Women Warriors

"There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within."

-Morihei Ueshiba

I had the opportunity to train with a lot of women going up the ranks. At a very young age I had learned very early to respect women. I was one of two guys with eight girls who were a force to be reckoned with. These girls were no push overs by any means. Three of them are some of my best friends to this day, and they still are three females in this world I would never want to cross. Most people think martial arts is a male dominant activity. "Oh it's for boys." That is the mindset a lot of times. Martial arts is for boys and dance is for girls.

But these young ladies who I trained with were talented and warriors. If anyone ever tried to mess with them, I would feel SO bad for those people. Can you imagine some guy trying to pick a fight with Kristin Barrett? And then when I opened my own school, I had more girl students than boys, a one to eight ratio to be exact. Interesting, eh? I also got to meet some phenomenal Olympic Taekwondo female competitors such as Chrissy Adamo, Eleni Lianos, Simone DeVito, and Merissa Pico. You can look them up online, they are phenomenal women warriors.

It also helped that I grew up with extremely strong females in my life. My mother is an extremely strong individual who's path you never want to cross. She can be the nicest, sweetest person but cross her, and you'll be sorry. I often referred to my mother as ChiChi, Goku's wife from the Anime cartoon Dragonball Z, because she was the strongest woman on earth. My Aunt Karen is also a strong inidividual who is such a fun loving person, but when you push her the wrong way, no one will ever make you feel more intimidated than she. I also had very strong and influential women as teachers such as Dorothy Filipek who could run the world if given the chance (and do really well) and Cindy Verost, my choral director who made athletic coaches look tame. Even in history, I admire the women who had strong personalities and did what others said they cannot, like Lucille Ball or Barbara Walters.

So it is not surprise that I have a great respect and admiration for women, especially those who are strong and can fend for themselves. I am drawn to them and look up to them. And when I get fermale students of my own, they are the warriors that bring a lot of value to the martial arts. I feel it is important to teach young women how to respect themselves, how to defend themselves, and place value on their feminism. There is beauty in not only their appearance but in their confidence growing into women and martial arts can do that. I have many parents I think who can vouche.

Saturday night I was at my mentor's school in Rockaway for a women's self-defense course. Master DeJesus is beyond knowledgeable of a variety of tactics to use for self-defense. He had three of his male instructors and I was with six other women, including his wife. I didn't mind working the women at all. I was actually happy to see some of them really get into it, and I was just as happy to see some step out of their comfort zone into doing something that may help protect themselves.

I strongly recommend people to not label martial arts as gender specific, or any activity or sport as such. I love people who prove others wrong and do what others think they cannot. And I get an even greater pleasure when I see a woman do such a thing. For some reason there is a fear of losing femininity in doing something physical. Well I have news for you-- martial arts is healthy on ALL sides of the spectrum. Doesn't a woman need to be physically healthy and strong too? Can a woman not exercise and not learn to defend against a threat? Is a woman not allowed to sweat?

Since many of you know of Kristin Barrett, I will use her as an example. She is a 2nd Degree Black Belt. One of the biggest things impacts of her final day of testing was the self-defense portion of her test, when all her senses were taken away from her and she had to fight off against multiple oppononents. When she had to defend herself, it was fierce. But when she had to defend her parents, she transformed into something totally different. You didn't even recognize her. It was remarkable to see what she had done. And when it was over, it was the same Kristin. She works hard, she trains herself mentally and physcially, and does all of this without losing her feminine appeal. She is one of the most beautiful creatures you'll ever lay eyes on. But don't mess with her, because she will take you out!

I highly encourage women to look into self-defense programs, such as mine or Master DeJesus's. Learning how to defend yourself is very important. And if you want the full experience of what the martial arts can bring to you, I think it would be a magnificent journey. Not too sure? Well I have plenty of women warriors you can talk to. They are all role models and people that other people, other young ladies and young gentleman alike, can look up to.

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO



ATA Martial Arts Testing

This past weekend, I had the honor of guest judging at ATA Martial Arts where my friend George Valentino was facilitating one of his first Black Belt tests. I have judged over 30 Black Belts tests in my martial arts careers, and have seen many Black Belt tests from different schools, but never have I judged at another school before. This was an exciting experience for me, and I was also excited for George and his partner, Mr. Delano.

There were about 25 students testing of all ages. There were adult color belts testing, a large number of midterm level testing, and a group testing for Black Belts and 2nd Degree Black Belt. George introduced each of the judges and gave me a wonderful introduction. Little background: George and I went to school together, I have known him in since first grade when we took the bus to school. We always knew that we each trained in martial arts, I ran my master's school, he ran his master's school, later on I knew he opened a school, he knew I opened a school, but we never worked together in martial arts.

When I had Kristin Barrett's Black Belt test for 2nd Degree in September, I did not want my own Black Belts judging her test. I wanted to surprise her with former instructors and I also wanted outside instructors. George was one of the first people I thought of. He not only came to judge but performed with two of his students. It was wonderful to have that outside support and energy. And I was thrilled to have George see our kind of testing.

So I walked into ATA Martial Arts and the two girls who performed at Kristin's test recognized me right away and gave me such a warm greeting! You can feel the awesome energy that was in the room. The Qi was clear and flowing. I met the other judges who could not have been any nicer and welcoming to me. They made me feel at home and comfortable. One of them was George's younger sister, Victoria, who is a 4th Degree Black Belt. I have known her since she was a little kindergartner.

The test started out with a few adult color belt testers. They performed their form, their break, and either did a weapon form or sparring. The mid-term testers for the Black Belts did a very similar outline. All the students have phenomenal discipline and are highly respectful, which is attributed to both Mr. Delano and Mr. Valentino. It is a sign of great teaching. There were a few students who made little mistakes, nothing big, but you could see in their eyes that they were upset with themselves, or the frustrated expression that says "Oh My GOD!"

