Master Instructor Bruce Sylvia Jr.
    

13 Years Martial Arts Training

4th Dan Black Belt World Taekwondo Federation

4th Dan United States Taekwondo Grandmasters Society

4th Dan Black Belt U.S. Tae Kwon-Do Han Moo Kwan Association

4th Dan Black Belt World Martial Arts College

Kukkiwon Certified Black Belt

USA Taekwondo Certified Associate Coach

USA Taekwondo Certified Level 1 Coach

USA Taekwondo Massachusetts MAC 3rd Keup Poomsae Referee

USA Taekwondo Registered Athlete

Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under ATT Boston/Best Way BJJ

CPR/First Aid Certified

Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from 
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Awards & Recognitions

Awarded Special Recognition Award from U.S. Grandmaster Society at 2011 New England Open in Tewksbury, MA

Attended a BJJ Seminar with Master Ricardo De La Riva in 2011

Awarded the rank of  Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in August of 2011

2011 Western Mass Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Open Champion

Certified 4th Dan and Associate Member with the United States Taekwondo Grandmasters Society in 2011

USA Taekwondo Certified Level 1 Coach in 2011

Received Award of Appreciation in 2011 from The Korean Olympic Taekwondo Demonstration Team for dedicated service & contribution to the development of the 24th Olympic Taekwondo Demonstration Team

Completed & Qualified at the 1st Official Poomsae & Referee Seminar sponsored by USA Taekwondo MAC Massachusetts State in 2011

Attended BJJ Seminar with American Top Team Co-Founder Ricardo Liborio in 2010

USA Taekwondo Certified Associate Coach in 2010

Promoted to Master- Instructor of Taekwondo in 2010

Attended & Hosted BJJ Seminar with Bestway BJJ Founder Andre "Dedeco" Almeida in 2010

Certified 4th Dan Black Belt thru the World Martial Arts College in 2010

Certified 4th Dan Black Belt thru the U.S. Tae Kwon Do Han Moo Kwan in 2010

Certified 4th Dan Black Belt thru the World Taekwondo Federation in 2010

Awarded 4th Dan Black Belt (Skip Dan Testing) in February of 2010

Attended BJJ Seminar with American Top Team Connecticut's Luigi Mondelli in 2010

2008 Local Instructor of the Year Recipient

2007 Local Instructor's Award Recipient

Forms Champion - 2006 Rhode Island State Taekwondo Open

Creative Breaking Champion - 2006 Rhode Island State Taekwondo Open

3rd Place Sparring - 2006 Rhode Island State Taekwondo Open

Awarded 2nd Degree Black Belt in January of 2006

2004 Leadership Award Recipient
For the development of Taekwondo in the community

2nd Place Creative Breaking - 2004 New England Taekwondo Open

3rd Place Forms - 2004 New England Taekwondo Open

2003 Leadership Award Recipient
For the development of Taekwondo in the community

3rd Place Sparring - 2003 Rhode Island State Taekwondo Open

Awarded 1st Degree Black Belt in  June of 2003

Creative Breaking Champion - 2001 New England Taekwondo Open

Forms Champion- 2001 New England Taekwondo Open

2nd Place Sparring - 2001 New England Taekwondo Open

2000 Leadership Award Recipient
For the development of Taekwondo in the community

Sparring Champion - 2000 New England Taekwondo Open

Forms Champion- 2000 New England Taekwondo Open

2nd Place Creative Breaking - 2000 New England Taekwondo Open

Sparring Champion- 2000 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships

           
My fourth living hero is Instructor Bruce. I say this because he is the first person to teach me Taekwondo and he has been there with me thru it all.
When I began Taekwondo as a white belt, Instructor Bruce was easy going on me, but as I moved up in belt level, he got harder and harder on me. He was even hard on me when it came to life at home. If I am misbehaving at home, my Mom or Dad would talk to Instructor Bruce about it and he would pull me aside and talk to me. He has even taken my belt and would not give it back, until my Mom updated him with my behavior at home.
        
