Personal Testimonials
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Dr. James M. Kutnow,
Pastor
To whom it may concern:
I have known Daniel Pope for almost twenty years during my term of
service as Pastor of The Blue Church in Springfield, PA. I have
watched him grow from a brash teenage kid with lots of potential to
a mature adult significantly impacting the lives of everyone he
touches. He is blessed with a lovely wife and daughter, and his
noteworthy achievements include all that he is currently
accomplishing through his karate school, all he is doing in his
various leadership roles at The Blue Church, and through his
numerous community involvements.
Daniel's greatest strength is his personal discipline. He holds
himself to almost impossibly high standards in everything he
undertakes, and while he expects a lot of those with whom he works,
his commitment to excellence makes him a teacher and motivator par
excellence. He has personally made a difference in the lives of
scores of families and individuals.
No once can be around Daniel for very long without quickly learning
about the most meaningful relationship in his life, the relationship
he has with the Lord Jesus Christ. While talking about God and the
Bible may make some people uncomfortable, Daniel's faith is
something so vital and real that those who might otherwise be put
off by such things are soon engaged in considering their own need
for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
I consider Daniel one of my closest friends as well as one of the
most committed disciples of Jesus Christ I've ever met. I am
grateful for the opportunities I've personally had to interact with
him, grow with him, and watch God work powerfully in his life.
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Laura Chaves, Tax
Accountant
I have been a student at Daniel Pope's Karate school for the past
six years. Although my attendance has been sporadic due to my work
schedule and other factors, what has remained constant is my desire
to return to his school under his guidance and training. Mr. Pope is
a master not only in karate, but also in many aspects of life.
His strong beliefs in Christian morals and family values serve as a
model to all of his students. His tremendous spiritual knowledge and
leadership abilities are exemplified through his lifestyle. He is a
family man who cherishes and openly praises his beautiful wife and
daughter.
As an instructor, he is committed to each student's physical
progress. Although there are several hundred students in his school,
he is aware of each of their abilities. He helps set goals and
develops individualized training programs with them. He has an
excellent team of instructors who work closely with him in achieving
his objective with each class. For me, he has been extremely
flexible with his schedule, and has been the motivational force in
my conditioning.
His dedication to his students, however, goes much deeper than
developing the physical aspects of karate. Mr. Pope has the
remarkable ability to communicate with and connect to people. He has
counseled and mentored many of his students, including myself among
them. I am comfortable counseling with Mr. Pope because as I have
come to know him, he has shown himself to be honest, insightful,
nonjudgmental, and most importantly, trustworthy.
Perhaps the more surprising aspect of his personality is his
fun-loving, adventurous side. He organizes activities for students
from football games to rollerblading excursions. He has also been
seen jet skiing, sailing and on Haunted Hay Rides. The mastermind of
many practical jokes, you can never tell what he has planned next!
It is Mr. Pope's spirit itself that makes his school so unique. He
is driven, dedicated, energetic, perceptive and generous. Probably
the best attestation to his character I can give is that I asked him
and was honored when he agreed to give the prayer at my wedding
reception. It meant so much to me that he and his family were a part
of such a special time in my life. He is a true friend.
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Lorraine
Ranalli, Shadow Broadcast Services
I've known Dan Pope since we were 15 years old. As sophomores in
high school, Dan was already pursuing a Martial Arts career and I
was already pursuing a career in radio. I'm happy to say we've both
been successful in our endeavors.
These days, I'm pursuing another endeavor in which Dan has played a
major part. I've been trying to get in shape and keep my figure over
the years and Dan has essentially become my personal trainer. I've
never liked working out but after having four children I knew I had
to do something. Luckily I enjoy karate. I dabbled in Karate over
the years, but my training was interrupted with each pregnancy. Each
time I gave up on my workouts, Dan encouraged me to come back. He
never quit on me. That's the epitome of Dan's personality, he never
reneges on his commitments.
