Thank you very much to all of our valued students, parents, families, clients, associates, and colleagues at Main Street Martial Arts who have this to say about the leadership of Main Street Martial Arts and some of our staff, in particular:

"My son, Isaac, has benefited greatly from taking Karate at Main Street Martial Arts. Isaac has had balance and other physical coordination issues. He had weekly therapy at Meeting Street School to help him with his attention span and social interaction. My wife and I wanted to enroll him in a sport, but knew that he wasn't ready for soccer or baseball. Isaac arrived at MSMA as a 5 year old. His balance, his sense of his own body, his ability to follow commands, and his social interactions have all improved greatly in the last year. The folks at MSMA have created a productive, safe, respectful, and fun environment that I could recommend to any parent." June 5, 2010 ~ Ryan Drinkwalter, father Karate student with Devlin Sensei for over a year.

“One way aikido has changed my life is through the local community I’ve grown involved with since starting. In September I returned to Providence after a year away and very much wanted to get to know people nearby.  Through training and other activities at the dojo, I’ve gotten to know a wonderful, warm group of people. They are also in a variety of age groups and professions, so this has given me valuable perspective on life outside of my academic community. Practicing aikido has also given me more confidence in other areas of my life. Especially, I am at a stage in my graduate work—the dissertation—where I write constantly with few tangible markers of progress. I remember when Werth Sensei reminded us of the significance of the learning process of aikido, in addition to belt promotions and other measures of success. This is something I have appreciated about aikido. In addition to the new ways I am learning to move and defend myself, practice in itself is satisfying. A day has never been a bad one when it ends with aikido. In turn, I’ve tried to apply Werth Sensei’s lesson to my dissertation work. This wisdom has helped me to value the very gradual, humbling process of learning that it involves. With aikido, I’ve grown stronger, more flexible, and much better able to respond to my training partner’s moves, without always anticipating them. I also greatly value that I am learning to defend myself, if that were ever necessary. MSMA, Werth Sensei, and Waldman Sensei help me to meet my goals because they are patient while maintaining very high standards. Neither has ever pushed me to try something I was not yet comfortable with. Both have kept reviewing mechanics of certain moves until I better understood them. They also keep a sharp eye on areas where each of their students can improve, and offer suggestions when it is time for one of us to further hone our skills. I recommend MSMA to everyone who could be interested. It is an excellent way to meet people, get in shape, and gain some interesting new perspectives on life.”   August 9, 2009 ~ Andrea Mazzarino, Aikido student of Werth Sensei and Waldman Sempai since 2008

“Werth Sensei is an outstanding professional and entrepreneur who delivers high quality family-centered programs. I have known Mr. Werth for over two years during which my family has benefited from his expertise as a Martial Arts instructor and as a community leader. My children attend Main Street Martial Arts and take part in several of their programs. Mr. Werth has a vision and commitment that has allowed him to continue to create innovative programs that are family centered and provide an environment where children can learn more than martial arts. Their learning experience extends to principles and values that guide them in their development as responsible, fun loving, disciplined individuals with a sense of community. I highly recommend Werth Sensei and Main Street Martial Arts to individuals of all ages and their families.” March 26, 2009; Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity , Creative; Thamara Davis, MD parent of students in the Ultimate Afterschool Program, taught by Werth Sensei, Waldman Sempai, and Develin Sensei from 2006 to present.

“Werth Sensei is a highly knowledgeable and dynamic teacher. He is also very approachable. As a beginner at martial arts, I am most impressed by how sensitive Werth Sensei is to the needs of each student, while he also creates an atmosphere in which students of various levels can learn together.” January 6, 2009; Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity ~ Andrea Mazzarino, Aikido student of Waldman Sempai and Werth Sensei from 2008 to present.

“Michael Werth Sensei has breathed life into North Main Street. An initial skeptic of his ambitious plans to make his Martial Arts studio a "community center", I am now an unabashed true believer. Both my kids go to his after-school program, which is unique, affordable and enjoyable. His excellent teaching has helped my children develop and I am waiting for him to offer a two week "boot camp" so I can get them completely shaped up. I highly recommend (and do constantly) Sensei and the Studio to all comers.” November 24, 2008; Rich Streitfeld, parent of student in the Ultimate Afterschool Program, from 2008 through the present, and Certified Public Accountant at Aaronson, Lavoie, Streitfeld, Diaz, and Co. 

