Jeanne Malaty-uhr

As a former Marine and soldier, I have always believed in physical fitness, but as a mother, I never realized that physical fitness and mental health were interconnected. I never dreamed that my son's poor grades and low self-esteem could be easily corrected or that a martial art could be a fun activity for the whole family. But at P. S. Systems, THEY ARE!!

When my son was in third grade, I was told that he needed special help with schoolwork. You know--staffings with professionals, possible ritalin dosages, weekly trips to the school social worker...It was a nightmare!!! By fifth grade, I realized that none of this was helping. He was improving slowly, but he was convinced that school work was always going to be hard.

He was smart when he wanted to be, and that wasn't in school!  I knew I had to find something that would build his self-esteem and give him confidence. He has always enjoyed martial arts movies--you know what I mean--Ninja Turtles, Bruce Lee--that sort of thing. So I made an appointment at P. S. Systems.  I thought it was just another martial arts place.

I took my son there, and being an equal opportunity parent, I dragged my 10 year old daughter along to take advantage of the free introductory lesson. I didn't have to drag Adam; he was all for it, but Liz was another story. "But I don't want to do that!" she insisted. "Girls don't do that."

She went in and was confronted by Ms. Hyong, you guessed it, a female instructor. Not only a female, but a black belt!! So much for Liz's argument that girls don't do Tae Kwon Do.

By the end of the first class, not only was Adam hooked, but Liz couldn't wait for her next class. I thought, ok, Tae Kwon Do, great...a little martial arts once or twice a week.

WELL, IT WASN'T "a little martial arts." P. S. Systems, under the direction of Grandmaster Hyong, is a very special place. It's not just martial arts. It's a family oriented center where Tae Kwon Do, one of the most respected martial arts in the world, is taught. But there is a deeper philosophy here. Through the unique, one of a kind program, which includes positive thinking, parental involvement and success training, Adam is becoming a good student, self-confident and believe it or not, a leader!! That's right!  My 12 year old son is a junior leader now and assists the instructors in teaching Tae Kwon Do to other students. It's all part of the P. S. System.

And remember Liz, the little girl who had to be dragged to her first class? She's a green belt now, just like her brother, and also an assistant leader. In fact, they are my teachers because after a hard day as a Naperville realtor at Keller Williams, I like spending time with my kids and this is one of the activities we enjoy as a family. And since they know more about Tae Kwon Do that I do, they teach me!

After 7 months at P. S. Systems, I have seen many changes in all of us. For my children--they now believe that they can do anything that they set their mind to. It's great to see "A's" come home from junior high and elementary school on a daily basis.

There's been more than one benefit for me. First, like I've been telling you, it's helped a lot with my children's self-esteem.  It's also brought us closer together as a family since we practice together.

It's helped me with my career. How? First of all, I've learned how to manage my stress level--which if any of you have sales related jobs, you know is very high. Second of all, since I am a woman realtor, I often find myself alone with a client in an empty house.  I totally believe in self-defense skills for women. You never know what might happen. 

So whether you are looking for help with one of your children or just a great family activity, P. S. Systems is the place to be...But you'll never know what you're missing unless you join the P. S. family!     

By the way--I'd just thought you'd like to know--Adam's report card  just came home. He's getting all B's and better!           

Jeanne Malaty-uhr