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!!)

Undying Love

I don't remember this magazine having permission to use MY picture on the cover! LOL!!!

"I'm not funny. What I am is brave."

-Lucille Ball

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love Lucy. But so did the world. I have been a Lucy fan for as long as I could remember. Not only for her work but for the person. I actually have my own Lucy moments just about every week, I wish I could have them recorded. There have been many close to me who have had the privilege of experiencing those moments with me. I have a lot of them by myself these days.

So of course when a magazine has Lucille Ball on the cover of it, a few of my students and members had to get it for me. I was the first person they thought of! I know all about Lucy, so reading these articles that makes it seem like its all "new information" is malarkey. But reading the article still reminds me how very much I AM like Lucy. 

Lucille Ball is a pioneer and the reason we all have televisions today! The funniest and hardest working woman ever, she was the greatest at her trade and no one could top her. I Love Lucy is the only television show EVER that is playing every hour of every day since 1956. More people watched her having baby Ricky then Eisenhower's inaugural address and bumped him off the front page. She began this television show with her real life husband Desi Arnaz. They fell in love doing a film together.

They met resistance at first with the networks. Who would believe the all American girl was married to a Cuban? But she argued that she WAS. They took matters in their own hands doing an on the road vaudeville act and the rest  was history. But this was also so she could work with her husband who was jealous of her career and couldn't stand being known as Mr. Ball in the time of the 1950s. But Lucy had a mouth on her and didn't put up with such nonsense and gender role stereotypes, and her response to that was "If they put an "s" on the last name of it, you'd be shaking their hands!"

Desi along with Vivian Vance and Will Frawley were well known but got their universal fame because of Lucy. She shared the fame and glory, never worrying about herself, but anyone who joined in on her ride benefited greatly. But her husband was a womanizer. He had his mistresses and it devastated her for so many years. Finally they decided to divorce and it broke America's heart, and I Love Lucy, was no more. 

But I don't know if people knew that after their divorce in 1960, they remained VERY close. They were the best of friends! They still ran their studio together which ran shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show and Star Trek. They loved being around each other more than anything. But they couldn't allow themselves to be together as a couple. Most of their friends and people who knew them to THIS DAY say that if they just put aside their differences and egos, stepped up to the plate and made personal changed within themselves, their marriage would have continued stronger and greater and lasted until they died. As successful and wonderful as Lucy was, she could never top I Love Lucy and no one to this day could ever beat her. But she always felt that something inside of her as stopping her from truly moving forward to being all she could be. Holding onto that undying love can be quite a weight. 

They both remarried, but their new marriages were NOT the same love affair that they both had for each other. Lucy's long time chauffeur for 30 years said he would pick up the phone and say "Miss Ball, it's your husband!" And she would respond "Which one?" 

They talked every week, but there is one thing that never ended. Their love for each other. Even though they went on with their lives, they never really gotten over being in love with each other, and all their closest friends and relatives knew it. Some would say "Who knew if they knew it." Their love for each other was undying. The last time they spoke was what would have been their 45th wedding anniversary. He died a few days later. He was supposed to read a speech for Lucy at the Kennedy Center Honors that year. Someone else read his speech. He ended with "'I Love Lucy' was never just a title." 

Imagine all your life two people in love but ego and pride kept them apart? Don't let the hurts of the past take over. Allow for yourselves to grow and fix together. There's nothing wrong with asking for support for what you need to better yourself, and there is nothing wrong with disagreeing. People are allowed to feel what they need to feel, but if you KNOW you're hurting the other person, and that other person figures it out, however you stir the pot, there aren't truly any real deal breakers when true love is involved. Let love take over, not your fear. (BOWS)

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

Mrs. Sharyn Sears

Mrs. Sharyn Shore Krantz (Sears), my fourth grade teacher.

