in either hapkido or jujitsu. I've recently begun kung fu at a school here in Ridgeland. My one thought before I started was "I hope this guy is at least half as good an instructor as Dr. Dewey." So you can add me to the list of students that you've made a lasting impression on.
KR: I like the way you take time with each student. It’s nice to know that you are keeping an eye on us.
KT: There are no words to describe what you have done for me. I appreciate everything that you have given me. Your dojo has become my second home.
LP: This belt was the hardest to stick with and get. I appreciate my dojo home that supports me in my recovery and growth. I hope I can give as much to others as they have given to me.
MA: My original goal was black belt. I’ve been living that for the past two years. I’m along for the ride now and look forward to seeing where it can go.
MG1: Thank you for following your dreams as well as having a vision. I’m looking forward to being a part of them as they change and grow through the martial arts academy. The difference you make is eternally GREAT.
MG2: Over the past year, since M____ began taking classes it has helped him to understand and practice self control. It has helped reinforce what we are already teaching at home, which is respect for self and others. He really enjoys leading by example with his peers. As a parent, I am incredibly grateful for all the positive reinforcement that you offer. He truly enjoys MA and understands what it means to give your personal best. I wish I could have understood that at age 6. Wow!
ML: As I’ve said often before, I especially value the dojo’s ethos – a combination of serious purpose, mutual support/respect and consideration for the individual.
MS: This place is a support system for me. I love this place. The people and the program are wonderful.
MW1: The training that I received at your dojo was always top notch. The army version of combatives pales in comparison to your yellow belt or white belt curriculum. Keep up the good work, and I hope to see you again when I’m visiting Starkville in May.
MW2: True craftsmanship is recognized and appreciated. Whether it's good coffee, quality tools, or premium service. [Laramie Martial Arts] academy [...] is true craftsmanship in the art of teaching and cultivating. It's a great place to study martial arts.
PR: Thanks for the encouragement I get from the staff and fellow students. I feel quite blessed to be a part of such a first class organization.
RD: The Academy is an excellent organization of which I am proud to be a part.
SC: Please give the guys at the dojo a message for me: Tell them to take advantage of the good opportunity they have while they can. I doubt any of them will ever find a better place to practice martial arts.
SR: I have really enjoyed my training time at the Academy. I will miss you all. Thanks to you, I will never give up. Thank you for all you have given me.
SR: I’ve faced some of the most difficult times of my life since I left Starkville, although your wisdom and inspiration has been with me throughout the journey. I dream of the day when I have achieved all that I have set out to achieve and can sit down with you tell you all about it. I can never thank you enough for giving me inspiration and believing in me. Thank you again for doing what you do, for being who you are.
TF: I’ve grown so much, on and off the mat and the help of the instructors has played a large part in this. I really respond well to the style of teaching at this dojo. The positive reinforcement can do more to help a technique than most people realize.
TF: I just wanted to send you a quick thank you for everything you have done for me over the past couple of months. I doubt that I would have discovered as much as I have about myself if I hadn’t had your guidance. I am also having the best time in class. It is more fun and fulfills so much more in my life than I could ever have imagined.
TL: I have felt very comfortable in the classes here from my first day here. I feel that I have grown in physical ability and mental awareness of my body. This is due to the uncompromising positivity that this studio and the instructors have provided along with the camaraderie of my classmates.