“Being an active duty Army officer, I considered myself in reasonable shape because I worked out 4-5 times a week, consistently. That is, until I began mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training under Sensei Tom Everett. After the first couple of classes and my first experience in “rolling” on the mat, I realized I was not physically or mentally where I needed to be. Sensei Tom Everett’s instruction style and training format has motivated me to increase my workout amount/difficulty and even to improve my dietary habits (which is a whole other feat in itself).  Within the first month of training, I lost 10 pounds and now (5 months later) I have lost a total of 18 pounds, dropped 6 % points in body fat, and weigh the same amount I did 10 years ago when I graduated from college.

I soon deploy to Iraq again with a team of soldiers to advise an Iraqi unit. I fully intend to implement the training I have received from Sensei Everett and train my soldiers on what I have learned in case a hand-to-hand combat situation arises.  If that situation should arise, I have no doubt of what the outcome would be.”

MAJ Jay Watkins

U.S. Army (Active Duty)

I started coming to the dojo with my son.  He had taken karate classes in Illinois before we moved to Fishers.  When he expressed interest in starting karate again, we looked at several programs in the area.  We were most impressed with Sensei Everett’s school, and my son enrolled.  I started to attend a daytime class myself about four years ago.  At that time it was a class mostly comprised of students’ mothers.  It was a very fun, low-key atmosphere.  Due to my schedule I couldn’t attend the daytime class twice a week.  So, I started coming to the evening class as well.  At first I was a little nervous because I thought I might be the oldest student in the class, or I might be the only woman.  Once I came to class I was happy to see the variety of students, and I fit right in.

I originally decided to start taking karate because it looked like a fun way to get some exercise.  I am happy to say, it is that and so much more.  As a physician, I am frequently advising patients to be more active and to find something to get passionate about.  A successful exercise program is one that you enjoy doing, which you can do with consistency, and that you feel something missing if you have to skip it.  Karate has been that “something” for me.  There is a great sense of camaraderie in the school.  Sensei Everett and the other students are life family.

Karate classes have certainly helped me with my fitness goals.  But unlike other exercise programs, there have been some unique benefits.  In studying kata, I have improved my sense of focus, concentration, balance, strength, and self-confidence.  There is a level of personal intensity that you can achieve in doing single-person training such as kata.  The partner training adds additional benefits such as timing, practical application of skills, and group motivation.  At the end of a long day at work, it feels great to come to the dojo and punch and kick the targets.  It is a great form of stress-reduction.  In addition to the structured classes on Saturdays, there is also a physical conditioning class which includes interval training, circuit training, and weight training. 

Most importantly, I have learned a lot about self-defense.  Sensei Everett’s program focuses heavily on the traditional aspects of the martial arts.  He teaches the history and philosophy behind the kata.  In addition, he teaches practical applications of the kata.  But he has also developed his own self-defense curriculum.  This allows the introduction of a variety of modern techniques which make the applications more practical.  We learn to defend ourselves against a variety of attacks (chokes, headlocks, wrist grabs, punches, kicks, knife attacks, etc.).  We practice the techniques multiple times over many months to develop a sense of mastery. 

Sensei also teaches separate Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts curricula.  I hope I never need to use my martial arts training for this purpose, but I can carry myself now with a sense of confidence that I did not have before. 

Kristi Dickson, MD

2nd Degree Brown Belt Karate

“It is certainly true that in Mr. Everett’s martial arts school the focus is directed towards teaching effective techniques with workable solutions in serious self-defense situations.  However, even more importantly, his students are taught the same Respect, Discipline and Control, that develops confidence and self esteem along with so many important strong physical qualities.  Without a doubt, Mr. Everett helps build leaders!”

Larry T. Davenport

8th Degree Black Belt

Anderson, IN.