Sifu's Assessment

"The true warrior does not act from emotion, but utilizes all the skill and training of a lifetime to save his life in any one instant. Emotion clouds your ability to see clearly and causes loss in any situation. Emotion and ego will not allow you to understand the difficulties you  are encountering."

-Sifu Pedro Yee

I think it was the Wednesday after the pretest I had gone for a tuina session with Sifu. I was pretty beat up from the pretest and I had a few days left before taking my 4th Degree Black Belt test. I knew Sifu could heal me up and spiritually cleanse me before the test. But I also wanted to hear his assessment of the test that he saw. I don't know if he's seen anything like my testing before or not, it was his first time seeing me "in action" so to speak, and his insight is very important to me.

I left a little early and I parked my car outside his school in Clifton and I walked up the street. There was a church at the top of the hill so I walked inside and prayed a little bit. Then after some time there I went back to the school and the doors were open, so I walked in. Inside a few kung fu students were working out and practicing. I bowed to the alter of the ancestors and then sat and watched the students in awe. 

One was hitting the wooden posts, something I had only seen in movies. The other two looked as if they were doing Qi-work. They had great focus and discipline as they worked. I watched and just visualized myself doing exactly this. Not too much later, Sifu came on in. What a positive ball of energy you felt when he walked in the room! Full of smiles, squealing his hellos, hugging everyone, joking around, just so light-hearted! All I could think was, I am so happy I met this man. He introduced me as "Master Trento" to his other students. I felt sooooooo validated!

We went into the tuina therapy room where he began to work on me and we talked about the test. I was so happy that Sifu was at pretest and told him what an honor it was to have him there. But HE kept saying it was HIS honor to be there, which meant to much. He gave me a lot of credit for putting myself in the position in front of people, whether it be students, friends, colleagues, whoever it was and to brought to that point of physical exhaustion and still push through the struggles of achieving what I needed to achieve. And it was all voluntary. He acknowledged that I didn't have to do this test. He was proud of me for sticking to my values. 

He said the test was a very real test. I wasn't afraid to express my emotions. There was laughing, there was crying, there was confusion, there was drive, and he said it was "a beautiful thing to witness." As he was working on me he said "I was very impressed," then he paused what he was doing and looked at me and said "And there's not much that impresses me." Wow! I could have died that moment and be content. He said he wished I had it video taped. "Oh I had it taped," I said. He stopped. "You do!?" He asked for a copy, which I will have my brother make. 

Sifu told me, many of the masters he knew would not ever do what I did. Most dignitaries will showcase their strengths and abilities to look good and wow their audiences. The way I put myself in this so called rite of passage to mastership is almost unheard of, and Sifu told me that I give him "hope for the martial arts." Okay, now I really can die of happiness!

I then started asking him a few questions about his studying in Qi-work, tuina, and what my test wil be like that coming Saturday, etc. He checked out my arms which were bruised pretty badly so he gave me some Chinese medicine called Dit Dat. He gave me instructions of how to use it, right up to the Friday night before the test, which I did everything to the tee and didn't miss a beat! I began asking him about my training and he told me to get through my test and nationals in Florida and we'll get together and discuss. I was super excited!

Sifu Pedro Yee is a great man and phenomenal martial artist. A true master's master. I am absolutely blessed to have crossed paths with him, and I owe it all to Lisa. I am committed to being the best student I can be with Sifu while learning this brand new world of martial art training. It will bring me to the place in life I have always wanted to be at. In turn I hope I one day, too, can do for others as h will do for me. I know he has taught many many many students and produced many many many instructors. I am beyond eager and humbled to be his student and have him as my master. But first, I have to finish what I said I would before my training with Sifu can begin. And I said it a year ago. "After my 4th Degree Master test, I will be training under you!" I said it right in that very school of his those words. And that Saturday was the long awaited 4th Degree Black Belt test.

Yours in service,

A TRENTO

4th Degree Master Test FINAL DAY

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS POST.. 

