Before we list our wonderful testimonials, we would like to thank the parents and relatives for their feedback. They let us know that we are fulfilling our goal in our efforts to make a positive impact on our youth. Thank you again.
I thought I met Mr Miyagi from the Original
Karate Kid movie
January 2011
At Christmas time I was looking for a Karate school classes for my grandson. I
took Miles (age 7) to look at about 5 different schools and I explained before
we went that we were just going in to check them out and then we will talk
about it and decide which one would be best for you. He understood so off we
went. I found every other school left me with a very aggressive attitude toward
the kids. I spoke to several parents also and they gave me comments such as
"my son was always picked on in school now he's the one keeping other kids
in line" not exactly the attitude I wanted for my grandson. It seemed they
had the Cobra Kai Dojo attitude from "Karate Kid" movie. Then I came
to Crino's and immediate knew this was the one. Positive reinforcement and
teaching the kids self defense not offense was perfect. I thought I met Mr
Miyagi from the movie. Miles is doing great and loves, loves, loves it. Thank
you for all you do. Keep it up and be that positive attitude our kids need.
Linda Sass
All the kids had a ball and some moms even signed their kids up on the
spot.
January 2011
I started Koga last year at Crino's. The classes are
flexible and fun. I've seen my energy level increase while I've managed to
loose weight and most importantly inches. I gave my husband a gift certificate
for Kempo last year for Christmas. He's feeling better and at his yearly
checkup he is down 10lbs. He has much more energy as well. My 7 year old
daughter started Kempo in September and she is motivated, confident and having
a blast! My son just had his 3rd. birthday party this past Sunday. All the kids
had a ball and some moms even signed their kids up on the spot. Crino's is family
owned and operated and they treat their students like their own family. I look
forward to many more years spent attending classes at Crino's Martial Arts
T Fee
Stony Brook
My husband Alex and I are thrilled with the variety and sheer number of skilled defensive techniques
His studio is a family business and he has three
kids, including one daugther, he was very tuned-in to my concerns for
Self-Defense
January 6th, 2011
Dear Sensei Sil
The summer before I began law school I finally gave in to my mother's insistent urging to take some classes in self-defense. I had already been living on my own for four years throughout college and had stubbornly stood my ground, believing my mother too overprotective and self-defense classes to be unnecessary. My college campus was in a safe suburban area, we had security, we had emergency blue-light phones and alarms at every building and all over the grounds. Always living in school housing on campus, I never felt unsafe and luckily nothing ever happened to me. However during my senior year, a friend of mine who lived off-campus experienced a break-in. She returned from a trip to the kitchen for a midnight snack to find a man in a ski mask standing in her bedroom holding her brand new laptop. Fortunately upon seeing her the man threw the laptop and dove out of her first floor bedroom window. No one was hurt, but it could have gone a completely different way.
My friend's experience frightened me enough that when I decided to move to New York City to go to law school, with no safe campus, no college dorm, I finally agreed to learn how to protect myself. I am a smart, confident, independent woman and anyone who knows me would know better than to mess with me, but I realized that I was moving to a big city and that although I was moving to a safe area, at 5'4" I don't exactly project rough and tough to those not in the know. I realized that I may one day find myself in a situation where someone decides I look like a good target: to rob, to rape, to push around and that was not going to be OK. I needed to know how to avoid putting myself in that position and how to protect myself and escape if need be. Sensei Sil taught me how.
The first time I met Sil I knew he was going to be a great instructor. His studio was a family business and he had three kids, including a daughter, so he was very tuned-in to my concerns. I told him I wanted to know what to do if I was grabbed from behind, if someone tried to grab my hair, what to do if someone got me to the ground. Sil immediately took me under his wing and promised me that even though we did not have a lot of time, he was going to make sure that he taught me everything he could to protect myself. I was very nervous when I first started taking lessons with Sil. I trained in classical jazz and ballet, no martial arts. I did my cardio on an elliptical and used an 8 Minute Abs DVD (as seen on TV), when I felt like it, which was rarely. Sil kicked my butt, but he also kept his promise. He helped me build up my strength and my confidence. Throughout the process he was always patient and encouraging. He pushed me physically and mentally and sometimes even asked me to do things that were uncomfortable, like yell at the top of my lungs or wear a blindfold when he attacked, but these were all techniques that succeeded in making me better.
