Dear Jimmy, I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users. Details of the Recommendation: "In 2002, Jimmy was the first educator ever, with whom my family dealt, who did not focus on my son's physical challenges. Jimmy did not place limits on him, and thus, my son did not place limits on himself. Jimmy's leadership, strength, and experience were big enough to match my son's heart. As a result, he wss able inspire and give my son the tools to become a junior national champion. The lessons Chris has learned at Pedro's Martial Arts about resiliance, team work, and work ethic will follow him throughout his life, into his career, and perhaps someday in leading his own family. My husband and I can not recommend Jimmy and his team high enough." Kim Round, mother of Team FORCE athlete Chris Round Service Category: Judo Coach Year first hired: 2002 (hired more than once) Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert "Hi Mike,      We were just talking about you and what a great job you guys did on Saturday. The kids absolutely loved it and the picture of me in mid air is priceless!! We would love for you to return and possibly do an assembly with our students. You can email my principal at jrodriguez@lawrence.k12.ma.us. By the way, I was so happy that you brought your female athletes, I think it was great for our girls to see how amazing female athletes can be!! Thanks again, it was a blast and hopefully we will see you again soon." Jaina Shea "O’Sensei Pedro,      I wanted to let you know how impactful your presentation last Monday on respect was. As a parent, I am constantly looking for validation regarding my wife and I’s approach to raising our children, and I regularly find it at this dojo. Respect, leadership, discipline & confidence are values we hold sacred in our home. Hearing it from you and seeing it in your staff helps us stay consistent even on those days when we lack the energy. We recognize the time and effort you put into this center.      I have enclosed Ryan and Sarah’s report cards. We are blessed with bright children. Please read Ryan’s review; his teachers’ comments should let you know that your teachings transcend this building. Please continue what you do. Our children benefit greatly, and Roberta and I learn and incorporate what we see and hear. Sincerely," Bob Fitzpatrick, Father of Ryan and Sarah Fitzpatrick "Dear Jim, Just wanted to take a minute to write and tell you how happy my wife and I are with the experience at Pedro’s Judo. I have spent my whole life working with athletes and never thought I would find such a positive experience for my daughter Michaela. I have always feared venturing into the world of youth sports. As you know, the horror stories are endless. Pedro’s Judo is everything you could want a young boy or girls first athletic experience to be. For my seven year old daughter to be in a world-class environment, surrounded by world-class competitors is truly a once in a lifetime experience. For her to realize that these world-athletes are also world-class people is as the Mastercard people say, priceless. We truly could not ask for more. When you enter you become part of the Pedro’s family, both literally and figuratively. Jim Pedro is not a name on the door, he is the man teaching leadership class to my seven year old, delivering lessons on honesty and goal setting. I hope you will place this on your website so that other parents can be convinced to visit Pedro’s Judo and experience the special feeling my daughter gets every time she comes. Michaela would be at Pedro’s every night if we would let her and, I believe that speaks for itself. Sincerely," Michael and Cindy Boyle, Parents of Michaela Boyle "Sensei Jimmy, It has been two years since I met you I thought I should give you an update on my current situation. I came to you after having 5 heart surgeries, two pacemakers (make that three now) and having been clinically dead 3 times. I came to you looking to get in shape, and nothing more. I remember the first time I went to the dojo I thought how much of a pain in the ass it was going to be to have to climb the stairs to get to the mats each time I went to Judo. Just climbing those stairs was making me breathe heavy for a few minutes. At the two year mark today I went to the gym to try to climb stairs to see numerically how far I progressed. I hopped on and just kept climbing. After 60 minutes, the machine shut off by itself and told me among other things that I just climbed 224 floors. I could have kept going. I have succeeded in what I wanted to accomplish. I have decided to give away my US companies and move to the Republic of Korea. I have accepted a University teaching position, and I will be leaving as soon as I get my visa stamped, hopefully before thanksgiving. I will continue to participate in Judo as I know it can and will change one's life. I hope I will be welcome back after I accomplish what I want to accomplish overseas. I would like to say thank you, and leave it at that because there is no way for me to repay what your school has given to me. Just know that your school and Judo can and will change lives, and to please never stop teaching." Stephen Lauria, Nov 1, 2005 "We are so happy at your school, it has brought the family together as no other sport has". Denise Vinciarelli (mother of Dante and Antonia) "Judo has provided my child with a disciplined, structured athletic arena that has carried over in all areas of his life." Graciella Trilla, Ed. D Parent (child age 7)/Principal "Training at Pedro's Judo has instilled in me, the discipline and confidence to be successful on the mat as well as in my career." George Pissimissis (age 32) Estimator/Project Manager SLT Construction "I want to thank you for all that you have done with Tom over the last 3 years. He has developed more confidence, flexbility, and balance as a direct result of judo and it is showing up on the ice. The good news is that he is getting a lot of interest from the scouts, and recently got drafted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The Quebec League is a professional league and he has decided to maintain his amateur status in the hopes of getting some offers from D-1 colleges. You and your team should feel proud in his progress. Tom has greatly benefited from Perdo's Judo and I happily recommend you to anyone who might have an interest". Joann Michalik (mother of Tom) “I write to express our delight in Michael’s membership to your club. Your insight and approach to the “whole” person, not simply their athleticism is remarkable. I always anticipate attending your confidence booster sessions because every adult in the room benefits as well. Additionally, with the development of the STORM team, you are a mentor and role model in raising all of our children. I awlays recite a favorite quotation of mine to my sons and this definitely applies to you: “I always waited for someone to make a difference, and then I realized I was someone.” These boys and girls will never forget the influence you had on their lives. Last week as Micheal left his class, he commented that he loves the feeling he has when he’s in the Dojo. “It’s like one big family“, he said. Jimmy, you have surrounded yourself with terrific people who always taske the time to teach, understand compliment, and build confidence in the students.” Susan Russo, Mother of Michael Russo (STORM Team member) “I would just like to tell you what a great experience I have had at your Wakefield studio. I recently enrolled my son Matthew in your little dragons program and he loves it. Butch McIlwain is great. He gave my son and I a tour, explained the program, and answered all our questions. Butch is very friendly and professional he made it very easy for my son to walk into a strange place and feel comfortable. Tanya Falco who instructs the little dragons has also been wonderful. She is great with the kids. Tanya does a great job making class instructional and fun for the kids. I am not sure of your receptionists name I think she might be Tanya to. I don't want to leave her out she is also very friendly and helpful. I just wanted to let you know how happy my wife and I are that we signed Matt up at your studio. Matt is very happy to he loves Judo.” Ronald J. Rocha, Father of Matt Rocha (Lil' Dragons Team member) “I would like to express my most sincere thanks to all of you at the Pedro's dojo for allowing my daughter Gabrielle Proksa, attend and participate in a very productive and fun 2006 Pre-Nationals Judo Camp. she and I have been very satisfied and impressed with the professionalism, knowledge, experience, skill and ethical approach to children of all ages. we will definitely look into another judo camp at your facility. yours in judo.” Robert Proksa, checkmate self defense, Father of Gabrielle Proksa