TMAFC meets Mike Lee

I tested for 3rd Degree Black Belt in 2009 at Master Balon's school. It was there I met another one of my mentors, Master DeJesus. He was testing for 4th Degree. For the self-defense portion, he asked me to be his partner for his portion. It was there that I experienced (as the dummy) Haganah for the first time. I was amazed and loved what I saw and said to him right there, that very day "You're going to teach me this!"

Anyone who knows me well knows when I saw I'm going to do something, I do it. And everybody says things like that. "You gotta teach me that!" "I wanna learn that!" Blah blah. Well I follow through. When I was testing for 4th Degree myself, this was the challenge for me, to learn Haganah. I would train once a month and practice on my own and come back and do a little more and I did that for I think a year before he told me I was going to test o_O.

Quite honestly, I loved learning it, and it was a challenge for me to push the envelope in the next level of what I called "self-defense" training. I never thought I would ever rank in the system. But when the mentor says that's what you're going to do, that's what you do. I remember watching a Haganah test and wondering if I could do that. I had my doubts. SO as any good mentor does, Master DeJesus pushed the envelope and I did it. I was very proud. It was a year later I think that he recommended I go and do the Haganah Gun Disarm Certification to become an Instructor. Yet again, something I never thought I would do. But if Master DeJesus thought I could do it, then I guess I could do it.

I loved it, and enjoyed it so much! Then I was invited that March to the annual Haganah Conference where I fulfilled the Empty Hand and Knife Disarm to become a full fledged Gen 2 FIGHT Instructor! I never thought I'd be an instructor for this system! Then I went to Mike Lee Kanarek's school last May for his Battle Ready Kickboxing certification. I never thought I'd ever be training with Mike Lee at his own school! Then I spoke to Mike and Master DeJesus about me doing a Haganah FIGHT program at my own school. And sure enough TMAFC has become an Authorized Training Center and I began the FIGHT program in July.

I remember when I first went to a Mike Lee seminar. So you can imagine my thrill to have my very own FIGHT students go for the first time to a Mike Lee seminar then! Mike Lee Kanarek was at Hudson Valley Haganah school, a Tiitanium status level school run by the newly appointed regional director Ed Du Pless. I brought seven people to the seminar and I was so thrilled for them to meet him, see him instruct, hear his philosophies, enjoy his cadence and humor, listen to his stories, and to learn hands on from the founder of the system himself. They also got to meet MY Haganah instructor, Master DeJesus and his own students from his school. It was the first time I wasn't just there as me, but as TMAFC.

I am proud of be a part of this system, and proud of my students pushing themselves and opening their horizons. I was also happy for Master DeJesus to meet my own students. I hope he's proud of me. And I owe him so much. These are all things I never expected and planned on. And I am very grateful. Last weekend I was at Mike Lee's school in Florida training for my Blade Warrior Certification with him (future blog). There is always something new for the next adventure! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Summer 2015

I haven't had a summer to myself for many years. I think 2004 and 2005 I trained heavily being a competitor. In 2006 I was very sick and didn't do much, 2007 I trained very seriously, 2008 I worked and moved out of my house, 2009 I was working to start my business, 2010 I opened my business, 2011 I was training for more 4th Degree test, 2012 I was working on new projects, 2013 was a very rough summer for me, and 2014 was no better.

I haven't been on a real vacation in so long. I can't even remember. A time when I've gone and just done NOTHING. But I also can't remember a summer I really enjoyed. There was always SOMETHING! And when that something was not there, a new SOMETHING was there to take it's place. I opened my business in the summer so I was very busy and my first three summers were great. Then I had a few summers that were not great. Well this year, the summer of 2015, I didn't worry at all. It was for the first time, a good summer.

Now I didn't vacation any at all either. However, I at least enjoyed it. From May to Sept I was definitely busy. Like I've said before, my idea of hell is an empty calendar. I use every second of my time in some way. In May I spent an entire day with Sifu, went to Mike Lee's school in Florida for Battle Ready Kickboxing, and had the second Iteration of the Just Be BBQ. June I had kung fu test of my own, belt testing for my students, celebrated five years of open doors of TMAFC, and went to nationals (upcoming blog). Besides the beginning of July being nationals in Florida, I also had visited Nina in Baltimore for a weekend, officiated at the Junior Olympics in Virginia, and in I August I went to Georgia for ten days.

September hit and the first weekend I was back to work only to go back to Florida following weekend for Team Trials for the AAU Taekwondo, then had Black Belt testing at TMAFC, and then went to Tennessee (upcoming blog). Back to workshops and LBI, seminars, and October to December I am booked.

That makes me happy. I keep moving. Just this time, in the right direction. It'll almost be a whole year since I've moved TMAFC to Saddle Brook, and I have a lot of new. It wasn't a bad summer at all.

As I move through the fall, I have been extremely nostalgic. I always am. It's worse this year. But I'm okay. As I reflect on the summer I already am thinking about next year's summer. In my head the summer of 2016 begins a whole new plan of things for five years. I will do everything. But it will also require me having no summer for another five years, hahaha. But I will be soooo enjoying my journey towards my goals very much.

(BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Nationals 2015

Summer of 2013 was the beginning of the end for me. It trickled into the entire year of 2014 which was a horrible horrible horrible year. In 2013, I requested to officiate the nationals but there were enough referees and I wasn't needed. Okay, that's fine. I often wonder if things would have been different if I did. I don't know. But 2014 was so horrible for me that I really didn't want to go to the nationals that year. But God bless spirit.

I have a student who is VERY committed who chose to compete and it was enough for me to go because he worked so hard that year to make it to nationals, it was an experience he has earned, and whether it is one person or ten people, I'll be there for anyone who is that committed. But quite honestly, I wasn't up for going. I really didn't want to. I almost didn't. But I put in the request to officiate this year and this year I was accepted to work. SO it would be my first time working a national level tournament.

Well I can't imagine what life would be like if I did not go to the nationals that year. I met a tremendous amount of wonderful people and friends, some who I even consider family, that I could not imagine the year to follow without their presence in it. SO for 2015, I was very excited to go back. And I had a helluva a year officiating for the AAU and other independent tournaments. This year I was also looking to become a Clinical Administrator for New Jersey and to go for my upgrade. I also had students competing and was very excited for them and having them part of the nationals again this year.

The nationals is the only time when we ALL can be together at the same time. Everyone from Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, New York, Florida, North Carolina, Montana, and we all work together and get along together beautifully. Not only are they wonderful people, but they are truly fantastic martial artists as well. I don't just talk about refereeing and tournament stuff, but we also talk about our training and teaching methods, things we do from where we come from, concepts, philosophies, students we teach, etc.

But we all also just genuinely enjoy each other's company. They are a fabulous support group and everyone is as professional on the floor as they are fantastic martial artists. But I think the comradery everyone has with each other is also a great attribute to the success of the AAU events. The officials are consistent and professional, work very hard, helps each other out and has each other's back, and having a lot of fun as well. This is what makes the events go so well in my opinion.

I was very proud of both my students who competed, they worked so hard and represented so well. William Stiehl is my only student who has gone to the nationals every year we have gone since 2012. Nicole Vidal had a helluva good first year, being the only white belt I have ever had on the competition team, got 1st or gold in just about every competition she went to in her first year, belt tested up to her green belt, worked with 7th Degree Black Belts, and exactly one year since she began training made it to a national tournament. I was so proud of them!

My mother happened to be in Florida with my brother, his girlfriend, and my cousin and one night we all go together for a team dinner. It was very nice to celebrate all together, including with one of my mentors Dr. Stiehl. Nicole had tested for low green belt before nationals and I awarded her belt at the team dinner we had also that night. It was really great together.

One of my highlights at nationals was working for the first time the Special Needs Division. To me, it was awe-inspiring. I was so motivated and inspired to be a part of this program and want so much to develop it further in New Jersey (future blog). I saw what it did for these kids and young adults and the spirit it developed in them, the wonderful character they bring to the mats, it is something that needs to grow and people need to take part in.

