My family and I have been part of the Center for Humane Living for over 3 years. We highly value the incredible good the organization provides to families and the community at large. We've personally watched our son's confidence grow when dealing with difficult situations at school, as has his focus and views on how to be a peaceful, good hearted person. We've admired the Center for not requiring money for participating, which encourages a "pay it forward" view as well as allowing those who might not be able to afford to attend to be members. We've also admired the young adults who have grown up with CHL and have blossomed into leaders and teachers. We're grateful to be part of this community!

The Center for Humane Living is a remarkable organization that has the potential to make an exponential impact in the world. In the eight plus years that my 3 children and I have been a part of the organization, I have seen it grow and multiply and touch the lives of so many people in such a meaningful and profound way. Like many, we joined the school thinking we could learn self defense and share an activity as a family. The experience has transcended anything I could have imagined and become a vehicle through which we continue to learn about ourselves, our relationships with each other and the world at large, the impact we can make through our thoughts and actions, and the vast potential that lies within each and every one of us.

To say that CHL breeds leadership would be an understatement. The Center for Humane Living is an organization that utilizes martial arts in such a way that people learn through a balance of physical technique, mental discipline, and philosophical engagement to cut through the limitations of their egos and step into the power of their spirit. In so doing, they remember who they really are and live in a way that inspires other to do the same. The organization was founded in a spirit of service by a family whose vision, strength, compassion, integrity and wisdom have infused the organization in such a way that it has taken on a life of its own - one that cannot help but improve the quality of lives of everyone who is fortunate enough to be touched by it.

The school could easily charge enough money to become quite profitable, but has consciously remained loyal to its commitment to provide martial arts free of charge to anyone who wants to become a part of it. The expectation that each person involved will embrace the gift that is given to them and pay it forward allows this gift to become even more transformational. The gifts that are shared through the Center for Humane Living are infused with the unique talents and intentions of all who receive them and pass them on in their own unique ways, perhaps through starting their own schools, teaching others what they have learned, spreading the messages of peaceful and compassionate living, and/or undertaking their own personal mission to alleviate the ten societal breakdowns that can be prevented through the application of the timeless principles taught and modeled by everyone within CHL.

I have no doubt that this organization will continue to make a significant contribution to the world and am honored and so incredibly grateful to be a part of it.

Last Update on December 13, 2011 by Diane Bolden

We were blessed with the "gift" of CHL about five years ago. As parents of three young children the school has been a remarkable tool for us to make sure our children are growing into the young people we would like them to become, rather than what we see all around us in some of the youth today. We are constantly bombarded with images and stories of children and adults that are bullying and treating others poorly. I love that my children are learning peaceful ways to resolve conflicts with others. In a day and age when children are being bullied to death in some cases, CHL is teaching the youth how to stand up to these injustices in a peaceful way. Knowing that my own children are learning these practices brings peace to my heart and helps me worry less as a parent.
Our children have tremendous role models at CHL, the young adults that my kids get to interact with are fun, kind, bright individuals that love and appreciate the students. The Center for Humane Living is also helping us teach our youth how to become vital parts of society. The emphasis on community service is helping my children understand the significance of doing and giving for others.
Beyond all this, we are able to participate side by side with our children in physical activity. The gratitude we feel towards CHL is immeasurable. There is no way to measure the impact that CHL has had in our lives. We have been blessed with not only amazing mentors and teachers, but relationships that are beyond everlasting!

Our family of five has been involved with CHL for 18 years. Each of my three daughters began training under SBN Dr. Foley at four years of age. What started as a way to learn "self defense" blossomed into a "way of life". As black belts, our family continues to study and train with dedication, and teach with the same passion and compassion with which we are taught by SBN Dr. Foley. The lessons we learn in the dojo are taught through Zen Philosophy and the integration of the physical and mental aspects of the art into our everyday lives. By incorporating grounding and blending in physical moves in the dojo we learn to bring these skills on a mental level to our relationships. The ongoing expansion of knowledge brought to students with innovative concepts such as HeartMath allows one to find peace in the most challenging situations. Building solid relationships, discovering the best you can be, and developing strong leaders in our youth are attributes of CHL that I have personally been privileged to witness. Coming out of one's comfort zone, on both a physical and mental level, allows CHL students to tackle their fears. Each student is viewed as an individual and progress is evaluated on a personal basis. The members of this organization quickly become family with one another, as the atmosphere is welcoming. Stepping over the "friendship" mat at the dojo door invites all who enter equal respect. I am honored to be a student, teacher, and active member of an organization whose innovative approach to teaching brings out the power, strength,kindness,fluidity, and the true essence of each of its students.