July 16, 2012 -- The final day of the six day pretest for my 4th Degree Black Belt master test began at 2pm. My eyes were closed as I meditated and gathered my thoughts and emotions. I was doing light stretching and before I knew it, one of the Friars and one of my most dearest friends in the whole world, Nina Harkhani, walked out to put me into concentration position. As soon as she walked out I teared up. Already the surprises were beginning. I knew this was going to be a full day of a lot of emotions.

When I opened my eyes I looked up at the panel, and I began to cry. Right away I saw in front of me some of the most important people in my life; some very important characters who were a big part of my martial arts career. It took a few minutes for me to gather my emotions. I saw exactly how they situated themselves. From right to left they sat in the order of how they came into my life.

 First was of course Kristin Barrett, my best friend in the whole entire world. She and I go as far back as day ONE into the martial arts world. Next was a former instructor of mine who I was completely surprised to see, Mr. Jeff Checkley, who taught me about a dozen years ago. Then sat Nina, followed by my fitness mentor Charlene Scarcella, another big surprise for me. I knew she was coming as a spectator, I didn't think she would be part of the test! Next was a former student of mine when he was like three years old, now eighteen years old, Storm Duke. Next followed some of my Black Belts, first Samantha Volk, Robert Lisciandrello, Erin McKenna, and Andrew Kranich.

Following Andrew was mentor Professor Lisa Sargese, and next to her was probably the most prestigious guest I could ever have on a panel for a Black Belt test at my school. My new master, Sifu Pedro Yee. This would be the first time Sifu ever see me as a martial artist. I am sure he was filled in on the week, but I was honored to have Sifu there for this day. It meant a great dea to have his presence and I became overcome with emotions when I saw him. I was absolutely thrilled! Following Sifu was Ms Pamela Gedman from ATA martial arts who is a fourth degree Black Belt, competed at many world championships, guest judged at TMAFC for Miss Volk's test, and a very dear friend of George's. And of course at the end, and facilitator for the day was George Valentino.

Each judge got up and explained how they knew me and a little about their role in the martial arts. Each one had me just as emotional as the next. These people meant a great deal to me, as well as many people in attendance. Frankie and his family were there, many of my students, former students, my parents and brothers, my Aunt Karen was there, some of George's students who knew me were there, my friends Jill and Tricia, the energy in the room was amazing.

The test followed the AAU guidelines which always start with Forms. I know 40 forms in Taekwondo, but the judges required me to only perform the Black Belt forms which not many people get to see anyway. I did the three Olympic Taekwondo Black Belt forms Koryo, Kuemkang, and Taebeck. Then I did ten of the traditional ITF forms GwanGae, Po Ehn, Gaebeck, Eu Aim, Choong Jang, KoDang, Juche, Sam Il, Yoo Sin, and Choi Yong. Then I peformed the 3rd Degree ATA Black Belt form WITH Mr. George Valentino as a surprise. He taught me the form in three sessions and it was our FIRST performance together ever. I really enjoyed my performance of my forms.

My first performance with Mr. Valentino

Traditionally on these Black Belt tests we do a section called judges choice. The judges get to choose whatever they want me to do. Philosophical question, physical challenges, instructional, whatever they choose. Kristin was up first and she is known for her army drill of "On your belly-on your feet." For five minutes straight Kristin would call out on your belly where I'd do push ups, on your feet where I'd do foot fires (running in place as fast as I can) and/or on your back where I did situps. It was a lot of fun. Most people would take it as torture, I had fun with the whole thing.

Kristin Barrett overseeing her judges choice for me

Mr.Checkley had asked me a question regarding my training up to this point to get more insight of a "master's" point of view. Nina asked me a question about my biggest struggle and how I've dealt with it while doing fifty squat thrusts with the jump. Obviously my biggest struggle was a forgiveness issue, that I have come a long way with. Next Charlene asked me to do 30 one handed push ups on both sides like we used to do at the gym when she personal trained me. She knew a year ago what I was training for. Storm had me do a former challenge from the week and overcome that challenge. I think I surprised myself with the record I kept for myself. I even asked them to double check to see if they made a mistake LOL.