I am a educator by nature. My gift in this world is to teach. As a teacher of many things, I can identify master educators anywhere. Growing up I always had very strong connections with the teachers I had growing up, whether it be in my field of expertise or in academia. I have a tremendous appreciation for a fantastic teacher and what they can do. I love movies such as Music of the Heart, The Ron Clark Story, Freedom Writers, and so much more. I identify with those because that is how I am and I was blessed to experience  such phenomenal teachers who went outside the box.

A true teacher is more concerned though by truly developing the individual, more than the subject matter. They use the subject matter as a tool to empower the student with the skills needed to be transmuted into our everyday lives. I learned from the best of the best. This particular blog I have been wanting to write for a long time. I have thought about writing a card, or a letter, but this is my way of sharing with everyone and this individual my true gratitude.

The above picture is Mrs. Sharyn Shore Krantz. When I had her, her name was Mrs. Sears. She was my fourth grade teacher. I entered her class not prepared. Unfortunately I had a third grade teacher who did not properly prepare me with my studies and truth is, I should have never progressed to the fourth grade. I went into Mrs. Sears class having a below average reading comprehension, no study skills, not knowing any math, unsure of how to write in script, and inability to retain information.

I think today teachers are more worried about covering material and preparing for state tests and scores than the development of the student. I was lucky enough to have an experience where my teachers defied those obstacles and put the student first. A true teacher knows that once the time and effort is put into helping a student develop a way to learn and hand the skills to move forward, everything else truly does fall into place. Mrs. Sears is definitely one of those teachers.

One day, only two months into fourth grade, Mrs. Sears calls my mother at home. I am almost sure the quote Mrs. Sears said to my mother was: "Karen, what the hell is the matter with your son?!" My mother startled, thought there was a problem, and there was. I was at a second grade level in all aspects. Mrs. Sears explained to my mother what the problem was and where I was and where I needed to be. But Mrs. Sears didn't only present what the problem was, but she presented the solution. This is something some teachers forget to do. Mrs. Sears went right to work. But it wasn't just to improve my grades and learn the material. It was to give me the skills that will help me for the rest of my schooling career.

If I didn't deserve a grade, I wouldn't get it. She had no problem giving me Ds, Fs, C-s if that. And she reinforced that it's not acceptable and I needed to put effort and try new things. But she also reinforced that I was not stupid. She said to me "You are better than this! You CAN do this! Keep on doing it" And if I didn't do it, she made me do it agian, maybe in a different way. Some teachers don't ever say those things to a student. Some teachers give up and throw their hands in the air. Some teachers blame the STUDENT for not doing well. Mrs. Sears never blamed me, and she made sure I felt capable. She built my self-esteem. She always told me I CAN do it. She believed in me.

My mother and father were right on board with Mrs. Sears. "Do what you need to do," they told her. Something else parents need to do. It was obvious Mrs. Sears was well capable of helping me along and developing my skills. She got my parents involved and I was lucky to have parents who were supportive. It wasn't easy a lot of the times, but well worth it.

We did something called Current Events. We had to watch the news or read newspapers and learn what the hell was going on in the world. Every day Mon-Thurs we wrote sometimes a dozen or more current events in our notes. I knew our secretary of state Madeline Albright, I knew who prime ministers of other countires were, I knew who Monica Lewinsky was, I knew what was happening to Boris Yelstin in Russia, I knew what was happening in Iraq, as fourth graders, we were very well read because of Current Events. Every Friday we had a test where she asked us 10 questions. EVERY FRIDAY. Mind you we may have had to write down 60 plus events a WEEK and be testes on ten.

Every night my father would make me read them and memorize them and test me on them. He had to have a lot of patience with me. Sometimes it was very unpleasant. But over time as I felt better and more comfortable, it became easier. I was learning to study. First marking period I got a D. By the second marking period I got an A. Mrs. Sears acknowledged it, not too emotionally, but more of a reinforced "See what you can do! Now keep doing it!"

