Testimonials
Angela Reid
‘I spent seven years training with Sensei`s Carl Norman and Daniel Blackhall at Kudo Academies. Ju Jitsu helped me to develop confidence and gave me the ability to reach my goal of black belt. Thank you to two great instructors and good luck with your new Dojo in Spain, wish I was there!!!’
Thank you Angela! It was great to have you involved with Kudo Academies, You are more than welcome to come over and see us whenever you want. Carl
Mark Halsall
‘I had an awesome 5 years training at ‘Kudo Academies’ in the UK. During this 5 year period I spent a vast amount of time with Sensei Daniel Blackhall, an awesome guy and a great instructor. During the few months before my Black belt grading, I was also lucky enough to be coached, up to 4 times a week, by Sensei Carl Norman, someone whose’ expertise in Jujitsu and martial arts in general is truly second to none.’
Thanks Mark, it was a true pleasure to have you on our classes, you were an inspiration not only to us but to every student on the class, Thank you for the many hours of teaching you provided to the kids, we would`nt have been able to do it without you!! Carl
Silvio La Valle
‘Thanks to the constant help and support given by Sensei Carl and Sensei Dan, jujitsu helped me with my fitness and boosted my confidence in and out of the dojo. As well as having achieved my brown belt under their training I have also made many new friends over the 4 years I spent training with them.’
Silvio, thank you for your kind comments, It was great to see you grow from boy to man in the 4 years that you were with us, it was all our pleasure to have met you. Carl
Joe Green “traffic”
‘Sensei Dan has taught me jujitsu for three years, I am now a brown belt currently in training for my black belt and over the three years I received a first class tutorial from an excellent sensei, highly recommended and very friendly, good luck with your new Dojo, Joseph Green.’
Cheers Joe, Good luck with your Black Belt!! Carl
Michael Pendercast
‘I was trained by Danny for just shy of 2 years, and it was a fantastic experience, if you choose to attend classes at their Dojo, you will not go far wrong. You will receive first class tuition and will always be made to feel welcome.’
Thank you Michael, Hope your training is going well!
M.Zakarinskis
Dear Carl,
I just wanted to say a great big thank you for all your support getting Nathan to his blue belt. I can’t believe how confident he has become.
Nathan was such a great student, to see the change in him from when he first came to the academy and to what he was like when we left is ubelievable!! so shy but within a matter of weeks…what a change!!
Mrs Reed
Dear Carl,
If you would have told me 5 years ago my shy, quiet daughter would one day be able to stand in front of a class of thirty and give a personal presentation on herself I would have laughed. Well I’m not laughing now; I’m the proudest mum in the world! Thank you so very much!
Matthew Daley
Jujitsu is an ancient martial art used by the Samurai warriors of war-torn Japan. The art itself consists of punches, kicks, throws, ground-grappling, and weapons. Jujitsu techniques rely heavily on leverage, so you don’t have to be extremely strong to train.
My name is Matthew Daley (Brown Belt) & I have been a member of Kudo academies since 2000, I would just like to say that these two Martial Arts masters, that being Sensei Carl & Sensei Danny are an absolute inspiration to anyone starting out in Martial Arts or anyone with experience in Martial Arts… that would like to try out Jujitsu.
There expertise & precision to detail are second to none, they really do give 110 % in their teaching techniques / dedication & are always there when you want that natural progression moving up the ranks in Jujitsu.
Believe me people there are many different Martial Arts out there taught by many different masters, but there are no other masters as skilled as Sensei Carl & Sensei Danny….
One of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of meeting!! A great mat man and a great family man, thank you so very much for your comments, your respect for us is overwhelming!
Anita Horry
‘I am writing to express my gratitude for your attentiveness and pure excellence in running Kudo Academies here in Marbella.
Thanks to your professionalism and dedication, I have seen a change in my son’s behaviour in a matter of a few weeks. He is learning discipline and many qualities that each child living in this day and age should have. Not only does he enjoy himself immensely but he is reaping the rewards and the benefits of the hard work he puts into his classes.
Thank you for all your support and keep up the excellent job.’
Yours sincerely,
Anita Horry
Thank you Anita, having Micheal on the class has been a pleasure, a credit to you!