Instructor Bruce has taught me a lot in my three years here at Taekwondo, both physically and mentally. I cannot wait for him to see me test for my Black Belt because I know he believes in me and he knows that I can do it.
It has been a long journey to get to where I am today, and I could not have done it without Instructor Bruce guiding me all the way and being so hard on me.
    
Angela Shea
     
Assistants and Black Belts    
    
Assistant Instructor Michael Dudley
Began Taekwondo Training in 1999
Assistant Instructor at Absolute Martial Arts
Kukkiwon Certified 1st Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo
Brown Belt in Kenpo Karate
Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
USA Taekwondo Registered Athlete
USA Taekwondo 3rd Keup Poomsae Referee
CPR/First Aid Certified
Student of the Year 2000
Competition Team Member
Demonstration Team Member
3 Sectional Staff Practitioner
1st Place Weapons - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Sparring - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Forms - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Breaking - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
2nd Place Sparring - 2011 New England Open
2nd Place Forms - 2011 New England Open
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2011 USAT National Championships in San Jose, CA
1st Place Forms - 2011 Connecticut State Championships (National Qualifier)
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Connecticut State Championships (National Qualifier)
3rd Place Sparring - 2011 Connecticut State Championships (National Qualifier)
Promoted to Assistant-Instructor in 2011
3rd Place Sparring - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
3rd Place Forms - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
Attended BJJ Seminar with Bestway BJJ Founder Andre "Dedeco" Almeida in 2010
1st Place Sparring - 2010 In-House Sparring Championships; Adult Division
2nd Place Creative Breaking - 2004 Greater New England Taekwondo Championships
2nd Place Sparring - 2004 Greater New England Taekwondo Championships
3rd Place Forms - 2004 Greater New England Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2003 Greater New England Taekwondo Championships
2nd Place Sparring - 2003 Greater New England Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Forms - 2002 Greater New England Taekwondo Championships
2nd Place Sparring - 2002 Staten Island International Challenge
1st Place Sparring - 2001 Rhode Island State Taekwondo Championships
3rd Place Sparring - 2001 Greater New England Taekwondo Championships
2nd Place Forms - 2000 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
Beckwith Weidmann Syndrome Break-A-Thon Participant in 2010
       
Coach Hayden Boule
Began Taekwondo Training in 2005
Kukkiwon Certified 1st Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo
Junior Leader at Absolute Martial Arts  
2 Time Student of the Month
Attended Sport Poomse Seminar with USA Team Member Master Dan Chuang in 2011
2nd Place Sparring- 2010 In-House Sparring Championships; Adult Division
2009 Taekwondo Commitment Award Recipient
1st Place Sparring - 2008 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2008 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Forms - 2008 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Breaking - 2008 In-House Tournament
2nd Place Forms - 2008 In-House Tournament
3rd Place Sparring - 2007 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2007 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
2nd Place Creative Breaking - 2007 In-House Tournament
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2010
Beckwith Weidmann Syndrome Break-A-Thon Participant in 2010
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2009
Volunteer at Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry in November 2009
Website Design for Fall River Food Pantry 2008-2009
Santa's Helper for We Can Food Drive 2006-2007
Academic Achiever
          
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach Danny Savery
1st Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
2011 Boston IBJJF Open Champion
2010 Gracie Open Champion
2010 New York International Open Jiu Jitsu Champion
2009 Pan American No-Gi Champion
2009 2nd Place Brazilian Pan-American Championship
2008 AGC Grappling Champion
2008 2nd Place NAGA New England
2008 3rd Place North East Martial Arts Challenge
2006 Dragon's Lair Grappling Challenge 9 Champion
2006 Dragon's Lair Grappling Challenge 10 Champion
2006 Worcester Classic Karate Tournament Champion
2006 Southern N. East Karate Champion
2006 East Coast Nationals Champion
2006 2nd Place NAGA World
1995 2nd Place 9th U.S. Cup Tae Kwon Do Championship
1995 3rd Place N. East Moo Duk Kwan Open
1996 Whaling City Open Champion
1996 New Hampshire State Tae Kwon Do Champion
1996 North American Elite Tae Kwon Do Champion
1996 2nd Place Mass State Tae Kwon Do Championship
    