Sam's judges choice was hilarious. Everyone knows how I love my hair and keep it so nice. She made all my students line up behind me and I had to allow everyone to mess up my hair one by one. It was a comical moment. Next Robert had me perform my least favorite form blind folded and I had to start and end on the same point. Erin chose for me to perform two of her favorite forms, and Andrew asked me to recite all my Korean history for general knowledge.

Mr. Checkley asking his question for judge's choice.

Nina asking for her judge's choice.

Charlene enjoying the entire Black Belt test experience.

Me doing one handed push ups for Charlene's judge's choice.

The students messing up my hair for Sam's judge's choice

Robert blind folding me for his judge's choice.

 Next was Lisa's judge's choice. We have done Qigong together and she is an educator's educator. She wanted me to instruct four of my students a particular Qigong form and explain the necessity of the movements and it's symbolic ways to gathering the lessons of the past, bringing it into the present, and releasing what you need to the future. Then I created a Qi-ball (will discuss in a future blog) and gave it to my mother. Then, it was Sifu's turn.

Sifu first questioned me on some Chinese history based on the kung fu he teaches, known as Hung Ga Kung fu. And then a truly remarkable and unexpected judge's choice he had planned for me. After seeing me conjure qi-balls from Lisa's judge's choice, he thought I was ready to stimulate qi in a completely different way. Qi is energy that we all have inside of us, it always has been, always will be, it is the ultimate energy of life. He wanted me to produce liquid at the tips of my fingers. My fingertips produced moisture and I couldn't believe it. Even after Sifu was explaining to the audience I continued to manifest the qi and had a drop of liquid form at the tip of my ring finger. I was amazed and for ME, it was only foreshadow to what was to come with my training with Sifu.

Next was Ms Gedman asking me questions based on my thesis I wrote for my master's test and the goals I had for myself in my training and for my own students. And then George made me teach one of the high level Krav Maga self-defenses to one of my more "shy" students. This was his way of having me demonstrate I can teach this type of styled martial art to any type of student.

Me teaching the qigong form to four of my students for Lisa's judge's choice.

Blast to the past with Qigong

Sifu explaining Qi to the audience as I gather it myself.

Sifu explaining to me how to use my "Dan-tien".

Me producing liquid at the tip of my fingers.

Ms Gedman asking her judge's choice to see where my thoughts are for the future.

One of my goal's for sparring was to be able to do 30 minutes straight of Olympic sparring. Unless you've done it before, you can't begin to imagine the amount of endurance needed to do such a thing. Mind you! I also went through five days, some double sessions, of testing that was quite hard on the body. I am choosing to bring my body to the ultimate point of physical exhaustion. There were periods of just changing partners between Robert, George, Kristin, and Andrew. Later there were two on one against me, and later on three on me.

Halfway through, my body was saying to me "screw you, buddy" so I changed to punches. Olympic Taekwondo has no punches really, but George's style, and my old style of training does. Do I started throwing punches and wouldn't use the legs unless I KNEW it would land. I couldn't afford to waste ANY energy. I'd rather block with my arms then move my body, because it used less motion. I had to adjust with the time that I had that my body would allow me, as much as I was aware to do. I felt very good about it.

Robert and Sam had to leave halfway and had a moment to say a few things. It was very emotional. Sam has been a loyal supporter since she was seven and a big part of TMAFC by her own account. But I got especially emotional when it came to hear Robert. Robert has been there for me not only in my training but in the most difficult times of my personal life. He did a phenomenal job in facilitating the test during the week and knew exactly what I wanted. I cannot thank him enough not only for that week, but for being the powerhouse of friendship that he is.

I went to the back with Lisa and Sifu as the judge's prepared for the self-defense portion. It had a huge bump on my arm, nothing I couldn't handle. But I had one of the greatest healers in the world right with me! So Sifu worked on my arm and it hurt initially but I was amazed at how the bump visibly just disappeared. Someone then came out and put a blind fold on me. Back in 2002 on my very first Black Belt test, there was a self-defense portion of the test that included a large blue tarp with water on it, a blindfold, loud deafening music, shut off lights, and a bucket of water thrown on me while people tried to attack me. They tried to reproduce that very same self-defense confrontation.