Rachael Baines
‘I trained a kudo for about 5 years i left when i was 11 but i appriciate the work we did. It boost my confidence and helped me defend myself. I trained in kick boxing with both carl and daniel i got to brown belt then unfortunatly had to leave. I was too young to get my black belt as i had to be 16 but i was 11 and had my brown belt . I enjoyed working with sensei carl and sensei danny they helped me a lot.’
Dear Carl,Kerri and Danny and Max:congratulations for your fantastic new academy you have opened in Marbella. It looks really professional,clean and tidy. And the best of all is the way you look after us, every single detail is there for everybody,with love and a smile. My boys are really enjoying taking Ju-Jitsu classes.Thank you very much for everything.
Maria, you have a wonderful family and it is our pleasure to have you associated with us! Thank you for your continued support, our very best wishes, everyone at Kudo
hello guys and doll.
you all came at the right moment in me and my daughter life.
what you make me do in the lessons i never dreamed of doing.
thank you all for that.
and my daughter is a white belt and student of the month now,really great.
she is really proud (me too)of herself and sure she go for the next one.
love to you all.
timia.xxx
Timia, we were blessed the day you and your beautiful daughter came into the Academy, never before did I have such a strong belief that you were both ideal students when we met you and the support that we could give each other would be absolutly perfect for each other. I should be thanking you…for such alot, your friendship means more than you can imagine to all of us at Kudo Academies, THANK YOU!!!
I would like to say a big thank you to all of you for the superb academy – my two boys are enjoying every aspect of the classes and I am extremely impressed with the facilities, your teaching methods, discipline and all round family support. Excellent!!
Our success is credited to people like yourself Louise, without YOU we wouldnt have a business, never mind one like Kudo! Our facilities and teaching methods are an acumulation of over 25 years of work to strive for the perfect dojo, we are far from it but with your support and all the parents and children involved with Kudo I KNOW we will get there!! Thank you once again!
Kudo is a small spot of heaven in Marbella ! The possitive atmosphere, the praise and encouragement we receive, have all made me into a happier person. Thank you very much for letting me be part of this. Carl is a fantastic instructor who have a brilliant attention to detail and Dan really has the ability to motivate and encourage. Kerry makes my morning with her super toast and cheerful words ! Love you guys.
The positive atmosphere is easy with students like yourself Hanne, I dont think I have seen you unhappy or upset, quite the opposite!! always smiling, nice words to say about everyone at the Academy, thank you for letting us do our job, trust me, you make it easy for us, thank you for your support, you wouldnt believe how much we enjoy having you part of the Kudo family, P.S Max is a credit to you and your husband, a great kid with GREAT manners, well done and congratulations on your white belt!!
Sensei Carl and Sensei Dan at the Kudo Academy must be masters of not only their martial arts but also time traveling! I started taking kickboxing classes some months ago and I swear every time I attend a session it feels shorter and shorter. Never have such a thorough workout felt so fast and easy and every single time I leave I have a soaked t-shirt to prove it!
It is always a pleasure to go with lots of smiling faces both inside and outside the dojo and I think that the friendly yet strict (when required) teaching methods of both Carl and Daniel really help create an environment where people feel secure and confident amongst each other.
Thanks guys and keep up the great work!
Hey Fred! what a difference we have seen in you over the last few months!!! No more sitting at the side catching your breath…instead we see a more fitter, focused young man with a real talent that is really starting to show!!…thats why you got the first student of the month, and well deserved it was too!! Its guys like you that make our job well worth while, congratulations to you!! job well done!!
Although i’ve only been a member of Kudo Acadamies for a short time, already i have noticed the difference in fitness, as well as the sheer amount of fun i’m having.
This is without a doubt the most fun fitness activity i have ever taken part in, and along with this, the opportunity to learn something new! It is also a great way to de-stress, and the teaching from Dan is first class.
Definate Recommendation !
Keep up the good work!
Im glad you like the D-Stress side of it all, everyone who trains with us notices that after a while their stress levels decrease and they become more confident in hanldling stressful situations! Im glad its working out for you!
Great Academy with great Senseis.
I started a month ago and I really enjoy going to the classes and learning new things every day.
It is not a walk in the park, but worth every moment that I spend at the club.
You are always felt like you are welcome at Kudo, it is like being in a family.