None of the other judges were saying anything, and I was kind of timid to say anything. But Mr. Valentino did say before the test to us that he invited any, if not all, the judges to feel free to ask the students to do a physical challenge or ask them any questions or make any comments you would like. So finally I decided to raise my hand a little bit and Mr. Valentino acknowledged my hand and I asked if I could speak. He nodded and absolutely to me, and I said "This is not just for this group but for anyone here testing. Do NOT be afraid of making mistakes. Never be afraid of making a mistake. Mistakes are good! You LEARN from mistakes, mistake help you grow and get better, be GRATEFUL for mistakes. We don't only accomplish thing by getting through challenges, but from learning from them. Allow yourself to make mistakes."

Then the Black Belt candidates came up. They had to do more forms and a few more breaks than the rest of the testing candidates. I had asked to read the essays they had to do. After performing their forms, I again raised my hand to address each one of the candidates. I wanted to get on a personal level with them and get inside their heads a little bit, to see if their thinking is in alignment with Black Belt thinking. I asked them things about their goals, what their journey meant to them, leadership, friends, their experiences they hold close, and I was very happy with the answers they gave. It wouldn't be a Black Belt test without getting a little personal because Black Belt is a very personal journey.

Then a young lady named Dilan, who performed at Kristin's test, was testing for 2nd Degree Decided. She performed a form, and these Songahm Taekwondo forms are VERY long, but her technique was marvelous, and she did not seem winded at all. She came a long way since I last saw her in September. I really enjoyed watching Dilan, and having the opportunity to see her before, I wanted to take her experience a step further.

I asked her about her essay a little bit, then asked her a few questions about her observation of Kristin's test, just to get a viewpoint from one young lady watching another woman warrior. So many people think martial arts is a male dominant activity and that is definitely false. Actually I was one of two guys going up the ranks with a dozen girls. When I opened up my own school, I had all girls and ONE boy! And the girls I trained with (like Kristin) were forces to be reckoned with. So when I see another young lady testing for a high rank in martial arts, I really want to see the girl power. And Dilan represented VERY well.

I had her do as many jumping jacks in two minutes like Kristin did on her 2nd Degree test. Dilan started strong and was getting winded half way, then pushed herself and the spectators went wild cheering for her! What great energy! That's what a Black Belt test is all about! Interactive energy. Dilan did great and finished with 192 jumping jacks!

Then the candidates testing for Black Belt had to spar all the school Black Belts. They really had to demonstrate that perseverance and will to not give up, and test their stamina. Every 20 seconds the Black Belts rotated in line to spar. The last match was against their instructor, Mr. Valentino. They did great.

At the end the belts were given out to each of the adult color belts, acknowledgment to the mid term testers who passed (they all did, and did awesome), then the presentation of the Black Belts. One by one they were called and their parents were called up to join them for the presentation of their belts, very much like I do. It was emotional and proud. I was so happy and thrilled to be a part of this test, and it was great to see George "in mode" during the test. The kids did great and I was just as proud of them as if they were my own students!

That's what martial arts is all about. It's about collaborating the spirit of martial arts into a positive force. The energy put together and sharing the wonderful personal experiences is what can make this world go round in a positive way. It was great to be a part of ATA's test, and George did a wonderful job! It's so great to know there is someone else out in the martial arts world who loves what they do just as much as me. Congratulations to all the new belts at ATA Martial Arts!

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Apprenticeship Etiquette

"A long apprenticeship is the most logical way to success. The only alternative is overnight stardom, but I can't give you a formula for that."
-Chet Atkins

"If an apprentice does not hear what a master hears, is then that quality not present in the music? Yes and no. In the world in which the apprentice lives no."

-Robert Fripp

Kristin got me into yet again, another TV show that I find fascinating. It is called NY Ink. It is about this tatoo artist named Ami James who owns a tatoo shop in New York City called Wooster Street Social Club. In his shop there are several tatoo artists who are extremely talented, and there are artists who serve an apprenticeship in order to attain the skills of a true tatoo artist.

I did not realize how severely serious the art of tatooing really was. While I was watching it one night, Kristin made a comment, "It's like martial arts. You get passed down your skills from a master and then you hone those skills and continue to pass them down. It's a traiditon you don't want to break and it's about remianing loyal."

Well one girl who works at the shop, Jessica, wants to be a tatoo artist, but Ami will not take on any more apprentices. He asked on of his artists, Tommy, maybe he can but declines, stating he would not be able to make the full commitment. Jessica gets frustrated, saying how she needs to support her daughter, etc, and needs to make something happen. She goes and gets a tatoo license from the state after passing a test, which anyone can do. But as Ami says, "I took that test, and you know what? They don't teach you sh**." You need to learn it!" But Ami still cannot take on any more apprentices. Then Jessica began to tatoo out of her house.

From the reactions from the other artists in the shop, this was a BIG no no. They disagreed about her taking the test also, but when they heard she was "scratching" out of her home, they sternly responded. This is just something you do NOT do. Ami saw her work, and acknowledged she was talented. But she has to put the time in and pay her dues in order to recieve those rights like everyone else. You want to do it right. The tatoo etiquette is very strict and loyalty is above all things. By Jessica tatooing out of her home and getting the license behind Ami's back, this shows breach of not only trust, but loyalty which is held on a pedestal in the totoo world, very much like martial arts.

Ami had a "shop meeting" with the other artists to discuss "what to do" with Jessica. I thought, watching this, they maybe they'd collaboratively work together to apprentice her, and give her a chance. Ami really wanted the input of his artists and values their opinion. Very much like I do with my Black Belts. But when he had the meeting, I was not expecting the responses that came up.

One by one they said NO. In this tatooing industry, you have to go through the proper steps and pay your dues. If you want to be of high quality and a REAL tatoo artist, you have to be apprenticed. Put the time in and do what you have to do, show you're serious, and then opportunities will be presented for you. They all had issues with her getting the licensing behind Ami's back, and the tatooing out the her home was a liability. If she is not doing it right, or of great quality, and it she gets associated with Wooster Street Social Club, that can hurt the business's reputation. It's bad for Ami. All these former apprentices see this, but not Jessica, because she is blinded by need and want, and loyalty and rite of passage were not priority for her.

