Do you remember that moment in high school when the most amazing and popular kids in the school suddenly asked you to sit at their lunch table? Me neither. Back then, I had no clue what "good people" really meant. Now I do. Let me introduce you to Rocco and Liz Ambrose, and their son, David, the coolest people I know. And I'm using their real names because they already have a web presence, and are part of a big local contest. More on that in a minute (depending on your reading speed, I guess. It could be more like three or four).
When 16-year-old-Boy and 18-year-old-Girl were in first and third grades, respectively, we got a flier home about an after-school martial arts program that would cost five dollars per kid. FIVE DOLLARS. You mean I can pay ten bucks and have another hour to myself? Sign me up. Anyway, since they were little, I walked over to school near the end of the hour to pick them up and hear about the class. I walked in the door near the gym where the class was taking place and was greeted with...silence. I happened to know that almost seventy elementary-age children had signed up for this class. Am I late? Has someone kidnapped all those children? If so, are they NUTS?
But no. I looked into the gym, and there they all were, looking sweaty and happy and standing at attention in silent rows, mimicking what the instructor was showing them. Seventy of them! They all applauded when class was over, gave the teachers high-fives and came bouncing out of the class, all smiles. They loved every minute.
Fast forward, four years. The Boy is a fifth grader now, and best friend is signing up for band. I know my boy. He is the original quitter. He never sticks with anything longer than it takes to grow bored the first time. I've had head colds that lasted longer than some of his hobbies. No way am I going to spend the next four months nagging him to practice that clarinet, dammit! Plus pay for the rental of an instrument he hates after week two.
In a classic mis-directional move, I say, "What about martial arts? We can go find that guy who taught that class you guys took."
Picturing himself as the reincarnation of Bruce Lee, the Boy is happy to oblige. And Girl is interested, too. Two days later, they are signed up. And an amazing thing happened. My children became not only competent martial artists, but part of this big, fun family. I watched from the parent gallery as these amazing teachers, all three Ambroses, taught, trained, and loved my kids! Our family became part of their family, and I am happy to say that picking your relatives? works out great.
A local radio station holds a contest annually for Teacher of the Year, and I wrote a letter nominating Rocco because he exhibited all the compassion, ideals, and classroom management skills of a master teacher.
Liz works with the really small kids, age five and under. They call them Little Dragons. They are hilarious to watch, working on gross motor skills, asking silly questions, going through giggling fits. Liz is a few years older than I am, and somehow still has the energy for these little stinkers.
David is a senior in college now (a philosophy major if you know of any job openings in, um...philosophizing). He is a terrific young man. I've known him since he was fifteen years old, and he always struck me as the most centered teenager on the planet. Now I am proud to call him a friend.
Here's the part where I need your help. Ambrose Academy has been nominated in WDIV's '4 the Best' as the best martial arts studio in Metro Detroit. If you live here, you should send your kids. Or join yourself; Husband and 16-year-old-Boy are purple belts in the adult classes. 18-year-old-Girl is a couple steps behind at orange belt. Wherever you live, if you have a moment, please go to this link and cast your vote for Ambrose Academy.
Because really good people don't get enough recognition in this world.