At the end of the week, the officials get together on a dinner cruise after a long week of working. My mother came as my plus one and she got to meet a lot of these wonderful people. I know many of them roll their eyes because they do this every year for so many years, but to me it is such a treat. I wouldn't care if it was every year (I mean that's exactly it-- once a YEAR) but to be altogether like that just being, it's a gift I do not take for granted.

 I am blessed to be a part of this other world and have the support system just about anywhere I go in this country. I often think, imagine if I never went that one year to nationals? How life would be so different....Time...gives you just what you need when you need it I guess. This year has been so fabulous, I can only imagine how next year will be. After all, it'll be one week before my 5th Degree Black Belt test....

(BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

My Aunt Gladys

Aunt Gladys, me, and Grandma Cyn in 2005

My Grandma Cyn and I are very close. We have lots of good times together and we laugh a whole lot. Along with my Grandma Cyn who I call weekly, I also call weekly my other grandparents, and I call down in Florida to see how my friend Mary is doing, and I would also call my Aunt Gladys. Aunt Gladys is my Grandma Cyn's older sister.

 Many times when Grandma and I would talk about things, she would sometimes feel she was cheated out on certain things in life. After all her father died when she was a mere five years old. A few years later at 13 her mother died. When she was in her fifties she lost her husband, my grandfather. The one long term constant she always had in her life was my Aunt Gladys.

Both parents gone by the time she was 13, my grandmother was pretty much raised by her 19 year old sister and her husband, my Uncle "Lefty". SO her sister, who she shared everything with and was very close with became more of her mother. Pretty much most of their family deserted them when they were so young and then all past away by the time they were in their forties. Both women never believed they would make it past their forties.

Grandma Cyn and Aunt Gladys in the 1960s

Aunt Gladys and Grandma Cyn at my parent's wedding in 1982.

 Well both women have lived very long lives and have made beautiful families. My Aunt Gladys and Uncle Lefty had three wonderful boys who married wonderful women who were treated as daughters by my Aunt Gladys. My Grandma Cyn left her Jewish roots and married this loud Italian family and had three children who all had children of their own as well. Both grew these beautiful families when their family left these two young teenage girls all alone.

The legacies continued and as matriarchs taught their families love, compassion, values, and support. They gave tradition, laughter, and wonderful memories and they did this through demonstrating this with each other. They loved each other, talked constantly and always kept great presence with each other's lives.

I remember many times going over for Passover and going to my cousin's Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, Aunt Gladys came to almost every Christmas we had over here, and I always wore my red ya-mica thinking it was so cool when I was younger. My Grandma would always talk about "her sister" and the stories and memories they shared. Not only in good times but in bad. When my grandfather died in the 80s, Aunt Gladys was there for her sister. When Uncle Lefty died unexpectedly, Grandma Cyn stayed with Aunt Gladys in Long Island until after shiva.

Grandma Cyn and Aunt Gladys in the 90s

Grandma Cyn and Aunt Gladys at a family party. 

 Aunt Gladys was very big on fashion and looking good. My Grandma Cyn isn't too far from the tree when it comes to looking good herself. Aunt Gladys was not a vain person but did always want to look good, and she always did! She was always very creative with her hands and took classes such as painting and pottery and things of that nature. She also worked right into her late 80s, maybe early 90s.

Aunt Gladys always had some health issues over the years, but she always persevered. She was a fighter for sure. She survived cancers and illnesses, and just went with the flow. She always had a good perspective and I believe that's a key to living a long life. I remember Grandma Cyn said she hated watching old movies because she was depressed all those old actors and actresses were dead. I remember Aunt Gladys saying "Oh Cynthis get over it! We're all gonna get old and die someday! It's no big deal!"

She always said to live life and enjoy yourself. She ALWAYS said that. It's that reason I believe her granddaughter Erica went away to college, or why her grandson Cary went to Iceland to visit, or why her granddaughter Brittney went to work in the city, she always encouraged us all to live your life and enjoy it!

The sisters at Grandma's birthday 2005

Grandma Cyn and Aunt Gladys at a summer BBQ at Aunt Karen's house

 I remember one point, Aunt Gladys wasn't able to walk and get around easily. I remember calling her to say hello and I just happened to catch her all excited because she passed a test to have a scooter. At 90 years old she was taking and passing tests and having a goal set in mind! How amazing is that. "Oh Andrew I want this so bad!" I remember her telling me. She was very independent and liked to get around on her own. She liked doing for others and had a big heart, which she taught to my grandmother.

This past year I went to Long Island for Passover but Aunt Gladys wasn't feeling well and couldn't come. I was sad I didn't see her but I gave her a call. Weeks later, we were told she was not doing well and it was only a matter of time before we would have to say good bye. I've had a lot of loss in my life, but this time we knew it was coming.

I don't think I wanted to think about it. But I also knew I had a chance to say goodbye and tell someone I love them. It was a Wednesday and I was alone in my office and I called Aunt Gladys's number. Her son picked up and put me on speaker. "Hello Aunt Gladys! How are you feeling today?" "I'm fine how are you, dear?" she said in a weak voice, still seeing how I'm doing. "I'm good, I just wanted to call and tell you that I love you so much and I hope you are feeling well!." "Oh that's so nice," she said. "I love you too, hun, thanks for calling."

Aunt Gladys died Thurs June 11, 2015 at the age of 92 years old. I just so happened to have spent all day with Grandma Cyn earlier before we found out. My heart broke for my grandmother. I remember that afternoon I sat in front of Strive on the couch in front and just looked outside the window. I was so sad. I thought about her sons and my cousins, the beautiful family she made. My Aunt Gladys lived a good life. I think the only comfort for the family is to know that she is reunited with her beloved husband, our Uncle Lefty again. But alas! Her granddaughter last week gave birth to what would be Aunt Gladys's FIRST great-grandchild Charlie!

We know she's looking down and watching over young Charlie, and the rest of the family. I just got off the phone with Grandma Cyn, and she misses her sister very much. We all do. But we remember her, and think of her, and are all so grateful for the wonderful things she gave us, especially her love. And we love you, Aunt Gladys.

Uncle Left and Aunt Gladys, Christmas 2004

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Day with Sifu

Sifu invited me one weekend in May to go down to Philadelphia for Kung Fu testing being done at one of the Yee's Hung Ga Academy branches. The branch is run by one of his disciples and after the testing was done, Sifu was to do a seminar. After testing and seminar they were driving down to Delaware where another student of Sifu's was opening an Acupuncture clinic and they were going to perform the Lion Dance.

I was really excited and happy to have been invited to come along. Everyone met at Sifu's school early that morning and we got into three of four cars. Sifu, Simo, and I had the car with the Lion heads and drums for the Lion Dance. We ran into a little traffic and then finally arrived at the school in Philly. The students who were testing were all lined up ready and waiting. This showed great discipline and spirit, to be standing there all that time, ready to go.

The testing began, with the forms and general knowledge, sparring, and the horse stance. I have taken a few Kung Fu tests of my own now and the ways Kung Fu do testing is very different than how Taekwondo tests. It's a great experience to observe and see different arts and how students progress. But it is also great to see how other schools express their martial arts through their testing. I've been on over a dozen or more different Black Belt testings for various martial arts. Even though I knew the testing process I really enjoyed watching these students test and see how they did their forms or hear their philosophies etc.

I also enjoyed looking at my Sifu, sitting next to his disciple observing. I was wondering what he was looking for. I was wondering what he was observing. I wonder what it was like for him to see his student's students testing. Just to see this lineage growing and continuing. He must have been so proud to see this group testing.

Sifu speaking before the testing began. 

Sifu and his disciple Sifu Sean. 

