Testimonials

Finding reliable, enjoyable and affordable child care is difficult especially for a single working parent. My schedule requires me to work until 6pm each night and prior to this program I was having to make excuses to leave work early each day to avoid late fees for arriving past the 6pm pick up deadline to get my kids. This was stressful and expensive and not at all enjoyable for the kids, but let’s face it… there’s not a lot of choices out there.

When I first called Carrollwood Black Belt Academy, I thought for sure this program was too good to be true; a price I could afford, direct pick up from the school, extended hours, homework done daily PLUS Karate classes included! Well, that was over three years ago and my 8 and 11 year old have been attending every since.

They love Karate, Sparing, the field trips during camps and the friends they’ve made. I love the discipline, structure, safety and caring environment this school provides. But most importantly, we love Sensei Miranda, Sensei Lay and their team who are so dedicated to their students. They are gifted not only in the art of Tae Kwon Do, but truly gifted in the art of parenting. My kids are evidence of the values taught at Carrollwood Black Belt Academy and their confidence, grades and health are my rewards.

Thank you Carrollwood Black Belt for your continued service to the Carrollwood Community, its youth and my children.

Sincerely,

Natalie P.
Christian and Emily's Mom

At the beginning of the school year 2008/2009 I was looking for an after-school care for my grandson as he would be attending Huntington Learning Center. Once meeting with Sensei Miranda & Sensei Lay I knew this would be a great place for him. I could tell by talking to them that they care about the kids. I respect that the children must earn their belts through hard work and are not simply given them. When school was over and it came time for a summer program my grandson wanted to stay at CBBA. He loves both instructors and Ms Michelle.

This school year, 2009/2010, my grandson will be attending another school in Town and Country area. (This is where we live) .Because of this I need to move him to a different program as I work and can’t take him across town.

When time come to transfer him to a different program and we went to say our good byes my grandson broke into tears. This shows me how much love and care he received here. Besides learning Tae Kwon Do it is like having a loving family.

We truly are going to miss you.

May God Bless you always in ALL Ways,

Margaret Genung

J.T. Breedlove

James Breedlove

"We research everything we buy. We were even more particular when it came to a martial arts school for our son. We had already seen so many schools that "take the money and run" or sell you a new color belt every few months. What impressed us were the instructors; Sensei Miranda and Sensei Lay. They really seemed to care about teaching the kids. They have not let us down as our son, Alex took 2nd place in the State Championship and has been invited to the nationals. Thanks Sensei's Miranda and Lay."

Terry and Ron Dabbs

"Dear Sensei Miranda,

Thank you so much for the karate demonstration your students performed at Claywell Elementary's Spring Fling on March 11th. Your enthusiasm and the student's energy were an encouragement to the audience to pursue the study of martial arts. I and the PTA want to express our deepest gratitude for your participation in our Spring Fling. We appreciate your willingness to come out on short notice and would love to contact you again if the opportunity arises for us to invite those from the community for the future programs."

Pam Jenkins,
PTA Spring Fling Entertainment Coordinator
Claywell Elementary

"Dear Sensei Miranda,

Thank you so much for bringing your students to our FCAT Celebration. Our families really enjoyed the demonstration and we enjoyed having you there.If you need anything in the future, please feel free to contact me. Thanks again."

Jennie Chamberlain,
PTA President
Carrollwood Elementary

"My child has been attending Carrollwood Blackbelt for over a year. She loves it! Initially I was hesitant to have her ride an after-school bus to an off-site location for after-school care and lessons. Once meeting and interviewing Sensei Miranda and Sensei Lay, I was immediately put at ease. They are both very dedicated instructors who truly care about the kids. As a parent, I appreciate their two distinct styles of teaching and feel it is the children who benefit from these varied styles. I also respect that the children must earn their belts through hard work and are not simply given them. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed and embraced the program."

Shannon Bennett

"Hello Sensei Miranda,

"The intermission saw the Carrollwood Black Belt Academy Demo Team, which has been a crowd favorite for many of the Shin Do Kumate' events, put on another great exhibition with the kids. Receiving a standing ovation, these kids are sure to have a bright future."

Thank you."

Master Mehrdad Khan Moayedi
“The Persian Warrior”
Founder & CEO, Professional Fighter
MKM Knockout Promotions, Inc.
World Shin Do Kumaté Association, Inc.

"The best decision I ever made!
This school has superb instruction and teaches my kids discipline. My kids have gained respect for each other and others and learned to care more about the community at large. The school does not rush children through the belts to collect belt fees like most schools catering to kids. They focus on the long term development and discipline of the child."

Wayne Masut

"Dear Mr Miranda & Mr Lay,

Just wanted to say thank you for all your help with the boys, financially, emotionaly and the whole deal. You guys are great.

Thank you again."

Rose, Nick & James.

"Sensei Miranda

Thank you very much for being a part of the Tampa Light The Night Walk!! The crowd definitely enjoyed the demonstrations that you did on stage!! Please enjoy the enclosed photos as a memory and a thank you for being part of our event!! We would love to have you again in 2007.
All the best."

Tracy Manning
Campaign Manager
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Master Miranda,

I found the website of the Carollwood academy, I saw your email and decided to give you and update of our family here in Richmond, VA. Please, share this email with Mr. Lay. Last time we visit you guys in Tampa was in 2005, almost 4 years ago when we visited Orlando for Spring Break vacation.

Ilse will be a Senior this year and she will be in college in 2010. Eli is a Sophomore and he will be a Junior this year. He turned 16 years old today. Alex is a very handsome young men, very slim and he is tall as me—5' 8". Donald looks almost the same as he was years ago but now he is as tall as his mom.

They quitted Tae Kwon Do when we moved to Virginia 6 years ago, but suddenly last year Ilse and Eli enrolled in a local academy here in Richmond. Ilse lasted a few weeks and Alex took her place, and after all this years now he his Green belt. Eli embraced again his passion for TKD and now he is a High Brown belt (Brown and Black).

This Summer he will test for his Balck belt. We will let you know the date later during this year. I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for putting the TKD seed on my children, and also Mr. Lay, to be so pacience with my kids—specially Donald—during those years of after school and Summer camps. All of them turn to be a good kids and good students. We appreciate so much your good teachings and examples.

I attached some images of Eli and Alex in their previous belt test—Alex's orange and Eli's brown belts—last year. Also a photo of Ilse and Donald's birthday last year. I hope you and Mr. Lay enjoy them.

Best regards,

Sergio Velazquez