Testimonials

“My seven year old grandson Jack has been living with my wife and myself for the last  four years…Nearly two years ago, on the recommendation of a friend, we enrolled Jack as a “Mighty mite” with Northstar Martial Arts at North Sydney … Jack has had learning and concentration problems from an early age and we hoped that Northstar’s training could assist his development in these areas.

Two years on, he is now graded “Blue Belt”,of which he is very proud. He loves his weekly training sessions, and, his Instructors whose patience and mentoring have resulted in a vast improvement in his concentration and focus, plus his high degree of motivation to achieve higher Belt gradings.

Recently, Jack was involved in a minor altercation at school which resulted in another boy punching him in the eye .. rather than retaliating (which he is quite capable of) he walked away and reported the incident to a teacher, with the comment .. “That boy has no self control” … Self control is a quality that Northstar constantly endeavours to instil in the kids and I was delighted to see that this message was getting through to Jack.

His experiences with Northstar have been both, educational, and fun, and he has made a lot of friends in his class.  My wife and I would thoroughly recommend martial arts training with Northstar for all kids, young and old”.
Ian Murdoch  (24th October, 2011)

Archer has taken so much from his time with you…particularly the grading day…and put it to good use.  Even at such a young age it has reinforced an understanding in control and the thought behind his actions.  Something our young folk with so much energy need. Thankyou for your time during our stay and for allowing us to participate.  We will see you when next in Sydney.
Lisa Mc Cune. Actress

have been doing Mighty Mites for 3 months now and my 5 year old daughter is loving it. It really engroses and involves children physically and mentally. It also builds physical confidence, co ordination & Strength. I encourage all parents to check it out.
Georgie Parker. Actress

My two sons aged five and seven began Mighty Mites two months ago.The youngest who was very reluctant, is now bursting with enthusiasm.They are both enjoying it immensley and I gain enormous pleasure from watching them.I think the teachers are exceptional and manage to give their students very individual attention.The classes are always  energetic,focused,and respectful and therefore the boys feel challenged, positive, confident and supported.I really wish it was part of their daily school life, as it would be a wonderful preparation for active, focussed learning and harmonious relations.
Heather Mitchell. Actress

Martial arts is a crucial part of setting children up for life in today’s world. The self defense element is only part of the puzzle though. It’s wonderful to think that they’re going to grow up and be able to look after themselves in case they get into trouble, but from my perspective the real issue as a parent is ensuring that you create kids who are upstanding citizens, capable of handling themselves in any situation. In order to meet this challenge, your kids need to understand the importance of respect, trust, loyalty, forgiveness, resilience, spirit and courage amongst a host of other things.

Kids need to know the difference between right and wrong. They need to know that their conscience will guide them, and when that little voice in their head tells them that they’re doing something wrong, they react appropriately. They need to discover a way to be in the moment, to use your words.

If there is a better way than martial arts to ensure that all this, and more, is understood by children – I don’t know what it is.

On top of this there is the Northstar system which Jodi and I view as a key component of bringing up our two children. You’ve got a recipe which is engaging to the kids……… and they actually love going to class. Our two kids both live for it, and whilst I have no experience of other martial arts disciplines or schools – I have absolutely no reason to look elsewhere because, frankly speaking, Northstar continues to exceed our expectations.
Vaughan

For me, its not Martial Arts per se, I want them doing the Might Mites version of martial arts. Basically, this provides them with self-confidence – confidence that they can be in control of a physical situation (if necessary), but also that they can control themselves and that they have the power to choose their own reactions and actions.  Nick pestered me for years to study traditional martial arts, and I continually refused.  When I heard that Mighty Mites provides the moral guidance and value framework with the martial arts skills, I finally agreed to let him commence the study.

We have never turned back – I encourage him and Oliver to persevere with this commitment, even when it becomes demanding.  From their Mighty Mites work, they are happier children more able to understand their peers and their own reactions to situations that may be threatening, and to be able to make their own decision about appropriate behaviour in such situations.

The classes themselves provide the children with skills, exercise, values and understanding.  By becoming increasingly more difficult, the children also learn about commitment and the rewards that are gained from dedication.