I want to point something else out. This was the year I began my martial arts training. This is my life's work and personal legend today. It was the first and only thing I cared about in my life up to that point. Mrs. Sears told my mother to pull me out of other things to focus on my studies. I stopped Choir, I stopped baseball and soccer, but Mrs. Sears told my mother to keep me in the martial arts because it will be good for me. Can you imagine if she told my mother it would be good to pull me out? Can you imagine?!

Back then I used to have to bring in a report home to my teachers and parents in order to belt test. The teachers and parents had to agree that we were showing the same martial arts values outside the school as well as on the mats in order to belt test. this is something I do in my school as well. At one point, I was NOT doing well with the grades and I brought a letter to be signed for a belt test. Mrs. Sears took it and later in the day pulled me into the room and sat me down. She explained to me that my martial arts teacher would probably not be happy if she circled disagree. But she said she would not circle disagree. She said she would sign agree but took this moment not to tell me she was doing me a favor but as a lesson that would be instilled in me for my whole life.

She said in order to achieve things in life you need to do your best just like my martial arts teaches me. She told me I was not a baby but a young adult! (I was nine years old). I'm not going to get anything without working hard and sometimes you will want to give up but you keep going. Look at my Current Events grade! Look at my math! Look at my reading now! It's all getting better. She knew it would destroy my self-esteem not doing martial arts or not to belt test. She took it as an opportunity to teaching me a larger lesson. That's what a real teacher does.

I never got any honor role in fourth grade but I got some A's and B's and a few C's. My grades improved a little bit, but my abilities and skills grew tremendously in one year. Every year from fifth grade to my senior year of high school and even college, I always made Honor role, straight A's, a B here and there, and the Dean's list. As much credit I give my martial arts training which HAS helped me a great deal, I would never have been the student I am and continue to be today if it weren't for Sharyn Sears. She developed me not only as a student but as a human being.

The skills and abilities she taught me in fourth grade I still hold true and strong to this very day in my adulthood. I pass them on to my own students for over 15-18 years with my own now through martial arts, fitness, and psychology. I owe Mrs. Sears a great deal to my future. I also think it is funny that I hated those goddamn Current events and later on was a serious student journalist reporting news, and today continue to do interviews with high profiled martial artists on my YouTube channel . You just never know.

But I want to cover ONE MORE thing about Mrs. Sears. She taught us at our age to learn to love and accept people. Respect was the greatest and highest priority and anything less was NOT tolerated. She was fair and true. She provided an environment that was safe and fun, and we laughed a whole lot. She had a great sense of humor and I respected her and would imitate her Yiddish remarks all the time. She was Jewish and her father was a Holocaust survivor. She knew what real pain in the world was from Jewish persecution from our history in the world. She taught us it was to accept all people despite their religion, race, sexual orientation, or handicap. She brought in people with disabilities to show us they are also people and they just live differently.

Another big eye opener was when we had a Muslim student in our class. He and his brother had no problem telling us that they hated Jews. Mrs. Sears was not offended by this, being Jewish herself. She didn't try to persuade them but she treated the student like everyone else. The rest of us in the class were kind of shocked by this. You can imagine a bunch of fourth graders not knowing how to feel about this. A few months into our year, these two students LOVED Mrs. Sears. They would joke, "We should have Mrs. Sears over for dinner and show the world all people can get along!" That statement was more powerful than any of lesson she could give us. She taught us humanity!!!

When we come across a master educator, we really need to embrace all that they have to offer. Mrs. Sears is definitely one of those teachers. If it weren't for her, I would never have achieved any of the successes that came later in in my future years in grammar school, middle school, high school, and even college. But I am grateful for the skills and lessons to being not only a good student, but a human being. That is what a true teacher does.

Mrs. Sears, you were one of the best teachers I have ever had. I've been wanting to tell you for years this, and quite honestly these words are still not enough. The gratitude I feel for all the time and effort you put into me and that I know you continued to do with all your students is honorable and to be respected by all. You have made a huge difference in my life and so many others and deserve every accolade there is (that's a vocabulary word you taught me LOL). Thank you for all you do, there needs to be more teachers like you in the world, and I hope all teachers of the future follow your lead. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Finish the Form!