Like Kristin said, the martial arts is the same thing. When I was apprenticing under my old master, as badly as I needed money, I NEVER even thought of teaching at another school for the sole purpose of it would be a betrayal to my school and disloyal without my master's blessings. But I wouldn't have wanted to do that anyway, and God knows I was beyond qualified to teach anywhere and had great experience. One of my Black Belts, Frankie Peracchio, had to find a job recently and taught at my school for a year. Teaching at another martial arts school wasn't even an option in his mind, and if it was the only one, he wouldn't have taken it, because he values the loyalty he has to me and my school. None of my Black Belts would think of doing that, as I would never have done it to my master.

When you learn a trade or a skill from a master, and you put the time in and show you really want something, the benefits and rewards follow. When a student of mine comes to classes consistently and shows a great balance in their training and shows interest in wanting to teach, they will get that opportunity. If I get someone who only comes once or twice a week, then those opportunities aren't as open. But if a student were to go and teach someone else who has not been properly taught HOW to teach and does not put their training in, and where's MY name on the back on their shirt, that would be a total blow for me. SO I totally get where Ami and the other artists are coming from.

Jessica had also gone to a competitor who speaks badly of Ami's business for advice and tips. Ami didn't even have to say anything, the other tatoo artists expressed the disgust they had for such disloyalty. Anyone who cannot understand that does not value it nor make it a priority. If one of my students went to train somewhere with other students, thats different because we are sharing an experience of getting better. If another student went to go teach somewhere else the "Trento teachings" without my blessing, different story. There are no circumstances an adult cannot take to put their values first. It was a very interesting episode. I look forward to seeing where it will go.

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Clearing Up the Qi

Becoming a master is more than just mastering my martial arts. It is not only about mastering the basics, mastering the techniques, but it is about mastering your SELF. So as I get nearer to my 4th Degree test, it becomes even more prevalent that I take on and face some of the bigger challenges. Not just the ones that have to do with my body, but the ones that involve my mind and spirit.

Human beings are flawed and fragile. As a human, we make choices to see things the way we want to see them, we find circumstances that will prove our feelings right, and most humans will be closed off to other perspectives of a situation. I very much try to deny my humanity. I try so hard to not be the average human being. And I have done a very good job. I look at myself before pointing the finger at anyone else. I play devils advocate with myself before making judgment. I do a lot of things the average Joe or Jane may not. But the minute you don't, you become scarred by the bystanders! Because the reality is, I AM human. And when you begin a pattern, it is expected of you to follow through with it. I often get aggravated and say "why can't people ALLOW me to be human! Just ONCE!" But do I really want that?

In my moments, I may say that, but in reality I don't. I have made a commitment to myself and it's part of becoming a master.I remember when I was younger, my old master would ask questions like "Who wants to be Black Belts?" "Who wants to win gold medals?" "Who wants to become an instructor?" And of course there were MANY hands flying up and many people saying they did and wanted to, etc. Do you know ho many people actually did what they said they wanted to do? MAYBE, MAYBE one. I know I was one of them. But nine out of ten times, no one came through. The allowed other things in their lives to get in the way, or accepted circumstances they were in to stop them, or just plain and simple did not make it happen when they had the power to do so; wanting it to fall into their lap.

I run into that now in my own school, as the sole instructor. I have students who have said and say now even, they want to become Black Belts, or they want to win gold medals, or they want to be able to do a split, or they want to become 2nd degree Black Belts, whatever it is. And there are many who have not learned nor put the effort into learning how to accomplish these things. And when that moment comes when I say "Well I've done it!" I will get "Well I am not you." The point of my answer is, if I can do it, so can YOU, and since I've been there, maybe, JUST MAYBE I can teach you how to get there and around the challenges you face. But reality, most won't.

So I wan to be a master. I challenge myself, get out of my comfort zone, and hold myself accountable, and acknowledge when I don't do what I am supposed to or make mistakes. How can I get a little more consistency? Clearing up the Qi. You'd be surprised how little things in your life block energy from coming to you, and keeping old energy around. The month of February was a non existent one for me. I recycled a lot of old painful and hurt feelings from a year ago, avoidance in facing them, and dealing with memories and movements of the present. Training suffered, spirit suffered, emotionally I suffered. But I made those choices. Why? Because there were lessons to be learned, and clarity had to set in.

Last week, the energy level was very low and I was emotionally on a roller coaster. Then Monday, for whatever reason, I made an unconscious decision to clean my office. This is something I have put off for a long long time. On a side note, the office looked like word war three. I knew where everything was, but there was a lot of "Well I'll get to it tomorrow" happening, or "I'll put it away later" going on. It added up. I became so overwhelmed I ended up doing NOTHING. I was stuck in place. My computer was not working right, nor has it been for a long time. So once again, I finally decided to make head way on these little projects.

Well Monday I made a HUGE dent. I completely gutted out the office. I reorganized my papers, I put things away, I gathered up papers and receipts, I threw out A LOT of unneeded materials that were just sucking energy away, I was already feeling the Qi in the office clearing up. You can actually feel it happening. But it wasn't all sunshine and daisies either. I also ran into a lot of old things that brought back memories, and it made me very emotional too. I started off motivated and energetic with the momentum to hay-wired and crazed.

The task of cleaning out my office has been a four day process. Tomorrow I am hoping will be the last day of re-organizing and cleaning. A little more putting things away, dusting, vacuuming, and having a brand new computer moving fast and free and updated is utter bliss! My next task is to go through a few tubs of papers and organize and throw out from my personal storage. Then cleaning out the car. Organizing and cleaning up my room a little bit at home. These things will add up and really clear out my Qi and moving forward will be a no brainer.

