Saturday”s Spectacular was something I will never, ever forget.

Saturday”s Spectacular was something I will never, ever forget.
Years from now I will be able to tell people that I once did a martial arts fighting demonstration in the same show that Benny “the Jet” did. But here”s a little back story to one of the greatest days of my life….
When I was at my lowest point of depression due to my dad”s health condition, I went up to Master Fariborz”s office to tell him what I”d be doing as a demonstration at the Spectacular. I said I”d like to do Basic Form # 2 with a twist. I”d do it against an attacker like I had once seen Mr. Robert do. I wasn”t even done describing it to Kyoshi when he simply said to me, “no”. No explanation, just “no”. Without pause, he said I was doing grappling, starting from standing position and employing twelve moves that I have learned in class. He grinned and dismissed me from his office.
As I was walking down the stairs, I was numb. I”m sure I was as white as a ghost because when Mr. T saw me he said “what”s wrong?”. I proceeded to tell him what Kyoshi expected from me at the Spectacular. Mr. T said, “Ron, relax. Mr. Fariborz knows what he”s doing. Trust me, HE WILL MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD!” I told Mr. T that I needed his help and Mr. T didn”t hesitate for a millisecond to join me in the demo.
That night as I lay in my bed I wondered why, despite what Mr. T had said, Kyoshi was doing this to me? Here I had just begged out of calling Basic Form # 4 the day before for the same reason that I wanted to do something really simple at the Spectacular. I had no focus or will to do anything more taxing than say my name at the introductions. This demo that Mr. Fariborz wanted me to do made calling Basic Form # 4 look like childs play. I really felt like I went from the frying pan into the fire!
Well, Mr. T and I came up with a routine and we practiced it morning, noon and night! It got to the point that when we greeted each other, it wasn”t with a hand shake and a fist bump, it was with a neck grab and an arm lock!
Come show time, there was nothing left to do but to do it. (There was one thing that I wanted to do that only Jodi knew about, but I wasn”t able to because the music was so loud. I was going to say, “My name is Ron, son of Ernest. I dedicate this Hapkido Blend demonstration to my Dad”. Alas, that part wasn”t meant to be, but in my heart my demo was for him.)
Other than Remy, I don”t know if anyone else was told what they were going to do at the Spectacular by Master Fariborz. Yet if I looked half as good as Miss Remy did, then Mr. T was right, Master Fariborz did make me look good…and if not, at least he made me feel good!
I once wrote a journal entry called “how did he know?” The question still stands…”How did he know?!?!?”
I will never, ever forget Saturday”s Spectacular.
Thank you Kyoshi.
*****
NOTES: Being that I was one of the last people to get my belt, it meant that almost all of my dear and beloved classmates were assembled along the candle lit path leading up to our Master, Mr. Fariborz. What an incredible feeling that was. And what a tremendous honor it was to have my mentors, Mr. Amir and Mr. T there as well to cinch my black belt around my waist. Thank you gentlemen. You”ll never know the depth of my feelings of gratitude for what you have done for me.
Mr. Bill, you possess Black Belt Excellence beyond words. Your work with Arya and his demos at the Spectacular were inspiring! Way to go to both of you!
All of the Forms demonstrations were outstanding. But a special shout out for the fighting demos by Nadia, Andrea and Marissa. Very impressive! I also liked all of the family demos, Nancy and Mishelle, Winnie and the girls, Helene and Sami, and the duet demos too.
If TKC ever creates an award for outstanding performances at a Spectacular, and for Black Belt Excellence, in my opinion, this year”s recipient of the award would have to be Mr. Ron. He was truly outstanding in everything he did! Not only did he do his own forms and demos with great skill, but he assisted in at least three other candidates demos as well. Plus, he was one of our team”s instructors on Saturday afternoons for the past four months. You are Excellent Sir, and it was a privilege to watch you work.
Miss Dru, your Basic Form # 4 demo?…OMG!!!!
I really enjoyed breaking the boards, with a word describing a thing I wish to break myself of, written on them. My words were temper, anger, self doubt and stress. For me it was four strikes consisting of a fist, elbow, knee and foot. Four strikes, four breaks. Now I mean to follow through and conquer all of those things.
Thank you Marnie and Jennifer for compiling all of my public journal entries and printing them. That was quite a surprise and it truly touched me.
Mr. Robert, I had certain expectations of what you might say to me when it was my turn to walk the path. In fact, I”ve been thinking about it for two years. But what I had in my mind was nothing compared to what you actually said to me. Even now I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I will do my best for the rest of my life to live up to what you said to me.
*****
“So Ron, who were the keynote speakers at your Black Belt graduation?” “Oh, just Benny the Jet Urquidez and Grandmaster Taejoon Lee.” Incredible. All these incredible Martial Artists at MY graduation. Just kidding. They weren”t there for my graduation, they were there for Master Fariborz because of the respect he”s earned in the Martial Arts world. I (we) were just the beneficiaries of that respect.
What a day!
Ouse.