Dan is an expert in physical fitness. I'm not always able to make a
formal class, so Dan crafted a workout that I can do on my own.
What's more important is that I enjoy the workout. He's taught me to
become self-motivated. Having attained my fitness goals, I'm
confident I will maintain my enthusiasm through life. I'm also
certain my good friend and trainer will not let me slip.
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Dr.
Carter J. Cloyd,
Psychologist
RE: Daniel Pope Karate
Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able
to leap tall buildings in a single bound its Daniel Pope. At least
that's how his student's see him. He is an expert in Martial Arts.
When he gives students the opportunity to spar with him they
immediately develop chills up and down their spine because they know
that he is capable of super human feats, but in reality he is only
human. He is a Christian with deep religious beliefs. He is a
friend, mentor and spiritual leader to his students. He has a deep
personal relationship with all his students. He is a paradox. He has
dark features, bushy arching eyebrows like a demon but he is a
deeply religious man. He has a mischievous sparkle in his eye that
screams don't trust me and yet he is overly cautious that none of
his students gets hurt. His students trust him completely. He has
brown eyes that appear full of wonder until you see him spar and you
realize that the eyes have deceived you because he has a strategy
and a plan to accomplish, attack and defeat his opponent. His
childish grin says I'm all fun and games but his punches and kicks
are all serious business. He presents as an overly friendly,
easygoing guy, but when you look around his school the trophies and
the awards tell you he is a fiercely competitive willful driven
martial artist who has achievement written all over him. If you walk
in to his classes there is activity everywhere and it initially
appears chaotic but you soon find out that every step in the martial
arts program has been planned with deep care and each step has been
carefully orchestrated and measured. He has a boyish charm that says
he has just started this martial arts school, but he's been at it
for 20 years. He is an intelligent, motivated over achiever with a
clear sense of right and wrong. Mr. Pope has a deep commitment to
his students and to the Martial Arts. He believes in conditioning
and in the disciplined practice of techniques and forms. As a result
of super conditioning, excellent technique, exceptional grounding in
forms, as well as, the courage with which he practices, Mr. Pope, is
truly a genuine Martial Arts expert and Instructor. He has numerous
trophies and awards in recognition of his skills. Mr. Pope is a
remarkable man and instructor with the ability to develop the best
in others. His Karate and Martial Arts instruction are qualitatively
above the rest.
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Rob Hughes, Real
Estate Agent
I have been training in the Martial Arts with Mr. Pope since January
1993. For six and a half of those years I have traveled 50 minutes
one way to train with Mr. Pope. I do this because, in my opinion the
"Daniel Pope Karate Institute" is by far the best Martial Arts
school in the area. Ranks and belts are earned here not just given
out.
We have a well diverse training program. In one aspect we have sport
Karate. We also have traditional Martial Arts such as Forms. We also
train in self defense, boxing, kickboxing, and cardio-workouts. I
previously trained with weights prior to Karate, and I must say in
my opinion the Martial Arts is a harder workout and more beneficial!
Our instructors are phenomenal. They are not only highly skilled but
are extremely patient, and willing to help each individual achieve
their Martial Art goals. We are exposed to many different guest
masters and instructors, which is another statement of Mr. Pope's
willingness to keep things fresh and exciting.
In our school there are no egos or negative attitudes. We are very
much like a second family trying to help everyone reach their goals.
I would encourage anyone interested in joining our school to speak
with Mr. Pope or any of his students to verify my testimonial.
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Chris Jolissant,
Video Producer
Upon first meeting Daniel Pope, I was so impressed with his
character and enthusiasm that I had to take the opportunity to join
his school of Karate. Being his student has been nothing but a
positive experience. In his mastery of martial arts, Mr. Pope has
not forgotten what it's like starting out. He is very perceptive to
what new students have problems with and, along with his talented
staff, provides much support. I've noticed that he and his staff are
also exceptional with kids. Not matter what age though, he provides
a very well rounded martial arts education along with great physical
and mental conditioning. Mr. Pope accents the martial arts
experience with recreational activities for students outside of
class. These activities provide and informal setting for fun and
additional social interaction. When Mr. Pope is your instructor, he
also becomes your friend. I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know
him as a person. Furthermore, the benefits of Daniel Popes skills,
knowledge, and positive energy transcend and enhance every aspect of
my life.