Then the training will fall into place. I have a lot of catching up to do but the momentum will be beneficial in the long run. I foresee a lot of great things falling in place, as long as I keep the Qi flowing and allowing it to remain clear.

This Saturday I am meeting with Master DeJesus again for self-defense training and hopefully Master Balon on Sunday to review my technique that I have been working on since I last saw him. I was with Master Bardatsos tonight and I did sparring for 20 minutes straight with no chest protectors. Man, oh man! It was something else. I am getting more relaxed, and I am thinking as my Qi clears up, so will my mind, and my sparring will improve drastically. I cannot let clouded Qi hold me back from making great strides. The task is easier said than done, but I must hold myself accountable. And that starts with the small personal goals too. Like my sleeping patterns, eating habits, training schedule, praying, etc. I have a lot of studying to do too. Between my personal mental training schedule and the studying I do with Lisa, I will be keeping myself VERY busy.Then there is business goals. And I have plenty of those too.

However, I need to balance my life out by making "play time" too. I fixed my media player problem, and now after a year I can play my movies and TV shows that I like. No excuses now. The things I did before that made me happy, I can do them. So I say to myself DO THEM. That means the pictures will be done, I'll watch the movies I wanted to, finish Friends and Touched By An Angel. And the big one: Finish my personal book. Let's update and close it. It's time.

Clear Qi gives you clear focus. Now it's time to be a master. Challenge accepted.

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Spirit of Sparring

 "This is NOT about ME! This. Is. NOT. About. ME. We are all equals here! Jump in and talk to the students! This will only work if we all put our own way of teaching and explaining into this! Even if only one kid gets it, that is one more kid who is going to get better!"

-Master Mark Williams 

"It's about training your mind! I can train your body until I am blue in the face, but that's not what this is about. Anyone can train their body. You have to train your mind!" 

-Master Mark William

About ten years ago, when I first began to seriously learn Olympic Taekwondo, Master Mark Williams would hold these Regional Center of Excellence (RCE) seminars to bring together students from different schools to work together. I went to one tournament only and I did very well, but I knew I needed to really get comfortable sparring. So a family friend, Pete Crespo, told us about this guy named Mark Williams and it would be a great experience. So my mother and Aunt Karen would drive me to the different schools Master Williams would hold the seminars.

It's funny because a lot of the people who I know to this day I met at these seminars a decade ago. Recently, my friend Carlos put a video of the very first seminar I went to up on my Facebook wall. I met almost the entire crew of whom I still speak to today at that very seminar. But it was a great experience not only to do sparring but the camaraderie that was built among the students who attended was fantastic. It built uniformity and everyone was there to help each other.

The last of these seminars I went to was four years ago. It was at the end of "the old era" for me and just entering my new one. A few weeks ago, I got a phone call from Master Williams, saying that a few masters and their students were getting together at a local dojang to kick around. So I went this past week with a couple of students. It was great. A lot of us (us meaning the Taekwondo coaches and school owners) run into the problem where our students get too used to sparring the same people from our schools and not have enough variety of bodies and age groups of people for them to spar. This was a great experience for them and I of course took part as a student in the seminar as well. Lead by example.

Mark Williams is a phenomenal educator. He relates to the students very well, and to all the age groups. He uses association when speaking to us, and he encourages questions saying "There is no such thing as a stupid question!". Sometimes he comes off very strong and one can easily be a little intimidated but he does what any great educator would do: he holds you accountable. He asks the right questions, he makes sure everyone is paying attention, he makes sure you see your mistakes so you don't make them again. He leaves out the right words in his sentences for us to fill in, so we can apply what we are learning. He gets us to think, and he gets us to understand.

Master Williams is a lot like my old master and something I am very much too. He is studious! He studies and studies and studies! He watches, he writes, he takes notes, and I was thrilled to hear some things he says that I say to my students! If they don't listen to me, maybe they'll listen to him! And Master Williams does NOT need to be the center of attention. He continuously said to myself and the other coaches "This is NOT about ME! This. Is. Not. About. Me. We are all equals here! Jump in and talk to the students! This will only work if we all put our own way of teaching and explaining into this! Even if only one kid gets it, that is one more kid who is going to get better!"

That's the goal. No personal agendas, just TEAMWORK. Working together to make our students better. To build that camaraderie among the students that is so beneficial for the students, and keeps the spirit of martial arts alive. Master Williams at one point pointed to all the coaches (me included) saying, "We've all known each other a very long time. That's what is so cool about Taekwondo! You'll make friends for the rest of your life." It's so true. My truest, most loyal, and longest lasting friends were all through martial arts.

At the end of the seminar, I was happy to see my students mingling with the other students, and I got a chance to talk to some of the other people I got to spar and met, and the other coaches. We want to continue keeping these sessions up as best we can. Master Williams is a great leader, and a great leader gets other people to lead. I respect him very much. As I sit back and reflect, it's so funny how now with my own school, and making great strides to move forward in my training toward masterhood, how these great characters come back and the old spirit resides with the new. Training every week at Master Bardatsos and sparring with Steven Lin made me think about this. But getting that phone call from Master Williams and being at one of these seminars as a school owner now, it's so coincide-al.

I am looking forward to bringing my students to these seminars and continuing to bring schools together to really make a nice thing going once again like in the old days, and even better! I feel a very good year coming along.

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Korean Kiddies

This past Saturday I began teaching at a Korean Church that is held once a week for Korean children where they go to learn the language, culture, sport, and reading/writing of Korea. Almost like Polish school or Hebrew school, well this is Korean school. One of my adult students had a friend who was interested looking for a Taekwondo teacher for their school for their upcoming semester. He highly recommended me which I am extremely appreciative for, and I went to check out about a month ago. The principal was very happy with me and I was to start in their next semester.

