RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations welcomed. Starting with those who have known us for years moving to current submissions.

Mr. Larry Black

In 1982/83 I knew him as an Instructor and in time, boss. It did not take long to realize he had a gift like Mr. Miyagi in the movies. His greatest lessons taught me how to apply them to any subject. Many took hours of thoughts to grasp its entirely. I went crazy until i could get to pen and paper then make as many notes to help me master his methods. Whatever degree of recognition I receive, I owe it to him. Working hard to become his number one student only faltered when the accident happened that shattered my entire back.  He is my true mentor not only in the Martial Arts but also in life. Even more important, he is that one friend that whatever he asked, I would try to do!

When asked for my thoughts on you as a competitor, instructor, and overall person, Iwas immediately flooded with memories from our time together at Rick Drew American Karate in the mid-1990s. It's my pleasure to share these reflections with you.

As an instructor, you were truly exceptional. Your ability to hold everyone's attention with your magnetic charisma was remarkable. What set you apart was your kinesthetic genius – you had an uncanny ability to observe complex movements in martial arts and provide specific, actionable feedback that allowed students to progressively improve their techniques. This talent for breaking down complex motions into understandable components was invaluable to your students, myself included.

Your expertise extended far beyond physical techniques. You demonstrated a profound understanding of human behavior and psychology, which you seamlessly integrated into your teaching and business practices. You had a unique ability to motivate and guide people towards reaching their goals, always finding the right words and approach to inspire and challenge us.

In the competitive arena, your skills were equally impressive. Your sales background and naturally competitive nature gave you a distinct edge. You approached competitions with a strategic mindset, leveraging your deep understanding of human psychology to your advantage. What's more, you generously shared this strategic thinking with your students, helping us develop not just as individual competitors, but as strategic thinkers in our own right.

I vividly remember a pivotal moment after I placed 2nd in a karate competition. Feeling discouraged because there were only two people in my division, you offered two pieces of wisdom that have stayed with me: "Half of winning is showing up" and "You could've been disqualified!" These simple yet profound statements shifted my perspective, teaching me valuable lessons about perseverance and gratitude that extended far beyond the competition mat.

From a business perspective, you were a force to be reckoned with. Your mastery of negotiation and sales principles consistently put you at an advantage in various business scenarios, whether dealing with clients, vendors, or landlords. You had a knack for turning challenging situations into opportunities, always finding a way to create win-win outcomes.

What I admired most was how you used your skills and knowledge to benefit others. You didn't just succeed personally; you empowered your students and colleagues to reach new heights. The lessons Heidi and I learned from you extended far beyond martial arts, influencing various aspects of our lives and careers.

In fact, I can confidently say that much of our business success can be attributed to your teachings and mentorship. The confidence we gained earning our black belts under your tutelage, combined with the business acumen and lifeskills you imparted, played a crucial role in our achievements. Our company, Operation Boot Camp North America, expanded to over 115 locations from Atlanta to Beverly Hills, and our martial arts school has been open for almost 30 years. We couldn't have done it without the foundation you helped us build.

Rick, your impact as an instructor, competitor, businessman, and mentor was profound. Your ability to bring out the best in people, coupled with your diverse skill set, made you an extraordinary individual to learn from and work alongside. Your perspective on life had a great impact on us, shaping not just our martial arts journey, but our approach to business and personal growth.

Thank you for the positive influence you've had on my life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these thoughts with you and to acknowledge the significant role you played in our success.

Best regards,
Jeff Thompson

Jeff Thompson

404-425-9904 || Jeffinator@gmail.com||AtlantaKick.com||

764 Miami Circle Suite 204, Atlanta GA 30324

Email, Hangouts, or Text Message preferred

Jeff and Heidi

Our first meeting started like one of many others. Two adults came to our school in Buckhead and inquired about lessons. His words were very kind and mean a lot to me. Thank you Jeff!  From that day, both gave everything to every task asked of them.  They set goals, which they quickly were reaching, keeping all of the Instructors constantly

Rick is a great guy who loves helping small businesses! I have enjoyed working with Rick and I highly recommend his services!

NB Photography 

A huge "Thank you to our friends at Secrets of the North Georgia Mountains and Rick Drew," you're always a blessing to us.

Salty Dawgs Mobile Food Trailer 

Ellijay the Secret is Out has been awesome to work with! The owner, Rick, has been beyond helpful!

Brad Exum

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