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Sybil
Christine Champagne, Assistant Teacher
Mgmt., Arbor Court - Personal Care facility for the Elderly
Daniel Pope has been a major influence in my life since age
fourteen. He has helped guide me in many areas, most importantly
faith in Jesus Christ. Daniel is not only my dear friend but also a
coach, teacher, motivator and spiritual inspiration to many of his
students and encounters.
From a martial arts standpoint he has brought me to a level of
competition in sport karate that few in Delaware County have
achieved. Daniel Pope is one of the most t accomplished martial
artists in Pennsylvania with not only regional and local ratings but
also national ratings. I have seen thousands of people in and out of
the karate school over the years, more have stayed than left, some
have opened their own schools but continue to be thankful and loyal
to the man who brought out their own talents. He has an incredible
way of bringing out the best in all in all who walk through his
doors whether in an athletic or a personal way.
Daniel Pope has the compassion and patience to help people with many
areas of life whether it is getting in physical shape, losing weight
solving personal problems, or helping one to make business
decisions. He speaks of the "Greats" in martial arts, those who have
brought sport karate to where it is today. He admires the "Greats"
in football, hockey and other sports, In my mind, he is definitely
among them.
Daniel is also the friend and spiritual inspiration. Since day one
he has spoken of Jesus and the Faith he has in our Lord. He is not
shy, soft spoken or embarrassed as many of us are at times to speak
the Lords name. At the drop of hat, even before it falls, Jesus
comes from his mouth. The Daniel Pope Karate Institute gives one a
feeling of wholesomeness, safety and goodness. Daniel Pope tells it
how it is, and asks for only open communication, honesty and
loyalty. He is open, hones and loyal to everyone he meets and stands
firm to his word, no matter what.
I am thankful to Daniel Pope for all of the time he has spend with
me over the years.
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Carie Holbert,
High School Teacher
Approximately 1-1/2 years ago, I strolled apprehensively into the
Daniel Pope Karate Institute. Unsure of what to expect, a dark man
in a Karate uniform greeted me warmly. As we discussed my fitness
goals, I overwhelmingly felt that this was the place for me. Mr.
Pope took time with me; that is what set him apart from many others.
As my training began, his patience was so apparent. If you needed
extra help with a certain pattern or self-defense move, Mr. Pope
volunteered his time. If you needed a supportive listener to help
you through a tough time, again Mr. Pope was there.
He is your resident Jack-of-alltrades. He seems to know a little bit
about everything. As I moved up in the ranks of Karate, Mr. Pope
approached me about the prospect of going to a tournament; I was
thrilled. I had been waiting and hoping that I would be able to
represent our school in competition. Of course I was nervous. Over a
month before the tournament, Mr. Pope and I began training
intensely. He is a perfectionist; this is what makes his students
succeed. He drives you to want the best from yourself. He drives you
to push yourself farther than you ever thought possible. On the
actual day of the tournament, I was a wreck. I had butterflies and
everything (something I thought I was too old to get). Again Mr.
Pope and the people in his school were there for moral support. The
feeling of comradeship that day was amazing. The people in our
school stood by watching and coaching me to make sure that I did my
best. The day was a success; I walked away with two (huge) first
place trophies and one third place.
I would not have been as successful if I did not have the coaching
of Mr. Pope. Currently, I am still training hard with Mr. Pope three
times a week. I am looking forward to the next competition where I
can demonstrate all that Mr. Pope has taught me.
