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Cutting Edge
Self Defense
Testimonials                                   
(517) 853-9856 tk.martialarts@gmail.com

Dear Guro Kent,

I know I've said this before, but I consider you to be a World Class Instructor.  I've taken lessons from across the country, but your classes are just unbelievable, and I enjoy every single one.  I've got dozens of DVD's but none compare to the way you relate the subject matter to a class. 
Thanks again for all you do and passing on some of what you know.

                                                                                                         







 -Jim Fontella
* K.S.K. Private Student
  * F.A.S.T. Track Phase-1 Graduate
 Vietnam Combat Veteran: Mariens
Jimmy & TK





I’ve experienced many styles of the martial arts over the years, both eastern and western.  In my field of work, I have to.  What I haven’t experienced often is a single universal style that I was willing to put in the “just right” category.  After getting to know Sensei Nelson, I realized that it wasn’t due to a deficiency in any of the disciplines; it was the lack of an extraordinary teacher. 

A good teacher not only has a vast repertoire of techniques that he continuously increases & improves upon.  He must also understand the similarities & differences of many styles, and how to flow seamlessly between them.  He must have the unquenchable passion to never settle for where he’s at, but always strive to be better.  He should perceive the faults in things without ridiculing where they come from.  He ought to know the vast histories & origins of what he studies, yet seek to sift through the truths & misleadings.  And most importantly, he must be able to adapt to every type of student, both mentally & physically.  I am truly fortunate to find such a one in T. Kent Nelson.  His expertise belies his age, no doubt due to the fire with which he constantly seeks to further himself, while keeping a humble attitude.        

K.S.K Martial Arts is not the first school to converge the styles of many different cultures; not by any means.  But it is one of the few that does it well.
                                                                                                   
Brett Eckhart

- Brett Eckhart
Multiple years of study in the martial arts.
K.S.K. Martial Arts instructor's assistant since 2004

Co-Owner of Soul Synergy combat theater group.
soulsynergy.net

* Kai-Shin
* Kali





T. Kent Nelson is a pioneer in the modern day of martial arts.  Charismatic and  conceptual, he approaches his craft with an open spirit and an open mind.  Anyone, regardless of style, stands to benefit from his teachings.










- Dan Holland
Co-Owner & Instructor of the
Itama Dojo, East Lansing MI.
* Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido
* Nihon Jujutsu
* Kodokan Judo

Dan Holland



T. Kent Nelson has been a student of mine since the summer of ’07. As I have gotten to know Kent more I am really impressed at the quality of person and Martial Artist he aspires to be. His dedication for not only learning, but just as important, passing on the information he learns is very rare. I feel very fortunate to have him as a student and as a fellow PFS Instructor.





                                                                                                                                        -Shawn Kitzman
                                                                            Owner and Head Instructor of Synergy Martial Arts
 
                                                                                                             Progressive Fighting Systems,
                                                                                                Jeet Kune Do, and Filipino  Martial Arts
                                                                                                          Instructor under Sifu Paul Vunak
Kitzman


T. Kent Nelson has Martial Arts knowledge well beyond his years.  He is an enthusiastic instructor with a lot of spirit and desire to learn & train.  I've known him for over a decade and find him to be a very caring and giving instructor.  Anyone would benefit from his teachings.









- Jeff Sipe
Instructor of the Michigan Suibukan, Lansing division
* 3rd Dan Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu Karate-do
* 2nd Dan Yamashita-Matayoshi Kobudo
* Suikendo Practitioner


sipe


On May 13th, 2006 I attended a seminar on Filipino knife fighting.  The Kali based system of edged weapon techniques was fascinating and interesting.

I have been training with the incredibly talented Sensei-Guro T. Kent Nelson at
 K.S.K Martial Arts and I am enjoying the challenge of learning this masterful form of martial arts.  I would recommend that anyone seeking to gain new knowledge, or add to existing skills, to attend one of his seminars, participate in a drill, and you just may be amazed with what you can accomplish after training with this form of self defense.
Cliff Schartzer

- Cliff  Schartzer
   K.S.K. Student since 2006


Sensei Nelson is a phenomenal instructor.  His knowledge of martial arts is mind-blowing, and  his ability to teach and instruct is nothing short of amazing.  Not only is the K.S.K Martial Arts a place for you to work out and learn martial arts, it is a place to learn about yourself and test your limitations all under the watchful, supportive eyes of Sensei Nelson.  I highly recommend this dojo for anyone interested in learning martial arts, getting a good workout, or just trying something new.   His enthusiasm is contagious and he truly believes in your abilities, all of these things make for a wonderful experience.
 