Thanks to all of you for making us enjoy ourselves!
Niclas, thank you for your kind comments, as we are a family run business we had a vision to ensure every member who joined would have that same family feeling, I am really glad that you are enjoying your training, keep up the hard work, WELL DONE!!!
After being a total ‘gym bunny ‘ for the last 4 years and wondering what to do when my gym closed down, a friend said come along and try these kick-boxing classes.Well I had nothing to lose and all I can say is how glad I am I went along, I have just passed my first grading, my certificate is hanging proudly on the wall at home. Carl and Daniel are the most professional and motivated instructor’s ,making the classes challenging and taking your fitness level up to the max. It’s great to go to a place where you all know each others names, your not just a membership number, you become part of a team.Also just like to add, Kerry you make a great cup of coffee and thanks for the toast and oranges after class, never got that at my old gym ! Thanks guys you are doing great, shame about your football team, Arsenal are the best !
Hi Leisha, your very much a member and not just a number! we take pride in getting to know each and every client as you know and we have been very fortunate to make so many friends at the academy, without your support you wouldnt exist! Congratulations on passing your white belt, very much deserved!!……Oh and Leisha, I think you must be getting me confused with Danny, Kerri and Max…..they are Evertonians!! Im a proper scouser…..where are you in the league????
I am new to Kickboxing and loving it!
I have only ever been to a gym in the past but find that I lose motivation quickly. Sensei’s Carl and Danny keep us all very motivated and wanting to come back for more, so much so I am now training 3 times a week (still working on the wife to increase to 4 times a week!)
Carl and Danny are very friendly and professional so even a beginner like me feels welcome in their classes. Danny deserves an extra little mention, he has done a great job getting me up to standard for my white belt grading.
Thanks to all at Kudo academies for the great job you guys do.
Hey Deano!! What a star! hasnt been with us long but has fitted in extremely well with the rest of the gang, Im sure Deano will tell you that we work hard at making the academy feel family orientated and you my friend feel like my little brother!! Top guy, Great family! by the way your are absolutly spot on about our Dan, he works so hard at something he feels so passionate about!
The reason I joined Kudo Academies last month was because my gym closed down and I needed something else to keep fit… but Kudo Acad. has given me a lot more. Everyone is very friendly and our Sensei Carl and Dan are very professional. They make us work hard and they push us to the limit in a fun and interesting way. I like every part of the kick boxing… the techniques, the control over body, but also the discipline and respect aspect.
I recommend Kudo’s martial arts classes, especially for children. It’s a great way for children to work out, get fit, become confident and learn discipline and to respect others.
Hi Sandra, I am really glad that you have picked up on the discipline and the respect side of your training, to us this is vey much a big part of our teaching, I am sure you would agree we have not forced it down your throats but led by example and you accepted it and appreaciated what we are trying to achieve. I am really glad you are having fun and learning alot at the same time, good luck with your continued learning!!
It seems that we are spending our life at the dojo between the kids’ and the adults’ classes… Thanks to the Kudo gang for having created such an enjoyable atmosphere for all ages. The kids love their new belt!
It feels like we are spending our lives with you too Frank!! in fact we are!! we couldnt have wished to meet such a wonderful family like yours, you have welcomed us all into your home for special occasions and we feel that you have given us support when we needed it most…you and Zora and the kids feel like our extended family and we are truly grateful of your kind wishes, true friends!!
Hi Guys,
I have just read all the amazing testimonials, not only do I agree with every comment! I feel the need to add a wee one of my own.
Between my children and I, I too am in Kudo Academies every day of the week and yet you still make me feel very welcome everytime I step through your doors.
Training at Kudo is a fantastic experience which I would truly recommend to everyone of all ages. Sensei Carl and Sensei Dan not only teach us martial arts in a disciplined, professional way and in such a fantastic environment they make it fun and have us hungry for more!
Since training with them from my first class which I was convinced I was gonna have a heart attack, I now come out of class wishing it was only beginning!!
A huge thanks from us and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!!
Hi Amanda, lovely to get such a glowing testimonial from you, thanks! Its amazing to see how hard you personally work on class and even some of the other students have mentioned that you seem really switched on when its time to put the gloves on! I told them you where a little bit crazy! when the gloves go on its time for business!! God help Colin if he steps out of line!! Must be the same when you get behind the wheel eh!!! Thanks for being part of an inspiring team, its everyones club not just ours and you are more than welcome!!
