TESTIMONIALS

I first met Travis in 1995 and have been seeing him regularly at the Carlson Gracie Team headquarters in Chicago since 2001. Travis is a true martial artist who is as passionate about his teaching the same as has been about his training and competing. Despite Travis having one of the most difficult last names to spell, he is a good guy.

Jeff Neal ~ Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Team Chicago

I train BJJ at Travis' school. The classes are well run, the instruction is very good and the mats are clean and spacious. There's no negative buzz like I've felt at some gyms I've visited. The guys and girls there are all trying to improve on their own while helping one another, which makes for a great learning and training environment. I'd recommend coming in and checking the place out.

Darin Senneff

Mr. Tarpein,

Prior to joining your school, I had heard many positive comments regarding the quality of the classes and instruction at Tarpein's School of Karate and Martial Arts Centre. A good friend of mine has attended your institution for years and had been on my case for some time to attend a session. He was convinced I would love the atmosphere and sign up on the spot. As such, I attended my first class at your school with the highest of expectations.

Despite my preconceived expectations of your school, I was still blown away by the quality of the instruction and the amount of fun and fitness I gained from a single session. As my friend predicted, I signed up on the spot. Although I am new to your school, I feel I have already gained a wealth of knowledge. The other students in the classes have also been a great help, displaying patience and an eagerness to assist my learning.

I look forward to attending Tarpein's School of Karate and Martial Arts Centre for years to come and will encourage all others who are curious to attend a session, as I am sure most will be similarly blown away and sign up on the spot.

Regards,
Steve Taylor

I have gotten sooo much out of Tarpein's Dojo, or rather Travis Tarpein himself. He is not only a great sensei and mentor but a great friend and all around good guy. He is the first to help you with anything you need help with and the first to listen to anything you want or need to say. I guess what I’m trying to say is Travis Tarpein is and will always be my HERO. Thanks Travis I appreciate everything.

Sincerely,
Bruce "the playboy" Rosenbaum

I joined Tarpeins Dojo almost 7 years ago because I always had an interest in martial arts. I started off doing muay thai not really knowing what I was getting myself into and not long after it became my life, almost everything I did was impacted by the sport and eventually I got into brazilian jiu jitsu and stepped into the octagon and started mixed martial arts. Tarpeins Dojo is like my second home, it's an excellent training environment with instructors that really know the art and how to teach it.

Dear Travis Tarpein,

I thank you for teaching me over the years. I have, still, and will always enjoy learning the styles of Shorei-Ryu Karate, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You have always challenged me, you always made me try harder than I thought I could try. My confidence has gone up by a lot. I use to be a kid who was quiet all the time and was afraid to talk to anyone. I came to your school in hopes of finding confidence and learning self-defense. Out if all the schools I've been to in search of this, yours is the one that has shown results and has kept my interests. Thank you.

From,
Zach Peterson

I signed up for the Blue Belt program at Nick Tarpein's. This program allows you to attend pretty much any type of class offered at Nick Tarpein's. I generally attend the Muay Thai Kickboxing and Karate classes. Since I started at Nick Tarpein's School of Karate & Martial Arts Centre about a year ago, I have noticed several improvements in my body and the way I feel. I feel stronger and look more toned. I feel more confident. The Muay Thai Kickboxing and Karate techniques that I have learned in class has made me feel more confident in defending myself in public. I enjoy learning a variety of new techniques in defense and I enjoy the workout I get while learning them.

Thanks,
Julie

Travis,

We all brought our children to your classes for varying reasons. There is only one reason why they've stayed -- your commitment to them! The time and effort that you've shown them goes above and beyond! You've made a difference in their lives and ours. You expect that they try their best on and off the mat. We thank you!

Karina Camarillo
July 2003

I have always been interested in the martial arts disciplines. Before I made a choice as to what school I was going to attend, I decided I needed to try out all arts and see which one I liked the best. I looked at most of the martial arts schools in the Quad City area. Of all the schools, the one school which I felt more comfortable and confident at was at Nick Tarpein's. Knowing that I was going to be able to learn not one, but three, different types of martial arts added to my genuine interest at Nick Tarpein's.

