774 - 275 - 0614
774 - 275 - 0614
Here is a selection of testimonials describing what our students and parents have to say about Defense-Wise Martial Arts Fitness Center. After reading these testimonials, you will agree, this is indeed a place:
As a mother of three with children aged 5, 7, and 9, Defense-Wise has provided everything that I could ask for in a martial arts studio: dedicated and caring instructors, organized and developmental weekly sessions, and a welcoming, family-centered atmosphere. From the first minute Sensei Deb met my children, I knew I had found the perfect place for them to learn and grow. This studio consists of AMAZING instructors with expertise in introducing and teaching martial arts to children. The values of discipline and respect for oneself and others are consistently woven into every session. I cannot think of a more worthwhile activity to enhance the development of my sons and daughter. Defense-Wise easily provides the compassion, challenge and support for any child to succeed!
 | Michele Hearn Sutton, MA Mother of Sam, Jack and Katie |
I found this gem of a martial arts club purely by chance reading the Grafton News. I had over 18 years of martial arts training in Wing Chun and Lau Gar while living in the UK, but had not found a club or system in several years of looking that was one I wanted to be a member of and train with the instructors. Defense Wise was a very different story. I went to watch an adult class to see if the Kenpo system was going to suit me and, more importantly, to take a look at how the instructors and students interacted. Sensei Deb is a very impressive martial artist and teacher. She has a cadre of black belt instructors working with her that are all equally impressive in their ability to transmit their knowledge and passion for Kenpo to the growing number of eager students. After watching Sensei Deb at work, and then speaking with her at length about Kenpo, I knew I had found a place to train again. The hard work and effort that the instructors pour into each class is such an enjoyable experience you are left wanting to carry on at the end of each training session. The instructors care about each student and are there to help everyone get the most out of Kenpo and the learning experience.
The Dojo is also very impressive with many of the instructors and students all lending a hand to complete the extensive renovations that were carried out to create a very welcoming space for training and learning.
I would highly recommend Defense Wise martial arts to anyone looking to explore the rich and fascinating art of Kenpo. This is a truly impressive place to train!
 | Steve Moysey Grafton, MA |
My family and I have had the pleasure of being involved with Sensei Deb for the past 7 years. Both of my daughters started karate in their Kindergarten year and continued to progress through their brown belts. My youngest daughter, Laura, who is now almost 10 and ready to take her test for 2nd Degree brown belt, has set her sights on becoming a black belt. Laura's aspiration has been made possible by Sensei Deb's amazing dedication to each and every one of her students, along with the help and support of her loyal team at Defense Wise. As a mother, I am extremely comfortable that all measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the students and am extremely impressed by the level of respect that is shown not only by the instructors, but by the students for their instructors and fellow students. I would not hesitate in recommending Defense Wise as the best Dojo in the area.
 | Gillian Townsend Shrewsbury, MA |
I wanted to be good at something that people would recognize. I wanted to be seen in public and have everyone I see recognize me. I wanted to become the next greatest martial arts master. That’s why I went to Defense-Wise Martial Arts and Fitness Center.
From the start, they treated me with respect, allowing me to return the favor. Each and every Sensei cares about each and every student, which is one of the key factors that has allowed me to grow stronger. They emphasize four major messages to each student: effort, honesty, respect, and control. They present kindness to the students, and the students obey the rules in return. No harsh punishment- just a nice cycle that keeps everything running smoothly.
From the second I walked into the dojo, I knew that it would be a great experience. The dojo looks like it came from a magazine; it’s perfectly clean and simply set up, but provides the perfect amount of room for training. The teachers are always offering words of support and encouragement, which makes for a positive atmosphere. They allow us to play fun games that give a fun approach to the “Ed Parker’s American Kenpo Karate” program. This school is a place where dreams, like mine, take flight. This is a school where each and every student matters. This is a school where anyone of any age can master the art of karate in time.
 | Jacob Phillips |
My 2 children, a 14 year old boy and a 10 year old girl, along with my 2 step daughters and my husband both study Kenpo karate at Defense Wise Martial Arts. My husband, children and I, live in the Western part of Massachusetts. On Thursday afternoons, my 2 children and I commute from East Longmeadow, MA to South Grafton, MA, to meet up with my husband and step children for karate lessons. My husband and his 2 children have been studying karate with Sensei Deb Ripsz for many years. My children have tried karate in the past, but couldn’t find a studio that they enjoyed, until I met my husband and Sensei Deb Ripsz. My children started lessons in fall of 2007. They both have earned their purple belts. My husband has his black belt and is now an instructor at Defense-Wise. All of the instructors work very well with children. They make it a fun, but also serious, experience for the children, with no stress or pressure. The children love studying at Defense-Wise Martial Arts. My son has told me that if couldn’t study karate at Defense-Wise, that he wouldn’t want to study karate anywhere else.
Derryl BohaboyMy son is 4 ½ years old and has Autism. I have often thought of karate because of the need of focus, direction and discipline. Recently there was an article published in the Telegram & Gazette about the benefits, so I figured I would give it a try. He has been attending class at Defense-Wise for 2 months now and loves it! It is so nice to see his enthusiasm in karate. It is a small class with a lot of experienced instructors so he gets individual attention. He has already received a “Best Blocks” patch and a stripe on his belt. The best part is seeing the smile on his face after each class. Now my daughter also wants to join.
Cindy HigginbottomMy painfully shy son started taking Karate lessons with Sensei Deb at a young age. Through her professional teaching of Kenpo skills/discipline and her kindness, the confidence my son gained has spilled over to successes in school, sports, and in friendships.
Sensei Deb motivates students to complete short and long term goals in their daily lives. She honorably holds them accountable not by physical rewards, but by her praise. My son respects her praise, which is a testament to her positive influence.
 | Lori Zarrilli Westborough, MA |
Being a female of 50 something years, that walks and hikes alone, I thought it would be a good idea to take a women's self-defense course. When I heard of one being offered at Defense-Wise, I decided to go there and learn more about it. What I found was a clean, roomy, refinished and well lit dojo. A childrens' class was in session and I was impressed by the friendliness and patience of the instructors and the rapport between them and their students.
I signed-up my friend and myself for a free trial class. At classtime, the instructor/owner gave us the option of learning some extra defense moves used in Karate. I had never done anything like that previously, nor did I ever picture myself doing martial arts. By the end of the class, I felt really good. Not only did I get a great workout, but I learned some basic self-defense moves (Karate). I was pleasantly surprised, and hooked! I would recommend going to Defense-Wise (and have) to anyone, of any age, male or female, that is wishing to add exercise, both mental and physical, self-defense, and new friends to their lives.
 | Linda Grafton, MA |
