About Black Belt Martial Arts Mingara

My children Jakson (10) and Savannah (7) have been attending BBMA for 3.5 years. We originally started Jakson as we felt like he needed some structure, to gain confidence and for a social aspect. Then when Jakson started we figured Savannah could do with some discipline, control and certainly some self defence. They are both so invested still after 3.5 years. We are proud of them, but finally, they are proud of themselves. They can see the achievements they are reaching, they have learnt to set goals. The kids are fitter and healthier. They are strong. They are happy.They are resilient. They know right form wrong. We would certainly not be in this position without the amazing instructors form BBMA. They exude love and compassion for all the children, even the parents too. This is the absolute best decision I could have made for my children. As parents, we all only want what is best for our kids and I truly believe BBMA Mingara is just that. The best thing that has happened to our kids. Sammi

Damon enjoys coming to BBMA, the support and opportunities by staff members to help his growth in karate is fabulous. Thank you

Everyone is always really helpful and Leon loves coming to BBMA

Thanks everyone at BBMA. You guys taught me the principles that made me the hardworking man I am today. I will forever be grateful.

Hayley loves coming to karate and BBMA are very supportive.

Zahn is loving BBMA, he looks forward to every class.

Great classes, great people - makes it an enjoyable experience.

Caleb has fun, is stronger and fitter . We love BBMA's input into becoming the best he can be.

Jon enjoys being part of a team and enjoys attending and being motivated.

This program has been amazing for Josh's confidence and self esteem

We love it here, thank you.

My little boy has been in the Lil Dragons program for nearly a year now and what a difference a year has made. I think as parents we want our kids to instantly participate in all aspects of an activity and it's easy for us to become frustrated when this doesn't always happen. This certainly was the case for me. There were times when I thought about quitting and trying again when he was older. But what I gradually noticed were small improvements week after week. It all started with simple things like holding on to his attendance card and giving it to the instructor, and then learning to bow when coming on and off the mat....right through to actively listening to his teachers and participating in some elements of the class. Fast forward a year and I have a little boy who now participants in all aspects of a class from start to finish. Even though he may be young, he can follow direction from his teachers, has learnt to be respectful of his classmates (sharing was one of our big issues!), has better hand/eye coordination, and most importantly, has a blast every time he steps onto the mat. This is a direct result of all of the small weekly improvements that have gradually built up over the course of 12 months...not to mention the awesome BBMA instructors whose patience and dedication to the Lil Dragons program has ensured my little boy is where he is today. We still have our moments, but the constant small improvements are what I love seeing week after week. Thank you to BBMA for delivering a program that has hands down been a worthwhile investment. I know that the skills my son is learning on the mat will help him throughout preschool, school and beyond. Thanks

Sensei Pauline and Sensei Adrian, Again I just wanted to send out my gratitude to you both and your studio. This being my first experience in Martial Arts both as a student and as a parent. I think you are bang on in line with your vision. I have been trying to focus myself on growth mindset and the power of ‘yet’ and making small changes in mindset to support this. Hearing Sensei Pauline speak tonight and talk of these very things really reinforced to me that I am in the right place that I need to be for now. After a challenging week tonight was exactly what I needed! Empowerment and confidence! So grateful to find the BBMA way! Thanks again

Hi Kyoshi Liz, Sensei Pauline and Sensei Adrian, I just wanted to send you all a big thank you for such a wonderful weekend. We are just so proud of Ben, and all the hard work he has put in. He just loves Karate, and it has been so awesome for him in lots of ways. He has met some wonderful people. And the Mingara team, Sensei Pauline and Sensei Adrian have been amazing. What a wonderful weekend - so inspiring, motivational, nurturing, with fabulous support and teamwork to get all the candidates through to their black belt. A wonderful balance of grit and determination, and hard love to push them. I know Ben will continue on with his Karate journey right through his life. For me personally, as well as being a proud Mum, I came away incredibly humbled, and quite inspired and motivated myself to be the best person I can be, and to challenge myself with my own goals. Thank you so much.

Would you please pass on my thanks to the young lady who's often at the counter on Wednesdays and Thursdays with brown wavy hair and glasses. Last Wednesday I arrived a few minutes late and Larson was out of sorts. With his sensory processing disorder he doesn't cope well with change in routine and I couldn't get him on the mat even after tryinga few options. She was so helpful and patient as you have all been through our journey. I ended up in tears of frustration with him, having been a stressful time buying and selling our home recently and she even got me tissues before I left. I have had only positive experiences with your organisation and will continue to highly recommend your services to my friends. Kind regards

I love the BBMA team.

