Educational

. . . "Bob has run the Peaceful Warriors programme for two terms with my class. The impact of this programme on my students has been huge. The students are displaying much higher levels of concentration as well as being able to concentrate for longer periods of time.
The students are managing their actions and behaviour in a much more acceptable manner and are taking ownership and responsibility of their own behaviour. Student interactions have become increasingly more positive and respectful. The incidents of students hitting or verbally attacking other students have become a rarity in the class.
Students are open about how they are feeling and ways in which they could manage their feelings and reactions.

Bob has been very helpful in offering strategies for me to use with the class and individual students which have resulted in me being able to deal with inappropriate actions or behaviour differently than in the past. I have found the strategies and ideas he has shared with me very effective. "

- Rachel Hitchins,
Senior Teacher,
Rotorua Intermediate

Some comments from participants:
Henei: During Peaceful Warriors I learnt how to have more self control and techniques to help me from being depressed. We also learnt how to break a board confidently. It has helped me feel more confident about life. We have all changed and now we interact more.
Megan: Sensei Bob was very inspirational and inspired me a lot. It was good for me and the class to learn about self control. It was really fun with Sensei Bob over the past two terms; I would like to do it again.
Tiaan: In term one I found it hard to study and do tests. The Peaceful Warriors Programmes with Sensei Bob helped me with these problems by showing me techniques that I can use. Since then, when I do a test or study I use these techniques I learnt.
Dion: I learnt how to take my mind off bad thoughts and make them positive.
Dylan B: I believe I have gained more self control since working with Sensei Bob.
Danni: Peaceful Warriors has made me more independant to make choices.
Danielle: In Peaceful Warriors I have learnt so much from Sensei Bob like how to control my feeling and not hold onto a grudge, how to calm down and relax. I have changed heaps since we started. I have been talking less in learning time and controlling myself.
Dylan H: What I learnt in Peaceful Warriors was to be a good listener and always be committed to what you do and to always pay attention, always look for the opportunities in what is going on around you. Sensei is always there on time and he is always prepared. He is a good teacher and he taught us lots.
Krystal: Peaceful Warriors has taught me a lot of skills that I will need in the future. It has taught me self control... I am sure I will use everything I learnt in the future.

 

. . . "The boys attending Toa Ara - Peaceful Warriors - sessions are half way through their 10 week course. Some of our boys are already showing improved self-control in stressful situations - they are able to calm down quicker and make more rational decisions that give them better consequences. I have noticed several boys more committed to their learning tasks in class time. They are more attentive, keen to settle to their set tasks and remain on-task with a higher level of concentration, giving them an improved outcome for the lesson they were involved with. We are very lucky to have this programme available for our children at Centennial Park and also the other Te Kuiti schools. "

- Margaret Cocking,
Principal,
Centennial Park School

. . . "I think that the development of inner strength, self esteem and self-control are effective ways of channelling the energies generated by agression, which usually accompanies the anxieties experienced by many of our young people.
Over the period of ten weeks that selected students from Pukenui were involved in the programme, it was observed, not just by myself, but other staff members, that there was an almost immediate improvement in the way the students perceived and presented themselves. Their posture improved and they were less inclined to present a threatening image of themselves.
They also became more aware and accepting of the consequences of their actions and their behaviour. At no time did I see any of the group using martial arts techniques within the school, which I must confess was an initial reservation I and other staff had as regards the programme.
The final day's display was a credit to you and to the students who participated. In a very short period of time, you gained their respect and in turn they gained the self confidence to demonstrate some of what they had learned under your guidance and tuition.
I am confident that for most of this group, the influence of the programme will be long reaching, and in some cases, responsible for a complete change of direction.
Some comments from participants:
Nathan: It helps me concentrate better and it's helped me have more control over myself. It's helped me with my school work.
Cori: Same as Nathan, the best thing for me was breaking boards and sparring.
Chris: Controlling my anger, gaining confidence. I really liked breaking the boards and sparring.
The programme has considerable value and I recommend the effects it has on students who have difficulty complying with the demands of everyday life.

- Cherie Boddie,
Deputy Principal,
Pukenui School.

. . . "During his classes, Bob establishes a rapport with the children and it is certainly evident that they respond to his teaching methods. Bob makes sure that the children understand that they can function in a better atmosphere if they have control of themselves but if they cannot control their behaviour then someone else will have to control them.
Bob works closely with the teaching staff to make sure that the same messages are being reinforced by everyone and he provides teacher training as well.
The results of Bob's programme are evident in the behavioural changes in the children he works with. There are children smiling as they come into school and children now understand that they can control themselves and become better for that.
We are so impressed with the programme and with Bob, as presenter, that we are attempting to find finance to conduct the programme outside of Blue Light sponsorship.
This programme has worked so well with the children in our school that I do not hesitate to recommend it to any other school having problems dealing with disruptive students and those who lack self esteem."
- Nancy Underdown,
Principal, David Henry School

. . . "Bob Reed came to our school to work on memory activities with our Year 5, 6, 7 & 8 pupils. What a huge impact he has had on them! His vibrance and enthusiasm were infectious and every pupil left the hall armed with the skill of remembering a huge list of items. He suggested that we use humour or absurdity to remember information and demonstrated this with the pupils, involving them in the whole process. There are still some pupils who remember some of the list items! This is the sort of thing we need to be doing more of in schools, arming children with skills not just information."
- Catherine Broman,
Deputy Principal, Amisfield School