Dear Carl, Dan and Kerry,
Kudo Academies is the BEST!!
Thank you for teaching us in such a professional, serious but at the same time fun way!! I enjoy it so much! For sure I will try to convince my daughter to join as soon as she turns five! The discipline and self respect, feeling proud and confidence is so important!… I was so proud when i got my white belt!
I really missed you during the holidays! I am happy to be back again!
Thank you very much!! You can be proud of yourselves!
Hi Kirsten, for once I am lost for words, your testimonial is fantastic!! Thank you so very much….we are all overjoyed at the unbelievable response we are having to the Academy, I know I have said it before but without such enthusiastic, dedicated and loyal students like yourself we wouldn’t be in the position we find ourselves in today, its all because of people like you and the rest of the students that have left testimonials, you say you felt proud at passing your white belt, well I can tell you that feeling is ten fold for everyone involved with Kudo Academies. Thank you for making our academy such a great place to work at!!
Hi guys,
First I want to congratulate you on having the best martial arts academy in marbella!!!!
It´s modern, well equipped, and you always make us feel welcome and cared for. There is such a positive, upbeat atmosphere, you guys are amazing!!!
I also want to thank you for everything you do for my son, who is learning jiu jitsu. He is so much more confident now, in every way. You are teaching him good values which he benefits from in his everyday life, and I can´t thank you enough for it!!!!
Hi Julia, thank you so very much for your testimonial, your comments and everyone else`s on this page are an inspiration to everyone involved with Kudo Academies. You have picked up on a very important part of our teaching….. VALUES! Our life skills program has taken years to perfect but I think you will agree it works! Confidence, self respect, respect for others, self esteem are just a few things we promote at our academy but without your support it wouldn’t work, so well done to you!!
My friend Hannah Murray *REM radio* presenter got me into kickboxing by introducing me to Dan and Carl at Kudo.
What I found were great guys, very friendly and welcoming and best of all, they even gave us some free lessons just to see if we liked what we saw!
I’d been weight training for 15 years but after just a few tries I promptly gave up my gym subscription and started at the dojo. I already have my first belt and am looking forward to getting my second with the fantastic training of Dan……oooooooootz!Tighten up tighten up!
Marcus!!! or FIGHTER, thanks for the testimonial, we like to think we do the very best for our members and you know that is true in your case. Its funny because when you first started you enjoyed it so much but lately we have seen a different side in you in that you are taking your training alot more seriously, we still want you to enjoy it and you do, but you have stepped up a gear and are putting in some great work, so well done!
In the summer of 2008 I was looking for interesting guests for my radio show, and saw a little advert about a new martial arts academy in Inside out Health Magazine. I contacted the owner (Carl) to invite him onto my show to talk about his martial arts career, as well as his plans for the new academy. Before doing the interview, he very kindly offered to show my boyfriend Andy and I round the premises, as well as giving us a free lesson to see what we thought. Andy had done some kickboxing in the past and straight away realised he’d like to get back into it! I had never done anything like it before and had always had a struggle finding a form of exercise that I could do regularly, that I enjoyed and didn’t find a chore!
So we decided to give it a go, and I hoped that I wouldn’t get bored…
Well, Andy and I have now been regular members since last summer and I’m certainly NOT bored!! We have passed our white belt exams and are looking forward to the next one! I am sooooo happy that I’ve found a form of exercise that I LOVE and am certainly not getting bored with people telling me how much weight I’ve lost!
Thanks Carl for the free lessons at the start for me and my friends, and thanks Dan for the fantastic, hard working, but always fun training!
I’ve recommended Kudo Academies to lots of people, and will continue to do so! Anyone who listens to REM fm will know all about it by now!!
THANKS GUYS! xxx
I dont know about interesting guests Hannah!! but thank you anyway!! If anyone doesnt know who Hannah is, she presents a fantastic show on REM and I have had the pleasure of being interviewed twice by her (you can here them on the site, just go back to the main menu and you will see them) Not only are you a true proffesional at work but your dedication on the matt has been noted several times, you are dedicated and motivated and always friendly to anyone new at the Academy, thank you for that! Having you on board has been a pleasure to everyone and you bring so much enthusiasm to our classes…..Oh and before I forget, you mentioned how much you enjoy the classes and how hard you all work but modestly you forgot to mention that you were very good also!!! Keep up the hard work!! YELLOW BELT NEXT!
