Reader Testimonials

The following are real testimonials from real people who have read the book certain Victory.

"Dear, Mr. Ott,

I have just read your article in "TKD Times" and you very much remind me of what I have done in the past. I was born with the dissability Cerebral Palsy. I had a very hard time in the early parts of my life with keeping control of my muscles (I have a hard time now, but it's not near as hard as it was) When I was six years old I started martial arts. At first I started with Tae Kwon Do, but I was not given as much assistance that I needed at that time, so I was taken out of the class. It was about another year before I started my next, and favorite martial art, Kuk Sool Won. It was there that I was able to train my body to work alot better then it did. I got my 1st degree black when I was 13, and was able to get it along with my father which was very cool. Because of getting interests in different things however, I decided to take some time off from Martial arts, and spent more time in the special olympics. Putting that asside however, I wanted to elaborate on the subject that I put down. Although you were blind, yet you see. I have been able to do the same thing in a way. Although I have a dissability, which causes some difficulty, I have been able to do many things. I have been able to graduate from High School (which at first wasn't thought possible) spend a year in college, and I am now in my 3rd year as a night shift security officer. Although I still need some help in what I do, I still fight on, knowing that with what I have done in the past, I can still fight and be triumphant in whatever is in my future. I feel this is the same for you. I hope that you continue fighting in whatever you do whether it be in martial arts, or in your regular everyday life.

I would like to get to know you better if that's alright. I would like to become friends with you if that's alright as well. So please contact me when you can."

Thank you very much,

Joshua William Powell
kalal9222@hotmail.com

"Dear Mr. Ott,

I am currently a red belt training in Tae Kwon Do in Kamloops, British Columbia Canada at the Viani's Martial Arts School. I read the Tae Kwon Do times magazine every month and came across a little advert of your book. I am going for my apprentice black belt soon and one of our requirements is that we read a self-development book and write an essay on what we have learned from it. They say that things happen for a reason and I do believe that. Naturally, I selected your book for my essay and I just finished it last night. What an absolutely phenomenal book. I cannot express how much you have inspired me to be even a better martial artist. In fact, you taught me that martial arts is really a lifestyle and not a sport. How your indomitable spirit kept you going forward through everything you went through. Obstacle after obstacle you never gave up and you went forward. I cannot even fathom the internal strength that you must have. Thank you for taking the time to write this book and share your story. You are someone I will certainly not forgot and when things seem to difficult or when I am feeling sorry for myself, I just need to think of you and what you have accomplished and everything will be ok."

Thank you again,
Krystal Armstrong

"Dear Mr. Ott,

I write you to wish you best with the release of the audio-version of 'Certain Victory.'
Your life story is inspiring and I am sure your new endeavor will be successful.
I recently read a March 24 story in the Courier Post, which prompted this letter. The
article, which I am sure you have read, highlighted many of your life's achievements. Certainly, all that you have accomplished through adversity is a testament to your character.

As a United States Senator, I fight everyday to make life better for New Jerseyans. A life
like yours certainly lends the inspiration to keep on fighting. Thank you for sharing your story.

Again, please accept my best wishes with your release of the audio-version of 'Certain
Victory.' While you may no longer reside in New Jersey, you are indeed a fine ambassador of the Garden State."
Robert Menendez, United States Senator

"Dear Master Ott, Seasons greetings! I hope all is going well with you and your family. I have been wanting to write you to thank you and tell you what I think of your book, but have had to wait, because I was "saving" your book for my next big trip. This way, I would have a good book to read on the airplane, and maybe in the evenings in my hotel room. Well, my next "big trip" was to Puerto Rico on the first week of December.

So....it was killing me to have to wait to read it. I really wanted to read your story, and truth be told,......"I cheated" a few times and would read several pages or a chapter. This was almost like torture for me, because I didn't want to stop reading. But I kept telling myself, that as I was finding out, this in fact was an awesome book, and it would be so much better while on my long (and boring flights, and sitting in airports, etc.) So, at any rate, I finally read it a couple weeks ago on my way to Puerto Rico. I knocked it out before I reached Miami. All I can say is.....WOW.

