Ruth Bonomo — Westport, CT In 1992 my son wanted to take karate. I thought “Why should he have all the fun.” So we started together. Soon Mark started teaching Tai Chi and I joined right in. It’s been 17 years since, and I’m enjoying participating in many different programs at Dynamic Martial Arts. From weight training, kick boxing, to Tai Chi, there’s always been an exciting program to train my body, and mind. As long as they are here I’ll be here.

Elaine Clayton — Westport, CT Dynamic Martial Arts has been one of the best choices we ever made when we moved to Westport a little over a year ago. Sensei Mark has created a fantastic place for my son to learn confidence, selfrespect, respect for others, and to grow into his own physicial strength and agility. Sensei Mark must be one of the most gifted teachers I have ever encountered, and I’ve taught in both public and independent private schools, since I was in my early twenties. This Dojo is thriving with healthy, joyous, and powerful children and adults!

SEPTA — Westport, CT To Whom it May Concern, As a parent and special education recreation coordinator for the Westport SEPTA, it has been my honor to have had the opportunity to work with Mark and his staff at the Westport Dynamic Martial Arts Studios. Since January 2006, Mark has offered an adaptive karate program serving children from Westport, Wilton, Norwalk, Weston, and Fairfield. This was the first and only adaptive program of any kind for our more significantly challenged children in Westport in early 2006. When creating the class, we were most grateful to Mark for the flexibility and commitment he offered our children. One price, if it was one child or more that came - no extra fees, no class cancellations. A ratio of instructor/child would be low to ensure success (2:1 or 3:1 is typical). A commitment was made to deliver, and deliver Mark does. He has an intuitive sense of what our kids need, and creates and environment of mutual respect. What makes the classes truly remarkable is the spirit and enthusiasm Mark and his staff have put into the program, and the respect shown for each child and family. During each class, every child is made to feel like the winners they truly are. The bar is set where each child can reach it, with praise and enthusiasm for every attempt and achievement. My own son Austin’s (8) proudest moment in his life was when he earned his yellow belt and first trophy in Mark’s class. His brother had 15-20 trophies earned at various sports programs - sports where Austin would not have been successful without adaptation. Austin didn’t have a single trophy. It was Mark who made that first trophy possible, we will never forget that moment because it was so special and deserved. Writing a letter of recommendation for Mark is a difficult task, because there’s is so much good - it’s hard to know where to begin, or how to find the words to express the admiration we feel. This picture will tell the story. Mark is clearly as proud of our kid’s achievements as we are.

Inez Fugate Liftig — Westport, CT I have been a secondary school science teacher in Connecticut and New York for over 35 years and currently teach grade 8 at Fairfield Woods Middle School in Fairfield, CT. I have been there since 1985. I have known Mark Wilkingson since 1990 when my husband first began taking karate lessons at Mark’s martial arts studio. Throughout the time since then, my husband and I have both continually taken martial arts and fitness training with Mark. We have come to know Mark and his family and consider him to be a very close personal friend. From the dual vantage points of friend and client. I have observed Mark closely in both social and professional situations. professionally Mark has worked steadily to build his business and today his family martial arts center is one of the most sought after in the area, both by children, and adults. In dealings with parents Mark is honest and straightforward. Most students who enroll in classes with him stay many years and many parents who initially start by bringing their children to classes often end up taking classes themselves. Mark is a natural teacher with exceptional ability, enthusiasm and passion for his craft. He can motivate and instill self control in his students, always challenging them to set and pursue high standards for themselves. Children and young adults look up to him and his is often invited to special family events like birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, and school honor ceremonies. He gives generously of his time to teach autistic and learning disabled children. In his battle with some life threatening health problems, Mark exhibits remarkable courage and determination, coming to work day in and day out, despite hardships and pain, never giving up in a situation that would have defeated the vast majority of people. He has been a source of inspiration and a role model of personal courage for all who know him. As a friend, Mark is loyal thoughtful, and caring. He is always willing to lend a helping hand. I trust him without eservation. Likewise, I trust his judgement and insight in dealing with people and go to him for advice on personal matters. Mark is highly respected and admired as a businesman, teacher and friend. He has impeccable character - he is honest, responsible, level headed and self controlled. I give him my mighest recommentdation for obtaining this permit.