The students did great and then after testing Sifu began his workshop. I have been doing private lessons with Sif for three years. I really have never been taught by Sifu in a class setting per se. So I was very excited, working as a student in a class setting with some of the other Hung Ga students I've worked with along with Sifu Sean's students. Sifu is also a world class teacher, so of course it's a true honor to be learning from him in any setting.

He was remarkable, teaching the philosophy of the tiger. We partnered up, did some drills, and we also practiced some applications to the tiger method. Listening to the plethora of knowledge that Sifu dropped in this seminar was incredible. And yet I was so excited because I KNEW that it was only a small layer of a vast amount more information. I look forward to strive to one day understand and know the true depths of this art as Sifu does.

Watching him move, listening to him explain, watching how other students reacted to him, I was really thrilled to being there. And quite honestly, in an hour my mind was blown with all the information he gave us, and like I said I know it's only the icing on top of the cake to what there really is to know.

Sifu teaching his workshop in Philadelphia and Master Trento in the back. 

How could you go to Philadelphia and NOT get philly cheese steaks? SO that's what we did! We got philly cheese steaks and go into our cars and began to make our way to Delaware. Simo and Sifu and I got ot talk about the test and the workshop while eating in the car on the way there. I also got the backstory to his student, Barry, who was opening this acupuncture school.

Delaware Acupuncture is located in Newark, Delaware. Barry has been studying Chinese martial arts for 25 years, last 18 with Sifu and 18 years of Qigong. He holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt and he had asked Sifu to come down for his grand opening and to have his students perform the Lion Dance.

The Lion Dance symbolizes good fortune and is meant to protect against negative influences. It was known to be integrally part of kung fu training. It is vital to proper training and "live power". The Lion throws the lettuce as a symbol of prosperity and goes throughout the building bowing out back first from each room to spread it's good power. It's a beautiful thing to see.

I've heard about them, I knew about them, but I never got the chance to see one. It's something I very much want to learn about as well. I missed the one for Chinese New Year when I went with Thomas Cubby on Sifu and Simo's birthday. There is SO much to this dance. The coordination, the training, the movements, the cadence, the beating of the drums, there's a lot ot know and you can see that. As I watched Sifu beating on the drums and the others moving with the cadence of the drum, I felt it's awesome energy.

I had tears in my eyes for some reason, I don't know why. It could have been it's something I always wanted to see and I couldn't believe I was witnessing it finally after all this time. Maybe it was the gratitude to being a part of this awesome world. Maybe the energy of the Lion Dance was really hitting me. Maybe because I was happy for Barry, because I remember my grand opening of my business as if it were yesterday. But i was so happy to see this Lion Dance and I was proud of Barry. I began my business almost seven years ago, opened my doors six years ago. I want to have a huge celebration at ten years, and I'm going to have the Lion Dance there.

Sifu giving directions before the Lion Dance. 

Sifu and Patty.

Afterwards we all went out to get some dinner and it was just so nice to be together, laughing and enjoying our time together. There must have been like 16 of us together. I was also thrilled to spend time with Sifu and Simo. We had a very full day and a little bit of traffic on the way back to New Jersey. But I appreciated the experience so much.

The day was full of tradition, kung fu spirit, Qi, inspiration, knowledge, learning, friendship, lineage, family, and good feelings. It's a day we all wish we could always have. But those days often happen when you surround yourself with such wonderful people as I did that day. It was a beautiful day with Sifu.  (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Superbowl Eye Opener

February was the Super Bowl. I don't follow football exactly, but I do enjoy watching it. But every year I celebrate the Super Bowl as if it were a holiday. I of course watched the Super Bowl every year but I consider when I first began my Super Bowl festivities in 2008 when the Giants won. Every  year since then I used to have an event. 2009 I hosted a beautiful get together at a friend's house. Then in 2010 at my apartment we had a huge Macaroni Sunday with LOTS of food for Super Bowl.

But in 2011, a horrible day I still remember to this day occurred. It's been labeled the Sorrow Bowl. It's amazing how certain events shape things that come to our lives later on. 2012 I still had a few people over but it was a sad and difficult time. But it got better the next year in 2013, and we went to Ara and Juneta's who hosted in 2014. So I usually celebrated Super Bowl with someone, but when I touched base with that person I realized it was more important to me than this person. I wasn't even a thought in any plans. 2014 was a year full of things breaking and things ending, so I decided I'll let go of the attachment my self.

I made no plans, so Ara and I invited a bunch of my students and friends over to watch the Super Bowl. We watched the game, had some laughs, ate food, shared stories, we had a beautiful time together. At one point we were showing pictures to each other and that morning I had found an old picture of Sifu. He looked JUST like my original master I once trained under. I brought it up on my phone and I turned to say to someone "Look at this, who does this look like?!" But then I stopped.

I looked around. I turned and I got quiet for a minute. I just realized in that very moment as I looked around: there was NO ONE from that time present at this moment. NO ONE here knows my old master, never met him, don't even know what he looks like. I couldn't believe it. Every person who was there that night was a person of the NEW generation. I could not believe it.

I had a mix of feelings in that moment. One was sad that there was no one from the old days there. It almost hurt me because I felt like there was no one actively in my life that linked me to a past that was so important to me. There was no one there I could say "remember when..." On the flip side I was also very shocked. Shocked that I can't believe how far I have come from that time. Wasn't it just yesterday that time? And the time I was so happy after that?

People say this all the time, but time just flies by in a blink of an eye. You can never keep track of where the time has gone. You find yourself in a whole new world. How did I get here all of a sudden? But I shouldn't question it. Because another feeling I had was once again gratitude. I was very grateful to be with this new crew. This new energy. These are grown adults who get "it", mature and have values, level headed, fun spirited, and loyal. Loyal beyond words. It's new. It's different. I don't know how to feel about that.

But I learned last year to JUST BE. So I did. And guess what? I was very happy. I was very happy to be with these people. I think it was in that moment I realized how far old times have gotten from me, and new times were being made. It was a real eye opener. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

The Second Iteration of Just Be

Master Trento with the master and the mentors all together. 

Please Watch this beautiful video made by Mike Grella!

During the terrible-horrible-no good-very bad 2014, Sifu had told me that his one wish for me was to JUST BE. Anyone who knows me well knows there is nothing I would ever do that is NOT on a grand scale and above and beyond. So I took that advice and took it to the extreme as I always do. At that time, I really needed it. I needed a pick me up and something to look forward to. I even literally called it the JUST BE BBQ. And it just happened that the reoccurring theme of the entire year and solution to every problem was to JUST BE! We even had an anthem for the year! #LetItGo

When I did the JUST BE BBQ, it was supposed to be a gathering of all the most important people of the Trento-verse. The all-star cast of ym life, if you will. Quite honestly it was the happiest I was all year in 2014 next to nationals. It was supposed to be a one time event.

Well little did I know. Everyone kept asking me to do it again. "You gotta do it again!" "When is the next Just Be BBQ?" "We're doing the BBQ again this year, right?" Over and over. Well 2015 was going so well and some major changes have been made through moves, changes, and deletions, so I decided why the hell not, let's celebrate it. I was also seeing a reoccurring theme that kept coming up: Support. And as much as support was brought up, so was loyalty. 

SO yes, we had once again the second iteration of the Just Be BBQ. And in my opinion, it was even better than last year, and I had even more fun. But I was also extremely grateful to be celebrating these wonderful people who are in my support system. And it is one of the VERY few times I can get all these areas of my life together in one place.

My family members from my brothers and my cousins were there, my students of old generations and new generations were there, dear friends of mine from my early training years, high school friends, many of my mentors and the master himself. God Bless Mike who took all the pictures and made a beautiful video above that has captured just about all the best moments. 

Some historical moments also occurred. Some of my newer students got to meet Sifu for the first time. It's the first time I've been able to get most of my mentors together. It was the first time Master Balon and Sifu met!! It was also a reunion of most of the Friars of Old! I drank, I was belated with happiness and gratitude.

The Friars of Old, my best and longest friends

Maria and I have been friends since the first grade! 