Here is Marnie’s reply to the “thank you” letter I sent her. Wow, I must admit I didn’t anticipate such a passionate response. This was a great idea by you to send these letters. I think it was unexpected by Marnie and I’m quite sure it made her day…I know it made mine.

You knew it would have this effect, didn’t you. Well I don’t know where you come up with this stuff, but it’s awesome! But like you always say, you’re trying to create “Martial Arts Activists”, not just run of the mill
martial artists. I’m starting to understand it now.

So now that I’ve written a letter to the “person who was the most influential” in my decision to join TKC, I think I’ll write a letter to my wife as “the person who has been my greatest supporter”, because without
her, none of this would be possible for me.

Thank you Sir,

Ron

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Dear Ron,
I am deeply humbled and honored that you feel the way you do. I am so proud of your accomplishments and your strength to “show up” and make a change. You have shown nothing but dedication and love for you, your family, and for TKC. The journey is nothing short of incredible. The bond is indescribable. You, made it happen. I want to say also, Jodi has been an amazing wife and partner too. I didn’t have that. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been at times to dedicate yourself as a provider, a husband, a father, and now a BB Candidate. You have always shown BB Excellence in your daily life. It isn’t about the belt, it’s the journey that takes you there……in life. Thank you for the wonderful letter. I will cherish it, as I do your friendship.

Respectfully yours,
Marnie

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Dear Marnie.

I just wanted to send you a little note telling you that I consider you the most influential person in my decision to join TKC and pursue my Black Belt. And what a grand and life-changing decision it was. As I embark on the latter stages of the Journey to Black Belt Excellence, I want you to know that not only are you one of the main reasons that I joined TKC, you are also one of the most inspirational.

It started when I read your bio. I was so moved to read how you overcame some trying times in your life with the help of TKC, it’s owner and it’s staff. How Kyoshi, Mr. Ash and others helped you empower yourself through the study of the Martial Arts.

Then as we would chat while Lauren was taking class, you told me that you thought that I should join as well. I thought the idea was ridiculous of course, being set in my ways as a smoker, drinker, golfer, bowler and about as out of shape as one could be. But you persisted. Every week you’d say, “when are you going to join?” or “it’s your turn now” or something on that order.

When I did join, I marveled at your drive and desire in the pursuit of your Black Belt. You were a leader of your team, a friend and confidant to many, and a role model for all.

The topper for me was when we took Mr. T’s bootcamp together, and you and I would partner up. I was amazed at the power and the speed at which you punched and kicked. You’re technique was clean and precise, yet full of controlled ferocity. I left there some days thinking, “Damn, I think this chick could kick my ass!” Being your partner raised the bar for me, and you pushed me even harder and farther than I could ever imagine.

Now I am a Black Belt Candidate myself, having passed the Qualifier and the 1st pre-test. I’ve climbed the rope to the top, and I’m only 24 seconds from a sub eight-minute mile. Who would have believed that two and a half years ago?!?! You know the part I wrote about you being a leader of your team, and a friend and confidant and a role model? That is what I’m aspiring to be too, as my team has voted me team captain. And it all started with your influence.

You are one of the strongest women I have ever know, and I’m talking about your strength of character. The fact that you have a Black Belt is incidental. Your Excellence is what inspires me.

Thank you Marnie.

