"I love what Mr. & Mrs. Cook have shown my children. They have developed Motivation, Confidence and Team Spirit. As a parent I enjoy watching all of the Monarch's develop their form and technique week after week. It is like watching a dance. It is great !!! And they are having fun. Keep up the good work!!!!"

Ms. Hunie B.

" I love the atmosphere. The students take the space seriously and the instructors are very patient but demand respect. I’m really impressed at the amount of discipline and order that the instructors expect from their students. I’m pretty new to the class, but my little one who attends loves it. I also thoroughly enjoy the moral stories that are shared after some of the lessons."

Mr. Moses D.

"The atmosphere at Monarch Martial Arts is friendly, concerned about the success of each student and yet not frivolous; I do not get the impression that "everyone wins a prize". The tags (not sure what they are called, they go on the belts and say "Great Effort" etc.) are meaningful and not given out just to make the students feel "good". It is important to me that my children really earn them; I think that is much more valuable in creating a real sense of capability and pride in personal accomplishment (self-esteem--). The classes are a great mix - well-paced combination of working on moves, talking about values/safety/choices and a game that teaches but is really fun and engaging. The fact that you can address the abilities of such a wide range of ages is a credit to both of you as instructors. I appreciate the encouragement and positive feedback given to my sons by other parents and the other children -- it is a very supportive, cooperative atmosphere. It is not "competitive" in the sense of other types of activities; everyone wants everyone else to do well, but again, the praise/positive reinforcement is not handed out without real achievement on the part of the individual."

Ms. Marianne S.

"Monarch Martial Arts encourages their students to develop at each students individual pace, while at the same time promotes an atmosphere of teamwork. The program reinforces that hard work is required to reach your goals. These important values are helpful in functional families, school and most careers.
In addition to the values reinforcement mentioned above, classes at Monarch Martial Arts provide an engaging and structured fitness program for our girls. They are always ready to attend the next class. We have also enjoyed the family atmosphere at Monarch."

Tim & Mara Z.

"We get the self discipline my 2 boys need. They are both Autistic and have different problems but they both have self control and poor impulse control. They also both had very low self esteem and that has greatly improved. They are learning to respect their elders even other children with a higher rank than them. In my Husband's eyes and also mine we have been grateful at getting them into class and are very proud of both of them and proud of the progress they have made with their disabilities. It is very family oriented and the kids are encouraged to do their very best. The Cooks make the children and teens focus their energy towards their training."

Susan & Keith H.

"I APPRECIATE THE SUPPORTIVE SPIRIT AMONG THE STUDENTS. THERE IS ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE YOUNGER AND RESPECT FOR THE OLDER. THERE IS A TANGIBLE BOND BETWEEN THE STUDENTS THAT IS REFRESHING TO SEE. EVEN BY SIMPLY OBSERVING DURING CLASS AS A PARENT, I AM LEARNING SELF DEFENSE TECHNIQUES THAT I COULD TRY IN THE EVENT OF AN ATTACK."

Susan B.

"Tim and Cathlene Cook were instructors at my school for several years and have become excellent instructors! Their love of the martial arts shows in their teaching. It takes more than just the physical martial arts skills to be a good instructor and I have seen Tim and Cathlene grow into great instructors because they have a passion for teaching and a true desire to help others reach their potential."

Master Jason Landaas
Self Defense America
Asheville, NC
(Chief Instructor and Owner)

"I was under martial art instruction from Tim and Cathlene for approximately two years.  The school where I was taking classes had several instructors and there was no question that Tim and Cathlene were the best.  They were always willing to give individual attention to be sure that I completely understood the techniques in order to perform them properly.   They were also extremely concerned about safety and injury so their instruction included breaking down the individual components of a particular movement.  Their attention to detail and concern for each student was clear.  Tim and Cathlene also shared individual experiences with the class which allowed for further understanding of the curriculum.

While I received instruction from Tim and Cathlene in the adult class, I also observed several of the children’s classes that they instructed.  I feel that Tim and Cathlene have a particular gift with children’s instruction.  They understand how to incorporate fun and real life examples in a way that allows children to excel in the martial arts.  They are firm, yet caring.  It was clear that the students were not only learning, but enjoying themselves."

Beth A. Sorrentino
Asheville, NC
(Past Student)

"I would like to give my personal recommendation for Tim and Cathlene Cook.  I believe them to outstanding martial art instructors.  They were involved in instructing my two children in Tae Kwon Do for three years; training them from white belts up through junior black belt and First Degree black belt respectively.  They know the importance of discipline, respect, physical fitness, self control, and honor; and convey these things to the children.  They are also aware of the need for patience when instructing children and the need for making the instruction interesting and fun; sometimes incorporating games into the instruction. I believe their influence has helped my children to grow up to be respectful of others and to be the good children they are."

Mitchell Walker
Asheville, NC
(Parent of two past students)

“I’ve been blessed to train and instruct alongside Tim and Cathlene Cook and I can honestly say they are the two most genuine, gifted and talented, people you will ever know.  They are both good with kids and adults and everyone will benefit from learning from these two.“

Chris Tate
Asheville, NC
(Fellow Instructor)

"I first met Tim and Cathie as a student when I was thirteen years old. They were the Instructors I had when I started martial arts. I felt so awkward being a white belt and not knowing anything yet. Tim and Cathlene took the time to show me that it’s not just all about being able to do these things, it’s about believing in yourself and at the same time having fun with it. Tim and Cathlene showed me how to do the techniques, not just perform them but the reasoning behind them as well. With each passing year, I only got better and never stopped learning. Whenever I did performed a technique not quite right they would come over and pull me aside and help me focus on the one thing that I was confused about until I got it right. I became an assistant Instructor and would assist Mr. and Mrs. Cook with the children’s classes and I would hear comments from parents saying how much they appreciated those two teaching because their child/children would go home chattering excitingly about the new things they learned that day. Apparently from listening to my own parents, I would do the same. They never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. I know that if I had not gone to learn martial arts I would not be the person I am today. They always take the time to instill values in the students they teach, “If you do not have respect for yourself then you cannot have respect for others,” is just one of the things they taught me and all the students. The way they deal with kids is absolutely amazing. Kids love them, I know because I was one of them years ago. They find things that kids are interested in and incorporate that into their martial arts class. Some of the students at our school who have autism were treated the same as all the students were, they have great patience and it showed when the students would test and pass through to new ranks. I have seen the result firsthand myself and outside of the academy, the kids start to behave like they would do inside the dojo, which are one of the main goals they strive for. Six years later, I am a 2nd degree black belt and am attending college and I will tell you that if you choose to join this martial arts academy then you will not regret it!"

Kelley Bagwell
Asheville, NC
(Past Student)