At one point I sat aside by myself and just took in everything at one time. I looked around. I was looking at Thomas, Nicole, Heather, Derek, Juneta, and Maria laughing. I saw Ann Marie talking with Charlene and Mary Ellen. I saw Old Mike and New Mike hanging with my brother Eric and cousin Matthew. I was watching Master Balon and Mrs. Balon with Master DeJesus and Mrs. DeJesus listening to Sifu and Simo tell a story. In that moment, the gratitude the flooded me was beyond words. I remember where I was a year ago at that time. And then I sat a few minutes more, just being....

One of my favorite moments was everyone was when everyone on their own account brought the chairs together and made a circle. We made a small bon fire in the center and everyone just intermingled and interacted together. I loved how when Sifu spoke everyone was gravitated to what he had to say. I loved how everyone laughed with each other. I loved how everyone was together to just be. My student Thomas Cubby took out his ukulele and began playing songs and we all sang. The one we ALL sang together was Let It Be which is why Mike chose it for the video the second half. 

During our little bon fire, out of no where these fire works began taking place right above us! We have no clue where they came from or who was shooting them up. While they were going off, Master Balon turned to me and said "Only at a Trento event would fireworks start going off! How fitting!" I smiled. That meant a lot to me for him to say. 

Yes, my world is pretty magical. I have some great participants in my world. These are people who love me the most and want to be in this awesome world. These are the people who will benefit the most in the only way our magic does work. I remembered how I love bringing people together and keeping them connected. As Jimmy Stewart said in It's a Wonderful Life, "No man is a failure who has friends." And I am DOUBLY blessed to have each one of these people who I love so much who I call FAMILY.

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

Battle Ready at Mike Lee's

Mike Lee Kanarek and Master Trento at the Haganah USA Headquarters in Margate, FL

Back in March I attended the 2015 Haganah Conference. I went to get certified in Gen 2 Gun Disarm material in Nov 2014 in West Chester, PA and then was invited to the conference where I completed my certifications with the Knife and Empty Hand, upgraded Gen 2 Haganah FIGHT material. At the conference, the founder Mike Lee Kanarek had announced he was holding a certification at his school in Florida for Battle-Ready Kickboxing. I jumped immediately on the opportunity. He also told me it was a certification I would very much enjoy.

The last weekend on May, I flew down to Florida where for two days I would be training at Mike Lee Kanarek's school for the Battle-Ready Kickboxing Certification. I was very excited and knew this was a great opportunity as he had mentioned that he will be seldom with his certifications within the next year. But whenever you get a chance to work with a world class teacher like him at his own school, there's a great thrill that comes with the experience.

For weeks prior the certification, Mike Lee would text message all the people attending the certification, warning us that this certification would be VERY physical, VERY trying, and if anyone felt they couldn't handle it to not come and wait till next time. Almost every day he would send messages like that. Honestly, there was even a point where I felt like "Damn, I'm getting worried. I wonder if I can do this..." but I'm the kind of person I am not afraid of failing. I'll do my best and learn a lot and gain the experience either way. So I accepted the challenge.

When I got to his school, I was waiting outside of the school where a bunch of Haganah warriors from the brotherhood began to gather. Some came from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, and I think even Chicago. And of course a bunch of Florida. The attire was white T-Shirt, army pants, and we had certain things we had to bring in rucksacks. We waited patiently and Then Mike Lee arrived in his car and parked. His car just sat there parked for about a minute, and then he pulled out and drove away. (blink blink).

I had no clue what that was meant to be. Did he forget something? Was he trying to intimidate? Was he testing us? Did he just want to see who was on time? I had no clue. Then maybe a half hour later Mike Lee drove up again and as he arrived, everyone received a text message from him with a picture that stated :80% of Success is Showing Up.

We all signed in and we began with the lecture part of the certification where in Mike Lee's school we learned fundamental practices and routines, outlines, concepts, and a little back history to the program that actually began long ago but has been upgraded and re-surfacing as part of the Haganah system. After several hours of going over this information we got our rucksacks and began to make our way outside into the Florida night.

I have to tell you, it was such a thrilling experience to be jogging in the night with everyone to the place where we would do our physical qualifier for the certification. I really felt as if I were going out into battle with my brigade or something. We were given our objectives and did our qualifier which involved a lot of running and drills that had to be done in a time limit. The following day we began early and did a module of the isometric conditioning that teaches principles and combatives when fighting.

Listening to Mike Lee is absolutely fascinating. Not only technically and strategically but philosophically. I said that when I first met him. I loved to hear and watch and learn. I remember I kept thinking, "Damn, I bet there are so many people who think they can box and not know ANY of this!" I was really fascinated putting it all together and learning the combinations and methods to this type of fighting. I also kept thinking of my mentor back home, Master DeJesus. I wanted to make him proud. I was so grateful to being there and I'd never be a part of this world without him. Even Mike Lee said to me, "Trento! You're finally one of us! Do you believe it?"

You never know where you're going until you get there. And when you get there sometimes you don't know where to go. But just be and be grateful for the adventure! It was a great time being with all these badass warriors, many who also do other disciplines as well. But we all shared this amazing experience from this phenomenal leader. I chuckled a few times because I can see my mentor and his wife chuckling in my head. Who would have ever thought I would own boxing gloves and learning this level of combat? Who would have ever thought I'd be training at Mike Lee's school? Who would have ever thought....

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

It's Been A While

Yes. It HAS been a while. It was a full year. It really has been. I haven't blogged since March. It was intentional. Not that it was to be mysterious or silent for any reason. I had to focus. If you recall, back in February I blogged that NO ONE was more excited about entering 2015 than I was. And It was true. Entering the year of the wooden sheep, I intended to do exactly what I needed to energetically put forth in motion the things I wanted for my life. And I've not only focused and worked, but had fun.

I have been training. I have been studying. I have been building. I have been reinventing. I have my mentors. I have my master. I have my projects. I have my teaching. I was given a book over a year ago written by Dolly Parton about dreaming more. Well I have continued to do so, and then some. There are certain things I've done in life I never thought I'd be doing, or some things I knew I would but just not so soon.

I've been learning. I've learned a lot. I also made a big move, changing locations of my business right at the beginning of the year and making a new foundation of growth that I am very happy about. I have brought myself to a whole new level of mastery, but not necessarily with ease or without a few bumps. But we must take all experiences with gratitude to bringing us right where we need to be.

I have traveled a lot. More than I ever thought I would have. I've been to date to Georgia five times, Florida four times, Baltimore four times, I was just in Tennessee, and I have enjoyed everywhere I have gone. Awesome adventures, phenomenal opportunities, and fantastic fun. I've been keeping busy.

My idea of hell is an empty calendar. People have no idea how true that is for me. But at the same time, I love structure, and thrive on consistency. I never get bored or feel stagnation, and adjust and reinvent as I go along because it just fits when it's time. And 2016 looks like it's going to be great. But I have a very big goal in mind right now and just about everything I am doing relates to this event in some way.

I am testing for 5th Degree Black Belt in July. I still have a lot of work to do. And I'll do it all. I have a five year plan that follows that, but I have a lot that will lead up to this test. You know, in martial arts, everyone has their "thing". Some people it's sparring. Other people it's forms, Maybe board breaking. Sometimes it's self-defense. For me, it's Black Belt tests. I always loved taking Black Belt tests and being put through all my challenges and pushing myself beyond my limits through the magic of martial arts. I love so much what it is I do, and some people really don't get what it is I do. But that's okay, martial arts is a personal journey for us all who train.

For ME, the Black Belt tests I have taken to date all have a different meaning and purpose for me. mastering the basics, mastering technique, mastering mindset, mastering self- mastering the art. And 5th Degree is no different, and there are MANY layers of it. It is mastering Spirit. There are MANY layers to this concept. It is also, in fact, one of the tenets of Taekwondo (indomitable spirit). Well within the last few years in my beginning "master training", my spirit has floated, it has been broken down, it has been transformed, and it has grown. Using the power of spirit and using one's spirit in all we do has also been very important discoveries.