I tell you Robert, this is one amazing and incredibly inspiring story. You certainly are a special person, and God surely has more plans for you. I am even more honored to share your friendship and brotherhood. You are the embodiment of the modern day Farang. You truly are a modern flowering knight, and you lead by example. Boy, what an example. The Temple of Certain Victory is THE PERFECT name for your dojang. Indeed. I look forward to seeing you in the next year, and having some good fun together.

Alright, I just wanted to drop you a short note to let you know that I loved your book. I hope you have a great Christmas, and that Santa brings you lots of presents...ha.ha. I'll be in touch."

With brotherhood, Kuk Sa Nim FMS-WHQ Grand Master Mike De Alba

July 9, 2007

"After reading the book, I was moved by your courage, sheer determination, and strength of heart. I am sure that the book is a great motivational tool for everyone, but I am thinking it could be a great value to larger corporations given the fact that employees in every segment of employment struggle with motivation, illness, and dealing with adversity in general. In fact, hearing you speak may even be better. I certainly came away with a different feeling about you after seeing you in action at the NKMAA seminar you hosted.

In my more than 50 years of teaching martial arts, I have seen a dramatic change in the attitudes of young people, and present corporation woes are just the tip of the iceberg if I look at the attitude of young people who are expected to fill jobs in the future. I am saddened by the lack of motivation so many people show these days, and it seems that so many kids just "give up". Reading your book may just give them the courage to face adversities in a more positive manner. Thank you so much for sharing the story of "Certain Victory" with me. You have my utmost admiration Sir."

Warmest personal regards

Grand Master(9th Dan)
President of the National Korean Martial Arts Association
Rudy Timmerman, kwanjang

"Master Ott,

I found your book quite inspiring and informative. You are a credit and inspiration to the martial arts and those who study them.

I always look forward to attending your seminars when you are here in New Jersey, I was already looking forward to your next seminar before the one I was attending was over, as I always do. Take care, keep up the great work.

Until we meet again."

Dave Lynch
2nd Dan,
MacKenzie's Gold Medal Family Karate
Vorhees, NJ

"Sir, there is a saying in the martial arts that goes, 'when the student is ready the master will appear.' That has proven to be true time and time again in my life. That statement is a living breathing thing.

Last night you came to my studio and I felt like I had personally received the best martial arts training that I have received to date. Every word you spoke seemed like you spoke directly to me. I was truly a student again, something I had lost a long time ago.

A couple of times when you spoke you looked directly at me, I didn't feel it from my eyes but from the center of my body as if you saw into the real me. My life has been altered permanently by your visit. I will never be the same. In one day I grew beyond my previous limiting beliefs into the passionate, fire breathing, Moo Sa that is again in love with what he does and the beautiful people around him.

Sir, my deepest thanks and eternal loyalty are yours as I now consider myself a student of Chief Master Bob Ott.

Many thanks from a student with a full heart. 'Life in every breath"'

Sah Bum Nim George Maybroda, Korean Martial Arts Institute

"The Biography of Robert Ott is a must-read for anyone who has experienced tremendous challenges in their life.

Robert shares his inner-most feelings on how a tragic event forced him to look into his own soul to make a choice to recreate his life but also to tap into that burning desire that we all have within ourselves to leave our mark in this world.

Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting Robert or reading this book will come away with a renewed faith that we can all overcome any obstacle that life presents to us."

Al Samuels

"Rarely in this world do we ever gain a true understanding of what it means to be human.

In this book, I believe I have seen a small glimpse of what that means to me. Through the journey, Robert J. Ott takes us as we witness the highest highs and the lowest lows one can endure in ones lifetime but through it all there is one most common trait.... Love.

Read how this constant has forever changed Roberts life as he takes an event of unimaginable pain and suffering at the hands of another and redirects the negative into one of the most positive life experiences I have ever heard of in my lifetime.

