Testimonials

Testimonials from our dojo students and supporters:
 

"Studying at Pine Waves Martial Arts has been a great experience for both my son and myself. He started with their free to the community Chibikko classes, and was hooked: when he aged out of that program, he wanted to give proper Karate classes a try. I on the other hand, was curious to try Karate, and figured that it would be a great experience: do something healthy with my son, stretch my mind and body a little. Sensei Brandon the crew at Pine Waves have been absolutely top tier, on so many levels.
For my son, the structure has been an amazing benefit, while the curriculum has kept him thoroughly engaged, and challenged but not overwhelmed. As for myself, it's been an absolute joy studying at Pine Waves: easily the high point of my Mondays! I've thoroughly enjoyed the last year and half, and am very excited to see where the next few years take both of us. For both of us, and what I've seen of other new students, the folks at Pine Waves are fantastic at seeing where the students are at, and meeting them there: the known their stuff. Really, an amazingly goodhearted bunch of folks who are always happy to answer even the most ridiculous questions from the newest of students, and work with them to practice and understand the answer."
 

"Having trained at various dojos and styles (over 40 years), I am truly impressed by the professionalism, friendliness, and feeling of family that Brandon and Heather provide at Pine Waves. They made me feel welcome, have worked (or are still working??) on getting the rust off and the kinks out. Very appreciative of the efforts that Sensei Brandon has been taking with me to 'shotokanize' my style, while still letting little bits of other training styles show through in the day to day classes. I have been very pleased in the last 5 months, and look forward to training there for a long time to come. Very reasonable cost, a lot of available time even for beginner belts, and the students there were welcoming from day one. Great atmosphere, would highly recommend to anyone in the Smiths Falls/Merrickville/Jasper/Kemptville area that is looking to study martial arts."

"It's a good environment. The dojo doesn't just teach karate, but the teachers actually work with you to figure out what works best for you."

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"I joined the Pine Waves Dojo in the last couple years as an adult student. I had studied a couple of years as a child and was able to progress from that point because of the great leadership and teaching at this dojo. Sensei Brown, and frankly everyone there, makes it feel like a family where you learn through modelling and thoughtfully planned teachings. I was looking for a dojo where I would be comfortable as an adult and I am eternally grateful I found Pine Waves."

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"Sensei Brandon is a top notch teacher, not only because he knows a lot about martial arts - which he does - but because he is thoughtful, thorough, patient, and professionally trained as a teacher. It shows in his class lessons and individual training. When students ask a question, we never hear “because I said so” or “I donno, I was just taught that way.” My family and I were glad to see Pine Waves Martial Arts open after the pandemic, since we had trained for several years under Sensei Brandon before, and had since been to other karate schools. I can report that Pine Waves gives a well-rounded education in true Shotokan Karate, with attention to classical Japanese Karate, its roots in Okinawa, and modern interpretations. Regardless of your body type or how your body moves, whether your interest is in kata performance, fun & fitness, or self defense, Pine Waves is the place to be."

"My son joined a few months ago and absolutely loves it. The staff are kind, the environment is very welcoming and they are patient with kids with lots of energy. We are so grateful for this program."​
 

"​Such an amazing dojo. Supportive, encouraging adaptive teachers who meet the student where they are."

"I can't imagine a better place for adults and/or kids to train Karate - Pine Waves has consistently demonstrated every quality that I want to see in a school of any sort. The instruction: specific, and appropriate to the individual, without being overwhelming. The students: welcoming and helpful, eager to train and to meet new friends to train with. The dojo: spacious and well appointed - all of the amenities that I could imagine one would want on hand when training. Most importantly to my mind, Sensei Brandon is not just knowledgeable, but extremely approachable and down to earth - a clear and confident communicator, absolutely willing to help all levels of students with any questions they may bring. I have appreciated wholeheartedly his willingness to talk through things, ponder even the weirdest of questions, and then put the theoretical into practice. So yeah: couldn't recommend more to folk looking to learn the art!"

 

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