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Assistant Coach Michael Oliveira
Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
2009 1st Place In-House Tournament Danbury CT
2009 3rd Place NY Submission Shoot Out
    
Coach Angela "Yu Mi" Shea
Began Taekwondo Training in 2005
Black Belt in Taekwondo
Junior Leader at Absolute Martial Arts
CPR/First Aid Certified
2 Time Student of the Month
Attended Sport Poomse Seminar with USA Team Member Master Dan Chuang in 2011
3rd Place Sparring - 2010 Pennsylvania National Qualifier
1st Place Sparring - 2008 Richard An Invitational
3rd Place Forms - 2008 Richard An Invitational
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2008 Richard An Invitational
1st Place Sparring - 2007 Massachusetts State Championships
1st Place Forms - 2007 Massachusetts State Championships
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2007 Massachusetts State Championships
1st Place Sparring - 2007 Richard An Invitational
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2007 Richard An Inviatational
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2010
Beckwith Weidmann Syndrome Break-A-Thon Participant in 2010
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2009
Volunteer at Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry in November 2009
    
Jaclyn Carrigg
Began Taekwondo Training in 2006
Kukkiwon Certified 1st Poom Black Belt in Taekwondo
Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Since 2010
3 Stripe White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Competition Team Member
Sparring Specialist
CPR/First Aid Certified
1st Place Sparring - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 New England Open
3rd Place Forms - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Sparring - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
3rd Place Forms - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
2nd Place Sparring - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
2010 Peak Performance Sparring Camp Participant
1st Place Sparring - 2008 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2008 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
2nd Place Forms - 2008 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Sparring - 2007 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2007 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2010
National 3rd Place Winner "Faithful Citizen" Award
Volunteer at "Gifts to Give" in New Bedford 2010
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2009
Community Service aboard The USS Battleship Massachusetts in 2009
Volunteer at Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry in November 2009
    
Ryan Carrigg
Began Taekwondo Training in 2006
Kukkiwon Certified 1st Poom Black Belt in Taekwondo
Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Since 2010
3 Stripe White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Competition Team Member
Demonstration Team Member
Kama Practitioner
2nd Place Forms - 2011 New England Open
2nd Place Sparring - 2011 New England Open
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
2nd Place Forms - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
2nd Place Sparring - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
3rd Place Forms - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
3rd Place Sparring - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
2010 Peak Performance Sparring Camp Participant
1st Place Forms - 2008 Massachusetts State Teakwondo Championships
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2008 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
3rd Place Sparring - 2008 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Sparring - 2007 Massachusetts State Teakwondo Championships
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2007 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
2nd Place Forms - 2007 Massachusetts State Taekwondo Championships
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2010
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2009
Volunteer at Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry in November 2009
         
Jesse d'Almeida
Began Taekwondo Training in 2003
Kukkiwon Certified 1st Poom Black Belt in Taekwondo
Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Since 2010
2nd Degree White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Junior Leader at Absolute Martial Arts
Competition Team Member
Demonstration Team Member
Level 5 Nunchaku Practitioner
2 Time Student of the Month
1st Place Forms - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 New England Open
3rd Place Forms - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
2nd Place Sparring - 2010 In-House Sparring Championships; Children Advanced Division
1st Place Sparring - 2005 Northeastern Taekwondo Championships
1st Place Forms - 2005 Northeastern Taekwondo Championships
2nd Place Forms - 2004 Northeastern Taekwondo Championships
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2010
Beckwith Weidmann Syndrome Break-A-Thon Participant in 2010
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2009
Volunteer at Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry in November 2009
7 Time Academic Achiever; Highest Honors/Class Valedictorian
3 Time Perfect Conduct Award Recipient at New Bedford Public Schools
5 Time Perfect Attendance Award Recipient at New Bedford/Westport Public Schools
     