A couple weekends ago my team traveled once again to Troy, New York for the AAU Adirondack, District Taekwondo Championships. I had the privilege of officiating at this tournament for the director, my friend, Master Joe Hasan. He ran a fantastic event this year incorporating breaking, KP&P scoring for Black Belt Olympic Sparring, Forms, Point Sparring, and Team forms. It was very well done.

As an official, you have to make sometimes some pretty hard calls. You get some fantastic athletes who are neck and neck sometimes in their technique for forms, or you have that one crazy coach you have to control during sparring, or you have to make sure everyone is accounted for in a huge division, there's so much to take into consideration.  

Master Balon is the one who encouraged me to get into officiating and I rather enjoy it. I feel I have also improved very much as well. The AAU Program does a fantastic job at not only their events but producing some high quality officials as well. Very structured and uniform. I am proud to represent.

But before an official, before a coach, before anything else, I am a martial artist. What that embodies is the values and principles in which our arts stand upon to creating human beings to life a full life which affects our environment and community in the most positive way. As a martial arts master I will always choose the path of teaching and giving a beautiful lesson and experience before anything else.

There was a situation while I was officiating forms that such a circumstance presented itself to me. In the AAU Rulebook for forms, if someone messes up in their form, you are not allowed to restart it at all unless the other competitor makes a mistake and doesn't continue the form, in which case both competitors would be able to restart their form. If only one person messes up and doesn't finish the form, the other competitor will automatically win and the officials will claim the other person the winner.

It was the female 12-13 year old Black Belts form division. I bowed them in and told them to begin. One girl began strong and fierce. The other girl just stood there for a few seconds. Then a few seconds more. Then she held her head, tears coming down her cheeks and she just stood to the side. I waited a moment, and then walked over to her.

I asked if she was okay. She told me she just completely blanked and was so upset with herself. She told me the name of the form she was going to do earlier so I said the name to her. This didn't help. I then told her to look into my eyes for a second. She did and I smiled and looked at her and said "Everything you need to know if inside of you. Go out there and finish your form because you know it and you can do it." As I said it, she looked as though something just jolted her and her eyes got wide for a moment but she walked back to her spot and began her form.

By the rules you are not allowed the restart a form. But the truth is, she was NOT going to win because of that rule. Being an official was not the priority. Being a martial artist and allowing this young girl to at least finish her form so for her OWN self-esteem can leave with dignity was far more important. The outcome would not change, so any coach who had an issue with it could relax. The problem with competition sometimes is that we forget that in our field, there is a far greater purpose behind what we do.

The young lady of course lost, but she was proud she at least finished the form. It had nothing to do with the place she would rank or the trophy or anything else. It was about knowing she was worthy and capable. Self-Esteem governs everything we do. It takes a lot of self-esteem to do what these competitors do and goin out in front of people and peform and be judged. But it builds greater self-esteem that when a moment of failure seems to make you feel like you're not good enough or don't deserve to be there turn into a greater learning experience, and that our bumps don't bring us down, and that someone allowed an opportunity to let them feel like they are ENOUGH, that's what is more important.

To my fellow officials and coaches, remember the real goal of martial arts and what our real responsibility is as martial arts teachers. I know where my priorities stand, and never let outside circumstances erode from your values. Because then you erode from your own self-esteem and worth as a martial artist. Good job young lady, wherever you are! I am proud of you for finishing your form! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

The Bumps

"Risks ain't bad, it's the bumps"

-Anonymous

I heard this above quote that was said by an anonymous source a long time ago. As true as this may be, there is something more to it. Fun fact: years and years ago, golf balls in it's origins were actually smooth round balls. They didn't look like the above picture. They were heavier than a ping pong ball for sure, but as smooth as one. And then one day something happened.