In a little over a month I learned how to fend off an attack from the front or from behind, whether an attacker grabbed my arms, my throat, or my hair. I learned how to hit, like a girl, but a badass one. I learned where to hit to cause the most damage as quickly as possible with as little injury to myself. I learned how to fall and how to get up (and I fell a lot). I learned what to do if an attacker had a gun or a knife or if he managed to tackle me to the ground. I also learned how to avoid dangerous situations, how to walk to my car, where to park it, how to get out of my car, how to draw attention to myself when I felt threatened and how to talk to an attacker to buy time to think, move, and escape. Am I martial artist now? No. Can I do a roundhouse kick? Absolutely not. But I am more aware of my surroundings. And I can walk down the street in my new neighborhood with the confidence that if I am threatened or attacked I will know how to give myself the best chance of getting away ,and I will live to report the crime to the police. I would like to thank Sil for everything he has done to teach me how to watch my own back, and I would recommend that any woman living on her own learn how to protect herself.
Thank You
Samantha Baer
The Crino's are a very loving and
supportive family
September 2010
My son started in the Crino's summer
program and loved it. He has enjoyed the classes and loves going and is
learning so much. The Crino's are a very loving and supportive family. They are
excellent with all the kids and there parents.
Jen Davis Miller Place
My son loves that Crino's teaches him so much more material than his
old school.
September 2010
I have known the Crino's for many years and their commitment
to what they teach and believe is unsurpassed. Sil and Myriam are the most
generous and GENUINE people that I have the pleasure to call my friends. Their
children are truly some of the brightest, trustworthy, and all around good,
kids I know, a true testament to their upbringing. Both my son and I take
classes here and their patience and flexibility with my schedule allows me to
attend class regularly. I feel great and confident. I know that we are learning
so much more that just moves in each class, we learn life lessons too. My son
loves that Crino's teaches him so much more material than his old school, he
feels like they treat him as more of an adult, and respect him and trust him to
know the "adult" moves from our other school. I know that I am
learning so much to be able to protect me and my family if I was ever placed in
a bad situation. Crino's is so much more than just a karate school it is truly
a family! I Love it
Ann Colleta Miller Place
The family atmosphere Crino's displays is refreshing
September 2010
I could not be anymore happier with Crino's Martial Arts. My
9 year old son used to be shy, non-confident and reluctant to socialize. With
the advice of a friend to do a trail class at Crino's. My son and I met, Sensei
Sil and the gang. It was like walking into an old friends home. The sensei's
were up beat, very friendly with myself and my son. The personal attention
given was beyond top notch! My son has now been a student of Crino's for months
now. With the patience and constant praise and encouragement by the Sensei's,
my son has broken out of his shyness, has become more confident in everything
he does now, and is more open to meeting new people and has turned into a
social little butterfly. The family atmosphere Crinos displays is refreshing.
They work with you in every aspect. So reasonably priced for there classes. I
could not have asked for anything more. Its a wonderful experience being involved
with the Crino's Martial Arts family. After each class, we are always smiling.
Mrs. Chamberlin
Centereach
It's guys like you who give Martial Arts a good name.
June 11, 2010
Hey Sensei Sil,
That’s awesome!!! What you did for Matt and Danny was a great thing!!! It’s guys like you who give Martial Arts a good name.
Sensei Vincent Paolella
He has gone above and beyond for my son
May 19th, 2010 Crino’s Martial Arts 2460 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, NY 11790
I know Sensei Sil has always been there for my son, Cody, whether it was in the dojo or personally. He is one of the most generous, good hearted men we know. He sincerely cares for everyone in his life and will always hear out someones situation. He has devoted his lfe to his students, family and friends. He has gone above and beyond for my son, helping hm out after hours on a form, looking over a demo routine or giving life advice. Sil is and always will be one of my son's favorite teacher, mentor and role model. It has been a pleasure all these years for my husband and I, to see the wonderful young man our son has grown into and i thank Sensei Sil for helping him in all he does for him. So Cheers, Live Long and Prosper, we know you deserve it.
