Testimonials

Strube Family, Members Since 2007

We began coming to Infusion MMA when our oldest son, Noah, was six years old. He is an active kid who needed to work on discipline and focus. Within the first five lessons, Master Tracy, had provided Noah, and us, with tolls that we could use not only to improve focus and discipline in martial arts class, but at school and at home as well. Noah is now eleven and with a lot of hard work and perseverance, has earned his brown belt. He has a sense of pride with his accomplishments in martial arts, which have definitely not come easily.

With the success of our oldest son, we knew that our younger son, Xander, would also benefit from Mater Tracy’s lessons. Xander is now, 9 years old and started when he was five. Unlike Noah, Xander had great focus already – what he needed was confidence and assertiveness. Master Tracy was able to see that in Xander, and pull that out of him. Xander now has a great sense of confidence – he even ran for student council this year. I would never have thought he would do that.

Both of our boys, largely through their time at Infusion, have learned to take pride in hard work and selfdiscipline. We have noticed an increased sense of responsibility when it comes to school work and expectations at home.

If I could tell someone else something about Infusion MMA, I would say that the experience there is more than just “Karate class”. It is a place to learn about how to handle yourself in a disciplined, positive, constructive way, while realizing the importance of physical fitness. Infusion MMA creates a wellbalanced curriculum for creating a well-balanced kid!

Barb & Tim Rosenthal (parents)

Our family first met Brandon Tracy in 2003 when we signed up our autistic son for martial arts classes. The first few lessons were very hard for Sam, but Master Tracy understood how difficult it was for Sam to focus and follow directions and did not give up on him. We were so impressed by the increased focus, flexibility, self-control, and social skills that our son developed through martial arts and Master Tracy’s guidance, that we soon signed up our daughter, Emily, for classes.

Both of our children have earned black belts with the Infusion Mixed Martial Arts academy. Martial arts have helped our children develop maturity, confidence, and leadership skills way beyond their years. They have been able to incorporate Master Tracy’s martial arts philosophy into everyday life; respect, self-control, focus, and integrity. Emily has been able to use her experience as an assistant martial arts instructor on college, scholarship, and job applications. The listening and team-work skills that Sam has developed in martial arts classes have helped him excel academically. Joining Infusion Mixed Martial Arts has been one of the best decisions that our family has ever made.

Robert Berrie (45 years old)

Why would a 45 year old guy who is over 320 lbs. join Infusion Martial Arts to study MMA? A death wish you say…not so.

To start I was given an instruction lesson before I was in with a class. I was told to go at my speed & I would get better with time. In class Mr. Tracy was willing to show a move many times to be sure everyone’s questions about it were answered. The students are also patient & willing to help the new guy. From no belt to black belt everyone is shown respect.

At another school I was shown blocks & strikes from a stance & was shown to fight at a distance, then told to spar. Within my first 2 weeks at Infusion I was taught how to move in my stances, striking with hands, elbows, feet, shins & knees, how to block, catch, redirect, evade attacks and how to set people up to attack them. There are a lot more useful drills & sparring than at the other school.

There were times I did not want to work out (had bad day, etc.,…), but went anyway. After class I always felt better & tired (great Stress Relief). After 6 months I was more solid and flexible.

It’s the place to go for conditioning or combat.

Lisa Oglesby (adult student & parent of student)

My son has been coming to infusion for 7 months and the thing I noticed the most is that he shows his appreciation more. He’s always saying ‘Thank you’. When I make him something special or when we do something that he enjoys he expresses his gratitude by hugging me tightly & saying, ‘Thank you’. He’s also become more ‘loving’ towards me, his dad and sister, and says he loves us and hugs us quite frequently. I guess he’s been more aware of his actions. He showed this last weekend when he gave all the adults we were visiting a, ‘hey’, and stood there patiently while they talked with him. Alex has also been more confident in himself.

I would tell someone that IMMA is a great place for a child to learn a skill, be active and to become confident in themselves. The instructors are awesome and teach so much more than skills, the teach patience. They know how to be positive which make the students more positive in themselves. They are very understanding and they listen to the students and the focus on them at all times which eventually the student learn to do as well. Master Tracy, Mr. Gabriel, and Ms. Heidi are super!!

I have been attending the adult martial arts classes as well as the fitness classes and have been having a great time. The skills I have learned and the exercises we do have been challenging & rewarding. I feel stronger and more confident.

I like having martial arts be a part of both, my and my son’s lives. It gives us something to share and I love watching him practice what he learns. He gives me advice!! He’s always eager to hear about my classes and what we did. Martial arts gives us something to talk about and what I learn from observing the instructors helps me in communicating better with my son.

Heidi Vogt (16 years old)

Since I have started taking martial arts classes at Infusion, I have noticed I have become more confident and comfortable with myself. I now feel more comfortable sharing problems as well as good news with my mom. I have also become more respectful and polite to others in general, and my brothers and I fight much less than we used to. If I have an issue with them, I first try to talk to them about it before arguing. Infusion MMA is an excellent martial arts academy that offers much more than just martial arts classes.

As someone who has never really enjoyed the team sports that are offered at school and other clubs, I was extremely glad to have found martial arts as a sport that I truly enjoy. During classes everyone is working to improve their own techniques, but we all help each other and work together. In that sense, taking martial arts at Infusion is like an “individual” sport in a very sociable and friendly atmosphere.

