Friday, July 4, 2008 From: Vivian Searwar, Teacher
Mission Central Elementary
Mission, BC

Date: Undated

I have been involved in Sensei Clayton`s Canadian Martial Arts Academy (CMAA) in Mission, BC since 2001. Sensei Clayton is a well-known, respected figure in the Mission community and within the Mission School District. As a teacher in Mission, I have had numerous opportunities to observe Sensei Clayton working with school-aged children within the context of his ``Gym Teacher for a Day`` program. He offered this program free of charge to school teachers of those students who attended the CMAA. Sensei always arrived on time, prepared to challenge the children. His energy, enthusiasm and zest for teaching karate were evident as he led them through various fun physical games and activities. His exceptional leadership skills proved unquestionable as he captured the attention of all children, and somehow managed to get them to perform to their utmost ability. His respect for the children was clear and they willingly reciprocated. We were very fortunate to have Sensei Clayton serve as a positive role model for our students. Thank you Sensei!

Thank you so much for inviting us to your tournaments. We had a wonderful time being with you, meeting your students and training in your dojo. The tournaments ran so smoothly and was a good learning experience for all. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you again for you hospitality and kindness…

Susan Seldomridge

…The successes and accomplishments achieved by the Canadian Martial Arts Academy during the past eight years are most impressive.

Its not often that a business can contribute to the local economy while providing a service that reaches so many people in a very personal way with such positive results. It is particularly noteworthy when you consider that half of its clientele are children who may well be our future community leaders.

Owner and Chief Instructor Frank Clayton is familiar with adversity. The Canadian Martial Arts Academy is an extension of lessons learned, and is focused on providing students with values based tools that promote personal development and greater contribution to the overall well-being of the community.

Canadian Martial Arts Academy is a business that has made an outstanding contribution for the betterment of the area and its citizens. This business has made a difference in the intellectual, cultural, business, and civic life of the community. Recognition of this support is partly responsible for a 30% increase in business over last year.

The Canadian Martial Arts Academy has shown a measurable impact on the community through employee participation, giving programs, charitable contributions and donations of in-kind services. The following is a brief illustration of the creativity and imagination of the nominee:

* Ongoing donations to the School District for school related projects i.e.: recent donation to West Heights for a wall painting.
* Active participant and supporter of the Adopt A Block ``Anti-Litter`` Campaign
* Volunteer assistance to Candlelight Parade
* Family sponsorship through the local Food Bank
* Ongoing scholarship program that accepts 3 to 4 kids per year into the Academy. This scholarship assists kids at risk or those who are less fortunate
Personal business time donated:
* Participation on the Parent Advisory Council of Mission Central
* Donated time to schools for physical education instruction

Through a traditional form of Okinawan karate, the intent of all these activities is to provide students with greater confidence, self esteem, integrity and a positive attitude. These objectives are reached through teaching respect, discipline, responsibility and conflict avoidance skills.

Canadian Martial Arts Academy has provided countless young people and adults with athletic martial arts training in a way that lends credibility to their Mission Statement:

* To provide inspiration of personal excellence & integrity through leadership by example
* To enhance our community and its citizens through the positive personal development of our students
* To ensure long term growth of our school by providing outstanding customer service to our students and their families

Indeed, the Canadian Martial Arts Academy provides its athletes with the skills and discipline to develop both their bodies and minds.

They continue to explore new programs that meet the needs of the students and the community, and will continue to serve as an example of responsible business leadership.

Stacey Crawford
Mission, BC
2003

On behalf of the Board of School Trustees, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the support you have shown to the New Westminster School District by allowing the staff and students of Hume Park Elementary to access you facility in New Westminster for school gym and recreational use.

During your time in New Westminster, many classes of students have reaped the rewards from the opportunity to take part in a variety of school activities at your site. Most recently, you were directly involved in the design and implementation of a program on youth leadership skills. This instruction has been of tremendous benefit for the development of our youth, both in the lessons learned and in the opportunity to learn from an excellent role model. You are to be commended for responding to a community need for the enrichment provided to the daily lives of our District students.

Best wishes for your continued success.

R. Bennett, Superintendent
School District No. 40
New Westminster, BC
May 21, 2002

Congratulations once again on being presented with the Business of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce-District of Mission Annual Awards Ceremony! It gave us great pleasure to honour you for your extraordinary community service and volunteer support...

Abe Neufeld, Mayor
District of Mission
8645 Stave Lake Street, Box 20
Mission, BC V2V 4L9
March 20, 2003

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you that I was very impressed when I walked into you place yesterday. It is very nice, welcoming, and has a positive energy about it. I also wanted to comment on the fact that you and your staff were very friendly and just plain awesome. I sat and watched the class and was super impressed with your interaction with the children and how you maintained a professional and firm approach yet stayed approachable. Both John & Ruby woke up this morning and begged me to take them to class. When I said it was tomorrow, they were truly disappointed! I am very happy that I found you, and I am looking forward to watching my children flourish under your excellent instruction. Being a professional in the same type of family service industry, I know how little you get recognized for the small things, so I wanted to pass on some kudos to you and tell you that I think you have a wonderful thing going on! I look forward to bringing John & Ruby to class. Take care, Frank! Thanks!

Kristen McMillen
Mission & Abbotsford Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten
Mission & Abbotsford
September 21, 2005

I am writing this letter because I am inspired by you.

The reasons I am inspired by you are that you are always friendly and respectful. You are very good at karate as well. I was recently at one of your seminars down at the coast; it was so much fun! I really enjoyed the seminar. You have a way of making everything fun. I respect you and how you are a good person. Even if you don’t want to do something, no matter what it may be, you do it and always with a smile on your face. You are a great role model, and a great sensei.

Thanks for being who you are and being a wonderful person.

Kate Baglot
Vernon, BC
April 8, 2008