Thank you Andy (and all your instructors) for providing these opportunities for my boys!
Kendra

We wanted a fitness regime that could last a long time.
He/they needed an individual style fitness programmed rather than a team sport.
June Robert

I want her to have good self defence skills by the time she is a teenager, particularly when she is taking herself to and from school. It provides an incentive for her to keep going through belt levels/grading and therefore she is less likely to lose interest. It is not a competitive team sport and therefore I don’t have to worry about weekly wins/losses and potential disappointments
It is a mixed gender sport and one of the few sports where she can train side by side with boys. She was able to start at 5 years old. Many other children’s sports don’t start until the child is older (eg Hannah can’t start local netball until she is 8 and then on substantially modified rules.)
Elizabeth

I want Hugo to study martial arts so he can learn to self regulate his reactions .I think this sense of self control is a great tool for life. The discipline of learning a martial is also important to me . I also feel that the classes give the children a great deal of achievement and satisfaction,as well as a good physical workout. Hope my opinion is of some use.
Jo

Self esteem. I say that because I believe that the other two things will flow naturally once his self esteem is on target with his intellectual ability.
Alison

I have Daniel studying martial arts because these days, kids are faced with all sorts of pressures, school, academic performance, social structures, peer pressures, teasing & bullying, and busy, often stressful lifes, all at a young age.

Daniel needs guidance, support and encouragement to learn the skills to help him deal with a kids life, like learning how to socialize, participate, self-discipline and achieve, but most of all, how to feel good about himself and enjoy his life.

Northstar has given him an enthusiasm and great advantage, when it comes to dealing with all the things that life brings to  him.
Daniel loves his Karate, and I love his Karate too – and all that it does for him.
Fern

I like Mitchell doing Martial Arts as it is teaching him respect.  Respect in many forms, from respecting his mum and dad, friends, toys etc.  Also the teaching of school yard bullying, understanding stranger danger.  I also explain all these things to him, but also is good to hear from a third person outside the class room in a fun environment.  The fitness of it and the flexibility is also something that I want Mitchell to have also.
Sharon

Like the idea of exercise with focus, reinforcement of care for other people, like to get my son to meet children from other schools (for greater diversity of thought!) You’re local (like to stay in Balmain and support local businesses).
Julie

To learn discrimination in their reactions, to be able to act with awareness rather than re-act with no consciousness.
Anita

I like the fact that martial arts builds both their inner and outer strengths.
Jayne

I Was just discussing this very question with a friend today.  It appealed to both myself and husband as it is covers such topics as respect, self-esteem/confidence which in turn influences how the child will treat others.  A child who knows he/she is capable of defending themself isn’t looking to prove anything and that sort of confidence inspires respect in others.

We find that Scott is very proud (as are we) of having reached the level he is at.  Importantly, he takes great pride in telling his friends all about martial arts – as a matter of fact, he took his martial arts outfit into school for show and tell and is going to demonstrate the attention, ready and fighting stance.  It is a great form of discipline esp. for boys.  From a female point of view, I appreciate that it’s not all about the fighting; it is about learning to control emotions and channel them in a more appropriate manner.  We’re looking forward to when our daughters are old enough to also participate as it is not at all gender-orientated.
Louise

Self discipline, confidence, athleticism, self defence.
Not necessarily in that order.
Cornay

Physical confidence . Anti bullying . Despite the fact that I think it is an unreasonable and irrational fear - the need to have physical defence skills in an uncertain and sometimes violent world. I’m quite focussed on keeping him physically active (and having him see Dale and I be physically active) in order to try and instil the idea of exercise as a habit like brushing his teeth – I want to give him tools to cope with his undoubted genetic legacy of easy obesity. Oscar is highly intellectually gifted (top 0.1% of population). I want (a) for him to not live in his head all the time and (b) have a wide group of social references
CC

To learn discipline, focus, self esteem, and to provide an outlet for all that excess young male energy!
Alison

I want Olivia to learn Martial Arts for the following reasons:
improve her fitness,  increase her self confidence, learn a useful life skill, be able to defend herself if necessary, improve her motivation to achieve goals.
Tim

I originally wanted both my children to learn martial arts because  I wanted to make sure that they knew how to defend themselves if the need ever arose.  At the time Isabelle was the target of an infatuated boy at her school (whose infatuation manifested itself violently).   I chose your classes because I liked your whole ethos.  I know that while my children are learning a skill that can be potentially used as a  weapon (OK – we have a long way to go), this is coupled with the message that martial arts is not about violence but self control, anger management, walking away…..  I love the fact that you have group discussions at the end of the classes, that you are incorporating elements of meditation and yoga in the classes.