As a 17 year old female third degree black belt, I have gained confidence and leadership skills in my thirteen years of training at the Center for Humane Living. From a young age, I have been instilled with positive attributes, including how to treat others and myself with respect. In the martial arts, the bow symbolizes "you are more important than me," which shows our commitment to place others before ourselves in interactions. This tells the other person that we value their opinions and are not letting our own ego interfere with our ability to appreciate their perspective. This lesson has allowed me to become a strong and compassionate leader because I can effectively communicate with others in a healthy manner. CHL has also nurtured me into becoming a young woman with grounded morals and and a high self esteem. I value myself and make decisions that are safe and allow me to grow as a person. When I became a black belt at age twelve, I began teaching as a way of fulfilling my obligation to pass on the gift of the martial arts. Teaching has helped me gain self-confidence as an individual. I have learned how to stand in front of a group of kids or adults and be vulnerable and willing to learn from my students. Inside and outside the dojang, my actions speak louder than words as I lead by example. Being that I am a young adult, I am especially a role model to the preteen/teens in CHL. By my behavior, I can demonstrate a positive lifestyle and motivate them to become confident individuals. In the community, I am also an active leader. I was elected the captain of my high school's swim team for the 2012 season, and I am the secretary of my school's division of a national community service club. My academics also reflect the focus, determination, and commitment I have learned at CHL. I am a straight 'A' student, and a member of National Honor Society and Society of Women Scholars. I am grateful for the wonderful opportunities that CHL has opened for me to become a leader in my community. Because I started in this organization at a young age, going to karate has been a way of life for me. As a youngster, I never questioned that my experiences at CHL were extremely unique, but I have come to realize and appreciate that CHL offers an amazing opportunity to discover oneself and become a leader.

What I love about this school is that they walk their talk. And unlike most karate schools, they cater to the entire family, a rarity in this age of hyper-scheduled kids and their chauffer parents. Children have actually grown up through this school, becoming black belts who in turn become the teachers of the next generation. This school is full of youths who defy the typical teen stereotype of apathetic, unaware self-absorption. These young people are exactly what I want my own children to become, which is why I started bringing them in the first place. That I get to learn right along side them is a wonderful bonus. Age is irrelevant: we all have to work on learning the same lessons: of humility, perseverance, patience, strength and confidence. I am so grateful to have found this community!

Center for Humane Living has brought a wealth of strength and stability in my life and those of my two daughters. The "senseis" or teachers donate their time to teach both physical and non-physical ways to deal with conflict, although the emphasis in the school is always to work through non-physical ways first. Using Zen stories to teach ethical and "humane" ways to live, the teachers have helped me teach my girls to be strong advocates for peace in their local school community.

CHL has provided me with a great learning experience. In my few months of participation, I have bettered myself both physically and mentally. I have learned ways to become a better leader within society and become a better person within my relationships. The physical training has started me on a path to better health. I greatly appreciate all the Center for Humane Living has done for me and know they appreciate my participation and giving back. I look forward to my future with CHL and being able to teach others what I have learned.

CHL provides an innovative and transformational Martial Arts education free of charge to its students. In exchange for this “gift” – students are obligated to volunteer and participate in the organization’s humanitarian agenda. CHL teaches confidence in resolving conflict, demonstrating respect, building character, and creating peace. As students progress in the organization, they are encouraged to “Pay It Forward” by producing solutions to societal breakdowns through community involvement and teaching.

Students learn to understand and appreciate the skills necessary to fully investigate the importance of the following relationships:
➢ Self
➢ Spirituality
➢ Environment
➢ Other individuals
At each level of training, students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of these concepts along with their proficiency with physical techniques. To compliment the physical training of “Soo Bahk Do – Tang Soo Do,” students are taught the unique philosophical application, which we call “our methodology. “ Teaching is focused on the concept of non-violently resolving conflict in human relationships, thereby eliminating the need for physical force. This is the highest purpose of training at CHL.
CHL has a history of passion and dedication by its founders, board members, and students, and admits into its school students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
CenterforHumaneLiving.org
The CHL video is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZj79E5Ahzc

Last Update on December 11, 2011 by Michael R. Foley, M.D.