Your friend,

Ron
Team IN NAE, 2010

Thank You!

Black Belt Champions and Hi-Achievers would never become great without the benefit of resistance. None of the greatest Masters or Senseis in the Martial Arts would become as powerful as they have without the benefit of resistance. Motivational Speaker and Best Selling Author, Zig Ziglar, teaches we should always be grateful for our problems.
The reality is, the challenges we face everyday, really do make us stronger. If everything in life came easy, everyone would be an instant Black Belt.
In the real world, the people that solve the most complex problems, are worth the most value in society. In the Martial Arts, in school, at work, in business, we usually learn the most from the setbacks and challenges that we overcome. The athlete that takes the easy route, partying all night and skipping practices, is not likely to be stepping onto the winners podium. Its the Champion that puts in hours of disciplined practice that wins Gold Medals. Pressure Creates Diamonds.
We all need resistance to become stronger. When it comes to physical strength and conditioning, we need to do push ups, pull ups, lift weights or train with some form of resistance to become stronger and stronger everyday. Lack of resistance can actually lead to becoming weaker and losing our competitive edge. We all need resistance to become stronger.
Sensei Allison, Sensei Linda, Sensei Erin, all started their Martial Arts training when only a very small percentage of their classmates were female. Even though it was mostly guys, that didnt stop them, it actually motivated them to prove that women could become a powerful force.
WOW did they ever. Now youll see in TKC, about half of our students are female. P.O.W.}>POWER OF WOMEN! Its all in their attitude. They all have a Black Belt Champions Attitude of Excellence. Resistance has made them and many others stronger than they would have ever been without it.

Good morning Kyoshi.

I just wanted to let you know that last night in class, both Sensei Jason and Sensei T allowed me to address their students about my experiences at the Qualifier. I didn’t divulge any specifics about the day, for I know each and every Qualifier is different year in and year out, and that you prefer everyone experience it in their own way.

But here is the gist of what I told them…

I told them that I was mistaken in my belief that the Qualifier was a single day’s event on one Sunday in May. I told them that I believe it is more than coincidental that the test is six hours long. I said, to me the six hours was symbolic of the six, one-hour tests we have been taking all along…Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Brown, and Red Belt exams. So as far as curriculum is concerned, we’ve already been tested on everything we saw at the Qualifier. There were no surprises or tricks in that regard. The difference, I said, was the conditioning and the Rope and the Mile. I told them what you told us pre-candidates about the natural laws, how we couldn’t fake climbing the rope or running the mile in under eight minutes. I mentioned what you said about not having our own versions of push-ups or pull-ups or dips.

The point I was trying to make to them was that the 2010 Qualifier is now history. That the only Qualifier out there now is the 2011 Qualifier, their Qualifier. I told them that the minute you awarded us our Red/Black belts, it immediately became their turn. I reiterated that the Qualification exam is not a single day’s event on one Sunday in May. That it starts for them NOW, and that you are watching.

I told them to start with their running very soon, that there is no reason, in fact it is unwise, to wait until 2011. I said that even though they are advanced students, they’re not advance enough to forsake their basic four count kicks (Mr. Robert once told me that he still practices his basic four count kicks). I advised them to practice whenever possible because two, forty-five minute classes a week were not designed as an end all.

I said that I am not exclusively a member of Team 2010. I am a member of TKC first and foremost, always have been, always will be. And if any of them want to join us at Pierce College on Sunday mornings, they were more than welcome to.

Then I mentioned to them what I thought was one of the most important parts of my speech. And that was the importance you place on journaling.

