Testimonials

R.P’s Story

Dear Luke

I wanted to write a thank you letter and let you know how I’ve appreciated coming to lightsaber lessons.

I found Sons of Obiwan while looking around Tuggerah on Google Maps. The name stood out to me and I did a bit of research, but I didn’t really think I would go for it. I’ve always loved Star Wars and the idea of learning lightsaber combat was intriguing but I’m not really one to voluntarily try new things.

A few days passed and I found that I couldn’t get the idea out of my mind - which for an Autistic person means almost constantly thinking about it and talking about it to everyone I know. I couldn’t stand it anymore and decided that I had to book a lesson.

My first lesson came and passed with a lot of intense anxiety and afterwards I was having trouble trying to process it all. It was so difficult emotionally and cognitively, but I really wanted to go back. I couldn’t make sense of that but I ran with it.

As strange as it would sound to an outsider, lightsaber combat makes me feel normal. I learnt how to travel to lessons on the bus on my own, which may not sound like an accomplishment for a 22-year-old, but it really is. I pay for lessons myself. I have a hobby I can pursue.

I can’t express how meaningful all of this is to me, but if I can give you any idea, only 3 years ago I was reluctant to even leave a tent I set up in my room and I didn’t talk to more than 3 people. Of course, you haven’t seen my entire journey but I wanted you to know that my ability to take part in theatre combat training is extremely significant to me.

Lastly, I would like to thank you for not taking any crap from me. I know that I learn slowly and I can be stubborn in my repetitive behaviours. I just want you to know that I really appreciate your perseverance and honesty with me. There aren’t many people around me who strike a good balance of being kind to me without being condescending or fake.

I look forward to Improving with your help.

R.P

K.B’s Story

Dear Luke,

Just a few words of thanks for all that you have achieved working with and training K. The changes in her have been nothing short of amazing.

Her gross motor skills have improved and her confidence is greatly improved as have her socialisation skills.

We have tried many things over the years with either little or no improvement, yet within weeks of starting at the Sons of Obiwan, we have noticed a remarkable improvement. With her physical condition, we have seen a huge improvement, especially in her shoulder stability.

Thanks again for everything!

N.B. (Mother)

C.D’s Story

To The Sons,

As the parent of a 15yo daughter who is on the Autism Spectrum, experiences extreme anxiety, ADHD and seriously lacking self-confidence, I can not thank Luke, Jesse, D and Bones enough for the confidence they have instilled in my daughter since she started attending the Wednesday night class earlier this year.

My daughter was very much the homebody, it literally was a battle to get her to leave the “safety” of the house - even attending school was an issue before the Sons.

Now the Wednesday night class is the highlight of her week and something she looks forward to. To be able to sit outside the class in the car with the window down and hear her laughing out loud, talking, interacting and seeing her leave the class with a huge smile on her face is a huge difference to the child that started there earlier in the year.

I honestly believe that Sons of Obiwan have been instrumental in helping my daughter find her “voice” and confidence for want of better words and for that I will be forever grateful to them.

Kind Regards,

C.D.