The semester started February 11 and I went early to meet with the principal and went to the faculty meeting. I am the only one not Korean. Robert was laughing and making fun of me. Imagine an Italian teaching Taekwondo to Korean children! Well I am so ha, Robert! There was a ten minute meeting and the other teachers were very welcoming toward me. They greeted me with smiles and one started speaking to me in Korean. I nodded my head and smiled saying "Yes..yes..yes.." and then she said to me "You speak Korean?" I continued to smile and said nicely "No.." LOL!!

The entire meeting was in Korean and I know a little Korean from the many years of Taekwondo and oicked up a few things, but I didn't know enough to really follow the meeting. When the principal introduced me she spoke a little more English and the faculty applauded enthusiastically with a greeting. The principal was very impressed with my three page resume and made sure to tell everyone about it. Then I was given a little one on one with one of the Ph.D faculty members for a few Korean terms to brush up, because even though the children speak English, I am encouraged to speak Korean to them. This was a great opportunity for me to learn the language even better, but as always, I have something new to learn!

Then after a little tour of the school and showed the gym I will be teaching in, there was an opening ceremony presentation. I met with the pastor of the church the school is in who had informed me of one of the parish members who is a Taekwondo teacher. It just so happened to be the great Grandmaster Richard Chun who founded the USTA, the master of great Taekwondo author Doug Cook, who teaches my good friend John Vanderhee! What a small world! He offered to introduce me personally to Grandmaster Chun! How awesome!

The children began to walk in one by one into the auditorium. The rictor scale of cuteness was on overload to see these children. They were polite, kind, and just gosh darn cute! I saw one boy tap a girl on the shoulder who was sitting in front of him to get her attention, just to wave at her when she turned around. He wanted to say hi! Too freakin cute! Then we all stood up for the Korean national anthem. I just moved my mouth open and closed as they all sang. Imagine this auditorium of Korean children from ages 3 to 13 singing this national anthem in Korean. O.M.G. Then we sand the U.S national anthem. Then they sang the school song in Korean.

After the pastor and principal made their announcements (all in Korean mind you) the faculty members were to stand up in front and each was introduced. There was light, respectful applause for each teacher as they were being introduced, and a little more cheers for the favorite teachers. Then when Andrew Trento, the new Taekwondo teacher was introduced, they went crazy with the woo hoos! I didn't know anyone! But they were so excited to be learning Taekwondo! Oh, the pressure!

I returned to the gym and my first class was to begin. I kept speaking in Korean to myself for practice, and then I was getting nervous about the names I would here. Well three kids showed up to my class. Their names were Justin, Andrew, and Joseph. Phew. Got that fear out of the way! I didn't mind the class being so small. It was to get me started. Then after a few punches and kiaps, more kids began to come and join the class. I felt like Cary Grant in The Bishops Wife, where the angel Dudley had two boys singing from the empty choir and then all of a sudden one by one they began coming from different directions to form this beautiful choir singing! Well as I began teaching the blocks and kicks, one by one from different directions, more children joined the first class. I had about a dozen.

I spoke and counted mainly in Korean. And some by standers were really impressed with my teaching style. I don't give myself enough credit sometimes when it comes to working with kids. Then my second class came in and it was a good 16 kids I'd say. They were first and second graders. Before this class ended, the principal came and asked if I could do pre-school age children, ages three and four. I said I've done it before and no problem. She wanted me to do a little 20 minute class with the pre-school. NO sweat!.............

Then they came. THIRTY FIVE three and four year old pre-schoolers!! I gasped for breath for a second and then said "Okay Master Trento, figure this one out!" I put them into two lines. I had them stay in their spots. My teaching style had to be very different because 1) attention span is a lot shorter, 2) there were a large number of kiddies, and 3) I was overwhelmed by the cuteness. If Lisa were here to see this she would probably have died a little bit inside, I am sure of it.

I did a control drill where I had them move crazy in their spots and when I yell CONTROL they snap to attention (the teachers liked that). Then I had them make a lot of noise and when I yelled BUBBLES they shut their mouths and their cheeks puffed out as if they had a bubble in their mouths to keep quiet. We did like three blocks and a kick in place, a few froggy jumps and kiaps. And I changed it alternatively every 3-4 minutes until the 20 minutes were up. PHEW! I was pooped! But it was so much fun!

Then another teacher came up to me who teaches in Bogota and is having a culture day at her school and wanted to come in for Taekwondo demonstration for the school for their culture day. How exciting! So I was given many awesome opportunities that day! It really was a lot of fun and I will be continuing to teach these Korean kiddies for the remainder of their semester which ends in June. An awesome experience and an awesome way to continue doing what I love to do!

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Martial Hearts

Valentine's Day is a very special one for me. And yes, it is because I have had the same steady love affair for three years. Teaching martial arts solo. HAHAHAHA (Bet you thought it was some hot chick). I separated from the old master in November 2008. December of that year I had been planning and structuring how to continue training by myself and how I would build my own school. I was living by myself at the time and I had to make this happen. I knew it would, it was my dream after all. But what is my business all about? Teaching what I love most.

So a couple months later in February 2009 I incorporated Trento's Martial Arts and Fitness Center, and I held my first class, teaching as my own instructor. It was on a Saturday and the date was February 14, 2009: Valentine's Day. I had five students and I taught the class in one of the student's garage that morning at 10AM. Today is three years later and I am going to be doing what I love to do today at my very own school. Imagine that, eh?

I am very attached to the dates and times of history that means a lot to me. Sifu warns from holding onto attachments. But I can't help it with this one. No matter who my Valentine may be, the one love of my life (martial arts) will always have a special place in my heart for this day. And the students who were part of that origin of the school they train in now will always remember that morning in the garage. How far we have come.

Valentine's Day is not only being with the person you love romantically but with the person/people you love in your brotherhood and/or sisterhood of friends and family. And to also be doing what you love on top of that? There's no such thing as too much love! Been in business three years and guess what? I loved every minute of it! Happy Valentine's Day TMAFC!

