Family Testimonials

Families want an excellent reputation, credibility, customer service and culture.

We are proud that our school, Ambrose Academy, is an award-winning school and recognized as one of the best martial arts businesses in the Metropolitan Detroit area, located in Livonia, Michigan.

Over three hundred students and families recommend Ambrose Academy because of its unique teaching style and approach to learning. The welcoming, caring atmosphere and nurturing, fun-filled environment is a place of camaraderie and community, where egos stop at the door, and our ultimate goal is your success.

 

Adult Class Testimonials

Mark K., Ann Arbor

“The staff is truly interested in bringing the martial arts to the individual’s need and abilities. Here is a martial art that empowers the common person to defend himself or herself in an altercation.”

Kathy N., Port Clinton, Ohio

"The Ambrose Academy is unique and special. My husband traveled 3 hours each way once a week to train. There aren't very many schools that teach what Ambrose Academy teaches! They definitely get my vote!"

Sandy S., Livonia

"Caring environment – one big family – takes time to instruct proper techniques – high and positive energy throughout – exceeds all expectations – brought out parts of me I didn’t know I possessed. Synergistic instructors – I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Sibok and Elizabeth, and the entire Ambrose Academy family.

Dominick M. - joined at age 64 and is now 78, Dearborn

“Training at Ambrose Academy has help me to become strong and more focused; especially at a time when I felt I was losing my strength. I found out that I could still generate power and feel strong. At the same time, I’m learning something about self-defense and keeping active. As long as training makes me happy, I’ll keep on coming to class.”

Richard S., Ypsilanti

“Attending this academy, I watched my brother grow from a person with very little self-esteem and courage, into a young man who is confident, brave, and a role model for his young children and family.”

Jim L., Dearborn

“My doctors asked how I managed to calm my tremors and the shaking. When I’m concentrating on my lessons the shaking almost stops.”

Paul S., Livonia

"I have much to say about this organization, and could talk about it forever. But I will attempt to be short. This is the closest to a family unit as you can get. This school actually cares about the over all growth of the individual. Each student is looked after as if they were the most important person to ever walk through the door. It may sound odd for a martial arts school, but everyone in the organization desires to see you succeed. Students are encouraged to strive for personal best. The art itself is far superior to any I have witnessed and been in myself. This is an art that all can do, young, old, small, large, female, and male. No matter how old you get you will have techniques and speed that will surprise the most hardened of fighters and martial artists. As someone that has seen the good and some of the very worst in people across this great country of ours, I can truly say that the positivism of this school is a jewel in the midst of coal. Every class I have taken has had moments of clarity, and I have been here for years. I can also say that the owner operator is one of the best individuals I know. If you want to truly learn how to defend yourself, “in real life”, this is the art, this is the school for you."

Khai H, Sterling Heights

“The instructor really cares about his students and is always ging out of his way to make sure every student gets the training they want or need. I like how the upper belts and senior students help the newer ones. It is very much a family, and I appreciate that.”

Julie R., Westland

"Ambrose Academy offers the best: excellent instructors who demonstrate an impressive amount of knowledge, amazing self-defense concepts that takes advantage of simple body mechanics and a great family atmosphere. As a woman, I was nervous about finding a martial arts system where I could train equally with men. At Ambrose Academy, they teach a martial arts style that is practical and efficient no matter your gender, age or size. In addition, the instructors and students treated me with equal respect. I have been training at Ambrose Academy for eight years now and truly treasure my time there.

John B., Dearborn

“The Ambrose family is some of the most sincere and caring people I have ever met and I couldn’t imagine learning this much from any other academy or instructor anywhere. Being involved with Ambrose Academy has really changed my over all outlook on life, family, work, and friends. Go see for yourself.”

Mike R., Dearborn Heights

"By far this system is the most practical of any other system I have been introduced to. It is a system that can be used successfully by people of all types. Every aspect of the system is continuously improved for its practicality and founded in common sense. The learning environment is extremely open and friendly. Comments and questions are always encouraged by the instructors. The children's program is very encouraging and excels at developing confidence. Kids are also made very aware of what to do whenever a stranger approaches them. This is a top notch program!"

Scott S., Wyandotte

“The combination of the best martial arts being taught in a detailed and highly efficient manner is met with a warm and personal touch by the fantastic Ambrose family. Also everyone is treated like they are part of the Ambrose family. The kids program is really second to none.”

Joe M, student, Ann Arbor

“If you want to train in a positive, safe, high energy atmosphere, develop your awareness and self control, and learn a simple, practical, highly efficient martial art system that will enhance your life tremendously, then Ambrose Academy is the place to be. Best of the Best!”

Karen D. about her 17-year-old son, Inkster

"My son has been a student of Ambrose Academy almost 3 years. As a single mom looking for a good outlet for my son, they fit the need and more. The owner, his family as well as the other instructors embraced my son and became an extension of his life. Since he has grown in skill, so has the leadership and love offered from this school. We searched for the right school for over a year. The time was well worth finding something to keep my son off of the streets and give him a sense of pride. His father passed when he was young, and his Grandmother made me promise that I would keep my son busy so he would not get in trouble. Ambrose Academy and the owner, Rocco Ambrose has well mentored my son with positive words and emotion. I will always be grateful for this God connection.”