I am currently attending the Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Kickboxing Aerobics classes. What I like most about the school is the individualized attention from our Sensei and those who help him. I have found that my physical fitness is improving and I can feel the difference. I would recommend Nick Tarpein's School of Karate & Martial Arts Centre to anybody, young and old alike.

R.W. Ledbetter
August 2003

Mr. Tarpein,

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I think you are doing a great job of teaching Lance -- not only Karate, but to respect others, honesty and setting an achieving goals. Lance was a little down on himself when he first came in, however with each belt he has earned, his confidence and sense of achievement has risen. Since he's progressed into the higher ranks, I've noticed he has taken on more responsibility and more of a leadership role with the lower belts.

I think this has made a positive contribution to his improved school behavior, and for that matter, his overall outlook on life. He has also made some good friends at the school and I know he's really looking forward to the next Karate sleep over. Thanks, again, for working so hard with Lance. It's the best thing I've ever done for him and I know he'll thank me for it later in his life.

With great gratitude,
R.W. Ledbetter

Denise and Heath Morgan
September 2003

Travis,

Our children have been attending your Karate school for about 18 months now. They boys joined when Drew, the youngest, could participate in a sport with his brother. Joining Karate has been a very successful move for both boys, as each gave gained lots of new skills. Dylan, who is 12 years old, has found an aptitude for sports that he had not discovered until he started Karate. His confidence has increased and he has developed a discipline that even surprises us.

Being so young (3-1/2 years old) when he started Karate, Drew has soaked up much more than we could have possibly anticipated. Both boys enjoy Karate, but enjoy the friendships and other activities that you generously give your time to.

With Thanks,
Heath and Denise

Daniel C. Carstens
November 2003

Sensei Travis Tarpein,

I started martial arts just as a way to physically get into shape. I had been sitting on the couch way too long. I never thought I would enjoy it half as much as I do. Not only do I like it, but my family does, too. The Open System Program has become a regular part of my life. I really feel like I have become a better person inside and out. I was in traditional school sports and have never felt the team friendship as I do at the dojo. Each student always is trying to help the next.

Mr. Tarpein encourages us to push ourselves to do as much as we can. I continually look forward to promotions and strive to reach that next level. I now try to practice the same philosophy at work, too. People always say it increases your self-esteem but you could never get the full effect until you are there. That saying is so true I now know from first-hand experience.

I have seen quite a few martial arts programs. I have seen instructors that would not take personal time with the students and I have also had the enlightenment to be around instructors that were only happy to accept your money. Sensei Tarpein I know for sure is the exact opposite. He has always been more willing to go over anything extra that I might have had questions with. I have yet to come across a better school, instructor or martial arts program than the Open System Program that I am proud to be a part of.

Truly and sincerely,
Daniel C. Carstens

Chad Ahrens
March 2004

The first time I met Travis Tarpein I was 17 years old and was looking to learn some self-defense after being threatened by a bunch of older kids who had nothing better to do. I knew Travis's girlfriend at the time and she told me to go talk to him, so I did. I told him what had happened and he thought that he and his father could help. i talked my mom into signing me up as long as I would pay for the course, so she signed me up. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I not only learned self-defense, I learned that I didn't have to go and find those bullies, they were not worth it.

The Tarpein family took me in as one of their own. Mr. Tarpein treated me as a student in the class, but as another family member out of class. Their is not enough credit given to the Tarpein's for what they have done for the arts, but people quickly forget where some of the "local ultimate fighting champions" got their start. I have not forgotten the start of some of those who have chosen different paths in their lives, opening their own schools, and believe me there are a lot of them with Tarpein roots.

In closing, I not only learned a lot from the Tarpein's but I also gained a best friend who I consider my brother. Oh, and that girlfriend back then is now Megan Tarpein, proud mother of Vince Tarpein. Watch out for him in years to come! And if you're wondering, I am 27 now and will turn 28 in May, you do the math!

Chad Ahrens

March 2004
Kimberly Carmichael

When I was a little girl I would follow my big brother around like a puppy dog. He was so strong and he always did the coolest things. Then he started taking classes that took him away from the house for hours at a time. I didn't understand it at first. Then, one afternoon, my mom told me to get ready to go. We were going to go see my brother. So, finally, I was going to see whatever it was that was taking my brother away from me.

