Pruter's Martial Arts - Testimonials

Although at first, I was a skeptic!

It didn't take me 30 days to become impressed with Mrs. Pruter and her abilities, and to know that I identified with her in many ways, especially as a woman—I knew that I would be open to learning from someone whom I could relate to.

My name is Master France Pruter I am a former KCMO police officer and for over 20 years I been teaching women to feel safe by three key ideas;

* Develop your physical power by learning how to kick and punch with speed, power, and accuracy. Learn what your body can do and more importantly what it cannot.

* Avoid even the threat of an attack from an increase in your self defense mechanism . Discover how to turn it on, and you mind will tell you when danger lurks ahead, automatically.

* Teach yourself common sense strategies that allow you to avoid “high risk” situations . Learn what they are and how to avoid them.

Don't take my word for it, just read the testimonials. Here's what my students have to say:

I recently made a significant career move which, in the beginning, felt very risky, very frightening; but which turned out to be one of the most incredible and satisfying experiences of my life. An opportunity that I honestly believe I would not have considered, even the remote possibility of, had it not been for the fear I'd learned to face by learning Taekwondo from Mrs. Pruter.

I am sure I joined Pruter's U.S. Martial Arts for many of the same reasons everybody else does; to spend more time with my family, learn how to defend myself and gain self confidence. But now I have a whole new perspective, knowing my girls or I would be able to handle ourselves in a less then desirable situation is something I am very proud of. The self confidence we have gained is something you cannot put a price on.

Initially, my interest in Taekwondo was purely for self-defense, and maybe as a side benefit, to get into shape. I started with Mrs. Pruter the summer after my junior year in college. The plan was to take it for a summer, see if I liked it, and then go back to Iowa (where I was going to college). I would have satisfied my curiosity and learned some useful self-defense techniques while I was at it. I didn't count on getting hooked on it.

Hooked is the perfect word for what I was. Since the first day I walked into the studio, I knew there would be no turning back…three years later I can say I have lost some unwanted pounds. I have gotten faster and more flexible. All of these things I attribute to classes at Pruter's. But I think the most important significance has nothing to do with the outside and everything to do with what's inside.

One of the only places I feel I can be completely myself is at Taekwondo. As soon as I step into the academy, all of my shields and masks drop. In the world today, most people can't get through the day without putting up a façade in order to protect themselves from whatever obstacles may be thrown their way. That method of self-defense for me is particularly easy, but being involved in Taekwondo at Pruter's has allowed me greater freedom in being myself in all situations, not just when I'm working out with friends.

One element of Taekwondo from which I have learned a great deal, is sparring. The mere mention of the word would strike terror into the hearts of most women in my class, and I was no different. I was so completely scared stiff during my first several sparring matches, but as time went on, with each sparring match I'd become a litter braver, a little less frightened. I discovered that taking a small risk to try something new (a different kick or technique), would eventually help me improve, even if my first try wasn't successful. Take a risk---try something new---improve. What a valuable lesson to take with me and apply outside the academy. And it has proven to be very valuable, indeed.

So….can Taekwondo from Mrs. Pruter can get you into shape, increase your self-awareness, teach you to defend yourself, improve your career, and save your marriage? Well, before I begin to sound like a sales pitch for the easy-to-follow step-by-step video, let me just say that Taekwondo has become for me not only a means of physical fitness, but a tangible, hands-on metaphor for so much of what life brings to the table. And as I wrap that Black Belt around my waist for the first time ( and every time thereafter ), I will be reminded of all the benefits that I've gained and the lessons that I've learned, and of all that I have to yet to gain and yet to learn.