I guess I ultimately want my children to study martial arts for purely selfish reasons – because it gives me peace of mind.  I hope that one day when Isabelle is a young lady and she ever finds herself in tricky situation with a man, she will know how to get out of it.  I hope that one day if Matthew is ever confronted by an aggressive group or finds himself in a fight situation, he will stand a good chance of escaping unscathed…. It’s a very different world out there to the one I grew up in and I want to make sure my children are equipped as best they can be to deal with it – and that includes their attitude to life!
Anna

We chose Marshall Arts because we were firstly looking for something physical that the kids could do together.

We also wanted them to learn about how to channel some of their sometimes negative physical behaviours into positive behaviours.

The philosophical and “spiritual” side of mighty mites was and added bonus that we were not expecting. To be honest we could probably get the physical aspect elsewhere but we are already seeing some of the messages that they have learnt especially perseverance and respect filtering into everyday life.

I see both as a parent and teacher that the forms of bullying that the children need to face today are really challenging and marshall arts equips them both physically, but more importantly for us mentally, to face this with the confidence they need.
Judy

To have fun
To help him learn respect for himself and for others To understand that self-discipline and focus is needed before most things can be achieved To help him learn that achievement generally requires setting a goal and working towards it sometimes involving sacrifice of something else To build self-esteem and help him learn to deal most effectively with others, especially with issues such as bullying To provide a productive channel for testosterone induced impulses such as aggression To appreciate and develop physical, emotional and mental skills To be able to stay in touch with one of his best friends (Gus Webster) now that they go to different schools
Clinton

Mainly because martial arts seem to be more than just a sport.  Football is fine for its fitness and teamwork, but doesn’t give the personal development and discipline that martial arts can provide.
Phil

Self Discipline, Respect for himself & others, Self Confidence, Self Defence
Meet new people
Rafi

As our son Joshua, is an “only Child’ we wanted him to do something that would give him confidence as well as improved physical fitness and strength.
He was on a soccer team before joining “Mighty Mites” but didn’t seem to enjoy it.  He appears to be more of an “individual” rather than a “team”
type.  As there are lots of other kids in the group it seems to give the “individual” a competitive edge – to be their best and to try really hard for themselves.
Tanya Ross-Rowan

I’m back from Melbourne a few days early.  I originally started my children in martial arts with your group in particular as I was recommended through friends of my sons.  Angus started first, but when I saw the process, I was really keen for Samuel to join primarily to gain skills in self confidence, concentration and self discipline.  The defending himself part is a bonus and not the main reason for being there. Samuel loves it and has progressively improved in all the areas I have mentioned. It is subtle, but noticeable over time.  His self confidence and concentration skills today are a testament to your program
Louise

The reason I would like my son to learn martial arts is so that he can learn more about himself, how his body works and I believe that it is important for him to learn self-discipline. Martial arts is the perfect tool for this as it helps him become aware of himself, his impact on others and his surroundings. He also learns basic life skills such as how to focus on what is at hand, how to be confident in himself, to be responsible for his actions – all tools that will enable him now and in the future to be the best person he can possibly be.

In a world full of such discrimination toward people from all descents and all the violence that is in the world at present, martial arts will teach him to have control over his emotions, and that it is a real man that can walk away from these forms of social abuse later in his life, rather than lashing out and thinking that fighting is the way to overcome issues – as it is not. Martial arts will teach him his strengths, however it will also teach him that these strengths are not to be abused in anyway, but are important to learn for self-defence, should he be put in a compromising position.

Finally, it teaches him that bullies are weak as they have no self-control, and that by ignoring them – he comes out on top. Plus he has a genuine love of martial arts himself, and thouroughly enjoys each class he has had to date.

These are only a few of the reasons I believe my son should learn martial arts, but I am sure that there will be many more skills that he will acquire that help him in many aspects of his life, and help him to be a leader rather than a follower. It will help him to have confidence

Thank you all – I’ve never felt more welcomed into any new group in my life!! A testament to the fact you are real people pursuing the essence of martial arts – not just a bunch of fighters out for bravado. Can’t wait for Monday’s training session.
Cheers Chris

To have that feeling of well being, feeling stronger than the person next to you
To feel confident about myself, confident I can look after my family and friends should the occassion ever arise where I would need to protect them.