Golf players would find as they kept hitting these smooth golf balls, they would get these bumps and bruises, little dinks and kinks made on the ball. What they found was that the more bumps and the more banged up it got, the further and truer would the ball soar in the air as they got hit. Isn't that something? Hence forth, the golf balls were made with these little bumps and dents on it like the picture above.

It's sometimes very difficult to go through the bumps in life. It's sometimes hard to accept that they are necessary or that we need to have any bumps at all as we go through life. But the truth is, the more bumps we get, the further we soar through our lives as well. And sometimes we have to takes risks in order to get to where we need to be, and sometimes we in the process build our confidence by overcoming the challenges, but even moreso by NOT overcoming them but learning a great deal.

Remember, experience is what we get when we don't get what we want. Some people may question our choices, but that is for no one to judge or dictate, nor to even understand. Not everyone sees the big picture you see nor would believe in it even if they saw it. You can't always be logical in your way of thinking because in risk taking comes a great deal of blind faith and romanticism that brings about an energy logistics will oversee.

It is not our abilities that define who we are, but it is our choices that give us that definition. What other may find foolish, you can prove to be the greatest unforeseen thing you have ever done. Sometimes the process gives you bumps along the way and some can leave a mark, scars that aren't even able to be seen. But remember how the golf ball that soars truer and farther. Think of what I just said. TRUER and FARTHER. In order to move forward in life, truth will always set us free. Allow the bumps to bring that truth into your life so you can move forward in leaps and bounds. Don't hold back. Just be. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Year of the Wood Sheep

Today is February 19, 2015! It is Chinese New Year!  A big season for me and my Kung Fu family. We are exiting the year of the horse (blagh!) and entering the year of the Wood Sheep! Wood is the last of the five elements in Chinese philosophy, symbolizing the sheep's full cycle. Wood represents balance so this year will be an energy fulfilling a balance of prosperity and longevity!

It will be a year full of kindness and compassion. It is a year to develop a wild heart, open to love and acceptance on all levels. It is a year to express your creative side. People born in the year of the sheep, as my brother Eric is, are very artistic and seek more solidarity for peace. Now is the time for us for artistic development and cultivation of beauty.

The year of the Sheep also values intimacy, family, and close-friendships. We can be more caring, gentle, and sensitive with each other. We could all use a little more love and put a little more love into our world and with each other. It's going to be a fantastic year. I already feel and experience it. Moving forward is going to be great.

In fact, someone told me yesterday when I went to Yee's Hung Ga for the Lion Dance, that sheep cannot move sideways or backwards, they can only move forward. So this is a year to move forward in all projects and goals that will see fruition and longevity, as such is life moving forward as well. Let that energy carry you on for this upcoming year.

I also want to acknowledge both Sifu and Simo because today is a special occasion not only for Chinese New Year but the fact that it falls on BOTH of their birthdays which is TODAY! Happy Birthday Sifu and Simo, with much love, blessings, and laughs!

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

TMAFC Moves!

Do you see this photo above? About five years ago I sat in this very spot visualizing what this place would look like. I signed my lease January 2010 and had to wait three months before going in front of the town's planning board to present my business Trento's Martial Arts and Fitness Center to become an official establishment of the town. Hours before I was to stand in front of this panel with my attorney I went to the storefront and sat in this very spot.

I remember the thoughts and the feelings that were coming up. I was excited. I was nervous. I was wondering what the hell was I thinking. I remember thinking it was so surreal that it was actually happening. I was thinking it's about time. I was thinking I can't believe it's time already. Five years ago when I sat there, there was a wall down the middle with two different color ugly rugs on either side. But I kept visualizing it as one room, the mirrors on one side and red and black mats on the ground.

June 2010, I opened up the two storefronts into one dojang and Trento's Martial Arts and Fitness had a home after being in backyards, basements, and garages for over a year. I remember how many people were around for that time, who anxiously awaited the opening of this school. The excitement of making a dream come true. Putting all I taught into action on such a level. It was a representation of all I taught, it was a place where people would be safe and grow, it was a happy place. It was a home.