Kerry — Fairfield, CT Karate and Dynamic Martial Arts Family Center has been such a huge part of my life that I practically grew up there. Mark has taught me so much about not only martial arts but about life and how to conduct myself. Thank you so much for teaching me for these past 13 years. I am so proud of my accomplishments and I know when I get to college I will succeed if I work hard. Mark has always been one of my biggest role models and I thank him for everything.

H. Schwartz — Westport, CT My two kids love Dynamic Martial Arts. We have been here over two years and it’s been an amazing experience . The kids look forward to the belt tests and the tournaments. Sensei Spike, and Mark are the best!

Amy Moskoff — Weston, CT Dynamic Martial Arts is a wonderful karate school for children. The instructors are amazing and Sensei Spike, and Sensei Mary work wonders with all the children. They instill self-discipline, confidence, and self-control using kindness and humor. My son loves karate!

Richard Ross member for 18 years — Westport, CT Dynamic Martial Arts system is the most complete fitness program I have ever experienced. It has componenets of cardio, core strength, flexibility, and aerobics in addition to the foundation self-defense art of Karate, Kung Fu, Israeli Haganah, Judo, and Brazilian Ju-Jistsu. Over the years it has helped me in all my other activities, such as running, biking, yoga, and swimming as well as giving me the stamina to make it through the working week. My wife and I made it our primary physical training and our kids have both gone through to black belt. It has made a tremendous difference in their overal health and mental well-being and in particular their sports abilities. My daughter just left for college and I can tell you I feel better know she’s got self-defense skills.

Penney & David — Westport, CT Dynamic Martial Arts has been a truly positive experience for our son for the past ten years. He has learned discipline and self-control which has made a significant difference in his overall behavior. It is a great exercise and most importantly an activity he loves.

Amber Beer — Fairfield, CT My daughter and her best friend have been training at Dynamic Martial Arts for alittle over a year. Both girls have made great progress and love the combination of Karate Belt training and fitness activities. Thank you Mark and Ariel.

David Baker, 45 — Westport, CT With no previous self-defense experience Mark and Ariel at Dynamic Martial Arts Studio of Westport showed tremendous patience and encouragement. The Haganah self-defense class is a great work out and loads of fun. I find it to be a challenging and rewarding experience.

Brian Derman — Westport, CT Mark Wilkingson has been instructing my two special needs children in martial arts for more than seven years. He willingly took on this substancial challenge with no previous training in special needs, but with a quiet confidence in his ability to control a difficult situation and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals. By applying the right mixture of sympathetic instruction and appropriate challenges he has helped both kids to make major gains in physical fitness motor planning, cognitive focus, and self-esteem. I believe nearly every family would be
wise to take advantage of Mark’s natural intuition about to to reach children.

Andrew Riddles — New York, NY it is difficult to describe the personal impact of training at Dynamic. To one who devotes himself to the training the reward is great byt the journey is a lifetime. Sesei mark not only provides instruction in an effective art of self-defense, but also encourages an atmosphere of constant improvement. Most Importantly, the trainingis about the individual.

Sandy Grannis — Ridgefield, CT The two previous schools we trained at don’t come close to the caliber of instruction we receive at Dynamic. Mark Wilkingson keeps all the students challenged and motivated. Tough classes where you know you’ve worked mentally, and physically. We travel from Ridgefield five times a week, and it’s always worth the trip!

Gretchen Caulfield — Westport, CT My son has become a much more coordinated and confident person while studying karate at Dynamic Martial Arts. My daughter enjoys the motivation and nuturing classes.

Douglas Rivkin — Weston, CT My 12 year old son has participated with regular karate lessons at Dynamic for three years. He is a special boy with special needs attention that has been provided by the instructors at Dynamic. This experience has provided him with regular discipline, vibrant exercise along with self-confidence, of his own physical capabilities. Priceless!!