Nobody knows more than I the importance of journaling. Here is how I know this…You and I have never sat down and had a one on one, in depth conversation in the two and a half years I have been a member of TKC, we haven’t had the need to. Yet I feel we know each other fairly well through the things we share in this media. I know what I know about you from your writings, and you know what you know about me from my journals. Example; I never told you that I was afraid of sparring, but I journaled about it. You read it and took that knowledge to came up with a game plan to help me. Out of forty-plus students to choose from the other night, you picked me to spar with you. I’m guessing the theory being, that if I can spar and survive with you, then I could spar with and survive with anybody in our school (or at least have the confidence to). Another time I journaled how I thought I wasn’t a very good kicker and that I didn’t think I ever would be. Yet again, you chose me out of forty-some students to demonstrate with you, the low sweep, leg kick, the kick to the ribs and the head kick. And to tell you the truth, I felt pretty damn good about how I did. I know now that part of your mastery Sir is not just that of a Master Martial Artist, but as a master motivator as well. And I am grateful for the faith you show in me. (this was not a part of my talk with the students)

In conclusion, my speech last night (and I hope you don’t think I spoke out of turn) was about me sharing my first hand experience about my Qualifier and the preparation it takes to make it as great a day for them as it was for me. That starting now is the first step to that end.

P.S. Speaking of motivation, one of the most motivational tools you have developed in my opinion, has been the creation of the Black Belt Club. It allows ordinary students the chance to train with some of the most extraordinary instructors this industry has to offer. I have friends and co-workers who are Martial Artists that can’t believe some of the famous instructors I’ve taken classes with. Thing is, I’ve got the pictures to prove it! (Sensei Benny and Sensei Richard Norton)

Thank you Sir.

Sincerely and respectfully,

Ron

Ron Cromar
TKC Black Belt Candidate
and SWAT Instructor

Martial arts training benefits children in many self ways, like self control, self defense, and self discipline. It gives your child a chance to strengthen his or her body and mind.
Have you ever seen a bad kid? Have you ever seen a kid with low self-esteem? Have you ever seen a kid that’s been bullied and pushed around so much that they think it’s normal for things to be that way and that it’s their fault? Let me tell you something when you teach youngsters (no matter what it is that you teach them) you see it all the time.

There are times when you have to build up the inner person as well as the outer. When you have to teach the kid how to handle the conflicts inside themselves, as well as the conflicts that they may face out on the street. You must teach them respect for others, by first teaching them to respect themselves. If you think that it’s easy and that you have a fool proof formula that works every time you’re living in a dream world, and are too blind, or daft to realize it.

In some situations the martial arts can help with the problems. Notice the word some, not all. There’s nothing more gratifying in the world than to see someone who had walked into your dojo several weeks before who doesn’t smile, or talk to the others in class start to interact with them. Or to see his grades start to rise, or even hear the parents remark on how his or her behavior has changed.
How does one accomplish these amazing feats? The first step is you have to care enough to sit and talk with your students and get involved with them. Your part in their lives doesn’t begin and end when they walk into your dojo. Take ownership for the student. Request to see their progress reports. Make schoolwork part of their advancement requirements. If you do that though you had best be ready to clear out some cobwebs out of your head and lend the kid a hand if they need it. It helps if you’ve got some students that can help them out, and helps to develop bonds in the class.

That brings up the second point, if there’s a problem you have to talk with the parents. This can be the most difficult part of the job. A word of warning when dealing with parents, diplomacy and self-restraint are the watchwords of the day. Constructive criticism in this situation should not be used. Rather say you’ve noticed certain behaviors ask their opinion on what should be done. Try and forge a synergic relationship with these people. After all two heads are better than one and they only want the best for their children, as do we all. I’ll tell you now the parents can be part of the problem so tread with care.

Third you must show pride in their accomplishments. A word of encouragement can be fuel for success to those who so often run on empty. Yes, you have to correct mistakes that you see; but make more positive deposits in the emotional bank than negative withdrawals.

The fourth important factor is patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day and these kids are not going to solve their problems overnight. It really is their job to solve them not yours. You just have to be there for them to offer support, insight if you have it or better yet, sit there with your mouth closed and just listen. Seek to understand before you attempt to be understood.

So what are the benefits you ask? For starters self-esteem and this can be a big one. How can you expect a person to be successes in life if they have never succeeded in anything else before? Success is a habit that is cultivated and nurtured not a God given right. Set goals and projects before them which are attainable and then help and encourage them until they succeed. Then help them to realize that they succeeded and that it was their accomplishment.

When you build the students self–esteem their sense of self worth grows. When they can see themselves for the unique and valuable individual that they are, then they can appreciate others for themselves. You must respect yourself before you can respect others.

