I have known Curtis Jordan for a few years, now. When my son began having trouble at school, a friend explained her son had similar problems and she enrolled him in karate. I visited several martial arts schools in the western Allegheny county area. I had studied for several years and East Coast Karate Academy was an easy choice. Mr. Jordan knows how to reach all sorts of kids: some with humor, some with discipline and some, like my son, with easier guidance. Since starting three years ago, there have been no more calls at work or scheduled appointments with teachers. Every one of the many parents I've talked with shares this opinion. He is an amazingly kind and humble person, but can be as tough as a drill sergeant when needed. Even the toughest messages are delivered with caring and humor. If you're going to goof off, you're going to do pushups. Kids intuitively understand and respect this. My son and I have watched martial arts tournaments with Mr. Jordan. When we enter with him, black belts and masters from all over the room begin heading his way to say hello. It's like watching a migration. Masters from other parts of the country have taken my son and me aside to tell us how lucky my son is to have Mr. Jordan as an instructor. In a random discussion about "bucket lists," the only item I could think of was returning to martial arts and getting a black belt. So, I'm in the adult class. Yes, I've had to do my share of extra pushups. My son thought that was great.
- Dan G