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Simple Sparring

"It's about action, not thought. Simplicity, my friend. It goes a long way. Simple in action, simple in thought. Don't over think."

-Steven Lin

Last week I was at Kix Martial Arts and the entire workout was sparring. Master Bardatsos wanted me to focus on relaxation during my sparring. Without the relaxation, nothing else will fall into place for me. So, that has been my focus and as I've focused on being more relaxed in sparring, I have been practicing new techniques and strategies that I've been learning. I can see where they work, where they don't, when I should throw a kick, when I shouldn't, and I see where if I were more relaxed how much more effective I could be, etc.

I am hoping to really break this cycle because every time I make the progress, I fall backwards because I didn't not keep to my course of action. I know that this will not happen again this time because I have made that conscious commitment. Four years ago I would go to Queens to spar at Master Bardatsos's school once a month and even with that I saw great improvement. I can watch old sparring videos and see wow, I was really making progress. But then life gets in the way, the old master had thoughts of his own, and then I got sick, then opened my own school, training solo, and then you're back to square one. 

I think I will have a better time keeping up my progress this time. However, I still get frustrated on the inside. I am fighting not the other person but I am fighting within myself. That is what happens when you over think. You end up thinking and thinking and thinking until you end up doing nothing. I sparred Steven Lin a couple of times and he got a few nice shots, one fast kick to my jaw actually which was great. He tries to kick light but ouch! 

I talked to him a little bit the next morning and he says he can see I am getting a little more relaxed. I wish I could see it. But the obvious thing is balancing the relaxation with aggression. That's what makes me tire out. I question my endurance sometimes. But just because I can do 30 minutes of jump rope and an hour of kickboxing does not mean my energy is synchronized to keep me from getting tired in a 4 minute match. Then what do I do? I think about it. I think, which takes time. Time takes energy. Energy is used but not directed where it is needed. Result: kick in the jaw. 

Then Steven gave me some awesome advice about simplicity. I have always taught that you do not need to be fancy shmancy to win in sparring. I have always stuck with the philosophies of basics. Black Belts win sparring with the white belt roundhouse kick. But now, to take that to a new level, not necessarily basic, but simple actions. It doesn't have to be difficult to do. It's just what works. But I have to act! Can't think and plan. So I have to program my body to do what works when it is supposed to be done, without thinking. Simple in action, simple in thought. 

Oh how I can blow this quote out of proportion in so many ways on so many deeper levels of life! But I won't right now (maybe another time =P) but it boils down to re-learning this Olympic style of Taekwondo sparring. Master DeGeorge also gave me a few drills to work on my flexibility of my hamstrings. He says my hip flexibility is great, after doing a few drills, and I would be really good in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. Master DeJesus said the same thing to me -___- lol. But flexibility is a simple, yet very effective first step. Mission: get my leg to touch the wall behind my head. Less than two feet away right now, so the challenge is accepted.

Master Bardatsos thinks I can catch on fast and will make good progress and I won't question him. My over thinking in sparring and lack of relaxation will not last forever. I felt really good sparring and winning the Silver medal last weekend at the Adirondack Championships. It's not USAT (USA Taekwondo, Olympic chapter) but I would like to do well at the AAU Nationals. I don't feel I am ready for USAT again, YET. Although, Master Bardatsos continues to ask me whether or not I'll be going to these international tournaments like the US Open or the Canada Open, or the USAT NJ States. I don't know if it's because he thinks I can do it or he thinks I just need the experience. 

It's only my first year back and first time in years since I have taken sparring seriously. I'll see how it goes this year. I have my goals already set for next year, but I gotta keep my eyes on the real goal right now: five months until the 4th Degree test! How should a master be sparring? That's the key right now. I told Master Bardatsos I will be competing at the AAU Nationals this year in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. He looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and said confidently "We'll get you ready for it." That's all I needed to know. So what can I ask from myself? Spar simply!

Yours in service,

ANDREW TRENTO

The NY AAU State Championships

This past weekend was the first time me or any of my students ever competed in an AAU Taekwondo competition. Not only that, but this was the first of three tournaments to compete in order to qualify for the Taekwondo Nationals which will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I am happy to say that the six of us who competed did qualify for the nationals!

What I liked about this competition was that the older crowd got to go first. In all the previous tournaments I have ever done, the younger students go first from 5 on and later the older competitors. For us (and I was always one of the older competitors) would be at a tournament from 8 AM and not go on until 5PM and not leave until 8PM. Those were such long days for us. But this time the 14-17 year olds and 18 and older went first!

Briana is turning 14 this month and competed with the 14-17 year olds. I remember when she was younger she was so great and intense with her forms and I always asked her why she never competed! But I can go even farther back when she first started at THREE and was so shy and it took a lot to get her to just stand in front of 5 other kids to recite her address and phone number for Stranger Danger. Now, here we were at a state tournament and she is competing with her form for nationals! I couldn't have been prouder of her. And she did AWESOME! Briana came home with the bronze medal!

Sam also did her kickass form which I remember when she was a little girl, took me FOREVER to teach her! I must have been like 16 years old. Now, to see her compete with it and see the phenomenal improvement. But she also got into the point sparring and she really did a great job and has the potential to get even better in this new style of sparring. She has a great attitude and has phenomenal spirit. Sam came home with the double bronze medals!

Robert has been working SO hard for months. Not only for his level test and for competitions, but just in general, he has really taken his training to heart and the hard work has really been paying off unbelievably. And it was great to see him perform his new form which he only learned 2 weeks ago with me, and win a gold medal with it! The medal was deservedly so, and I know he will be great at nationals. Robert was also coaching with me on the floor, and he was such a big help at the competition. To know I can count on him when I need him is priceless.

Robert also happened to be in the ring that my mentor, Master Balon, was officiating in. I was proud to have my personal mentor there to judge my own student and even give him a few pointers after he was done competing. I am really happy my students get to be exposed to these awesome martial artists and be a part of these awesome events!