It Gives me a deep purpose in life, to always strive to be my best. Participating and preparing for competitions create a flow of endorphins which make me a happier and more confident person. I also learn martial arts to be a positive role model for my family.
Stan Bilinski

Physical fitness – it’s a great way of keeping fit, flexible and strong within a fun team environment. It’s lots more fun that sitting on an exercise bike or running on a treadmill.  Mental conditioning – Training requires physical and mental discipline. This conditioning can be applied into other areas of your life, providing positive benefits and a “can do” attitude. Further, the internal martial side of arts heightens your awareness of yourself, your environment and the people around you. It heightens perceptions and understanding.  Self-defence – It’s a fact that today’s society can be violent. It’s important to be able to protect yourself as well as your loved ones when push comes to shove.
Graeme Fielden

I took up martial arts because there was a gap in my life that had left me physically declining, emotionally shallow and spiritually void. I thought that martial arts might help me in some way to fill this gap. I also wanted to test my courage by taking myself out of my comfort zone, in terms of standing toe to toe with another man, and trading respectful blows. I am still coming to terms with it all. I joined Northstar because Andrew Dickinson  and I had built up a level of trust and I believed that he would steer me in an honest direction.
Ed White

Started out as being for purely fitness reasons, but ended up also including the added benefits I wasn’t initially aware of. The overall ‘mind, body & soul’ thing. Aside from improved fitness & flexilbility, I find myself approaching life in a much different way. Hard to put it into words exactly, but I think I have a new-found patience, tolerance & satisfaction in myself & others. I also like the fact that I can set goals that once attained give me added enthusiasm & make me feel I’ve actually achieved something. One other added bonus is that it has improved my surfing. My balance as well as general approach & ability has improved significantly, resulting in a new love for a sport which I’ve been doing for over 20 years.
Karl Roper

I set out to practise martial arts initially to fulfil an old dream. I’d always wanted to do it but either did not have the opportunity or was faced with physical limitations/conditions that stopped me from doing so. When I searched for a school in Sydney and found Northstar, I was really eager not only to learn the art of self-defence but also embrace everything that martial arts stand for: balance, control, stillness, precision, endurance. Now I ask myself how I’ve gotten by for all those years without it. Yet, in pure Shinbudo credo, it is not the past that matters any more but the present. So I am making the very most of every Shinbudo moment that is offered to me. The present (now) is my… present (gift).
Robin Dosourth

Learn physical and mental techniques for living.
learning to control and gives me a sense of calm and awareness.
Discipline and commitment to something outside of work, family, play (turns my brain off) . Teaches you about intention and that it is ok to feel the emotion/anger, giving you skills for how to handle it. No judgement on in/ability! just have to keep going, not get stuck on the mistakes, which I find hard. Physical workout and getting strong.  Learning techniques and working on those same techniques- life can be extreme in learning or being exposed to a “little of a lot” – so it is good to come back to the basics (four punches!) and keep drilling.

Love the historical element of martial arts, Australia has such a relatively short history So its great to tap into something that has been going on for AGES – teachings that have been passed on from sensei to sensei. It makes me remember that I am part of something much bigger than my immediate life.
Sophie  Toohey

I do Martial Arts because after the first try, it didn’t take long to become passionate about what I am learning.  It has now become an addiction.  After a stressful day and office politics, Shinbudo is the best thing to take my mind off unimportant matters and silly things.  I look forward to the end of the day when I have training.  After every training I feel like I can leap walls and I feel extremely motivated to do anything I want.  Those feelings last for about 8 hours, enough to make me come back for more.  I can’t get enough of Shinbudo.
Corinne Dosoruth

I am interested in developing a wholistic way of life were my physical body (across life) remains robust and an extension of my mind. I desire to be as capable as possible of addressing whatever situations my life finds me in.
It is easier to get fit if you are doing a productive exercise, as opposed to just running on the treadmill. The philosophy and approach of most reputable martial arts seem to focus on a strong and supple body and a strong and effective will – these attributes (mind and body) are very compatible with my other creative pursuits (acting & writing)
Ben Owens

I intially started martial arts when I was a teenager. When i was younger i had many troubles, getting picked on by a group of older boys, basically from primary school through early years of high school. I began training in Kung Fu, actually it was very similar to Shinbudo. Once I started, word got around and i never had any more troubles from any of these kids.

With the way this city and society is today I started martial arts again to protect myself and my family. To me the fitness side is a benefit, my primary reason is self preservation. What i have found out is that my mental confidence has changed and my training has in some ways liberated me.
Kya Pate

The answer to this question has evolved over the past year – initially I did martial arts because I felt the onset of mid 30′s body deterioration and needed an alternative to the highly depressing and tedious “gym culture”, the half-hearted runs to the local shops and the infrequent pushups infront of the TV.
I now do martial arts because it fulfills me physically, spiritually and mentally…my physical fitness is better now than when I was twenty, I feel more intouch with my surroundings, have a greater self awareness, and I am mentally more disciplined…Martial arts also fulfills my competitive drives and need for achievement.
Jackie Wilson

I do martial arts for several reasons. Its a great workout, increases fitness and co-ordination. Its a great stress reliever, its teaches a discipline and can help you in controling the space around you at work and in the personal life.
Gregory Wood

This sport, this bloody hobby, this mid life crisis has buffeted me with challenge and change and pleasure and pain.”