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                  -Dawn Weisser, RN
                                                                                                     *Private Armas-Kali student
Dawn

Unlike T. Kent Nelson, I have no knowledge of Martial Arts. My background is Wrestling. Along with training and competing for over 20 years, I have taught Freestyle, Greco Roman, and Olympic Style wrestling. The past few months, I have had the privilege of grappling with Sensei Nelson. His vision and willingness to keep an open mind truly inspires me, not only to learn, but to teach.

My definition of leadership:
Leadership is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiration—of oneself and of others. Great leadership is about human experiences, not processes. Leadership is not a formula or a program, it is a human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others. It is an attitude, not a routine.

More than anything else today, followers believe they are part of a system, a process that lacks heart. If there is one thing a leader can do to connect with followers at a human, or better still a spiritual level, it is to become engaged with them fully, to share experiences and emotions.

I feel T. Kent Nelson embodies my definition of a leader.


Chris W.

- Chris Weirauch
Former wrestling coach for
Dansville High School
Dansville, MI.

When I first met Kent Nelson my expectation was that his system of Kai-Shin (which I had never heard of) would be a ‘mixed bag’ of techniques lacking the structure and order of a more traditional martial arts curriculum.  I am pleased to be able to say that my initial assumptions couldn’t have been further from the truth.

What has impressed me about Kai-Shin is its focus on the principles connecting different arts.  Kai-Shin is not simply an eclectic study of the techniques of different systems, but (more importantly for advanced students) it is a study of the underlying physiological similarities and body mechanics that connect all systems.

I have trained regularly with Kent Nelson since 2004.  As a training partner and friend, he has helped me to grow in new and unexpected directions which have contributed to my overall development as a martial artist.  During this time, I have had several opportunities to observe his abilities as an instructor, the overall concern he displays for student development and the passion he brings to teaching.

Because of my experience working closely with him, I am pleased to be able to highly recommend his system to anyone considering martial arts training for the first time, as well as to veteran practitioners looking to expand their knowledge of different arts.


Mike

- Michael Thue
20 years martial arts experience
* 4th Dan Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu
* 1st Dan Matayoshi Kobudo
* Suikendo Practitioner
Grand Rapids, MI.




I’ve been in some form of martial arts since I was 7 years old and I’ve sampled many different styles and watched them evolve.  For me, one of the most important aspects of any given style is its practicality.  When I met Kent Nelson, I knew right away that I had found a new family.  I’m currently working as a corrections officer and the dynamic curriculum of Kai Shin Kan Martial Arts captured my attention right away as being relevant to my current occupation.






-Carl Faulkner

* Black Belt in Karazenpo Kajukenbo
Kai-Shin & Armas-Kali student at K.S.K. Martial Arts
Carl


T. Kent Nelson is an intelligent and motivated individual. He is an exceptional martial arts instructor. About three years ago he worked with me with some minor techniques to help protect myself in police operations. We spent about two to three hours working on the material and I continue to retain it till today. 

I would highly recommend anyone who is looking to improve their knowledge in the aspect of self defense should learn from this highly motivated instructor.






-Officer Christopher Trumpower

Southern Michigan Police Depatment
trump



Sensei Nelson is a gifted teacher. His attention to detail and perception allow him to see and correct problems that can go unnoticed, otherwise. 

Sensei Nelson managed to, through a Kai-Shin drill, finally get my body mechanics (for boxing) to improve significantly... something I've been struggling to fix for some time. It was startling and very gratifying when it started coming more naturally.

Sensei Nelson not only is an excellent teacher, but he looks after his students, mind, body and spirit.

He reserves time for covering the philosophy of martial arts. He comes up with an idea to discuss and has his students share their thoughts and ideas without judgement, allowing everyone to grow from the discussion.

He is also very safety conscious, taking care to protect each student (as much as possible) from the particular frailties of their bodies.

He has a tightly knit school... and yet all his students openly welcome new students. The community spirit of the dojo is easily felt by those open to it.

Sensei Nelson has a deep passion both for the martial arts, as well as for teaching. He cares a great deal for the students who come to him, seeking a better knowledge of the martial arts, and yet manages to balance professionalism and friendliness in his dojo.



- Theo Shlien
(no picture available
* Kai-Shin & Armas-Kali student



Contact us at (517) 853-9856  
or email us at tk.martialarts@gmail.com