I just wanted to tell you how proud I was of Harrison and Beau today. We were at a play area and a little 2 and a 1/2 year old boy started pushing and pinching and chasing the boys. They knew it was wrong, but they also knew it was a baby, so walked away and told me. The baby continued to try and push them and grab them but they just continued to walk away to remove themselves from the situation. I was so proud of them because Harrison said 'I can't use my words because it's a baby' but he is being very bad. Thank you for teaching the boys understanding and resilience when faced with a challenge.

Sensei Adrian and Sensei Pauline We are blown away by your generosity and spirit. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family.

Caleb has had amazing teachers who have improved his confidence and he continues to love attending his lessons and is trying hard to be consistently focussed.

I have a high regard for your school and never hesitate in recommending this school and think very highly of your instructors and team. I can't fault anything.

Dear Sensei, When i picked up Noah from school this week Noah was approached by one of his classmates Dads. The Dad wanted to shake Noah's hand and thank him for playing with his daughter and being nice to her. His daughter is new to the class and Noah said nobody was passing her the ball in sports so Noah made her feel involved by passing her the ball and playing with her. Noah's leadership skills have passed over into the playground and we are very proud.

Toby hardly ever stims now, and has gone from the clumsiest kid I had ever seen to having pretty good body control. His OT can hardly detect his low muscle tone now, and he's gone from being unable to do a single push up to doing 50 without a break. Love BBMA.

My daughters continues to grow in confidence especially from helping in class. It's fantastic to have a school invested in their students and families of students. My kids all enjoy their classes.

Excellent service. Thanks guys.

Friendly, well organised. Makes everyone feel welcome.

I am the great Aunty of Leon Sandys and I had the pleasure of attending today’s grading session. What a wonderful, uplifting experience to see a group of young people listening, focusing and performing with such precision and pride. Congratulations to all for the organisation especially in such a challenging coronavirus time. Seating was well spaced in family groups able to witness their child placed directly in front. Much care was taken to provide a safe environment. The encouragement given by the teacher (Sensei Pauline) was amazing. Obviously her dedication goes well beyond that of teaching karate skills to providing the children with the skills, knowledge and understanding to make positive lifelong choices thus enriching their own lives and that of others whom they engage. Congratulations, an amazing experience. Kind regards

Hi Deb, We wish to make an observation of the BBMA group which has blown us away. Of all the groups we have attended over the years with sport, etc, we have never witnessed so much camaraderie. The genuine love, support, respect and discipline ,without ego, from everyone involved in the BBMA family is amazing. This attitude obviously comes from the commitment and discipline and teachings in all involved in the BBMA family. You should be justifiably proud in your personal commitments to teach these qualities and obtain such outstanding results.

Dear all, Been meaning to get in touch for ages as I have a story that I think might be good to share with other students. A few months ago I applied for a job that I really wanted, and I was up against two other people. I was told all of us seemed to have the skills and ability to do the job, but I was the successful applicant. I asked what made them choose me instead of the others and they told me it was humility! Straight away I smiled to myself as I immediately associated it with the black belt principles! Incidentally, they also thought it was very cool that I’m a black belt - I guess it shows a lot of characteristics that are favourable in an employee. Anyway, maybe that will inspire others to embrace the black belt principles as ideals that not only work for karate but for life in general. Kind regards

I just wanted to express my gratitude to you all for the wonderful care and dedication you put towards not only my children but all children. Jakson and Savannah have learnt so much and not just Karate but respect, discipline, compassion and patience.

Hi there team, I have been meaning to write to you to provide feedback on a makeup lesson that Addison and Mackenzie had last Saturday morning where Sempai Lianne taught the children. She was amazing ! I was just so impressed by how she was with them. She was firm yet ever so friendly, loud enough to be heard, patient, could really see where the children were struggling and needed additional instruction. She continually reminding them that what they were doing was in fact quite difficult moves and it was oK to not get it totally right. We love going to BBMA and adore all the teachers and staff but there just appeared to be a standout passion emanating from Sempai Lianne. It was just so wonderful that I wanted to let you know how great the lesson was and how much our kids loved her as a teacher too.

Bailey has improved significantly his teacher is so impressed with his concentration and application in his school work.

Dear Sensei Pauline, Thank you for the lessons, the confidence and respect, the focus I'm learning and most importantly the fun I have. from

Dear Sensei Adrian, Sensei Pauline and Sensei Darren Just a little Thank you for all you do. I do realise this is your job and that you do get paid for what you do but you do not get paid for going above and beyond. The interest you take in your students is not to be faulted and I appreciate all you do for Thomas. By going that extra mile makes a difference. The support is wonderful (support for mum is appreciated too). I know by watching you guys that you truly want your students to succeed and excel. I hope our Mingara boys do you proud on Grad night. Thomas and I are very appreciative.

We can’t thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into our boys and the values and respect you have taught them. They are better people and better students for training under you over the past three years. We look forward to the journey ahead as they train towards their junior Black Belts. Excited to see the young men they will grow into and so many that yous.