. . . "Throughout term one of this year, Bob Reed worked in our school with a group of our most at-risk students. He came under the umbrella of the police Blue Light programme but facilitated with own martial arts-based programme.
Bob was professional in his dealings with staff and children, treating everyone with respect. He committed himself to our children and, in consultation with staff, worked towards positive outcomes for them. Bob's background and experience meant he was proactive in creating an effective environment, enabling our children to develop the skills we were targeting.
Bob impressed me with his drive and desire to make a difference. He was generous with his time and obviously cared about the children in his group. He was willing to go the extra mile and I am grateful for his input.
I would willingly invite Bob back into the school to work with our children in the future."
- Rhonda Rayner,
Principal, Cargill Open Plan School

. . . "During the 1998-1999 school year, I contracted Bob Reed to instruct an after school Martial Arts program in the Issaquah School District (Washington State). He was a highly successful teacher and coach, commanding great respect from the students and their parents. He repeatedly demonstrated his ability to be a caring, effective teacher, especially with hard to control children with behaviour difficulties.
After seeing Bob in action, I can highly recommend him for any position involving the instruction of children. We will miss him."
- Ms. Chris Landes,
Executive Director, Eastside Enrichment

Professional Development

. . . "I would just like to thank you for the many things I learned during my time at your school. I have applied the strategies I learned from you to my civil litigation practice with outstanding results. I find that my trial techniques are far more spontaneous and more tuned to the actions of my opponent. My results have also improved dramatically, culminating in my successful Connecticut Supreme Court decision in CNA Insurance Companies v Coleman, which literally changed insurance law in this state. In that case, I decided to try a completely different appellate argument style, something which had never occurred to me before I began studying strategy with you.
I have also found that I am calmer and more confident as a result of your training. I often find myself using the breathing techniques to calm and centre myself before presenting seminars and addressing juries. All in all, the methods in your course have made a dramatic, positive change in the way I approach my work and my private life. Thank you for the course and I wish you every success in your new venture."
- Jan Chester Trendowski,
Trendowski Law Office

. . . "Speaking in front of the creme de la creme of toastmasters and winning the most entertaining speaker award at the Middle Earth convention in Wellington last May did wonders for my confidence.
This would not have been possible but for the help and advice from people like you.
Bob! You were the one who introduced me to drama and in doing so; you changed my speaking style, and opened my eyes to another aspect of public speaking.
I believe drama, vocally and visually was one of the components that helped me win the most entertaining speaker award."
- Peter Mariu,
National Champion,
President Forestland Toastmasters

Law Enforcement

. . . "I have trained in Martial Arts with Mr Bob Reed for approximately five years. Before I started training with Mr Reed, I had tried various other arts, none of which were of any interest to my particular needs.
The techniques I have learned from Mr Reed and Toa Ara have come in handy, especially because of my present employment as a corrections officer in the Connecticut Prison System. My job can be extremely stressful and violent at times. On several occasions, I have been attacked or placed in violent situations, sometimes involving inmates with weapons. If it were not for the expert tutelage of Mr Reed, I might have been seriously wounded or even killed.
The techniques alone can be taught by anyone. The strategies that apply to the techniques are the core for understanding and mastering the techniques. Mr. Reed's different levels of strategies is the main factor that separates him from the vast amount of other instructors."
- Willard Lee Jr.,
Corrections Officer

. . . "I first met Sensei Reed while attending a SHARP's Police Training Programme. It greatly enhanced the police training I had already learned. It was very interesting, extremely effective and so well taught, it was easy to learn.
I have since become a full time student and in a short period of time my whole outlook on the Martial Arts has changed.
I believe Sensei Reed has equipped me with skills not only to defend myself and others, but to have a clearer way to look at the everyday situations I face as a Police Officer.
Sensei Bob is an easily approachable teacher who is at ease with students no matter whether they are 5-years-old or 50 and can relate his teachings in a way each person can readily understand, to make the best of what they learn."
- Officer Stein Thomas,
Tokoroa Police

Martial Arts

. . . "I am writing to thank Sensei Bob Reed for the recent seminar he did here in Seattle. It was an eye opening experience that will change and improve my martial arts from this day forward.
What we learned was "natural body movement". It is a system that allows you to discover what your natural reaction to certain attacks are.
There are literally hundreds of ways a person can attack you and no one can memorise them all. With the system Sensei Bob Reed teaches you, you don't have to.
So, to anyone interested in taking a Toa Ara seminar I recommend it highly. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
- Sensei Tod Hobart,
Shobukai Kenjustu, Seattle, Washington.

. . . "I have had the pleasure of knowing Sensei Bob Reed as a student, a teacher and a friend for more than 25 years. In that time frame I have been amazed by his personal development of a deep understanding of the intricacies of the martial arts, body dynamics and the process of human development. This knowledge combined with his disciplined approach to study has enabled him to move to a very high degree of martial ability.
I had the opportunity to introduce Sensei Reed to the art of the sword in 1981. Within a few short years he far exceeded my knowledge base on the subject and by the 1990s became one of the best swordsmen I have ever known.When ever the opportunity arises to have him come and present a seminar to my students and myself, I take full advantage of it. He has never failed to entertain, excite and educates all attendees regardless of the personal skill level.
I strongly recommend this outstanding Martial Artist, Sensei Bob Reed, to any and all who wish to train or hold a seminar or use him as an educator within their facility."
- Bill Damon, 10th Dan -
President, National Karate-Do Federation of Arizona