“Over 40 and over energised – it can’t just be me – there must be hundreds and thousands of women sublimating this new energy and drive into “more appropriate” , “more boring” activities more suited to the middle aged mothers we find ourselves boxed in to be.”

A motorbike or sports car would be cheaper……….. but significantly less gratifying. For my body, for my heart, for a redefinition, a reclamation.
To keep me fit, to keep me laughing, to keep me moving forward.
Catherine Chaffey

The first reason i did martial arts was after i got my head kicked in i thought i better learn to protect myself. Then i realised it was a cool way to keep fit and way much more fun than i thought it would be and not at all like how i had imagined martial arts to be.  After that it dawned on me that i was learining to protect myself from myself not other people. I’m still figuring it out.
Rachel Crompton

I do Martial arts for a number of reasons.
Martial Arts beings me back into the present, to be focus on the now.
Martial Arts I find gives me the confidence to go out of my comfort zone and to take a risks.  I’m meeting so many like minded people working for the same goal. Doing Martial Arts keeps my body fit, and my mind fit.  It’s Training for Body, Mind and Soul
Tania Bowen

I would like to thank you for your dedication to my training. It amazes me that with all the students you have you can still take the time to care about the individual. As I told you at the grading you are an inspiration, and this amazing martial art that you have created is a testimant to your dedication, skill, desire and ability to inspire people.
Mick Gulliver , NSW Police Force

Thanks for reminding me of how possible it is to see oneself in a different light. After making the seemingly endless journeys to work early in the morning and home late at night, it’s so easy to let yourself go physically and mentally. Your focus and conviction during our training sessions extends well beyond just the physical, to include mental conditioning, and I believe it’s your ability to mix the two that has allowed me to make a return to a balanced lifestyle. I really appreciate the fact that you so easily impart your knowledge and techniques with true dedication. Thanks again Andy for your efforts and guidance.
Vaughan Webster , Alcatel Australia Limited

It is a privilege to basically train with Andy and to fine tune my techniques and Shinbudo combinations. Thank you for your attention to detail, your clarification process and dedicated focus which are all key drivers of a great training session. I especially like the expression “the world is your training mat” and I use this every second of every day, with a constant and clear focus on “embracing the moment”.This has helped in my professional and also personal life and I acknowledge you for that. Thank you.
Dr. Michael Tam , Greenwood Medical – Partner

At age 40, I was looking for a dynamic martial art that could provide me with a spectrum of skills that could be used to fight from a standing position all the way to ground grappling. Shinbudo has all the desirable traditions of martial arts: spirit, discipline and respect encapsulated in a system that is simple to understand, taught by a group of dedicated and extremely capable instructors who are themselves constantly challenged to improve, by Shinbudo founder, Andy Dickinson.
Cornay Sinac , Qantas Pilot

“Due to a long standing interest in martial arts, I shopped around for a dojo for some years but would inevitably encounter dojos full of testoterone and machismo rather than the collegiality and sense of shared mission I was seeking. These values I eventually found in Andy Dickinson’s Shinbudo programme. I also found more. I found how to incorporate fundamental martial values such as honour and discipline more effectively into my life. As well, of course, as the confidence that is drawn from the knowledge that I can protect myself and my loved ones from physical threats.”
Dr. Flavio Romano
Lecturer School of Social Science & Policy
The University of New South Wales

“When I first began Shinbudo I was looking to lose weight and gain fitness. I started in Boot Camp training once a week and was reasonably shy and lacking in self-confidence. Over time, Shinbudo has offered me so much more than I ever expected. The gains I have made in self-confidence not only help me in the dojo but also extend to other areas of my life. Not only have I improved physically, particularly through cross-training in Taeko and Kickbox, but I have also gained mentally.”
Melanie Barrett , Student

After boring years in gyms, at last I enjoy exercise again. World-class instructors running an uncompromising, relevant martial arts/self defence training with a “hit the wall” cardio and strength workout. If it were no more, it would be worth doing. But Shinbudo goes deeper, teaching self knowledge, self control and zen awareness.
Dr Howard Chiltern (Paediatrician)