As I wrote in my previous blog, 2014 has got to be one of the worst years I ever encountered in my life. One of those things was a new landlord of the building my school was in. It made the business side very stressful and sucked the life right out of me. It also prevented me from doing what I wanted to do for the future of TMAFC. When my lease was up, and after months of negotiations not going anywhere, it was time for me to make a huge and difficult decision. It was time to say goodbye to this location and seek elsewhere.

Two of my most loyal students Thomas Cubby and Nicole Vidal ready to help with Project Relocate.

Robert helped (did all) of the disconnecting of the security cameras. 

I looked at many places but nothing was seeming to work out. Then an idea came to my mind. I began teaching again at my mentor's gym where I got my start. The building has changed tremendously over the last seven years and it's where I originally wanted to be 6 years ago but no opportunity was available at the time. Now there were a few spaces not being utilized and I thought maybe I can relocate TMAFC within the gym which has been so good to me over the years and that I loved so much.

To spare you with all the details, after weeks and weeks of talks and figuring out details, all was arranged for TMAFC to move to my hometown of Saddle Brook within the very place I got my start in Strive Health and Fitness. The old landlord gave me 4 days to leave instead of 30 and crunch time was upon us.

I don't like asking for help unless I really really really REALLY need it. I also have a habit of declining help when offered as to not feel like an imposition to others, even though the offers are genuine and kind. But this time, I was feeling the pressure and needed to make a few miracles happen. Project Relocate was in full swing and we were in code red.

Some great friends, signifcant others, loyal adult students, and even mentors helped that day. The first person on the scene was my dear mentor Master Kevin Balon. I was startled when I saw him walk in and so happy he was there, it meant the world to me to have him there for this occasion. Another mentor Ms Pamela Gedman came with her pickup truck and her student Michael Ramirez who has been a good friend to us offered his time with the move. My wonderful students and friends John , Ara, Nicole, Thomas, and Derek were all present to help break down the mats, remove the mirrors, pack up equipment, move furniture, and drive it over to our new location.

John and Ara helping break down the mats.

Thomas, Nicole, and Derek helping with the equipment. 

Derek, Ara, John, and Master Balon working the mirros. 

Everything was done in one day. 

Master Balon teased me that I'm the only instructor who still taught classes the day he moves his school and that I chose the coldest day of the year to do it on! I knew he was keeping me as light hearted as can be during this process. But truth was I was really good. I was not getting as emotional as I thought I would be. I was happy this was on my terms, and I was really excited to be going where we were going. I was wondering, has it hit me yet?

Truth was, I couldn't wait to leave this location. I was ready and it was time. Silhouettes and unnecessary stresses are gone and I have made my commitment to TMAFC and my students and in order to make it the very best, hard choices have to be made. We packed up three or four trucks and cars and we caravaned over to Strive for the new location of TMAFC. It would be the first time the others walked into this building. We walked in and I gave them a tour and their reaction was so validating for me.

I was still nervous. I didn't know what to expect and a lot of unknown still lingered. But their positive reaction was great and I needed to see that. Their approval was appreciated. We then set down the mats. Ara and John began to tease Master Balon and I because we had a very strict system of how to lay down the mats. I mean after all we are the most nit picky instructors you can find, setting down mats is no different!

Once things were set in the room where we would be in for now, we went back to see if maybe we can do one more trip to rid the rest of the belongings I had. Ms Gedman and Derek's trucks were life savors! We were able to transport everything else out and be done with the entire move! TMAFC was officially relocated and there was NOTHING of mine in the old location. After everyone had left Robert asked if we could go to the old location one last time.