I was brought out, thrown to the floor, poured a bucket of water on me, and was attacked. This is sometimes the most emotional part to watch and can be very intense. Even with all our senses against us, we are able to defend ourselves and many people join martial arts. It's hard to watch but its very real and God forbid we ever truly get into a confrontation, we know we can protect ourselves. Despite the physical exhaustion I was in, I had to do what I needed to do in order to "survive". Then at one point, they put my mother, Aunt Karen, and little Owen in the corner and I had to protect them. I've done it myself to my own students and I knew they would do it to me, but it still doesn't prepare you to see people you love and the thought of having to fight for them. I got very emotional. And I did what I had to do. It's what I trained for. Whether you agree with how they tested me for it or not, it's not up for debate. Afterwards I just demonstrated the open hand and weapon Krav Maga self-defenses.

Ten Years ago was the last time I did a self-defense test like this one.

Blind folded, blasted music, wet tarp, and a bucket of water dropped on you while being attacked.

I had to defend my Aunt Karen, my mother, and little Owen.

 

The final portion of the test was breaking. According to the judges, they knew I could break all the required breaking, so the martial artist judges got to choose some of their favorite challenging breaks for me to do on the test. George asked me to do a double jump front kick, Kristin chose jump spinning knife hand strike,  Erin chose speed punch, Mr. Checkley chose a combination break, Storm chose a double kick, Andrew chose an ax kick, and then I had chosen my five board sliding side kick. Finally the test was complete. It was then time for the judges to go into my office and discuss their decision.

George's choice of break.

Kristin's choice of break.

Andrew's choice of break.

Sifu was healing people all day from injuries and ailments! The poor man never stopped!

My Five board sliding side kick.

The judges came out and they asked me to speak. I was very emotional, and did my best to keep it together. I was so happy with how the test went. Years ago, we'd have students who were known for how they did their forms, or if self-defense was their thing, or sparring was their thing, or maybe breaking. Well for me, Black Belt tests were my thing. And this was an awesome Black Belt test. Many students and supporters came and I couldn't have been happier for their presence. My parents were in attendance with my brothers, some very dear friends who meant the world to me, and the panel I was absolutely thrilled about.

Robert, George, and Lisa did a phenomenal job in planning this test out. George really stepped forward to spear headed this. No one asked him to, he didn't have to do any of this, but he did. George is a phenomenal friend and holds great character and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for all he's put into making this test everything I wanted it to be. Robert equally put his all into giving me the test that I wanted. He knew exactly what I wanted to go through, he knew exactly what I needed to face, and it meant as much to him as it did to me and for that I am forever grateful. And Lisa, she really went above and beyond to be sure the expectations and the spirit that this test required stayed alive. I know it was very stressful for her too. But I can't help but have a special smile thinking about Lisa's involvement, because four years ago, she was the one I WANTED as my mentor, and she was the one a year ago I told about this test, and to see her sitting at the table for the very thing I have waited for my entire life, it truly was a moment of life coming full circle. She is one of the greatest and bestest friends I will ever have.

It was an honor to have Mr. Checkley, one of my former instructors to be here for this test! He was a part of my origin and to have that piece of my past for this moment meant the world to me. Mr. Checkley also gave me one of the best compliments I could ever have received. He told me that he wishes he could train under me if he could come back to training. It was an honor to have Ms Gedman judge MY test for me. And she had already been judging a test earlier that day, so for her to come all the way from one school to my test was a really big deal for me. I was really surprised to see her.

Of course Nina was a big surprise for me, she made it sound like she would be working and studying (she is in medical school saving the world). And then of course my mentor Charlene, I have known her for so long and she has played such a huge role in my life and it's just so funny how you just never know where you end up with people! A year ago I as just talking to her about this test, and here she was on the panel for it! And I think Charlene, along with Lisa, are the first non-martial artists to be on the panel for a Black Belt test.