“I hold Mr. Werth’s professionalism with the utmost respect not only as a co-worker but also as a gracious and kind individual in general which is evident to all who have the pleasure of knowing him. Mr. Werth’s commitment, dedication and passion to the education of our students is crucial in their succeeding, and his goal in ultimately making a difference in the lives of many is genuine; a true quality that surpasses description.” October 6, 2008 ~ Cheryl Howard, Executive Assistant to CEO/Head of School, Textron Chamber of Commerce Academy. Miss Howard worked with Werth Sensei at Textron/Chamber of Commerce Academy.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Werth Sensei about six years ago when I enrolled my daughter (then 6 years old) and nephew at his Aikido school. I have witnessed, first-hand, his passion and dedication for students. Werth Sensei is detail-oriented and operates his business in a very organized and thoughtful way. Having also been a recent student of his myself, I can say that he makes learning fun! His commitment to his students, their families, and the community is commendable.” October 5, 2008 ~ Kelly Monteiro Lawrence, Esq., Founding Independent Affiliate , Genewize Life Sciences; Ms. Moneteiro, her daughter, and her nephew have studied Aikido with Werth Sensei at Main Street Martial Arts.

“I think what Michael Werth Sensei is doing for Aikido in the local area is phenomenal. He holds true to tradition without wavering, following the teachings and methods in the true tradition of Ueshiba O-Sensei. At first, I wasn't following the point behind the rigorous standards of Werth Sensei's teachings, and even went to another Aikido school for a bit, but then came to understand the reason behind sticking to the basics. The basics prepare one to train harder and safer and strengthen one's inner body core. While the other school offered flash and cool methods, there was a lack of tradition and focus, and therefore the training there seemed empty and robotic. In addition to the rich training tradition at the Main Street Martial Arts dojo, Werth Sensei's outreach to help others in the community, to serve those who cannot easily afford to train, is wonderful. Hopefully, this program will give the gift of training to all who cannot afford it but who have a strong desire to learn. Keep up the great work, Sensei.” October 3, 2008 ~ Paul Gonicberg, Federal Officer/WMD Tech/CITR Team, US Govt, studies Aikido with Werth Sensei at Main Street Martial Arts

“Michael Werth Sensei is an excellent instructor who enjoys teaching and is passionate about his art, the school, and the community. Werth Sensei's "can do" attitude carries over to his students, and it shows.” October 3, 2008 ~ Chris Condon, Applications Developer, Insurer's World; associate student with Werth Sensei at Main Street Martial Arts.

“Werth Sensei continually demonstrates his effectiveness in transforming his positive visions into reality. He inspires those around him through his selfless actions. He is dedicated to his students and his family both on and off the mat. My 7 and 9 year old kids say... "Good teacher.. nice.. wise opinions... teaches well... really like Aikido"” October 2, 2008; Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity ~ Kevin Jacobson, parent of two children who study Aikdio with Werth Sensei and Waldman Sempai since 2007 through the present.

“Mr. Werth brings an incredible amount of energy and passion into his teaching and management at Main Street Martial Arts. These qualities have allowed him to maintain a loyal following of students and to create a thriving community-based program rooted in personal growth and achievement for both children and adults. Based on my own personal experience as Mr. Werth's student, I have found him to be an honest and forthright individual who sincerely wants his students to succeed.” October 2, 2008 ~ Greg Regan, Wholesale Account Manager, JR Music Supply. Greg had studied Aikido with Werth Sensei at Main Street Martial Arts since 2005.

“Mr. Werth is an energetic, committed teacher who routinely goes above and beyond in order to encourage and engender success for his students and to improve the school. He is a clear thinker, ambitious in the best sense of the word, hard working, and visionary.” October 2, 2008 ~ Larry DeSalvatore, Head of School , Textron Chamber Academy. Mr. DeSalvatore managed Mr. Werth at Textron/Chamber of Commerce Academy. 

“I hold Werth Sensei and the caliber of his work in the highest regard. I would recommend Werth Sensei, and have done so to many people, as someone with integrity, experience, knowledge and the ability and desire to work ceaselessly to improve others and a true leader who leads by example.” October 2, 2008 ~ Richard Davis, Top qualities: Great Results , Personable , High Integrity. Richard is the parent of children who take classes with Werth Sensei since 2007.

“Werth Sensei is a passionate and driven martial artist with a vision for positive change. He is excited about his art, and excited to benefit his community. I would recommend anyone interested in martial arts to check out his dojo in Providence and have some fun.” October 1, 2008 ~ Daniel Faggella, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor. Daniel has worked directly with Werth Sensei at Main Street Martial Arts.