Family of Four Train in Martial Arts Together

Gary, Pam, Faith and Nina Crawford… a family of four that all train at The Academy of Martial Arts & Personal Development in Manchester, CT. They can be seen at the Academy several days each week, training in martial arts, assisting in classes, or even working handstands & wielding swords in the Academy’s “Train Like a Jedi” class! The Crawfords truly embody the old saying: “The family that kicks together, sticks together!”

They began training about 3 years ago, first bringing their oldest daughter, Faith. Soon after, Gary joined, followed by their other daughter, Nina, and then, after several months, Pam. When asked what eventually made her join, Pam says, “I was in awe of the adults I would see training and thought “I want to do that!”. With much encouragement from the family and folks at AMA I then took the plunge and signed up.”

When asked what their proudest of so far, Gary says his “being able to do a handstand/pushup!” For Pam, she feels that her greatest benefit has been mentally. “I always feel better after training… Despite having wonderful children, being a parent is hard. I find for my mental health/spirituality training and being a part of AMA is currently a big driving force in my life.”

Gary has loved every minute of his training, being able to do things he never thought he could. Their daughters love the friends they have made, and the confidence that comes from martial arts training. For Pam, she has found a camaraderie among the other students that she there was never a time when he wanted to stop training. He became more and more determined to get better. What kept me going were two things: my family who never let me wallow in the idea of “ I can't do this” and honestly the folks at AMA ... who were super supportive and always encouraging me to keep going. "

An increasingly popular reason for enrolling children in the martial arts is to develop "Life Skills" in the students. The skills include discipline, self control, patience, confidence, courage, tolerance, honesty, respect and integrity among others. Training in a quality martial arts school reinforces those character building qualities that are timeless and transcend all cultural boundaries. For more information, about The Academy of Martial Arts & Personal Development, contact them by calling 860-646-7993, emailing at masterwaldron@gmail.com, visiting their website at www.TheAcademy.us or visiting the school at 440 Oakland Street, Manchester.