I was thrilled and brought to tears at the way my Black Belts had come together for this test. During the week as well, Robert, Samantha, Andrew, Erin, and Frankie really did an awesome job. I couldn't have been more pleased and proud with them. And to have Storm join in as a blast from the past, he fit right in as if not a day has gone by from the day we trained together. Of course the greatest honor was to have Sifu here. What a way to see me for the first time as a martial artists. I couldn't wait to hear from him what his thoughts were and what might be going on in his head about how my training with him will go. He brought such a wonderful element to my test and I told him that it meant so much to have him there, in which he responded "It meant so much to ME to be here."

Remember this test was a cumulative test of all I have done in my fifteen years of martial arts. And we will never forget who was on that journey with us. It was only fitting to have Kristin there for me. She was there for day one, took every color belt test with me, we shared a Black Belt test together, competed together, trained and taught others together, trained under the same master, but even greater than that are the bigger staples in our lives that we shared together in our personal lives. One of the most, if not THE most, important person in my life, this test would not have been complete without her presence.

At the conclusion of the test the mentors present (Lisa and Charlene), and the new master (Sifu Yee) had presented me with a large certificate that was made up for me for competing this six day test. The center was a write up like any certificate but what made this certificate extra special was around the certificate were quotes from some of my mentors, my Black Belts, Sifu, and from the Friars. It was so touching to read. And another plaque that was made up and given to me that awarded me the approval of being worthy of the title "Master" by my students, friends and family, loved ones, my Black Belts, my mentors, and the Friars.

It was a day I will never forget. Many of the most important people of my life were all there in that room of my dojang. I was able to complete the six day test for a 4th Degree Black Belt. I felt ready for the real test which would take place one week from that very day. This test could not have been any better. The only thing that would have been better is if all the mentors and all the Friars could make it that day. But life's circumstances make it tough, but they all had an important role that got me to this point. This rite of passage was spiritually enlightened. Now it was time for me to set my sights on reaching the end of the tunnel, the very event I waited my whole life for. My 4th Degree Black Belt Master test!

Everyone bowing out to Sifu Yee at the end of the test.

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Yours in service,
A TRENTO

4th Dan Master Pretest During the Week

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS POST

June 11, 2012 was the first day of my six day pretest for 4th Degree Master. The first day was the "Mental Day" which was facilitated by my mentor, Professor Lisa Sargese. A little background of our history, Lisa was my college professor at Montclair State University in 2008. When I met her, I KNEW she would be the one to teach me things psychologically and spiritually that would help me reach new levels in my training. I told her back then she was going to be my "mental training mentor."

I don't know how much she believed me back then, but sure enough my premonitions are ALWAYS right. A year ago I had breakfast with her at this quant little restaurant and I told her about this six day test and I wanted HER to be a part of it. Once again, I don't know if she realized what I was getting her into, because here we were one year later and here she is running the first day of my Pretest for 4th Degree Black Belt!

The first day Lisa set up as an educational seminar type setting where I had to do question-answer on psychological and philosophical notions we've learned based on psychology, the law of attraction, qigong, hypnosis, and aromatherapy. I had to demonstrate suggestibility tests, muscle testing, put someone under hypnosis and do depth testing, apply essential oils to emotional releasing, and create an oil as well. We filled up three hours of everything! It was so fitting to do all the skills I wanted to acquire as a master and to have THE mentor who made it all possible there to run it. It's funny when you are in the very moment where you find life coming into a full circle.

Professor Lisa Sargese questions me about the law of attraction.

Me putting Miss Volk under hypnosis for depth testing

Applying essential oils for head ache.

June 12, 2012 was day two, "Conditioning Day" which began with part 1 at 11am in the morning with Mr. Valentino. We had accomplished many physical challenges I have done in past Black Belt tests that were my goals to overcome and to not only accomplish them but to do them in harder iterations which Mr. Valentino came up with magnificently, and beating my personal best each time. Things like hopping on one leg for five minutes, sitting position for five minutes, planks for minutes, I did a fit test where I had to do push ups, sit ups, punches, kicks, and combos totaling a specific number (I broke 500), and then a circuit where I did a total of 5,000 jumping jacks 100 kettle bell squats, and 1000 jump ropes, beating my personal time in between each set.