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Mary Elizabeth
Grzywinski, MSN, RN
In October of 1997, seven months after the birth of my second son I
joined the Daniel Pope Karate Institute.. And "Why the Daniel Pope
Karate Institute?", quite simply, Mr. Pope answered the phone that
day when I started calling karate schools listed in the yellow
pages.
I often asked myself was it just luck that he happened to answer the
phone? Or was this "meant to be" , and I wholeheartedly believe that
I was meant to find Mr. Pope's school. Moreover, he is completely
dedicated to his school and the meticulous education of his
students.
My life has improved dramatically since that time for a variety of
reasons. Physically, I had an old neck injury that "flared up" after
the birth of my son. He was also born by c-section, and these two
complications, in addition to caring for a 2yr old, left me in
terrible shape. Emotionally, I was very unhappy with myself and the
physical deterioration I felt as well as feeling completely
overwhelmed as a mother. My husband and I were trying to weather the
stress to our marriage that our new family had created.
Professionally, I had to come to terms with the fact that I could
not give my family what it needed and also continue teaching and
working as a nurse.
Needless to say, after my first lesson with Mr. Pope I was addicted
to Martial Arts. Mr. Pope is an expert, perfectionist and your
biggest cheerleader. He keeps things fun and different and is always
available. Since joining, I have not had any problems with my neck.
I feel so empowered as a woman since learning self defense
techniques, and I have NEVER been in better shape in my life. I am
now 34 years old and had another baby in May, 1999. I worked out one
week before I delivered and returned within 5 weeks!!! I feel
amazing!!!!! I can say that I am a better mother and wife since
joining karate.
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Colleen Cullen,
Jr. High School Teacher
Daniel Pope is a dedicated man. He is dedicated to his students,
school, family, and most importantly his faith in God. It is this
dedication that I most admire about Daniel Pope. After a few months
of training, my commitment to the program and myself was dwindling.
Daniel Pope noticed this change, and talked with me about it on a
personal level. We set new goals together and committed ourselves to
reaching those goals. Mr. Pope was not obliged to give this extra
time to me; that is just the way he is. He wants to bring out the
best in a person physically, mentally and spiritually.
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Brigid McGrath
Buslin, Advertising
Choosing the right Martial Arts instructor for my daughter was an
important decision. Daniel Pope of the Daniel Pope Karate Institute
made my decision and easy one.
Aside from Daniel Popes most impressive list of credentials, he is a
good, moral human being.
Daniel Pope is very involved in all of the classes that are taught
at his school. He steps into the classes and interacts with the
students. He cares about each and every student professionally and
personally. Most of all I respect his "Goal of Training", which is
to get each and every student to maximize his or her fullest
potential. It is an honor to work with him and be his friend.
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Janice Jones,
Nurse Practitioner
I have been a student at Daniel Pope Karate Institute for a year and
a half. What encouraged me to join and had kept me here is Mr.
Pope’s dedication to his work and students. He gives everything he
has and the knowledge of his many years of Karate at every class,
allowing his students to learn from his expertise. Mr. Pope also
takes time with his students to get to know about each and everyone
of them, giving the class a much more individual and personal feel.
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Stephanie B., Designer
Dear Dan,
This is your long lost student writing to say hello. I hope that you
had a nice holiday with your family. I hope that Vicki and Rachel
are well. I just wanted to let you know that I haven’t forgotten
about you and karate. I also wanted to thank you for all the time
that you spent not only helping me with karate but also helping me
with my life. There aren’t many karate teachers out there who would
give up so much of their time for a student. I am very grateful for
your friendship. If it weren’t for all of those talks we had over
three and a half years ago about the direction my life was heading
in, my messed up religious beliefs and my drinking my life would
probably be so different now. If it weren’t for you I probably would
never have considered dating Brendan. I’m glad that I did. You’ll be
happy to know that we finally got engaged on August the 8th. Life is
very good these days. We both work a lot, his business is a lot more
work than we thought it would be.
Well I don’t want to take up too much of your time. Take care of
yourself and Thank you again for caring.
Your student for life,
Stephanie
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