But this test will also be very different for another reason. 4th Dan in my art is master level. It is the last test technically for "you" per se. As a servant leader, one must do for others, provide for others, help others, and contribute to others without expecting anything in return. The test I take should be an expression of that service and a representation of what it is I have done with spirit these last four years.

I have also been exploring extensively of the year's theme that has been reoccurring over and over. There will be many blogs on those reflections as well. So I'll get to review and explore a bit more with my blogs. Yes, I'm ready to start back up. The purpose when I originally began this blog was to give an honest and open reflection of my journey. My martial arts training has also been my journey of life. Some may find it entertaining, some may find it stupid, some may find it funny, some may learn something, some may relate. For me, it holds me accountable.

So here it is again: Being the Candle. Life is ALL about being the candle. Learning we have a radiance and allowing ourselves to shine where need be and help others to discover theirs. Love one another, for we live in this life together. We need to support our own dreams and self and support each other in the process of learning how to be the candle. Let's see what I find. Because it's been a while....

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Traveling Trials and Tribulations

When I was in high school, my music teacher used to get teased because she always had bad luck when it came to traveling. When she did a trip, it would snow, or the bus broke down, or something. Well I think I inherited this trait from her. People say the traveling is dramatic. I find it more entertaining sometimes in the middle of all it all. It's entertaining because the circumstances and situations you absolutely CANNOT make up. In the last three weeks alone I had four instances.

But before I give you those instances let me tell you two quick stories of my traveling trials and tribulations. 2007, Virginia Beach with Mrs. Verost and the choir, we had the major buses with nice seats and bathrooms and televisions. But as we traveled and while we were down there, we went through not one, not two, but three buses while down there! Each one prior to it, broke down. Another time we went to Six Flags and the bus broke down and we had to wait until they could send a new one.

In 2010, Aunt Karen, my brothers, my cousins, and my mother and I went to Florida. Our flight was for 5:30. We did not want to check in luggage but ours was randomly chosen to be checked in at no cost. Fine. THEN, we boarded the plane and waited on the runway for 45 minutes. We were then told there was an issue with the fuel, the plane originally was going to Ireland but now Florida so they had to change the type and amount of fuel. Fine. Half hour later, we are told to get off the plane. We de-board. 45 minutes later, they RE-board us onto the plane. ANOTHER 45 minutes later we are told we had a mechanical issue and one of the lights in front was out and had to be replaced. We sat for ANOTHER 45 minutes. Long story short, we were supposed to be in our hotel room by 8. We didn't LAND until close to 3AM.

We were cranky that next day and decided to go to Disney World which was NOT on the agenda. Things started off great, Aunt Karen and I (being who we are) were chosen as honorary prince and princess of the day and got free fast passes. We go to Space Mountain. Five minutes we are already in the front. We are n3ext on line to get on the ride. Someone goes on the speaker and tells us everyone has to leave because of a mechanical issue with the ride. We get another free fastpass. You can't make this up.

On the way home from that trip, we get on the plane to go back to New Jersey. We get on the plan, but we sit there once again for 45 minutes. Then the captain gets on the speaker and tells us there is a fuel issue on the right hand side of the plane and the fire department was called to help with the issue. -_____- you see my point.

SO this past month, ready for this? I was supposed to leave for my Georgia trip Thursday night at 6:25. It snowed VERY badly in New Jersey that day, a plane ran off the runway at La Guardia airport. I called, waited an hour until I got an operator, I was going to change my flight to next morning but operator said all flights were still on schedule. I said Fine. Then I get an email 30 minutes later telling me my flight was CANCELLED. I could not book flight for next morning, I had to wait until the following NIGHT. I lost a whole day. Upset, but fine.

Next day on Friday, I get to airport at 4:30 for a 6:30 flight. Get through security and get to gate, Blah Blah Blah, I get an email that the flight is delayed until 9:35pm!! I am annoyed and upset, this wasn't supposed to be an inconvenience for my friends down south either. Then the flight was delayed AGAIN until 9:50. Delayed YET AGAIN for 10:22. We go to a different gate by ten after ten, and we are told ANOTHER DELAY due to mechanical issues. By that time, the people in my gate and I were very close. We felt each other's pain and were not in the best of moods. Flight didn't leave until 11:05 and I called myself a cab and got to my friend's house at 2:35am, only to be ready and up and about at 6 to be at our destination at 7. It was a great trip but the getting there was a FUN adventure. I took the bus home which is a 16 hour drive, plus walk a few blocks to subway, walk a few blocks to port authority, take another bus to Jersey, then picked up by my loyal student Mike Gavela, go home shower, and immediately go to teach class.

That following Thursday I traveled ALL day to Rockaway, Denville, Clifton, I was all over the place, and then to Lodi to pick things up, and then crunched time to get classes. I was meeting friends later that night. I knew I needed gas and when I left that night the gas station that was nearest was closed. I knew of the next one off the highway. Problem was I never made it, I didn't have enough to get me there. I got stuck on the highway. I called AAA with 5% battery and my friends told me cancel the tow truck, they'll come help. Okay. I obeyed. Phone died. Apparently they could not get to me and decided to head back. SO my phone died and by 10pm, I got out of my car and waved down a two truck who helped me get to a gas station, bouht a car charger, and went on my way to my destination.

That weekend, I drove with Master DeJesus and a friend to West Chester Pennsylvania for our Haganah weekend. We left early Sunday at 10pm. Around 11pm, one hour away form our destination, we hit a pothole so big on 202 in Pennsylvania, that the car got a flat tire. And did you know new cars don't come with spare tires or donuts? Our friend called his insurance company ad we called taxi services, car services, tire places, etc. EVERYTHING is closed at that time. We rolled along slowly on the shoulder at 5 miles per hour to get over the bridge into New Jersey. I was yet again able to call AAA to get us, but they can only take 2 passengers and we were having trouble get a taxi. After MANY phone calls and synchronizing the tow truck and cab, we finally found someone (AAA could NOT) towed the truck to the tire place, took cab to two stops, drove to pick up my friend and bring him home and then drive home. I arrived home at 4:30am, only to be up for a morning appointment. LOL! I thought the funniest thing was that we had assault rifles and pistols and ammunition in the car from the weekend. Imagine what a police officer would have thought? LOL!

I'd have to say it;s never a dull moment, and when I get into these adventures, really have to laugh. People think I kid around when I say I am Lucy. But it's definitely not far from the truth! LOL! But we gotta take what we can and laugh in the moment the way Lucy would! Or cry the way Lucy would! LOL! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Georgia Qualifier

I've been enjoying my experience as an official for Taekwondo. My mentor Master Balon encouraged me for so long to have this kind of experience and finally a few years ago, when he was still a Clinic Coordinator, certified me and I officiated for the first time at his tournament in 2013 and I officiated one other tournament that year. The following year I upgraded an AAU tournament and had the opportunity to run a ring at another tournament, officiate in Queens and New Jersey again, and then officiated three days at the AAU Nationals for the first time which was a blast!

Over the year I also got experience officiating at other tournaments I was able to attend outside the AAU, representing what the AAU has taught me and have met a lieu of other new faces that I ended up having a great time with. When I was in Georgia last year at the end of the summer I even got the chance to help out officiating one of the local tournaments down there which was pretty cool.

At the beginning of March, I had the pleasure of traveling down south once again to my dear friends in Georgia. It was quite the adventure getting down there (a later blog), but I would not have missed being down there for them for the world. It's what you do for family. I've also never been to other AAU tournaments outside by region really and I plan on traveling and broadening my horizons even more next year.

What was really great was that it was like being at nationals all over again. The Tennessee crew were there and welcomed me with open arms, the Florida crew was present, the Chief Referee from Missouri was there who EVERYONE knows, the North Carolina people greeted me with big hugs, and other than me was Master Hasan from New York from the north! They think we talk funny, but they just don't know better yet LOL!