Fred D., Dearborn

“Caring attitude and attention to detail. Ability to adjust and adapt intensity of training based on age and physical ability of each student.”

Jimmy L, Madison Heights

"If you are out in the wilderness and you find a piece of gold what do you do. PICK IT UP AND KEEP IT!!! That is what this school is like. Finding something worth having and keeping, and hopefully you can bless others with it. This school, and the art itself is the best that I have ever seen. You can actually pick up the art in no time and apply it in everyday life. Teaches you self-awareness, body mechanics, how to avoid conflict, and most of all defending yourself.

Fat, Old and Gray

"… I am over 50 with many physical issues and I am more capable of defending myself now than when I was in the Marines. I can also say that I have found a group of people who WANT to share their knowledge and will feed it to you as fast as you can absorb it. I truly have come to love this school and the people there.

Brad O., Redford

“My 13 year old son and I are in our 6th year with Sibok Rocco. I brought my son, with no intentions of signing up myself. I have physical damages that I thought would preclude my participation. Dave Ambrose (sibok’s son) encouraged me to give it a try. It is logical, extremely effective and fun. I go 3-5 times a week; stopping is not in my immediate or long-term plans. Sibok Rocco has helped me to find ways around my physical limitations. He has patience, knowledge, and character.”

Henry N., Canton

“I’ve been attending Ambrose Academy for about seven years. I was looking for a self-defense program tht works. Technically what really wowed me was that everything that is done makes sense. Why is it, a certain punch is more effective, stronger, and more structurally sound than other punches? That was covered and shown within the first day! Senior Instructor Rocco Ambrose is fantastic with his explanations. If you don’t understand a technique the way it’s initially explained, he’ll find another way to explain it so that it makes sense to you. One can see that an instructor who really cares about his students will make the extra effort to help you learn. The rest of the staff is equally fantastic in going out of their way to make sure you don’t feel left our or behind. Everyone at the school (from staff to fellow students) is eager to help one another learn and grow. The atmosphere is positive and fantastic. I’m proud to be a part of this school and always look forward to seeing my friends there.”

Anonymous

“I’ve have taken three other martial arts before and visited many, many other schools before I made Ambrose Academy my last major stop. This is it!!! No school can compare. You are the best.”

ChiTown – student from Chicago, drives down few times a month.

“I now feel so much better walking by myself on the streets of Chicago, because I know that I can defend myself. Thanks Ambrose! Keep up the great work.”

Prakash J. – student from Florida

I actually came to Detroit are for a full year from Florida to train at the Ambrose Academy. It was absolutely worth it for several reasons. It’s a great place to learn martial arts and one of the very few places where you can lean the very special martial art that they teach there. The people there are great! Rocco and Liz are there to take care of you. For me, at Ambrose Academy, I felt very welcomed, almost a family away from home.

Richard A – parent and student from Detroit

“Not just a martial arts school, Ambrose Academy is martial arts family. When you walk through the door you will be welcomed by al to learn the simple, efficient, and practical art of Wing Chun Co. The children’s program, anchored in respect of self and others will transform you child into a disciplined and confident person. Adults of all ages, levels of strength and size will realize the surety of knowing hey are equipped to defend their selves from hose who would attempt to cause harm and gain a family of genuine and truly caring people that are as interested in your development as they are their own…”

Go to the Adult Class Page here.

Children’s Class Testimonials

Curtis G., dad presenting his 7-year-old son’s report card, Royal Oak

“His teacher told us that Aaron has been more focused and less agitated. His attention span has increased. She told us “that what ever we are doing, to keep it up.” I attribute Aaron’s improvement directly to coming to Ambrose Academy.”

Laura P., about her 13-year-old son, Livonia

“This has been so good for Taki. This is the first time he has openly studied for something. He even asked me to help him study. Amazing, this is the first time ever, and I’m a schoolteacher.”

Mr. Owens, about 5-year-old son Anthony, Detroit

“Just by coming here, after his third visit, Anthony’s teacher said she already sees a difference.”

Eric L, about his 8 and 14 year-old daughters, Howell

“I have two daughters here for kids class. Ms. Liz is amazing with children. My daughter has grown in so many aspects in the four months she has been attending. This is now our second home.”

Eric L.

Jessie L, about 10 year old son, Garden City

“I took my son to several schools to check them out. I let him pick the school he wanted to attend. Within minutes he said this was the school. Everyone was smiling and having a good time while training. The school had a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that he really liked.”

Brad O., about his 9-year-old son, Redford

“Kids at school would make fun of Matthew and he’d get real angry and sometimes used his size to intimate other kids. Now, he let’s things just roll of his back. He doesn’t let it bother him anymore. He’s got a new way of looking at things.”


Julie C., Sterling Heights

“Sibok Rocco Ambrose and Mrs. Liz have done an awesome job teaching my 6 year old son the art of Wing Chun Do. He has learned to be his personal best at all times, respect others and himself, be self-disciplined and best of all to have honor.”