The Martial Arts teaches other ways to express themselves than through violence. The arts teach when violence is acceptable and how to avoid conflict. Self-control is a hard commodity to come by but will stand them in good stead as they progress in life.

The arts teach self-discipline, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. Quitting and casting blame on others is a whole lot easier than forging ahead against adversity and accepting responsibility for both the results of your own actions as well as the attainment of the goal. It’s only through internal strength that we succeed in the task that is set for us either by ourselves, or others.

Karate was developed out of a sense of self-preservation to defend ones self from attack from others. However spears and swords aren’t the only dangers that face the martial artist of today. Self-doubt, feelings of worthlessness and the inability to deal with day-to-day conflicts in a productive manner pose as big a threat to the soul, as do weapons to the body. For so fares the soul so fares the body. If you can help one child to see the beauty in them and others, then you may look around and realize that things look a little better to you. There is no endeavor more worthy than the development and education of our future.

Written by David Perry

I received the following note while I was on OK filming my “Hapkido / Blend” instructional series. I can NOT tell you how it touched me since I think the world of him. He was never the kind who gave lots of credits or praised (at least not to me) but knowing that he finally recognized my vision (which is still the same is I had since 1978) made me have a great private victory (specially being at Century Martial Arts among the best of the best in Martial Arts world).

anyway, I wanted to share this with you.

I am forever in debt to my teacher, Master Sexton.

It was an evening in 1978 when a 16 year old boy walked into my school and sat down to observe the class I was teaching. When the class was over, he came up to me and asked about classes. He seemed eager to learn and thought that he had finely found the place for him. After telling him prices and answering all of his questions, he left. I think it was the very next day that he showed up with his sister, who was his guardian. With money in hand and a want to learn, he started that night. He was like every other boy in those days. They all had dreams of becoming the next Bruce Lee.

Back then in my school training was hard and even sometimes brutal. Exhausted at the end of class, most would go home. Guess who usually stayed after class to practice? He never missed class and excelled in all facets of the martial arts. However his ability grew faster than his mind. He got cocky! This is not a good thing! I would never give someone the tools to hurt people without developing the mind along with the skills. One night after class he was fooling around with me throwing punches and kicks at me but almost in a challenging way. To me it was being disrespectful. I answered his disrespect with a side kick to his ribs and broke four of his ribs. What had happened would make most people quit. But No! Even though he couldn”t train for the next six weeks until his ribs healed, he showed up every night at class time, sat and watched, hoping to learn something. When he was able to start training again he came back with a renewed vigor and a whole new attitude. Now he was on his way to success. Mind and body were working together.

This boy immigrated from Iran to the United States when he was 14 years old. He joined his sister and his brother who had come here before him. Leaving his mother and the rest of his family in Iran had to be difficult enough for a boy of 14. He had other hurdles to clear. He didn”t speak English. If I”m not mistaken, I think he stayed with an American family when he first got here and they taught him English. Then I believe he went to stay with his sister and brother.

He continued training and became very good. I remember him asking me one day if he could start hanging out with me outside of the school and be my friend. My answer to this day I feel bad about. I told him no, I”m your teacher not your Buddie. I know it hurt his feelings, but I felt it was best for him in the long run, and it was. Not long after receiving his black belt he bought the school from me. I think it was 1982. I got involved in a different business but came by the school to see him regularly.What happened next changed things for the next four or five years.

One day I came by and found that he had changed the curriculum. I got so mad at him! I took down every picture of me hanging in the school and told him I didn”t want to be associated with him anymore. I walked out of the school and we didn”t speak for about five years. I remember talking to a friend of mine who also owned a martial arts school about my disappointment. He told me Steve, if he wants to turn it into a flower shop or a Chinese restaurant he owns it now he can do what he wants. I knew he was right but I still felt betrayed. During the years we didn”t speak, he moved the school into a small shopping center location. He started competing in karate tournaments, and winning. He thought by becoming a world class tournament competitor his business would improve and he would be that much closer to that Bruce Lee status he aspired to as a kid. It didn”t work. He moved the school one more time to where it is now. Settling down into a more traditional way of teaching instead of always trying to be fancy worked for him at this school. With this change in teaching and his God given gift for advertising, the school became a huge success.