Me with a few familiar faces from nationals!

Master Stone is the Georgia District Director and Regional Director. He ran a fantastic tournament. He had 300 competitors, over 120 were Black Belts! That's a HUGE margin for the Black Belt divisions and I was utterly impressed by the quality of these Black Belts that came out to compete. Certain rings ran with the electronic hogus of KP&P for the Black Belts, and other rings ran Olympic Sparring for color belts. There was also forms divisions being run, and designated rings for other events that will be at the AAU Junior Olympics like padded weapon sparring and board breaking. Then of course was Point Sparring and even a division of Team Point Sparring.

The tournament ran very nicely and with all those events and all the divisions, with six rings, I believe the tournament ended at a great time of 5:30 or 6:00. Organized and timely without losing quality. Beautifully done. There was no lack of officials who showed up to help. Although we all helped run the rings and officiate the tournament, we are also all martial artists and had plenty of time to talk and collaborate about martial arts.

It always amazes me to see and learn how other people from across our nation train and interpret and instruct their martial arts. And these guys are absolutely awesome. I got to see Master Dave Turnball of Florida work with his students, Master Hooper from Tennessee is very smart and very sharp, I always have fun with the Georgia crew. My first nationals ever I worked with Kelley Hardy and it was great to be on the floor with her again. And of course one of Master Stone's senior students Miss Wendy Heath was on her game that day as well.

Miss Stacey Stone and I at the Georgia Qualifier. 

Master Debbie Hooper of Southeastern District. 

But something I haven't stop hearing from ALL my friends from down south was this: "You HAVE to meet Master Kathy!" That's all I've heard! For eight months! You gotta meet her! You gotta meet her! Well FINALLY I had the honor and privilege to meet in person Master Katherine Wieczerza from Tennessee! This is Master Stone's instructor, but she is ALL of the southern master's instructor apparently.

She is a phenomenal martial artist, and one I want to do one of my specials on. She is not only a brilliant Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do practitioner but also director for the Gojo Shorei system. Once again, the tremendous loyalty all these other phenomenal masters and their following had for this woman was a great comfort to see. And no, it wasn't just southern hospitality. These people truly are loyal and respect her for the stature she holds in their lives. It was beautiful to see.

But I also see why everyone wanted us to meet. I would listen to her speak and everything resonated with me, I understood all her references, and sometimes I would chuckle because it was as if I were hearing myself speak. One time I was having a conversation and she was standing behind me and I had to stop because I realized we were having the exact same conversation saying just about all the same things. I guess I felt validated in the sense that if Master Kathy were saying it,  must be saying something right! LOL!

My time in Georgia is always a pleasure. This trip in particular was cut short due to circumstances out of my control. But I will be back. But my goal next year is help out all my other southern friends if I can. So far I've done my little by little each year I say I am. But it did make me look forward to nationals this year. And this year I'll have my own team getting to compete again and it'll be a nice meeting of the two worlds. Congratulations Master Stone on a job well done! (BOWS)

Master Kathy and I in Georgia.

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

The 2015 Haganah Annual Conference

A few years ago now, when I met Sigung, Grandmaster Frank Yee, he told us some very wise words. He said as important as tradition is, innovation is just as, if not more important. When he wanted to write his book on the 5 Animal Form in 1987, he knew he couldn't do it because he was still creating and formulating his art. He constantly was innovative and evolved over the years. It was only this past year in 2014 that this book was published. 

In the summer of 2013, I met my mentor's mentor for the first time. Founder of the Haganah system, Mike Lee Kanarek. You can read about my first meeting with him here. He was amazing, real, brilliant, and intense. I attended yet another seminar with him one year later, and I had asked him to be involved with a long term project which I ended up doing a Youtube Special in October. I have been training in Haganah under my mentor Master Samuel DeJesus since January 2012 and even took a FIGHT test under him at his school. 

This month in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Mike Lee had hosted his annual Haganah Conference where all his Haganah Black Belts and chosen FIGHT instructors from across the nation came together to train, be upgraded in the system, and to some even test for their Haganah Black Belt. The very first Conference was held in 2005. Since then the Conferences were held in places such as Las Vegas and at the headquarters in Florida. 

Let's explain a few things first before you get lost in all the lingo. FIGHT stands for Fierce Israeli Guerilla Hand-to-hand Tactics, a system that mixes principles of Krav Maga and Hisdarut, and combatives and tactics from Mike Lee's experience in the Israeli Special Forces. Its a fantastic, elite fighting system of high level self-defense, for lack of a better description (at least without cursing lol). The system had developed and expanded over the years and branched into areas of ground surivavl material, Israeli Tactical Knife fighting, and Israeli Pistol Tactical Training dealing with the high stress situations involving rifle and pistol usage. 

One can become a Black Belt in the FIGHT system but in order to become a Haganah Black Belt, only Mike Lee himself can produce those Black Belts and only after one does an intense amount of training and certified in all areas of Haganah, not just the FIGHT system. These tests would be done once a year ONLY at the annual conference. My mentor happens to be a Mike Lee Kanarek (MLK) Black Belt. 

The Haganah Black Belts and FIGHT Instructors gathering for the annual conference. 

I do not know how much information I am allowed to convey so I will keep my information limited, but changes in the direction the organization have been made for the betterment of EVOLUTION. Evolution to the system, evolution to the protocols, evolution to the quality, as any true founder would do. Mike Lee's entire FIGHT material has been changed and upgraded #Evolved. It's the second generation, of Gen 2 material. I got certified in the gun material in November at the headquarters in PA with Stu Bryant who is a fantastic ambassador of Mike Lee's. I had the opportunity to go to the conference this year and complete my Gen 2 certification and learn the upgraded empty hand and knife material as well, and train with other Haganah Black Belts, be with my mentor and many other I have met over the years, and witness a MLK Haganah Black Belt test which spanned over the three days we were there. 

Learning from Mike Lee is phenomenal. He has a very charismatic personality, rough around the edges, but a REAL person. He tells it how it is, he has no problem giving his opinion, but he is developing you and building you up in the process. But also to see him demonstrate his own material is priceless as well. There were some fantastic guests during the conference as well. 

For reasons I won't disclosing because I do not know to the extent of what I can share, the conferences will be changing in the future after this particular one, and only those attended this very conference will be allowed to attend these conferences for their continued education in Haganah and are all the true ambassadors of the Haganah system in Mike Lee Kanarek's name. I was honored to be a part of this brotherhood and this very event, and all left as Gen 2 Instructors. I also wanted to represent all my mentor had taught me over the years with great quality as well. I owe it to him to being a part of this world. 

Another highlight was that one of my mentors was testing for his Haganah Black Belt at this conference! Rick I met as a FIGHT Instructor at Rockaway Fight Center, and I believe is Master DeJesus's first student to become a Haganah Black Belt! He went through a lot of conditioning, stress and aggression drills, high level stress scenarios with the rifles and pistols, build ups drills with combatives and endurance, and the entire Gen 2 FIGHT material, ending with sparring. Without getting into much detail, it was amazing what these candidates had to pull through for this weekend. Mike Lee kept the standards high. 

Rick Testing for his Haganah Black Belt under Mike Lee Kanarek.,

Again, without disclosing too much information and not a lot of detail, this group is the last to do their MLK Haganah testing at an annual conference. Testing procedures will be different and there are not 6 platinum Haganah schools across the nation that can produce Haganah Black Belts from Oregon, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and others. The Haganah headquarters was in Florida for about a decade, I think. There was this HUGE banner that would be at the hosting headquarters and was given to Stu Bryant when the headquarters was relocated to Pennsylvania this past year. This was another evolved concept.