Sincerely, Frances McGee
The atmosphere for learning is fun and nurturing
May 19th, 2010 Crino’s Martial Arts 2460 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, NY 11790
My 9 year old daughter is a yellow belt karate student at Crino Martial Arts. She has been introduced to many sports, but never seemed to have an interest in any of them. We decided to introduce her to karate. From the first day we walked through the doors, Sensei Sil and his family made us feel so welcome. The atmosphere for learning is fun and nurturing. My daughter has a new confidence in herself. She looks forward to learning new skills and someday becoming a black belt!
Rosemary Meyers
As always the Crino's family make you feel as family with everything they do.
May 9th, 2010
Sensei Sil and Family,
Thank you very much for making Mother's Day even more special! As always the Crino's family makes you feel as family with everything they do. My family had a wonderful time and we truly appreciate everything you all have been doing.
Thank you again Barb, Johnny and Mikey
Both Samantha's mom and I believe it's because of karate and you guys
May 8th, 2010 Crino’s Martial Arts 2460 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, NY 11790
Dear Sensei Sil,
Just wanted to let you guys know I think you are doing a great job there. Samantha has improved in school, with her grades and her behavior. Both Samantha's mom and I believe it's because of karate and you guys. Keep up the awesome job. Samantha also had a great time at Skylars birthday party.
Great Job Again and Thank-You for everything.
Mike
You are treated with honesty, respect and as an individual not a number.
February 1st, 2010 Crino’s Martial Arts 2460 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, NY 11790
Dear Sensei Sil,
Crino’s Martial Arts is a place for the whole family. You are treated with honesty, respect and as an individual not a number.
I have joined several gyms and none of them have given me the personal attention like I receive at Crino’s Martial Arts. At the other places no one knew my name or cared whether or not I reached my fitness goals, but that is not how it is at Crino’s Martial Arts.
Whether it's Karate or Koga, Sensei Sil always is checking your form to make sure you are doing it correctly. He helps keep you motivated and pushes you when you need it.
Since joining I have lost over 20 lbs and I have never been in better shape both mentally and physically. I can’t think of any other place I would rather be.
Thank you Crino’s Martial Arts.
Barbara Fee
The kids just love coming here and can’t wait until it’s time for the next class
January 28, 2010 -
Dear Sil and Family,
I wanted to verbally express how happy we are that we found Crino’s Martial Arts. Andrew and Jenna were one of your first students. We were so impressed with your professionalism and how fun you make it for the children. The kids just love coming here and can’t wait until it’s time for the next class. There is such a wonderful family atmosphere here. I want to thank you for personally caring for Andrew and Jenna and taking care of me in Koga as well. I am more than happy to be a reference for anyone that is thinking ofjoining.
Please feel free to give them my phone number.
You’re all the best,
Fondly,
Gayle Capozzi and Family
Their smiles and laughter are a testament to how much fun they are having in your company
January 29, 2010
Crino’s Martial Arts 2460 Nesconset Highway Stony Brook, NY 11790 Dear Sensei Sil, John, DJ and Sil Jr.,
My family and I would like to thank you deeply for your services. As you know, my children have attended your facility since the inception. My children are always eager to attend your Karate classes.
They are having a wonderful time learning martial arts. This is of course attributed to your skilled training. I also believe it is attributed to the friendly, warm and safe environment you have provided to them. You have become a part of our family in essence.
Hats off to all of you for a job well done. Thank you for making Karate a wonderful experience for my children. Their smiles and laughter are a testament to how much fun they are having in your company. I too am having fun at Koga. It is always a pleasure to do business with you. I would highly recommend your services to all my friends and family.