Valentina G: about her 10 year old daughter, Detroit

“Ambrose Academy has made a positive impact on our daughter’s life, her self-confidence, coordination and her overall character. She has great discipline when she focuses. When she is at school, she is always placed in leadership roles. She shows the same dedication in academics as in martial arts, which we attribute to the training. We thank you.”

Mrs. B., about her son Justin (ADHD), Redford

“I saw a difference within the first week. He actually responds to his name when we call him. Usually we need to call him relentlessly. He’s definitely more focused.”

Lisa M., parent, Redford

"Warm and welcoming environment, professional and skilled staff; great children’s program, great women’s self-defense trainings, staff has awareness of individual needs and strengths. I highly recommend this school.”

Another from Lisa M, Redford

“I highly recommend Ambrose Academy. My son has attended the children’s program for four years. He still looks forward to class because of the warm, caring and supportive atmosphere as well as the excellent martial arts instruction. Rocco and Liz Ambrose are gifted teachers and evolved human beings. I feel lucky to have found this gem.”


A. Hajec, parent of 16-year old daughter

”Ambrose Academy has been an amazing place for my daughter to grow up. We started when she was 8, and being picked on at school. She has learned so much over the 8 years we have been going. Much more than physical self defense. Ms Liz teaches safety concepts about strangers, and emotional manipulation. Signs to watch out for that kids will use through adulthood. They are quality people, teaching amazing skills. I’m proud to have known them so long.”

Bryon M., parent, Redford

“My son has been coming for a few years and I just realized something about your school. It’s a bully free zone. That’s unusual. The atmosphere in the school doesn’t allow it. I’m glad my son goes here.”


Ricardo M., parent, Detroit

“My son has been attending Ambrose Academy since he was three. He is now ten and has achieved black belt status. He loves attending Ambrose Academy. He has learned not only to defend himself, but also self- confidence, respect, and how to have a lot of fun. The atmosphere is very family-oriented and the instructors and fellow students are great. My son Tyler will be joining Lil Dragon’s as soon as he turns four.”

*We recently received a testimonial from this young man, now 20 years old. Here is what he had to say about his time at Ambrose Academy:

Matthew, 12 yr old student, Redford

“Ambrose Academy is the best school in the world! Everybody is nice and there is no boasting. I have really learned how to be a better person. I have made good friends.”

Tessa S, 10 yr old student, Livonia

“I’m 10 years old. I like Wing Chun Do because it’s fun and you learn how to defend yourself while you’re having fun at the same time. The teachers are really nice and they really want you to focus.”

Lucy, parent

“My son makes me very proud. This is the place that has helped mold him into a good individual. I vote for Ambrose Academy.”

Anonymous, Dearborn Heights:

“Our experiences with Ambrose Academy were wonderful. The self-discipline and self-defense techniques were wonderful. The staff made my children and I feel at home and was extremely helpful and kind. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a rich learning experience for his/her child!”


Michelle O., student’s aunt

"My nephew has been with them now for 6+ years. They have helped him build up his self-confidence; self control and keep him focused. The (instructors at) Ambrose Academy are very serious about their art and demand respect from their students. They are also a very caring staff that treats you like family. What a great experience it has been for our family to have been a part of theirs.”


Jay M, student in Adult Program, Southgate

“The school has a feeling you can’t get at another school. You care about the kids, you care aout the adults. In the Kid’s program, you have word of the month, sifu Rocco sits down and talks with the kid’s. It all shows how much you are about what you do.”

B. McCoy parent, Detroit

“Ambrose Academy has done so much for my shy son who now has new found determination and mental strength.”


J. Wyatt, parent and student, Redford

Prior to attending Ambrose Academy, my children had never found an athletic activity that would hold their interest. How lucky we were to find a school that would help develop both their bodies and their minds! Although I had never studied self defense of the martial arts before, I started to attend adult classes myself about four years ago. The training helped improve my health, my coordination, and my confident. My son is now a member of the adult classes with me. AA is a place where you feel part of an extended family. Sibok Rocco Ambrose and his wife believe in what they are doing and care about the people who study with them. If you’re interested in self defense training or studying the martial arts – for yourself and your children- visit Ambrose Academy and see what the school has to offer.”

Jose C., Detroit former student, now in attending Eastern University

“The Ambrose Academy has become a second home for me. Since I started here I have accomplished very many goals in my life. Because of this academy I’m in the best shape in my life and I now have the experience to protect myself and others from harm. Because of self-discipline, my life had changed into a more positive and focused direction. These are just a few things that I’ve learned while training here at Ambrose Academy.

Brandon S., former student in children’s program, and returned when he was 23

“Coming to Ambrose Academy when I was a kid, had a profound effect on my life. You really changed my life.”

Amy H., parent, her 7 year old daughter joined and stayed until going to college

“The instructors had a profound affect on my daughter. She joined the leadership program and went on to become a junior instructor for the children’s program. She became invested in the kids in her program and calls them her kids. The confidence she gained will be with her the rest of her life. I felt like I had very caring partners to help raise my girl.”

AND THE LIST GOES ON….

Go to the Children’s Page here.

 

“Community is much more than belonging to something, it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”

- BRIAN SOLIS