Kyle Bouchard
Began Taekwondo Training in 2006
1st Poom in Taekwondo
Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Since 2010
2nd Degree White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
USA Taekwondo Registered Athlete
National Taekwondo Competitor
Junior Leader at Absolute Martial Arts
Competition Team Member
Demonstration Team Member
Level 5 Bo Staff Practiitioner
Level 5 Nunchaku Practitioner
2 Time Student of the Month
2009 Student of the Year
1st Place Weapons - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Breaking - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
2nd Place Froms - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Forms - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Sparring - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
1st Place Forms - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
Attended Sport Poomse Seminar with USA Team Member Master Dan Chuang in 2011
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2011 USAT National Junior Olympics in San Jose, CA
1st Place Forms - 2011 Connecticut State Championships (National Qualifier)
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Connecticut State Championships (National Qualifier)
1st Place Sparring - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
1st Place Forms - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
1st Place Forms - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
2nd Place Creative Breaking - 2010 U.S. Masters Open
2010 Peak Performance Sparring Camp Participant
Grand Champion Sparring - 2010 In-House Sparring Championships
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2010 USAT National Junior Olympics in Orlando, FL
5th Place Forms - 2010 USAT National Junior Olympics
2nd Place Sparring - 2010 USAT Pennsylvania National Qualifier
2nd Place Forms - 2010 USAT Pennsylvania National Qualifier
1st Place Sparring - 2009 In-House Tournament
1st Place Forms - 2009 In-House Tournament
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2009 In-House Tournament
3rd Place Basic Motions - 2009 In-House Tournament
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2008 Massachusetts State Championships
1st Place Forms - 2008 Massachusetts State Championships
2nd Place Sparring - 2008 Massachusetts State Championships
1st Place Sparring - 2008 In-House Tournament
1st Place Forms - 2008 In-House Tournament
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2008 In-House Tournament
Taekwondo Fortitude Award Recipient in 2008
Best Taekwondo Breaking Award Recipient in 2008
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2010
Beckwith Weidmann Syndrome Break-A-Thon Participant in 2010
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2009
Volunteer at Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry in November 2009
    
Kyle Lamontagne
Began Taekwondo Training in 2006
Kukkiwon Certified 1st Poom Black Belt in Taekwondo
3 Stripe White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Since 2010
Demonstration Team Member
Double Nunchaku Practitioner
1 Time Student of the Month
Best Taekwondo Form Award Recipient in 2009
Best Taekwondo Attitude Award Recipient in 2009
Best All Around Taekwondo Student in 2007
2nd Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
3rd Place Forms - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
Academic Achiever
3 Time Best Reading Award Recipient at DeMello School
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2010
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2009
    
Austin Sa
Began Taekwondo Training in 2005
Kukkiwon Certified 1st Poom Black Belt in Taekwondo
Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Since 2010
2nd Degree White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Demonstration Team Member
Competition Team Member
Sword Practitioner
2 Time Student of the Month
Absolute Sportsmanship Award Recipient in 2010
Taekwondo Fanatic Award Recipient in 2010
2 Time Loudest Voice Winner
1st Place Forms - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Sparring - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
1st Place Forms - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Kid's Tournament in Tewksbury
2nd Place Sparring - 2010 In-House Sparring Championships
1st Place - 2005 Taekwondo Tournament
2nd Place - 2005 Taekwondo Tournament
2nd Place - 2005 Taekwondo Tournament
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
   
Maxx Robles
Began Taekwondo Training in 2006
1st Poom Black Belt in Taekwondo
Began Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2010
3 Stripe White Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Demonstration Team Member
Attended Sport Poomse Seminar with USA Team Member Master Dan Chuang in 2011
1st Place Sparring - 2011 New England Open
3rd Place Creative Breaking - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Creative Board Breaking - 2010 U.S. Master's Open
2nd Place Forms - 2010 U.S. Master's Open
2nd Place Sparring - 2010 U.S. Master's Open
3rd Place Sparring - 2010 In-House Sparring Championships
2 Time Loudest Voice Winner
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
Pan Mass Bike Challenge Break-A-Thon Participant in 2011
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2010
Beckwith Weidmann Syndrome Break-A-Thon Participant in 2010
    
