One year ago I met Shihan Jeff Ellis when looking to get my son in Karate after he was assaulted by another student on the school bus. I didn’t know what to expect when I met him and Eddy first started. But Jeff took all that worry away from the beginning as I was very impressed with his presentation of what he and the IKC was all about. He listened and took understanding as to our situation and even gave us a book that he wrote all about bullying as in today’s times this is a real problem. I surprised and pleased to hear not only would he learn how to defend himself but also learn important values and life skills in class. Initially he had him coming to private classes and provided him with a uniform for a very low fee, I thought to be low. Once Eddy finished his initial lessons he asked if it was something we would like to continue, and there was no pressure as he offered several payment options to meet just about any situation. Of course after a short time we were sold as he delivered on everything he had talked about. I saw as I sat in on classes how well run and disciplined but fun the classes were for Eddy and the other students. After attending for a few months we entered into what would be the worst time of any of our lives, a pandemic. I wondered what would come of Eddys Karate as everything began to shut down. Well after a very short period, we got an email as we have in the past as a form of communication with Jeff and the IKC. The email stated that Jeff was going to start classes back up online via Zoom App. Wow what a great idea thinking outside the box, and although it was not the same as being at the Dojo, we were so grateful for Eddy to be able to continue learning Karate, with being on a lockdown it was taking its toll on all of us. Once we started to open back up Jeff slowly brought us out together as some parents had concerns about in person class. So he continued to do Zoom classes as well as in person. But his efforts didn’t stop there. With the in person classes because of appropriate weather he moved the classes outside to a nearby park and had the students six ft apart practicing social distancing, mask wearing, sanitizing equipment, making sure hand sanitizer was used provided by him and taking temps before class and encouraging sick students to refrain from class till they were better.Since then the weather has changed and he has moved back into the Dojo but has continued to implement all of the above mentioned practices to create a safe environment for Eddy to continue classes in person even in a pandemic. I have never seen such professionalism, even with other teachers that also teach there, when Jeff is not there. This past year has been a great experience for Eddy and myself too, as Jeff likes to get parents involved in class when appropriate to help out with students as contact being limited these days. I look forward to continuing classes for Eddy with Shihan Ellis for Eddy hopefully to achieve his Black Belt. I would definitely recommend Jeff Ellis and the IKC to anyone.