I don”t remember exactly how it was we talked again. whether we ran into each other somewhere or what. After that initial first meeting I stopped by his school un announced. He didn”t know I was coming. I didn”t even know. When I got there he was teaching a class. No one could see me yet but I noticed a picture of me on the wall by the flags. When I turned the corner and became in plain view of everyone, he stopped the class had everyone face me and bow. After bowing he had everyone introduce themselves to me one at a time. I was shocked that anyone even knew who I was. Later I found out they always knew who I was. He made sure of that. We have been involved in each others lives ever since that day.

In my opinion he is probably one of the greatest ambassadors of Martial arts you can find. He has taught thousands of students. Some of them going on to open their own schools. Among other things he has furthered his martial arts training and has been taught by some of the greatest martial artists in the world. From world champion kick boxers to well renowned grapple rs to weapons experts. He has become very well rounded. The great thing is that he has introduced them to each other, helping to bring the once segregated martial arts world together. If you were to walk into the school at any given time, you would probably see an actor a world champion or a teacher from another school asking him for advice on how to make his school better, and he gladly helps.

The he I keep referring to is Fariborz Azhakh, MY FRIEND.

The old ways are not always the best they are just one way, everything evolves

Respectfully Yours,

Steve Sexton

There is a reason why Oprah, Dr Phil, Dr Laura Schlesinger, Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser), Tony Robbins, pediatricians, child physiologists, and educators the world over all have alluded to the fact that Martial Arts is one of the most valuable things you can involve your child in.

It goes way beyond self defense and can help a child in nearly every aspect of their life. Improved health and fitness, athletic enhancement, increased confidence, better concentration, better behavior, more courteous and respectful; martial arts can help in all these areas.

Does this sound too good to be true? Its not. As a matter of fact, many experts agree that in this day and age of escalating childhood obesity, increased playground violence and deteriorating family structure, if you do nothing else for your child, you should make sure that they learn how to swim and they learn martial arts. Lets discuss why.

Self Defense Practice the fight so that you dont have to is a phrase that is often used to describe the self defense benefits of martial arts training. It refers to the fact that as a child becomes more confident in their ability to defend themselves thru martial arts training. The need to defend themselves automatically decreases because they unconsciously begin to carry themselves in a more confident manner and that confidence is projected to those around them, making them less vulnerable to predatory behavior. On top of that, martial arts training includes strategic self defense as well as actual self defense. Children are taught how to recognize a potentially dangerous situation and how to avoid confrontations.

Athletic Enhancement There is a reason why virtually every professional sports team in virtually every major sport supplements their training with martial arts. Martial arts training offer several advantages. First off, it is amazingly effective in enhancing general coordination because it uses every part of the body in a balanced way. Upper body, lower body, right side, left side, forward movement, lateral movement, rotational movement, its all included in martial arts training.

Fitness – The three pieces of the fitness puzzle are strength, flexibility and endurance. Martial arts training demand a balance between the three. Therefore, a child who trains in martial arts will find their deficiencies greatly enhanced. Also, because of the balance in the three pieces of the fitness puzzle, they are less likely to injure themselves while participating in other athletic endeavors.

Health – Martial arts training is a proven link to better health for people of all ages, but especially children for several reasons. First off, it is great exercise. But because it is fun, kids dont mind doing it. Discussing diet and lifestyle habits with students is a part of martial arts training, so children who grow up training develop healthy habits that will stick with them for life.

Concentration – Very few activities engage the mind, body and spirit more than martial arts. Because of this, a childs ability to concentrate is greatly enhanced by their martial arts training and this concentration tends to be easily transferable to other activities.

Respect and Courtesy Due to the fact that martial arts teaches techniques that could be harmful to others if applied, martial arts instructors are obliged to stress the importance of respect, courtesy, and restraint. It has been proven time and again that children who are skilled in martial arts tend to be extremely respectful, considerate and composed.