Dear Carl Dan & Kerry
Thank you for the hard work you but into your teaching. Our kid’s are responding very positively to you training.They have improved in their posture and co-ordination, as well as mentally. Even the school teachers have commented on an increase in concentration, and all round improvement at school.
I wish i had time to time to join in and release some stress.
RGRDS MARK & MOREL
CHEERS ALL THE BEST
Hi Mark, the kids have really come on leaps and bounds!! Myriam is brilliant when she helps out with the younger kids, she has accepted the responsibility with open arms. Declan is a joy on the class and adds lots of fun to the classes but the best news is your comments with regards to the school, this is great! I really hope other parents read your post and realise martial arts is not just about punching and kicking!! we have alot more to offer. Thank you so very much for your testimonial.
Congratulations “yous guys”! You’ve created an amazing space for children and adults to learn a kick-ass art. I never thought I’d ever get into kickboxing or martial arts as it just didn’t seem to be my “thing”. Now I can’t seem to tear myself away from the dojo! Who would’ve guessed that a fragile little thing like me would be kicking and punching like this? I am so grateful to have been introduced to a new way of exercising and meeting such a wonderful family as yours. I also appreciate the efforts you have made with my kids as they are also progressing wonderfully with your classes. Thanks for being such an inspiration to my whole family. Yous guys are the best!
Thank you Zora for your BRILLIANT comments!! its no secret that we have become good friends of your family and I think without you we wouldnt have half of Laude school attending, your support is overwhelming!! I really mean that! thank you so very much…
To mum dad and danny ,thank you for teaching me at kudo academies.It has been a wonderful experience in my life, hopefully i can take my black belt next year with my wonderful dad sensei Carl,love you all lots of love. from your son max xxx
How funny are you!! Son, it was my pleasure teaching you and to be honest I should be thanking you for helping out with our new dojo….couldnt have done it without you!! LOVE YOU!!
I have just come back home from the graduation at Kudo. I went straight to the kitchen wall took fo the latest report of my children and stuck my certificate of the white belt on it, ha it is my turn now! It was great. Can`t wait for the yellow one now.
It is amazing what the session do to me. When I wake up I often feel no energy, but once I have done a class, I am ready for the day. It also brings you back down to basics regarding focus, attitude and respect!
Thanks, Kirsten for introducing me to Kudo, and thanks to you Senseis for your teaching of so many things.
Driekje
Hey Driekje, I wanted to wait a while before I replied to your testimonial…two reasons, the first…you wrote this not long after joining and secondly I wanted to see your progression, I am thrilled that you have wrote such a glowing testimonial and I am very happy to say that you are doing very well with your fitness and your technical ability!! Congratulations!! This has become a true family event for you with your husband Mark taking part also, well done to you both!!
I would like to say thank you for ensuring I achieved my 1st step to becoming a true martial artist. I am officially a white belt, and it feels great!
Through the few months I have been attending I have felt part of something, as opposed to the usual gym stuff ie- riding a bike that doesnt go anywhere, or a treadmill that faces a blank wall…. At Kudo we interact, we focus and we get fit whilst meeting a variety of people, all nationalities, all shapes and sizes, Kudo doesn’t discrimonate! (though I happen to be fit and slim
At a time when the world has become depressed, Kudo is an oasis.
I love you all x (but I love Max the most )
I have waited a while to reply to your testimonial because to be honest I didn’t know if it was the “thing for you” you know what its like, everyone does it so I will give it a go! I WAS WRONG!! you are fantastic student and I think without you on the classes the fun element would be missing, your focus and dedication over the last couple of weeks has been inspiring to me and Dan, its what makes us do our job….PEOPLE LIKE YOU! not only do inspire us but your relationship with the rest of the class is brilliant and your support with the rest of your family is great, thank you! I feel like I have inherited lots of new family members, we should have called ourselves Kudo Family Academy, It is an honour to call you and your family…FRIENDS!