Coach Robert Porawski
Began Taekwondo Training in 2003 and then 2010
Blue Belt in Taekwondo
Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Since 2010
Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
USA Taekwondo Registered Athlete
National Taekwondo Competitor
Coach at Absolute Martial Arts
Competition Team Member
Demonstration Team Member
Level 5 Bo Staff Practiitioner
1st Place Weapons - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Sparring - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Forms - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Power Breaking - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Breaking - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Forms - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Sparring - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
1st Place Forms - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
1st Place Sparring - 2011 National Championships in San Jose, CA
1st Place Forms - 2011 National Championships in San Jose, CA
1st Place Breaking - 2011 National Championships in San Jose, CA
1st Place Forms - 2011 Connecticut State Championships (National Qualifier)
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Connecticut State Championships (National Qualifier)
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
    
Coach Nicholas Gallucci
Began Taekwondo Training in 2010
Blue Belt in Taekwondo
Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Since 2010
Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
National Taekwondo Competitor
Coach at Absolute Martial Arts
Competition Team Member
Demonstration Team Member
1st Place Breaking - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Forms - 2011 Martial Arts Commission National Festival in Coatsville, PA
1st Place Forms - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 New England Open
3rd Place Sparring - 2011 New England Open
1st Place Sparring - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
1st Place Forms - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
1st Place Creative Breaking - 2011 Maine Coastal Taekwondo Classic
1000 Kicks to Feed the Hungry Participant in 2011
  

Testimonials

July 18, 2009

Our two boys, ages 7 and 5 have been involved with Martial Arts, specifically Tae Kwon Do, for a period of 3 & 2 years.  Bruce Sylvia has been instructing our boys for that period of time. 

During the course of their participation in Tae Kwon Do, we’ve seen a positive change in their interactions with peers, and their approach to learning new things. Tae Kwon Do and Bruce Sylvia have taught our children respect, self-discipline, self-control, as well as self-esteem.  This physical skill my boys are learning will help them excel in future sports programs. We have also found that Bruce Sylvia promotes personal values while teaching effective self-defense tactics and techniques.  Our sons are thriving in the program and we couldn't be more thrilled. This is due to Bruce Sylvia and his instruction.

Bruce Sylvia has been dedicated and committed to teaching and instructing.  He has displayed confidence in his ability to teach new concepts to children. He has been patient with the children and has given them the chance to learn. He has afforded the children the opportunity to grow with their Tae Kwon Do ability at a level they are comfortable with.  Bruce Sylvia has treated our children with respect, in turn teaching them how to respect others.

Both of our children talk highly of Instructor Bruce and look up to him, he has been a role model for our children. We would highly recommend Bruce Sylvia and his capability to instruct in the Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do.

Thank you Instructor Bruce.

Respectfully,

Mark and Kim Costa

To Whom it May concern,

Bruce Sylvia has been my son's Tae Kwon Do instructor since he started about two and a half years ago.

Layne was permitted to start younger than most (he was under four at the time), and Instructor Bruce did a great job of keeping his focus and attention on Tae Kwon Do in spite of participating at such a young age. Not only did Instructor Bruce keep his focus, but he made it an enjoyable event for Layne several times a week.

Tae Kwon Do did wonders for my child's self confidence, and Instructor Bruce was a huge part of this. Layne is now about to turn six years old, is a high brown belt, and his love for Tae Kwon Do and desire to achieve a black belt is a direct result of Instructor Bruce's teaching methods.

Sincerely,

Eric Browning

To Whom It May Concern,

Our son has attended TKD for the past two and half years. During this time we have watched our son mature; become more well mannered & disciplined. We feel this is largely attributed to the teaching and oversight of Instructor Bruce during our sons TKD sessions.

Instructor Bruce was motivating during every session; he was always empowering the students to do their best. His level of energy, focus and ability to generate enthusiasm has been a contributing factor to the building of a strong moral foundation for our child.

We would strongly recommend Instructor Bruce to work with children. We also feel his ability to create a positive and inspiring curriculum will be a winning combination for future students of TKD.

Respectfully,

Rob Niebauer & Jill Robles

July 10, 2009

To whom it may concern:

I have known Bruce Sylvia Jr. for three years. We first met in 2006 when my husband and I decided to enroll our kids into a Taekwondo school in the area.

In that time, Bruce has been such a mentor to my kids. He has taught them discipline and how to have more respect for not only themselves but others as well. Bruce was there from day one of my daughters TKD training and making sure that he was there when my daughter received her 1st Poom black belt which meant the world to not only her but me as well.

He is a very hard working, caring, athletic, and a smart person to know. He has exceptional respect and values that he passes onto each and every student he teaches. He believes in all his students and pushes them to their potential and sometimes beyond. He allows students to believe in themselves. He does not let them give up. I am happy to know Bruce Sylvia Jr, and I would be happy to follow him in his new venture.

I would be happy to provide further information if needed.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Shea

Any school is only as good as the teachers within that school.  With that said, Instructor Bruce Sylvia Jr. has been, in my opinion, an excellent teacher and if afforded the opportunity would run an excellent school of his own.  I’ve known Instructor Bruce now since August of 2006.  I was immediately struck by not only his vast knowledge of the martial arts, but also his ability to convey that knowledge to others effectively.

After observing him these past years I’ve come to admire his patience with the small children, the way he interacts with the teen-agers, and his ability to make the adults more at ease with the classes.  He has a talent of working well with students of all ages, and it’s easy to see he enjoys his work.

Each of his classes is new and innovative. He uses everything at his disposal to keep the students interested and challenged.  He possesses a natural ease in making new students feel welcome.  His personality is such that all the students admire and emulate him.

I often say that the best thing I’ve ever done for my son Hayden was to enroll him in a martial arts school. Hayden has been trained by Instructor Bruce from white belt to black belt.  He was demanding and challenging throughout the training, yet something about their relationship moved Hayden to always try harder.  He was inspired by Instructor Bruce in particular one summer when they got to spend more time one on one together.  He acquired a new attitude about his training once he realized that it continued even when he walked out the door of the school.  Instructor Bruce talked to him about nutrition and exercise, and about doing well in school and how important it was to keep up good grades.  He continually supported his achievements in school rewarding good grades with public praise, and encouraging him to continue on that course. He taught him how to set goals for himself so that no task was too difficult. He continues to choose Hayden for positions of leadership during class which further promotes his self-assurance. From the ages of 10 to 14, Instructor Bruce helped my son develop from a shy reserved somewhat overweight little boy into a self-confident, respectful and poised young man with a physique to be proud of.  I was so inspired by this transformation, that after three and a half years of observing, I decided it was time to participate.

At my age, and with my physical challenges, I was cautious about beginning any new form of exercise.  But I put those fears aside and placed my trust in Instructor Bruce and I have been pleasantly rewarded.  Upon entering his class, I was nervous first about being injured, and second about making a complete fool of myself.  I’ve watched other adults taking class and thought, if they can succeed, so can I. I’ve been training with him for seven months now.  I’ve always enjoyed the classes as they are as informative as they are challenging, but I overcame the fear I had of injury as well.  He emphasizes the idea that we should each perform to our own best ability, and not compare ourselves to anyone else.  That we should always strive to do a little bit more next time, or challenge ourselves in a different way.  That no one judges us more harshly than we judge ourselves and if we can satisfy ourselves we have achieved our goal.  I have reached several personal goals through his teachings and hope to continue to do so in the future.

His knowledge of all aspects of training from cardio, to strength training, to flexibility, poomse, proper form in implementation of kicks punches and blocks to weapons and choreography is extensive, and he possesses a unique ability to make it all look easy.  He makes you want to try, and to succeed.  His critique is always respectful, and easily understood. I feel comfortable in his classes, even when I’m the only female, and usually the only Mom.  He treats all students equally, and expects and receives their respect in return.

I’m glad I decided to take the initiative and begin my training because I’ve benefitted from his extraordinary teaching abilities, as my son has, and as should others. For four years he has been a positive, steadfast influence in our lives.  We both fully support any efforts of Instructor Bruce to further expand his teaching horizons, and look forward to continued success with him as our instructor, and our inspiration.  His drive to succeed and ability to overcome are evident in all he undertakes.

Danielle Boule’

Hayden Boule’  

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