Mike Lee had decided to do away with a central headquarters and the headquarters would be spread among all the ambassadors at this very conference. He had cut up that large banner that these individuals have seen for so many years and gave the pieces to each one of us, signed and numbered. Wherever we are, that is a part of the legacy of Haganah and it's longevity. I have my piece framed and hung up in my school already. To many of the people who have known Mike Lee for so long, it was like he was giving a piece of his heart to each of us. It was a beautiful moment, and you couldn't help but be so proud to be apart of this brotherhood. 

As militant as the art is, Mike Lee has a tremendous amount of experience in traditional martial arts, and although he may tell you technically he does not keep the physical elements in his system, he certainly does keep the same principles alive in his system as a true martial art would be. How do I know that? First and foremost, the amount of LOYALTY that was in that room was overwhelming and so comforting to see. There is not one person in that room who did not have the most utmost loyalty to Mike Lee Kanarek. They would have his back no matter what, and truth is, he has all our backs in return. I do know that it took a long hard road to be sure of the true allegiance of people he had in his system, but as with anything, you go through the rough waves to find what is needed. 

The greatest martial arts masters have that very key. I see it with Mike Lee Kanarek and his Haganah Black Belts. I see it with Grandmaster Kang and his long time students. Joe Lewis had it with his proteges, and Mike Lee has for the late warrior. I see it with my own Sifu and his Sifu as well. I saw it with the martial artists down south with Master Kathy and Master McNeil. I am beginning to see it in my new generation of students now as well. Loyalty is key. And Mike Lee Kanarek knows his family is strong not just physically, but loyally. 

It was an honor to be a part of this and I strive to be a good ambassador for Mike Lee and to also continue to represent my personal mentor as well. I want to congratulate my mentor, master Samuel DeJesus who was promoted to 3rd Dan in Haganah aand some other warriors from our area such as Sifu Dave and Ed Du Plessis. Also thank you to my buddy Allison who joined me in this certification process and Stu Bryant for all his help and hosting this conference, and his excellent students. And to the other instructors and Black Belts who helped in the training and gave good training as well, especially Mark and Steve. Congratulations Mike Lee on a successful conference. It was badass, and I am proud to be a part of it. (BOWS)

Rick, me, Steve LaPenta, and Master DeJesus before we left for the conference. 

Me and Mike Lee Kanarek with my piece of the Haganah banner. 

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

The FIRST Pure Bred Trento Black Belts

Danielle and Samantha Niblock with Master Trento in October 2010 at their first belt test. 

(SPECIAL THANKS TO MICHAEL GRELLA FOR THE PICTURES!!)

"There are two ways to spread light. By being the candle or the mirror."

-Edith Warton

I'm exhausted. It's been so long since I have been this busy, I almost forgotten what it was like. But at the same time, I feel like I'm back up to some of my old tricks. It's been nonstop since 2015 began. End of January I moved TMAFC from Rochelle Park to Saddle Brook, beginning of February I took my Kung Fu test, I gave workshops and Seminars, We traveled to Albany for a tournament, I had belt testing for my students, I traveled to Georgia for a weekend, I was in Pennsylvania for a weekend, I'll be in Queens next weekend, I'll be doing more workshops and seminars, and I'll be going to Georgia again and Florida for a weekend martial arts gig. 

But when you has a passion for something, it is not work, and it is nothing but utterly exciting and motivating to continue on your quest. This past week was a very special week at TMAFC. I said it is our first "March Madness" at TMAFC. I do Black Belt testing twice a year only. My Black Belt tests are very different compared to many tests. Going through the ranks myself, I had to go through six day Black Belt tests. I, myself, loved them. My attitude was it was the ultimate accumulation of everything I am working for and that it would bring me to the ultimate peak performance in which I believed a Black Belt should be. It was exciting and I was enthusiastic, with a bit of appropriate nervousness. 

What I didn't know is that not everyone had the same mindset as me. Actually, now that I think about it, I don't know if anyone had. You see, my first master would do these Black Belt tests, and I didn't see it until much later in my training that his tests were more like a fraternity hazing process. There were drills and challenges that were ridiculous, not appropriately challenging, over the top, objectives that were unreasonable, and sometimes people were set up for failure. He would also play psychological games and get inside your head to break you down. This is NOT what I do.

In 2009, I did my first Black Belt test for TMAFC. The test was great, but there was a problem that never left and trickled into just about every test since then. The students testing under me thought of my old master and they thought I was him. Do I do similar drills? Yes. Do I have similar set ups? Yes. When the students falter, do I get stern? Yes. But are the objectives the same? No. Are the standards similar? No. Are expectations unreasonable? No. 

Over the years there were a few things I had figured out along the way. Why it's important to talk about certain topics during the test (for the audience's benefit, not the testers). A structure that could be followed and a way to set a bar and learn how to push the envelope in an appropriate manner. A way that consistency depending on the levels being tested would be ranked (not referring to belts). I really have my testing down to a science. And I really know how to target certain areas for the testing candidates that bring the best out of them. As long as they don't resist. 

All the people who tested with me for Black Belts have been my students, but the ones who ranked Black Belt were my students from my first school under my old master. They had that influence, they had that experience, they all had the similar psychological torture trauma that I broke much of it away, but enough still lingered that made testing processes sometimes more challenging than anything had to be. Do not get me wrong. All previous testers did a phenomenal job for their testings. They soared and grown and transformed in ways no other human beings could have grown. But there was always that lingering past energy of my old master. 

My last test was a couple of years ago. I had no students ready to test during this time, and it was a matter of waiting for the next group to be eligible and go through the ranks. During that time, changes were made in location, scheduling, curriculum, management, and structure. This past week, two of my very first students from when I opened TMAFC in 2010 were eligible for testing. But these two ladies would be different. And I knew it months in advance. They would be doing things differently and things no other students ever had done before, and I've been saying this for months because of one key element: they are purely my OWN. They have only trained under me. They have no other influence in their training other than me. 

Samantha and Danielle Niblock on their first day of martial arts training. 

I opened TMAFC June 5, 2010. Danielle and Samantha Niblock began June 28, 2010. Almost five years later, these twin sisters were testing for their adult Black Belt at TMAFC. They are the FIRST March Madness (our first test with the new months, March being the first), the FIRST test at the NEW TMAFC location in Saddle Brook, and the FIRST pure bred Trento influence students for Black Belt. I know both their parents were nervous, but I had full confidence these girls were ready. The one thing that remains consistent was that the students testing DO understand a little more about this process of what's going on then the people watching it. This is something that they have chosen to do and been training for. This test is to test all aspects of their training but also to be the ultimate positive reference point to transform into a completely different human being by the end of the test. 

Adult Black Belt testing is for 13 years of age and older. The girls were one month shy of the age cut off. So I offered them the chance to take the adult test or the junior test. They both made the choice to take the adult test. That alone shows great character. They had to get three recommendation letters from my own Black Belt students who believe they are capable to taking the adult standard Black Belt test. Mr. Robert Lisciandrello, Miss Samantha Volk, and Mr. Andrew Kranich each wrote letters for the girls, and I thank all three of them for doing so. In preparation the girls also took part in our competition team classes and adult classes to prepare for this test. 

What they did this week, most adults couldn't physically do or have the mental drive to do. Their written test day was Monday which they had to answer some very deep philisophical questions to build the mindset for the week. Tuesday they had to put their words to action thorugh their condtiioning test including a total of 2,000 jumping jacks, over 200 burpees, speed drills, beating their time each objective, horse stance for five minutes, 3 minute planks on medicinie balls, and military drills that I got from my Haganah Conference including srpints, suicides, running with the other person on their back, wheel barrows, lunges, and duck walks. 

Danielle and Samantha as high green belts. 

Wednesday was Self-Defense Day which they did extreme blocking and striking, low level escapes and high level self-defenses, multiple attackers, and a pass or fail test for each, and stress and aggression drills. Thursday was the test of focus and concentration through the technique of forms. Besides doing their traditional Taekwondo forms, they did them in different directions, under one minute, chosen forms for different objectives such as backwards, reflection, starting and ending on same points, blindfolded, etc. Friday was Basics where many Q&A's were asked and performance of the basic blocks, kicks, and kicking combinations were involved including speed drills with objectives, hand techniques as speed drills with objectives, and trust drills such as kicking paper in a person's mouth while balancing on one leg.