Through Infusion I have made friends with many people whom I never would have in any other situation. I really enjoy the styles of martial arts that are taught at Infusion and all of the physical exercise we do there. Taking classes is my primary way of relieving stress and every week I look forward to the classes I’m going to take. The academy is a very positive environment and I feel confident in my martial arts abilities if I ever need to defend myself in a self-defense situation.

Dave and Sue Walker (parents)

Classes at IMMA have been the best investment we have made for Ari. She has mild Autisum, Aspergers, and sensory processing disorder (SPD). In the past, for therapy she has taken swimming, gymnastics & cheerleading. These have been a good “base” for taking MMA classes. MMA classes have helped Ari build confidence within herself. She has been successful in moving up through the ranks and in almost 3 years is in the intermediate group. MMA has improved her memory, strengthened her core muscles (were very weak) and has given her a goal to work toward. She was very shy when she started, but now she is raising her hand to offer help demonstrating in class. This is a huge improvement.

Ari feels very comfortable at the academy and has built trust with Master Tracy & his employees. Respect too. Learning more about having respect for her teacher and fellow students has been a good lesson. She has problems with “mirroring” when someone is showing her what to do. Sometimes you have to actually take her body and move it into the correct position (the instructors teach with this need in mind). Recently, this has not been happened as much. She is learning what is expected from her and can follow directions – this has been a huge improvement. Ari loves going to school & MMA classes. I think it is due to the consistency.

We are still working on relationships with kids at school – but at the academy – no monkey business is allowed. They are to treat one another with respect- and she likes that. Her relationships with Dave and I have improved. If you have a child that likes activity and challenges, this is a great, safe program.

We will be continuing with MMA until…!?

Mullendore Family

In the time that our son has been involved at Infusion Martial Arts, his self-confidence and overall attitude have shown marked improvement. He is more responsible about school responsibilities, and more respectful at home. He’s also become more aware and respectful of social boundaries with friends. Despite his identified struggles with attention, teachers consistently comment on his focus and polite behavior in the classroom environment.

I would recommend that parents consider having their child give IMMA a try. It’s a great source of physical (and mental) activity that is inclusive to almost any level.

Piscitelli Family

Since beginning with Infusion Mixed Martial Arts, our son has grown in some noticeable ways. At school our son had made strides in the social aspects over the last two years. He has gained confidence and the ability to assert himself when necessary. Of course he has the occasional lapse, but he has developed a sound overall respect for authority and for his peers. Our son has also developed an interesting ability to take the initiative in certain situations. This includes taking some leadership roles in other activities, which we believe is due to the confidence he has gained through Infusions. It also includes accepting responsibility for learning and practicing skills for belt promotions. On a related note, his competitive nature has really grown, and been given a healthy outlet. He really takes it seriously and is willing to put in extra time. An interesting relationship that has developed over the past two years is the one between our two sons. At first, our son studying at Infusion was eager to “practice” skills on his younger brother. Now he shows great respect for the size and skill difference between the two of them. It’s not that they don’t disagree at times, after all, they are brothers. However, there hasn’t been an instance of the older one using an Martial Art skills inappropriately, Finally, our son’s attitude towards engaging in physical activities ranging from throwing a football around, to strapping a pad to a basement support post to practice kicking. Overall, he has been a very good influence on our family.

There are many important things we could share with people about Infusion Mixed Marital Arts. First of all, be assured that your child will be very well cared for by thoughtful respectful instructors. Second, know that this is a serious endeavor, not just a social event or simple recreational activity. Your child will be expected to grow and learn, and will be given every opportunity to do so. AS your child does grow and learn, you may find that he or she wants to become even more involved with Infusion. To us, that was the sign that it was right for our son. Finally, I would share that the best way to evaluate Infusion is to participate. It’s possible to get a flavor of the experience by watching classes, but having your child participate for a month really show you what it is all about. The only other information we would share about Infusion is a friendly warning: Be careful, it’s contagious. Don’t be surprised if sibling, or parents, get an itch to join in the various classes. It’s almost guaranteed to happen.

Bradley A. Didion, PhD

I think Mr. Tracy does a fine job in teaching/training students about the martial arts. The environment at the Infusion dojo in Mount Horeb is very positive and conducive for learning. This is important for individual development and personal growth and Mr. Tracy has a sincere interest in seeing each person succeed. Mr. Tracy is cognizant of the importance of treating all students the same way (i.e. no personal favorites) and this, I believe, underpins the good environment at Infusion.

For me personally, I have enjoyed learning/training about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) from Mr. Tracy’s class that meets on Monday night. My interest in BJJ is derived from my past participation in Olympic sport Judo…when I wore a younger man’s gi. I am appreciative of being able to participate and train with others much, much younger than myself. And Mr. Tracy allows individuals to train at their own pace and this is important to keep motivation ever present to succeed.

I find a variety of benefits from learning BJJ at Infusion. For example, I have an arthritic left shoulder and left knee and the whole-body movements of BJJ allow strengthening and stretching and this maintains my mobility/motion at these joints. I also enjoy the physical, one-on-one contact that BJJ brings. Another benefit is learning the multitude of techniques for various submission holds, sweeps, escapes, etc. At my age (53…there I wrote it) memory recall is very important and BJJ allows for continued “situation or problem solving” and my brain loves this.

As a result the whole body is “tuned” because of repetitive fine motor movements and this is healthy. Finally, and most importantly, BJJ training at Infusion allows me to protect myself from my wife’s continued advancements.

In summary, my experience at Infusion MMA has been very positive and I’m confident it will continue therein.