Hi
I would like to give Sensei Carl and Sensei Dan a big Thankyou, my son Sebastian loves going to the Jujitsu Classes and is now the proud owner of a white belt, he is already counting down until the next grading.
Since attending his attention span has improved and he is interacting with other children much better (he has never been a shy child, but had quietened down after being bullied in his last school). So Thank You once again and now he is trying to convince me that he should do Kick Boxing also, so maybe in a few weeks he can move in!!!
Thanks
Natalie
Hi Natalie, I love hearing these kind of testimonials, its what drives us and inspires us to do better each time we step onto the mat, I hope Sebastian keeps up the good work, he really works hard on each and every class, he is truly a credit to you, a very bright young man with great manners.
Dear Dan, Carl & Kerry!
Thank you!!! What more can I say, that has not already been said, but THANK YOU! I remember the first day I walked through the doors at Kudo Academies, I was so nervous… But, there they were, Sensei Carl and Sensei Dan, wishing me welcome, talking to me, smiling and laughing, and I felt relaxed and welcomed. The classes have given (and give) so much to me, I am looking forward to every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! You guys are give so much of yourselves, and I feel really lucky to have met you!
Keep up the good work!!
Mona.
Hi Mona, so many people on here have said thank you and it is lovely, what is even better is having students like yourself who give everything and more!! I have said it before and I shall say it again, THANK YOU for all your support! we would not have great clients like you if you didn’t make that first step to getting in touch, we are the lucky ones to have met you.
Hola Carl and Dan,
I am writing to you because I have a little story to tell, and the positive outcome of this story is ALL because of your hard work dedication and motivation with the kids.
Yesterday evening we were invited to a BBQ and Max was coming along. Other people were invited too (we were 6 adults and 2 kids). There was a 14 year old girl, who Max clicked with immediately. During the dinner Max was holding really confident adult conversation with people he had never meet before, and was not just talking childish rubbish. He sat there at the end of the table like a little man
He both talked and listened, and never lost interest. 6 months ago he would have sat in the corner, made long faces and asking when we were going home every 10 min.
After dinner he “invited” the girl for a walk in the urbanization (Big urbanization but also with security). They were gone for about 45 min. When they came back the girl told us that 2 boys,15-16 years old had shouted names and approached Max and her. They were pushing Max around but Max had remained calm and controlled, asking them to please stop what they were doing. One of the boys grabbed Max around the neck, Max twisted out of the grip and said that he would hurt the boys if they continued their bullying. Two security guards appeared, and sent the boys away. I cant tell you how Max felt inside when all this happened, but when the girl and him came back from the encounter, he was looking proud, confident and laughing about the whole scenario.
Now, I believe that these two teenagers didn’t really do any hard core bullying, because Max showed he wasn’t afraid and had a confident and proud attitude. All taught and practiced with you guys – thanks you are amazing !!. 6 months ago, Max would probably have had trauma and bad dreams after a happening like this.
My little insecure, bad tempered baby is gone – and “we” have produced a confident, proud and happy little man .
With lots of sincere love
Hanne Illum Kjaer
Hi Hanne, I have read your story I don’t know how many times!! I love it!! I hate the fact that Max was bullied but I think it is great that he managed to get himself out of it ok…what a result! Its horrible but true that this is quite normal, it happens everyday but the outcome could be alot different, thank goodness in this instance everything went to plan. When I say plan that is exactly what I mean, the kids might not realise it but we go through role plays and install confidence into them without them knowing so when they happen to be in a confrontational situation it doesn’t seem quite abnormal and they know that they can handle themselves, I was actually waiting to get some news like this since we opened and out of all the kids it had to be Max and how ironic as you have had to force him to come when he has`nt felt like! Well done, you made the right decision!! Thank you for your continued support.
My kids have been training with you for the last few months and I´m very happy with their progress. It´s very interesting how these classes are constructed. I like the intensity of the classes too. My son is 11 years old and I would like him to train really hard. He´s completely sweaty after a jiu-jitsu class, and in the morning the next day sometimes his muscles hurt. The atmosphere is really great. The kids work for results (belts), so there´s a goal. It´s also really great that there are three teachers to a class. They don´t let the kids slack off and are watching them so that each punch and movement is done correctly. It´s wonderful that there is so much help in both the technique and the workout. Thanks for all the wonderful things you have been teaching my children.