Testimonials

“When I started my journey here at The Training Edge, I had no idea what to expect. I had never had any martial arts experience, and I was apprehensive about beginning training at age 31. I can say without reservation that one of the best decisions I made in my life was to walk through the front door to this school. From a physical standpoint, I have accomplished things I never would have thought possible, including obtaining my black belt in June of 2008, and all that went with that. I have developed confidence in my physical abilities and my ability to handle different situations, including those we all hope we never find ourselves in, but which could happen to anyone.

What I have accomplished, I couldn’t have done alone. Before joining The Training Edge I belonged to a very large gym. I went on a regular basis, but nobody at the gym knew my name or who I was. I worked out alone, and had no one to motivate me or help me but myself. Once I joined this school, that all changed. The instructors here know your name, know what you are capable of and genuinely care whether you succeed in meeting your goals. That is something I had never experienced before coming here. When I got my first call from Master Spoth who was “checking in” to see how my training was going, I knew I was in a different kind of place. The people at the school, student and instructor, motivated me and challenged me to accomplish my goals. To this day, my favorite thing about coming to train here is the energy that reverberates through the entire school every night when I step through the doors. Everyone, student and instructor, is, without fail, positive and excited and ready for the next challenge.

And the energy and things we learn here don’t just stop at the front door for me. As a lawyer, it isn’t uncommon for me to be exposed to people who are at their worst, who are negative or just plain unpleasant to be around. Since coming here, I have noticed a definite change in the way I view things, and what is important to me. The mental component of our training, which Mr. Spoth and the rest of The Training Edge team take as seriously (if not more seriously) than our physical training, helped me learn things that allow me to maintain a positive attitude even when it is very hard to do, and that alone was worth the price of admission.

When I started here, I thought my black belt would be the end of my journey here at the school. I have since learned it is just another step, and I look forward to many more years of being a member of The Training Edge. My experiences here at The Training Edge have enriched my life immensely, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, instructor and student, who made that possible.”
–Joel Java

“My experience with The Training Edge has been from the perspective of both a student of Krav Maga and as the parent of a Kid’s Karate student. I first learned of The Training Edge in January of 2009, just weeks after moving to this area. The Training Edge offered an introductory afterschool program at my son’s school, Clarence Elementary. My son, James, loved learning karate right away and really connected with his instructors, one of who was Mr. Vogel.

As a result of my son’s involvement in karate, I decided to give Krav Maga a try. I have to admit, I was really nervous at first. The thought of learning self-defense techniques and kickboxing was intimidating and I didn’t think I would feel comfortable. However, Mr. Vogel was very encouraging and welcoming and as he taught our Basic class, I found myself increasing in confidence quickly. I have now been training for over a year and have earned my blue belt as a BBT. I am now looking forward to the increased challenge of moving up to Masters when the time comes. I look back at how I felt about my first class and realize that I have come such a long way, which is a source of pride for me.

As we have tried to manage some behavioral issues with our son, all of the instructors have been more than cooperative by supporting us in various ways to increase his self-control and respect. It is invaluable to have the kind of support that backs up what we are trying to achieve at home while also showing James that we are not the only ones that expect his behavior to meet certain standards. I have also found that the black belt training principles of modesty, courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and indomitable spirit can be individually applied to every situation we find ourselves in as parents trying to shape our children’s behavior. It really is a system of principles to live by!

For me, the experience of learning Krav Maga and Muay Thai kickboxing is building in me a strong mind, body and spirit. The Training Edge provides a workout like no other I have ever participated in. For one, I am challenged mentally while learning the techniques. Secondly, I am pushed by the instructors to test my physical limits during every class. Finally, the messages delivered at the end of class help me to think about the way I live my life with respect to setting and pursuing my goals, the relationships I have with my friends and family and the changes I need to make to be a better person.

When I think about the positive changes in my life that have occurred since moving here to the Buffalo area, I would rank our joining The Training Edge family as one of the best!”
–Melissa Boglioli

“I remember my first cardio bag class at the Training Edge - it was the first time I ever tried anything like it. Even though I felt a bit clumsy and self-conscious, I couldn't keep from smiling. It was so much fun, I forgot I was working out! After a few more classes, I knew I wanted to continue for the long term because there was much room for me to grow. But first I decided to try similar classes at a few other area schools and clubs. I found that the level of enthusiasm, expertise and care among those instructors was no match. After a few months of cardio, I had noticeably more energy for the workday and was becoming stronger! As my interest in Krav Maga developed, I eventually felt ready to take up the Israeli self-defense system. Now the cardio classes help me get the most out of my Krav training. The two together provide a challenging, exciting workout while equipping me to defend myself. Being a student at the Training Edge has yielded more than physical results. Training there has made me more confident and outgoing - qualities that positively affect other parts of my life. And after more than two years, I still feel there's much room for me to grow.”
–Shannon Bohlman, Age 24

“The Training Edge has an excellent krav maga program that is intense and gives a total body workout. It's a great way to get in shape, relieve stress, learn practical self-defense skills, and enjoy it. I feel a greater awareness of my environment and confindent in the skills I've learned. I would highly recommend the Training Edge.”
–Melissa Majeroni, age 25