Great Lakes Global
Taekwon-Do

From Maria Du  May 7, 2008

Dear Mrs. Van Zile
On this Mother's Day, allow me to express my gratitude and appreciation to you, an outstanding Taekwon-Do teacher and a mother of three accomplished Taekwon-Do athletes.  As a mother myself, I want nurturing and fun learning environments for my children.  Your Taekwon-Do classroom has provided just such an environment.  It is without any reservation that I highly recommend your school to all my friends.  My children, April and Freeman, and their carpool friends Michelle and Michael, have told me enthusiastically that they have loved your classes "since Day 1".  April often comments on how she has enjoyed the Taekwon-do lessons.  Based on my observations of nearly two years, you are very talented at teaching children Taekwon-do.  You know the art of balancing.  You are both firm and kind, both serious and humorous, both demanding and gentle.  I especially appreciate your being so sensitive and encouraging to relatively slow learners.  My children have grown a lot physically, mentally, and ethically, thanks to your lessons.  They will continue to enjoy the lessons for years to come.

Thank you!

Happy Mother's Day!

Warm regards

Maria Du                                              

Condensed a letter from Sarah Igo e-mail titled "You Saved My Life" June 21, 2008

Dear Carol Van Zile,

The first way that I have gained from my training in Taekwon-do is physical in nature.  I had a severe balance problem when I started.  I had fallen and incurred three concussions, injured two hips, one ankle, one knee, both elbows, and one shoulder.  I was well on my way to disability.  I did not need an attacker, I was doing fine all by myself.  I am happy to say that thanks to training and exercise, I have not fallen in almost one year! ... As I am an older woman and bone loss is something that all post-menopausal women have to think about, I have the direct benefit of bone strengthening exercises that will help guard me from having broken bones so prevalent in older age.  My doctor is thrilled that I am doing this.

...I can't thank you enough for your training, encouragement and as cosmic as it may sound, your sustaining spirit that has gone with me this last week and carried me when I really needed help....I will make it clear to ... that I am not going to be an easy target.  That's one thing I have learned from Taekwon-do and it is one of the most important things I have learned, and the hardest.  Attackers don't just go away if you ignore them, cower long enough or hide well enough.  Even if they go away, there are plenty more where they came from...

Sara Igo