Part 2 of conditioning was run my Mr. Lisciandrello who started me right off with 5,000 jumping jacks (that totaled 10,000 jumping jacks for the day--my poor feet!), then I had to do a speed and agility obstacle course while wearing my gear. Robert made me do an abundance of speed drills, beating my personal best each time, stamina drills to test my endurance, muscle endurance drills, push ups, situps, I don't think anyone has ever done so much for a conditioning test! I was very proud of myself.

Robert knew that I had a deep fear inside of me, not having done a test like this in a long time. The question of whether I was still able to do what I used to be able to do in the old days. After the conditioning day, I really made a deep gash in that fear. I was so proud and so happy to have done what I did.

I had to do 10,000 jumping jacks for the day!

Speed and agility obstacle course with gear

Mr. Kranich showed his support by joining me in the abs drills. He knew I could do it.

I HATE push ups -___-

June 13, 2012 was Forms day. Lisa was nice enough to drive with me to Spotswood, NJ where I met with mentor Master Kevin Balon of Fastkix Taekwondo, District Director for AAU and President of NJ AAU Taekwondo. I did ALL of the ITF traditional Taekwondo forms with him for about 3 hours at his school. This was our last meeting before the real test. And Lisa got to see us work together and witness his great knowledge of the forms.

Almost as soon as we got back to TMAFC, my part 2 of the day began with three hours of Robert testing me on my forms. I know a total of 40 Taekwondo forms. I had to performs all the traditional Taekwondo forms, all the Olympic Taekwondo forms (both systems that I know), and all the Black belt forms. Then Robert challenged me to do forms backwards, blindfolded, facing different directions, start and end on the same points, doing them in time restraints and beating my best each time, and balancing a cup of coins on my head while doing them as well.

A lot of these drills were from past tests and of course Robert added his own spice to make them more challenging for me. I love forms and I had a blast. I smiled with each new challenge. But after doing all the forms that morning with Master Balon and having done ALL the conditioning for the six hours the day before, my body was feeling it. So it came a time to apply the little qigong I knew to stimulate qi, relax my muscles, and give me strength and focus when I needed it. I impressed myself with how much I was able to gather. EVERY TIME I did it, I achieved exactly what I was looking to do. And again, Robert asked me if I felt that I was able to do what I used to and THEN some. I did.

June 14, 2012-- Day 4 for "Self-Defense day", Mr. Valentino brought me to a martial arts school down south to meet a Krav Maga instructor.  My self-defense mentor, Master Samuel DeJesus has been teaching me the Haganah system of Krav Maga and this was a test on George's part for me to see how an outsider would view my form for this self-defense art, and see if I can pick up on anything new to bring to the table for part 2 of the test that night, and for the real test. It was great to train with George like that, it's always a great feeling to train with someone who loves it just as much as you do.

At night Robert had made me do an instructional way of explaining the different leverage and level of forces of self-defense and then demonstrate them. I did loe level escapes, higher level self-defenses, the high level Krav Maga that I learned that morning and from Master DeJesus, gun defenses, knife defenses, ground defenses, and had multiple people attack me, blind folded me, and I had to teach non-training people self-defense to show my ability to teach these systems.

Then June 15, 2012 was "Basics day" where on day five I demonstrated my basic blocks curriculum, kicks, and kicking combinations where I showed cleanliness of technique, stance work, foot positioning, balance and control, and test of focus. I had to stand on boards for while maintaining the stances for long periods of time, balance on stack of boards and kick with one leg for a certain number, and do all my combinations in a number of time. Then Robert threw in some boards breaking. I did a three board turning back hook kicks, two board ridge hand, two board jump spinning knifehand strike, a five board downward palm strike, and a five board sliding side kick. The boards I broke were one inch thick, 12 inches long, 10 inches wide.

I as very pleased with the first five days of testing. I had done more than I ever have on any Black Belt test before. I was really feeling like I was on my game. But the test was not over. It was always the last day that brought the most surprises, the most challenges, and I would need the most of myself. After being brought to my peak physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, the true test would be what I can bring forth as a master on the final day.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Yours in service,

A TRENTO