What I may add is this: Every morning of a Black Belt test I do the test in the morning myself. I never ask my students to do anything I cannot do. That being said, I have always in past tests either not do everything on the cards I had written down, or would lessen repetitions or time restraints depending on the difficulties and challenges of the individuals testing. I've done that for every test prior. This certainly does not mean those tests were any easier at all. But the struggles from those tests were overthinking, over-nervousness, thinking I was getting in their heads and therefore not listening to the directions, poor attitudes in the moment, etc. 

This was the first time EVER in my five years I did EVERY single bullet on my cards EACH day of the test. There were moments I would think, Maybe I should move on to the next thing and not add another objective or maybe I should lessen the reps here, this seems to be a little extreme. I did not do that AT ALL this time. Those moments popped in my mind for a second, but that was it. Only a second and then I stood my ground. If I said 100, it was 100. If I said both sides, it was both sides. If I said another 1000, it was another 1000. And these girls did EVERYTHING.

Their attitude was impeccable. I KNEW whatever I told them to do, they would do it, and do it well. They never showed moments of weakness during the week. They never let emotions take over. They always made a conscious choice to stay light hearted and smile (something I was always known for doing in my own testing),  and took the mental lessons to heart and very seriously in putting them into action. In return, I was VERY relaxed and light hearted myself during the entire testing. Their confidence made ME even MORE confident, and I believe my confidence made THEM more confident. The spirit was one. 

Final Day of Black Belt testing

I had seven judges on Day 6. One of my own and 6 guests. Miss Samantha Volk, who worked very closely with the girls over the years. New friend Master Christian Seiglie who is the New Jersey Gong Kwan Yosul liason and 4th Dan in Taekwondo. Mr. Michael Ramirez from the ATA, good hearted individual with a lot of heart and drive and student of my Songahm mentor.  Master Joe Nilon who is a master of Hapkido, practitioner of Taekwondo, and Gen 1 FIGHT Instructor in Haganah, we met in 2012 paneling together at a Black Belt test at Rockaway Fight Center. My own mentor, Master Samuel DeJesus, who was recently promoted to 3rd Dan in Haganah and 5th Dan in Taekwondo. His student, Mr. Austin Redlich was on the panel for the first time, and dear friend and 3rd Dan in Taekwondo Miss An Marie Cooper. Beautiful people who I know all have my back, and I theirs; all bringing great experience to the table.

For those who know me, the first five days of testing, and all my color belt tests I do NOT sit behind a table. I am standing and moving around and am RIGHT IN THERE with the tests. It just isn't me to sit behind some table to judge. The first two portions of the final day is forms and judge's choice. It's the only time I am sitting and even then I am finding reasosn to get up and be right int her during the test. And if anyone noticed, for just about the entire test, I am right in there, on my feet. 

The girls did their Taeguek forms in approximately 5 minutes. This is the FIRST time a student did not make silly mistakes due to nerves, overconfidence, or over thinking. They also learned these 8 forms in six months for their test. but the way they prepared and practiced definitely showed. They are also the first students to have the proper detail and style according to WTF standards. they showed ITF forms and the forms meanings. I was very proud of them. 

Next came our traditional judge's choice. Miss Cooper asking about the twin rivalry in training and how they dealt with something as real as that and how is has been transmuted into other areas. Mr. Austin wanted to see advance spinning kicks which the girls have never done before and took a chance at doing something they never had before. Master Joe and Master Seiglie both asked for self-defense scenarios which the girls showed that they not only understood the principles and concepts that were being asked for but also prepared to do them. Mr. Ramirez asked a question to be answered about why they were doing what they were doing while performing a plank drills to the satisfaction of the judges. Miss Volk, knowing their weak point was breaking made them choose their most difficult break and this was the beginning of the major challenges the girls would have to face, overcoming the mental block transmuting into the breaking of boards. And Master DeJesus questioned them individually about certain questions on their written test along with knuckle push ups on their broken boards. 

They had to next do Olympic style Taekwondo sparring. Following the AAU rules, they did a few matches and then rapid fire sparring changing opponents every 15 seconds for several rounds beofre having to spar 2,3,4 and eventually 5 people at once. Then the judges requested their own objectives they wanted to see while sparring. Quite frankly, there was nothing the girls would not do. There was never a sigh of disbelief, there was never a pain face or a whiny expression. Never did you see fear in their eyes. Whatever was asked, they said "Okay" and then did it. I believe the judges did a fantastic job in trying to push the envelope. 

The most emotional part is always the self-defense portion. But what I did for the first time, and never did before waqs have the girls demonstrate the entire low level escape and high level self-defense curriculum, which my own mentor Master DeJesus actually gave them a mini lesson in the middle of (an honor I know the girls appreciated). But this was also an adult test, so they were to be treated like adults. And in return, they responded like adults. 

A simulation of the worst case scenario for self-defense can always be created. One of the ways I do this is with "the tarp". Many people have seen me do this. It is a constructive way to get the hypothalamus of our brain to release the chemicals of the mind to chemically trigger the adrenaline needed to respond in fight response rather than flight response when in a mode of survival. People do martial arts to learn how to defend yourself. Even in the most extreme cases where everything is against you, you can't see, hear, move, and being attacked, you see the person fight to survive. When a father of a young lady, such as these two, can say to me that they know they will never have to worry about their daughters, I know I have done my job. Someone once said it was very "jigsaw" of me to do. But when it comes to self-defense, there is nothing more important than knowing how to fight for your life. 

The final portion was breaking. By this point, it is the last thing the girls have to do and they are running on fumes after what they did physically in the five hours that day, and the 2-3 hours each day prior to that moment. We had chosen hand and foot techniques for them to do, not realizing that they were all techniques they had chosen to do, and they had purposely chosen the most difficult and harder breaks to do. That shows great integrity. Most people will choose the easy way out, but that would not have settled well with these girls. These ladies have standards and they had every intention of meeting, whether people thought they were crazy or not. and THAT I couldn't have been any prouder. 

After the judges reconvened, we decided the girls deservedly so passed their Black Belts. The families were proud, the judges were proud, their parents were proud, and I was very proud. YES I cried, I always do. I used to make fun of my Aunt Dottie, who is one of the greatest teachers you'll ever meet, for always crying at occasions with her students. But I understand why. We had alumni students present, who I got to spend a lot of time at the after party with laughing like odl times, some say they even want to come back to train. Many students stayed to see this test. People from the gym stayed to see what this test was all about. 

When I awarded their certificates, I made a modification to their certificates. A candle on either side with the number "1" on it, to represent that they are the FIRST ever of the new generation of Trento Black Belts, and I couldn't be prouder. It really was, one of the best test we ever had. It was one of the best panels we ever had. And at this present moment, the energy is so good, so great, so positive, so uplifting, the new era is here, and what better way than Danielle and Samantha to pave the way for us.

Danielle and Samantha, you showed such maturity beyond your years. You have grown up so much in 5 years, but you have grown up so much in six days. You did not see this test as torture but as an exciting adventure! You were intense, yet lighthearted. You smiled and didn't get bent out of shape. You welcomed push ups, and you mistakes did not upset you. You never rolled your eyes, you never sighed in disbelief. You didn't listen to the "don't let him get in your head" comments. You welcomed me into your head to build you up and we worked so well together. You were the candles to shine bright and will light the wicks of others to come. You worked beautifully together and will always have this to share with each other for the rest of your lives, and it's because of young adults like yourselves that I can say to people who worry about our world's future, I can say "It'll all be okay" and its because we have people like you as our future. A job well done, ladies. Well done. (BOWS)

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

(SPECIAL THANKS TO MICHAEL GRELLA FOR THE PICTURES!!)