Confidence – Martial arts virtually always lends to increased confidence in children for a couple of specific reasons. First off, there are no bench sitters, every child participates and is judged not against others but more importantly, against their own potential. Secondly, the structure of martial arts is built on the concept of setting children up for success by giving them a series of realistic, short term goals that they can attain quickly while keeping them focused on an exciting, long term goal. Each time they experience success, their confidence improves until they tend to believe that with hard work and dedication, they can accomplish just about anything.

THIS PIECE IS FOR YOU, IF YOU’RE CURRENTLY ON THE ROAD TO BEING A BLACK BELT OR IF YOU’RE ALREADY A BLACK BELT AND YOU’RE IN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT BLACK BELT EXAM (2ND, 3RD, 4TH OR ?).

It’s a timely article, as I happen to be preparing, right now, for my 7th degree black belt test. I earned my 6th dan under Grandmaster Ernie Reyes, Sr. in 2000 (or thereabouts), and so I know the call to test is coming; I just don’t know
when.

A test –or date –hasn’t been set yet, but knowing how the martial arts world works, I know it’s going to be scheduled at some point in the near future (I’m guessing it will happen sometime in the next 1 to 10 years).

With this in mind, I am going to share with you what I know about my own testing guidelines; perhaps there will be something in the way I think about my test that will improve the quality of your own?

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 1 AND 1.5

I don’t ask to test, EVER. When I’ve earned my rank, it will happen. If and when my teacher asks me to to test, I will test, regardless of any expectations or personal objectives. I don’t ask to test, nor do I argue with my teacher about
my eligibility. I will never test for a rank equal to or higher than my own
teacher.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 2

I take what I am given, without expectations, without argument, and without an attitude. I’d take a demotion to white belt –if that’s what I received. The test is my personal Olympics, but I am here for far more than the winning of a
gold medal.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 3

I earn my rank not from a day, weekend, or week of performing in front of my teacher and/or a panel of judges. I earn the rank of 7th degree black belt by living, to the best of my ability, as a 7th degree black belt every single day,
365 days a year, for life. What I eat at my next meal, how I deal with the next challenge, conflict, or difficulty, how frequently I train, what I read, what I write, and how I treat people in my sphere of influence, these are the things
that determine my eligibility; however the most significant test requirement of a 7th dan is his or her contribution to the martial arts and community and the world.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 4

I must live a 7th degree black belt test that sets the mark for the entire international martial arts community for what a 7th degree black belt test should be. I must create and live the ultimate 7th degree test. That’s why I began testing 10 years ago. My test has to serve as an example for every 7th dan that ever follows me.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 5

I will not test for my 7th dan, voluntarily and if I am given the choice, until I have accomplished two personal/career goals:

1. 100 martial arts schools have adopted the “Environmental Self-defense Initiative,” which asks martial arts schools to embrace the idea of having all school-age children performing 5 to 10 “acts of environmental self-defense,” along with their other curriculum, to earn the rank of green belt.

2. My colleagues and I have accumulated a portfolio of 1000 community projects executed by martial arts students.

I practice the idea that black belts testing for high ranks should bring with them a “project portfolio” of accomplishments –and that this portfolio should speak directly to the mission, passions, skills, and managerial expertise of the test candidate. The tester’s project portfolio should be 50% to 80% of the requirements for advancement.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 6

My “Test” is not about Me, but about how many people I affect in my sphere of influence. When Grandmaster Ernie Reyes tested for 7th dan, he directly affected the lives of thousands of his students. That’s my model.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 7

My test has to be the hardest thing I have ever done –and it must seem and feel almost impossible to complete. The harder the test, the more it shapes me as a person. Everything that is difficult for me IS my test.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 8

I am not seeking to be a master of the martial arts. Being a master is nothing (and easy) compared to being a compassionate, participative, engaged human being.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 9

Nothing can discourage me. I’ll have to die before I stop trying and no amount of failure or injury or discouragement will take me off course. If I owe nothing else to my instructor and what I’ve learned through my practice, I have learned
that quitting is not an option.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 10

I’m OK if I never earn the rank of 7th dan. I’m not here for the belt, I’ve here for what it takes to earn the belt.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 11

I am a part of my “team” –even if the team doesn’t know it. How I treat the people I am testing with, under, and in front of, has more to do with my test than any other aspect of it.