Little William was also in the ring Master Balon officiated in. William has a great gift and a lot of potential. He did an amazing job and got a bronze medal and is so excited to be going to nationals! He is still young and it's all a game to him. He really can be one of those gold medal all the time winners, but it needs to remain fun at this age still. But as he grows, so does his love for the sport. Even Master Balon asked what his name was. I think he was impressed with William's ability. How awesome is that!?

And of course, my junior Black Belt Owen Hagmaier competed as well! Owen was the only nine year old in his division and would have done his form and automatically win the gold medal. But that would not have been acceptable for Owen. So he went up and competed with the ten year olds instead! What an amazing attitude and such a grown up decision. I am so proud of his Black Belt decision, and the older kids division was indeed much larger as well. You have to place in the top 8 in order to qualify for nationals and Owen made it! He represented so well.

And yes, I competed earlier in the day as well. It was the first time I ever competed with my new 3rd Degree Black Belt form, Choi Yong. I also competed with an old fellow test candidate from Master Balon's school. We both tested for 3rd Degree together back in 2009, and it looks like we'll be testing for 4th together in June! I watched him and another competitor do another 3rd Dan form, Yoo Sin, which I competed with back in October. Watching them, I began to get the jitters. The doubting of whether my style is as good as theirs, seeing some things they did well and wondering if my style would suffice and be as acceptable as theirs. You know how it goes, the last minute doubting we go through minutes before we go on.

Then when I went up, I did my form, making all the corrections Master Balon made only that Sunday before. I stayed focused, I took my time, I made every stance count, I stuck my kicks like I have done all my years training, I kia-ed and good Kia, and I remained in the final back stance until the judge told us to come back. And I stayed there for a good amount of time both times I performed the form (you perform your form several times at these competitions). I was so proud to have won the Gold medal. It's been a while. And it felt great to hear compliments from the judges afterward. "I loved your Choi Yong! " "The chamber in your kicks was great!" "Wow, what awesome stances!" My thank yous weren't enough because it has been years since I heard such compliments about my forms from such professionals. Then again, I haven't showed my forms to people for a few years. I felt like I was accepted and that I still got it.

But I wasn't done yet. I still had sparring. I was a little more nervous for the sparring. We had our newly blended Warrior 3 nearby, and I mediated and prayed. Oh how I wanted to do so well with this competition. I have never done an AAU sparring event, and I wanted to put to the test some of the new drills and strategies Master Bardatsos has trained me with. The first match, my competitor did not give up. He pushed on until the very last minute and I was thrilled to have that kind of match. I won the quarter finals. It was a great match.

Then my second match I won in the first round with a seven point gap. Made it through the semi finals. I was so proud, and I really used a few smart kicks the way Master Bardatsos had instructed me, and Robert was a great coach, he knew exactly when and where I should be doing them all. Then in the finals, I had an awesome fight! His name was Kyle, and Kyle was very agile and smart. He hurt my rib (the one I cracked a while ago) and  I got a standing eight count which gave him two points. We went back and forth then he racked up the points, and then I came back a little, then I ended the match with him winning by two points. It was a great match! I won the silver medal for my first AAU sparring event! I couldn't have been happier.

It was a great day. It was great seeing Master Balon, it was great having Lisa accompany us and taking pictures, it was great watching my students do so well, it was great meeting new people and watching so many different styles, and it was great having all our families stay together supporting each other and enjoying each other's company so much. It was a wonderful experience. Congratulations to all! Ft. Lauderdale, here we come!

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Super Bowl Macaroni Sunday

For ten years, I always hosted a dinner and dubbed it the name "Macaroni Sunday." The tradition started when I began competing in Taekwondo. We were told to "carb up" before a sparring competition. So of course I take it to the extreme and made it a BIG celebration! So I got all the Friars at the time, and other team members and we had our pasta dinner. And we would make so much, we ended up having more AFTER the competition was over. Hence, Macaroni Sundays were born.

I would have them at my friend Jessie's house (usually penne alla vodka) or another family's house. Then when I had my own apartment I had a Macaroni Sunday EVERY week. And a group of the same friends came over every week. I changed the pasta and the sauce every week and we'd watch movies, or go swimming, or play games, and then I'd have a big dessert and tea. Those were some of the greatest memories of my life. Some of the greatest times in my old apartment and with the people I loved...

Well when I moved back home I put the macaroni stuff away in boxes. I did one or two during my time at my parent's, but it wasn't the same. It's been two years since I put my stuff away in the attic. Until!

As most people know who are close to me, last year on Super Bowl Sunday was probably the worst day of my life. A series of events occurred and I have not been the same since. The pain, the memories, the flashbacks, the hurt continues to today and it has not gone away. So I was not looking forward to this year again, afraid of reliving memories from last year. I was going to stay home and drink away the day. That was my plan. But a few of my friends had a different plan for me. Robert, Sam, and Lisa did not want me to be alone, so they came over. Guests in my new apartment! Well what am I to do?!

I went to my parents, I got up into the attic, and I found for the first time in two years, my Macaroni Sunday stuff. O.M.G. The plethora of memories that rushed through me. Some so good, some painful to remember based on today's circumstances. But the memories are treasured regardless. I found the same two pots I have been using for ten years, the Mickey Mouse pot holder, the Mickey Mouse plates, The Mickey Mouse ladle, The Mickey Mouse towel (Can you tell I like Mickey Mouse?) and the wooden spoon I always used.

I went to A&P like I used to, got my pork neck bones, sausages, ground beef, tomatoes, grated cheese, and some wine. I was going to make Grandma's sauce recipe and make spaghetti. I also made a last minute order of wings, which hit a bad chord because last year I was going to make the wings and it never happened, but I got them anyway for this year.