When I arrived I noticed the room was surrounded by mirrors. It looked like the room I took ballet in. There were a couple of exceptions. It smelled like feet and there were squishy mats lying all over the floor. Next thing I know we are all being ushered to the sides of the mats and out walks a group of very serene boys and girls. Right in the center was my brother. He looked so serious. I waved and yelled his name but he didn't even look. A man was standing in front of them yelling incoherently. Everytime he yelled something, the group responded with a loud yell and a move that slightly resembled dancing but looked like fighting.

Then the reason we were here was obvious -- this was like one of my dance recitals. The only difference was that my brother was going to fight some really big boy and I didn't like it. Everyone was taking turns coming to the mat and fighting each other. When it was my brother's turn, I watched in awe. He was so fast and the big boy didn't have a chance. He fell almost immediately. I knew at that moment that I was going to be following in his footsteps one day. I wanted to fight the big boy, too.

Funny thing is, later down the road I didn't fight the bigger boy, I went to prom with him. The next year was a blur of classes and watching my brother compete. I went to every fight. As the years passed he got better and better. He started touring with a group of guys and girls like him. He was the best. When he took the title of Midwest Champion I was so proud. Then when I didn't think I could be more proud of him, he took the middle weight belt in the U.S. That was it. I was forever hooked. I needed to learn martial arts.

The reputation of the Tarpein's School of Karate & Martial Arts Centre was outstanding. I had seen fighters from the school. I knew some girls that were benefiting from cardio kickboxing. I had heard of Nick Tarpein's successes. I decided that this was the school for me. When I joined, the class size was very large. I worried I wouldn't get the attention I needed, It wasn't like that. The instructor was very versatile when it came to his students. He would individualize his attentions to the needs of that specific student.

Although my purpose of going the classes was to simply be in shape, I have noticed that I feel more secure in what might be considered dangerous situations. Being a woman in radio, I have to encounter all kinds of different people. To be completely honest, there have been times that I didn't feel very safe. Even if I were unable to conquer an attacker, with the techniques I have learned from Tarpein's, I am certain that I would be able to stop an attack long enough to get away or alert help. This is a very empowering feeling for a woman. We don't need to be afraid anymore. Women can walk the streets at night without fearing the hidden assailant.

Travis Tarpein has a unique method of teaching his students and can be very motivating. He is an excellent instructor, leader, friend, mentor, not to mention a loving husband and father. Without all of those attributes, it would be hard to trust him. Some women have trust issues anyway. Having an instructor with such great moral values can help instill the courage some women need to feel secure.

There are times in my job that I feel the pressure of deadlines or that I have to please so many people. If martial arts has taught me anything, it is the ability to find peace in my heart so that I can go on. After a stressful day there isn't much that makes me feel better than to take to the mat and sweat it all out.

Finally, there is one thing that I have noticed about staying physically fit using martial arts. I am in my thirties and I don't look a day over twenty-five. I have noticed that I am not the only one that appears to look younger. The whole Tarpein clan seems to defy aging.

Kimberly Carmichael
93 Rock KORB

Michele Kulhavy
March 2004

Travis,

I have heard about your school numerous times over the past few years from friends who have been there, and when I decided to enroll my daughter in Karate, your school was the first to come to mind. As far as I am concerned, it's the only school in the Quad Cities that I would consider sending her to.

When we enrolled Kelsey, we were hoping it would increase her self confidence, teach her discipline and improve her attitude. She has only been attending your school for a short while, but we can already see a great improvement. I think we have finally found something that she won't become bored with after she does it for a month. She is always excited to come to your class, and tells all of her friends how great it is. Others have even commented on how different she has seemed lately.

When I sit and watch her in class, I can see how interested she is in what you are saying and teaching the students, and I love how you help all the kids make sure they are doing things correctly. They all look up to you and show you the utmost respect.

I thought it was great that when Kelsey started, you and the class welcomed her and made her feel at home. She was nervous the first day, but since then, your class is all she talks about and she can't wait until the next class. I am sure this is the start of many years to come for her in your school, and I am honored to have you as her instructor.

Michele Kulhavy