BLACK BELT TESTING ATTITUDE # 12

My test is not about the martial arts, it is about life. I am not seeking to be a great martial artist, I am seeking to be an evolved human being.

—

I first stepped on a mat at the age of 9, when a judo teacher invited me to learn how to fall. That was in 1969. I began formal study of the martial arts in 1971, in taekwondo. My responsibility as a senior member of the international
martial arts community isn’t to my style or the country of origin to the martial arts methods I have practiced, it is to representing what it is, to the world, to be a practicing master teacher with nearly 40 years of study under “my belt.”

In my opinion, you too are “in training” for your 7th dan test. Whether it happens this year or 40 years from now, you can start preparing yourself today.

Woodland hills, CA, March 02, 2010 –(PR.com)– In 1982, the first training tapes ever to show Hapkido methods were released by Panther Productions, and quickly fought its way to becoming one of Panther Production’s best selling videos everywhere, as well as creating a worldwide standard for the Korean art. Now, Century Martial Arts is trying to re-capture lightning in a bottle – almost literally – by teaming with the original martial artist who brought such success to the 1982 Hapkido series in order to produce a 5-disc instructional set that will be released in April of this year.

The martial artist behind both the previous best-seller and the upcoming release is Fariborz Azhakh, 6th degree Hapkido blackbelt and owner/operator of one of Team Karate Centers, one of the largest martial arts studios in California.

Mr. Fariborz has trained under legendary greats such as 8th degree black belt Steve Sexton (one of the highest ranking Hapkido Masters in the United States), Hapkido Grandmaster Ji Han Jae, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Ron Balicki and many others. In addition, Master Azhakh also is the founder of www.martialinfo.com, one of the most comprehensive repositories of martial arts information in the world.

But Century Martial Art’s upcoming Hapkido release promises to be more than just a retread of the same old thing with the same old faces: in the 28 years since his original debut, Mr. Azhakh has not only grown in Hapkido, he has also created his own “twist” on the art. The variation, called “Hapkido Blend,” is based on ancient traditional concepts – physical, mental, and spiritual – but blended with a modern approach.

“It’s Hapkido,” says Azhakh, “but more than Hapkido in that it takes all that is useful in the traditional versions and then adds to that aspects of other martial arts which augment Hapkido and create a multi-cultural martial art based on usefulness.” Indeed, at the main studio of Team Karate Centers, students can expect instruction in more different styles than probably any other in the world.

And so while purchasers of the upcoming 5-disc set can expect to see all the hallmarks of Hapkido – joint locks, powerful hand strikes, and high-flying kicks – they will also be instructed in pieces of other martial arts that Mr. Azhakh has integrated into his personal system over the years. When you learn grappling from Mr. Azhakh, you may be grappling “Hapkido” style, or you may be using Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques because, as Azhakh puts it, “Effectiveness is everything.”

This is a sentiment that was often espoused by the late great Bruce Lee, who revolutionized martial arts thinking with his ideas of discarding formal styles in favor of fluidly effective moves tailored to the abilities of each student. And though that master died without being able to provide the kind of demonstration and teaching that will soon be available on Century Martial Art’s 5-disc set, the upcoming release seems poised to perfectly fill that void.

Unlike many Oriental-based systems, which pride themselves on lineages that span millennia, Hapkido is particularly appropriate for learning self-defense in today’s world. Founded in the early 20th century, the Hapkido means “the way of coordinated power” or “the way of harmony,” an art that focuses not on points or on “winning,” but on teaching reality-based self-defense skills. Mr. Azhakh has continued the Hapkido tradition by continuing to review and refine his practice over the years.

Now, for the first time ever, Hapkido Blend will be available as a training aid for anyone in the world. And, like its predecessor videos under Panther Productions, there is little doubt that Mr. Azhakh’s new partnership with Century Martial Arts will set yet another highwater mark in quality, knowledge, and – may we say it? – the way of coordinated power.

Team Karate Centers, Inc.
21038-A Victory Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Phone: 818 704 0606
Fax: 818 704 5638
Email: admin@teamkaratecenters.com

Team Karate Centers, www.teamkaratecenters.com, admin@teamkaratecenters.com