And I found myself once again making sauce for a Macaroni Sunday. I cannot begin to describe the feelings I was having. However I did start on the win at 1PM so that may have had something to do with it. But cooking my sauce like old days really brought me back and kept my mind on something positive. I never realized how much I loved doing it, and how happy it made me. Although a lot of memories are linked to my world famous Macaroni Sundays, it was like a spiritual experience that kept me feeling safe. Kristin and a few friends were home getting ready for another Super Bowl party and having them say "Wow the sauce smells great!" made me super happy, they have no idea. Then I found Sadie and I were alone and the sauce was done. So I lied down.

Lisa texted me she was there and the headache came. Super Bowl was nearing. And the feelings were coming. Dammit! I thought I was doing fine. I let Lisa in, and the tears just came. It was nice to have her and soon followed by Sam near to comfort me. I guess I held in a lot over the year. And I was saving it for now. But then the smell of my sauce hit my senses, and warmth returned. I then boiled the Macaroni, and then Robert came by. I was a wreck, I didn't know if I wanted to be sad or happy. But I was so grateful for the loving company I did have.

We ate until our bellies were full and the Giants began playing. Okay, so I am doing well so far. Then Aunt Karen texts me out of the blue "No tears, just cheers! Love you honey!" I was fine until I got that. Love from somewhere else and the tears returned. And here comes Lisa with the Joy oil. Yes, thank you. Need that. Then other Super Bowl memories drift into my mind. It was hard getting through those.

I am learning a lot about how our memories and emotions are stored in the cellular part of our bodies and if we learn to access them or control them we can really overcome things like depression, trauma, and addiction. And I guess right now I have conditioned in the cellular part of my body the pain and hurt that I kept at bay and now my body has become addicted to the painful memories. Why relive it all? Why allow the things that make me happy be tainted? Why put focus and power in things that do not serve me? Why act human!? Then I took a taste of my tomato sauce....wow....like medicine...

Was it an easy Super Bowl to get through? No. Was I alright? No. Could I have been worse? Yes. Was it as bad as I thought it was? No. So a hopeful gleam of light. Wonderful company, love in the room, and great food. My first Macaroni Sunday and the Super Bowl, like old days. Good medicine. Good new times. A good challenge for a master. It will only make me stronger for next year's. I am kind of glad Kristin wasn't home. I don't think she would have known what to do with me. I think she knows what I am thinking and feeling but not know how to deal with me. So I'll keep it like that. But if there's one medicine I found can help me, it is my Grandma's tomato sauce! And that's what I am going to have when I get home.

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Deep Sleep

I have been in my new apartment for a month now. Remember back in August all my blog posts of how I was almost an insomniac and just couldn't fall asleep? I did everything in my power to get a good steady sleeping pattern? Well I must say, having my routine and schedule down pat, I not only have had a good and consistent sleeping pattern, but the sleep itself....O.M.G.

I have never slept so well before. I have NEVER slept so great. And not only do I feel refreshed and vibrant, but the sleep is so deeeeeeeeeeep. I get a good solid eight hours of sleep every night. And you know what? Those eight hours feel like 14 hours! I fall asleep sooooo deeply, that when it's time to wake up, I think "Oh my, did I oversleep?" I look at the clock and I am just like "Damn! I feel like I slept double that amount!"

But I feel awake and energetic. I have my tea and breakfast in the morning, I say my rosary, I get ready to go to the school, and the day (for the most part) falls into place. I can honestly say that this past month has been the best sleep I have EVER had in my life! It's good to feel refreshed and energized, especially with the weekend that I have coming up. Tonight I leave for Troy, NY for the AAU Adirondack Taekwondo Championships, which is our first AAU Taekwondo tournament we've ever gone to and it is also the first of three qualifying tournaments we are going to in order to qualify for nationals this year in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

And then Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. That is more of an emotional day because it was last year's Super Bowl Sunday that my spirit was badly damaged and I am still getting over a lot of pain and angst. But having this great sleep and rest, I hope it helps me be in a little more control over the circumstances. So what am I grateful for today? My DEEP SLEEP!

Yours in service,
ANDREW TRENTO

Finding the Style

I went to spar last night in Little Falls and I did a lot of drills. Master Bardatsos's partner, Master DeGeorge ran the class. I really liked the drills we did, it gets me to think and learn the game in a whole new light, and I get excited to try them out myself and to teach them to my students. I have my first AAU Qualifier competition in New York this weekend, and I'm a little nervous but it's going to be a good chance to practice. 

It's been a few years since I did serious competition and I did two competitions this year. This will be my third, and as I continue to learn this new style of sparring, I can't help but want to demand more of myself. The standards I hold are high and this is very challenging. I do very well in sparring, don't get me wrong. But to become this elite level of sparring is going to take time, and I have to be patient. It won't happen overnight.

A lot of it has to come from be reconditioning my sparring style from the robotic point style my old master had, to this new Olympic fluent and twitchy style. The other thing is that the rules and style of this sport are continuously changing. What was acceptable when I was a teenager, to the time I was a young adult, from 4 years ago, to today are not necessarily acceptable now. 

Working with Master Bardatsos and Master DeGeorge and being on the Invictus Sparring Team is great because I'll have the benefits of being on top of all the new rules, strategies, technology, and hearing what will work and what won't work. When they went to the Olympic Team Trials in Colorado a few weeks ago alone, they learned what changes they'd have to make based on new scoring technology and how to spar. I am very aggressive and very powerful and have a lot of motion and I push myself to move very fast. 

The thing is, the way the game has changed you don't necessarily need all those things to win anymore. The scoring is all electronic and it takes away from the judging, and you have to do just what works. If you don't keep up with up and coming new things in this sport, it's very hard to keep up with the training. So as I learn the new logistics of the game, I am in search of what my style is going to be. What am I good at? What will work for me? What works in general? Is it worth having soooo many techniques and tools, or a few basics that work. Steven did mention to me something very similar. 

So as always I am on a mission. And of course I will be working with these guys even after my master test. Because a master's journey is never over ;) .

Yours in service,

ANDREW TRENTO