Eye of the Tiger Karate was established in 1990 to fill what its founders, Audrey and Howard Yanoff, saw as a void in the Martial Arts School concept. We had as a vision a school where each individual could develop his or her potential to the fullest in a non-threatening, non-competitive atmosphere.

From observing countless schools as we traveled with our daughter, Jennifer, as she trained and competed, we were struck by the emphasis on the "superstars" and by the comparisons, often, by instructors of one student to another. We decided then to open a school that would emphasize the positive in each student in an atmosphere where all would thrive and have fun.

We provide what we initially envisioned --- a school where all may reach their potential, a school where one student is never compared to another, a school where family values are emphasized, a school where community service is encouraged, a school where "life" skills are enhanced, and, most of all, a school where students accomplish all of this while having fun!

OUR MISSION . . .

Eye of the Tiger Karate is dedicated to developing the complete Martial Artist, strengthening physical, social and personal growth. We believe that an integral part of this process is the conscientious effort to reinforce family values through effective character development education and community service commitment. A product of Eye of the Tiger's training is augmented "life" skills leading to enhanced self-esteem, self-discipline, communication skills, positive mental attitude, and goal setting.

In the Community

We are proud of the outstanding community service that Eye of the Tiger accomplishes throughout the year. Because of our belief that community service strengthens character, we encourage full participation by all of our students in the various projects. For the past eight years, we have adopted Toys for Local Children as a project for our school. During the months of November and December, we solicit new toys from our students to be distributed through the local organization to the many children in the area who might not get presents on the holidays. Each year we proudly send over hundreds of toys and our students learn about the true gift of giving.

In May 2006, we organized our fourth year of running The Marissa Walk in memory of Marissa Broady to benefit The Marissa Fund of the National Marfan Foundation. Marissa was the sister of one of our Black Belts, Craig Broady. She passed away at the age of four from complications from the Marfan Syndrome, a disease of the connective tissues. Our total raised over the four years is $100,000, all of which transferred 100% to the Marfan Foundation.

This past spring, Eye of the Tiger participated in a very special new program wherein the students of the dojo brought in school supplies. They filled to overflowing 20 backpacks, which will be distributed in August 2007 to children connected with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.

This fall, Eye of the Tiger's students collected over 600 children's books for Lynn's Headstart program. These children might not have books otherwise. It was a win-win for all.

Our Parents Advisory Board instituted a Senior Scholarship for any of our seniors graduating from high school as long as they met the requirements set up by the Board. Grants have ranged from $850 to $1000 per student. The school participates in a Silent Auction wherein the families donate items that are then bid on over the next few weeks. The money raised is then used for the Scholarships.

Each year we spend a great deal of time and effort on these programs. The true reward from these programs is the joy of seeing the good that the students of Eye of the Tiger do both for the community and for the individuals in need as well as watching our students grow in terms of character and community responsibility.