We can all learn something here no matter what our experiences good or bad; a must read."

Blase J. DiCioccio

"Praise the Lord!

Hey Robert! I have to say that your book is AMAZING!! I’m sure there is nothing I can say about your experience or this book that you haven’t already heard—I can’t even put into words my feelings really.

I am on chapter 3 and all I keep saying is “praise God!”

Even though I have known what happened, after reading this far I have so much more respect for you than ever before and I truly mean that."

Laura Beickman, Washington State DSB

"Hey, I read your book on the plane & the beach...not my usual vaca reading material.

It left me feeling, feeling in awe I guess. Beyond my imagination what you, your family and friends went through.

I can say for certain you are an inspiration and I feel honored to have had you cross my path.

Thanks for sharing your journey. Best wishes for the New Year!"

Randi, The Flower Shop

"Hey Bobby, I was just thinking about you, I just heard the Corey Hart song "Never Surrender" on the radio (believe it or not haha) and it hit me- I don't believe I ever got the chance to tell you how much I loved the book!

It was amazing, you should be very proud...it felt like I was going back in time reading about Gogi and my dad and Aunt Reen....very emotional, very moving....but I had no doubt in my mind that it would be great."

"Dear Mr. Ott,

I want to thank you for your time and the inspiration you imparted to us at the Orientation & Training Center last week at the Department of Services for the Blind.

I have a friend who works as a Recreational Therapist in the adaptive ski program at Vale Colorado.

She is always looking for great autobiography stories of courage and overcoming great obstacles.

I was quick to recommend your story for her reading pleasure.

Thank you again for telling your story and challenging others to greatness.

Katy Lynch

"Master Ott, you truly are an inspiration both in martial arts and in life.

Your story of pain, struggle, ups and downs, and overcoming obstacles where most would have given up, is deeply moving.

It makes me stop and reflect on my own life and hold you as a model of how to live life to the fullest and never give up.

Your indomitable spirit serves as encouragement for martial artists and non-martial artists alike that the practices of hard work, dedication, and will-power can help us overcome even the most trying obstacles. Pil-Sung my friend."

Sean Bradley

"Robert - I have been remiss in not thanking you for your gracious gift. I very much enjoyed the book and it now sits on our coffee table.

I started reading your book on Easter day and finished it rapidly. Your book allowed me to better understand the joys and trials which you and Kimberly have gone through over the course of your lifetimes.

Thank you again."

Mike Foster

"Dear Master Ott,

I would like to thank you for coming back to the Dragon Gym for the April 28th seminar.

I just finished reading Certain Victory and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading it...and the last page brought tears to my eyes.

I'm currently a black belt candidate trying to find that perfect sense of courage and confidence necessary to earn that rank, inside and outside of the gym...and your story has helped me to realize that I can do it!

Thank you,
Christine Gazzillo, student, The Dragon Gym

"Robert's book was engaging and enlightening. Anyone who knows Robert knows how strong of a personality he is, but the books revelations as to his strength of character and mind were beyond belief. I wish I had a fraction of courage he has shown through his ordeals. Robert is the personification of strength, courage, and indomitable spirit. What a great read. I couldn't put it down."

John Rae

"Hello Master Ott,

Certain Victory is an amazingly candid look in to the life, tragedy, and triumph of Robert Ott. Robert learned many things growing up, especially from martial arts but one thing he did not learn, and was never taught, was how to give up. Master Ott truly displays the warrior spirit (Hwa Rang) in every facet of his life.

On a more personal note, having met you Robert, and quite a few of the people mentioned in the book, I feel like I already know you! So many of the things you went through, I can relate to, especially in the martial arts. Thank you very much for having the courage to openly share with the world!

Matt Survis

Reader Testimonials

The Story of Strength, Courage and Indomitable Spirit!

Now Available!

Tae Kwon Do Times July, 2008 Edition

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