We had dinner and then went to the old place. I picked up a few small items and knew I would need to return one last time to give someone the vending machine we used to have there. I scanned looking for anything I may have missed. As I said, I was really okay during this whole process. Everyone was great help, everyone was supportive, Master Balon and Ms Gedman were both proud of me being so proactive during this time, I was excited and had ideas and plans up the wazoo. Everything was going to be alright.

Then it was time to go. As I turned off the lights to walk out, Robert turned to face where the flags used to be and gave his final bow to the old location. I was fine until that moment. It was the last bow that got to me. I don't know if it was the gesture of one of my long time students showing their respect to a place that meant just of much to him as it did to me. I don't know if it was because he is the last one remaining from the origins of it all. I don't know if it was because that really was the last time I'd be there as "TMAFC". Whatever it was, it was in that moment that it all caught up to me.

We had a mini version of a disco ball as Master Balon has in his school. It was only fitting that he remove our mini disco ball for the move. 

The crew getting ready to make the move. 

My adult students and Strive staff getting along already! And they remember me from back in the day!

The official room of Trento's Martial Arts and Fitness Center in Strive Gym in Saddle Brook. 

Time. My Aunt Karen's words always ring in my ears. Time. It gives you just what you need when you need it. Time changes things. But when it comes to people, I don't believe we change, we are just learned. The old location gave me the beginning to establish what I have. Now the real fun begins. Tremendous growth and movement. My students are as excited as I. 2015 is already proving to be a fantastic year.

People were surprised to hear about this move. They were more surprised to find out how long it really took to make this all happen. Truth is, I kept my mouth shut to the very end (except for the actual move I only had 4 days to work with! I thought I'd have 30!), and only the ones in the circle will know the full story to anything. No more back stage passes. The circle stays small but the magic remains grandeur. We are three weeks in, and things have been going fabulously.

I love being around one of my mentors day to day once again. I love having people around me. I love being a part of great energy and adding great energy myself to an establishment I have always loved and respected and has given me that in return. I want to say a very special thank you to Master Balon, Ms Gedman, Mr. Ramirez, John, Ara, Nicole, Thomas, Heather, Derek, and Robert for all their help with the move. I also want to thank all my students, parents, and fitness members for their love and support and making this move very easy and believing in me to continue with me.

I went back one last time to give the vending machine to my friend Master Hasan from the AAU Adirondack district. We put it in his truck and he drove off. I took that moment to take five minutes to myself. I sat in that very spot I was in 5 years ago where the first picture above was taken. Here we are, I thought. I began to see the flashbacks of all that was there that began my school's journey. I remember the first Black Belt test held there for Jackie, Andrew, and Erin. I thought of the Grand Opening and all who came. I thought of Kristin Barrett's 2nd Degree test and first time visitors we had. I thought of our first competition team. I thought of the first time Master DeJesus did a seminar. I remember the first time Master Balon visited. I remember the first time Sifu ever came to the school in a surprise visit and presented me with the Hung Ga emblem. I thought of the cardio classes my Aunt Karen would dance in. I thought of the private sessions Dawn, Katrina, and Michele and I did. I remember my 4th Degree pretest. I remember my first birthday party I did. I remember the first time Grandma Cyn and Olegna saw the school. I remember when Master Stone and Stacey were there for the first time. I remember Sal's Qigong seminar he did. I remember the laughs in the kickboxing we would share. I remember the Raindrops and hypnosis sessions I did. I remember training for my Kung Fu test and studying for my Qigong therapy test.

I am grateful for the last five years at my first location. There are many masters and instructors I have spoken to about their experiences changing locations and their times at their first one. But the truth is, the martial arts school is just a place. The business is not it's location (despite when people chant location location!). The business is me. The school is wherever I go. I am grateful for a lot of new. I am excited for a lot of new. I am enjoying a lot of new. There are lots of students who are eager to learn from me, I am even more eager to give all I have. The gospel of Trento continues everywhere I go and not only in New Jersey. TMAFC is going to be bigger and better than ever, and it's students and members are getting nothing but the best. And that  I am proud of. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO