Magical Mrs.Campbell

Me and my sixth grade teacher Mrs. Callie Campbell at her last day at my old elementary school.

Growing up through grammar school (or elementary school, whatever people are calling it nowadays), we will always remember certain teachers whom we loved when we were in their classrooms and we continue to love as we get older. We love them so much, we continue to go back to visit in that old classroom again each year a few times, just to say hi!

In the sixth grade, I had a teacher named Mrs.Campbell. I was eleven years old when I had her as a teacher and I remember so much about her class. I remember where I used to sit every day, I remember the topics of the class, and it's funny how when we look back the silly things we remember. For example, I think the entire year I learned about Ancient Egypt. We had a social studied unit where we learned about Ancient Egypt and once that was finished, we had Ancient Egypt in our art history class, and then when THAT was finished we had a unit on Ancient Egypt in Language Arts!

Mrs. Campbell's favorite subject was math, and was a superb math teacher. She always had above the chalk board (now white board) in big bold letters "MATH RULES" for everyone to see. But everyone who knew her best would know that she was an avid reader. Mrs. Campbell LOVED to read! Always has and no genre was off limits. She was able to find the right book for any student. It was a gift to be able to get children to enjoy reading. Her love for reading became contagious to the students of her class.

SO it was the year I began reading one of the greatest fiction novels of our time, Harry Potter. At the time, only the first four books were out. I read them all, re-read them all, and I ventured out to reading other magical books to hide away in and just get caught up in imagination-land. Mrs. Campbell really got us to enter new worlds with reading. But "Harry" was our favorite. We'd plan and scheme and try to figure out, and just be blown away with the brilliant writing of J.K Rowling. She of course was also convinced she would have made a wonderful Professor McGonagall, but Dame Maggie Smith did very well. That year for Halloween, I dressed up as Harry Potter and we had a few other characters, and of course Mrs. Campbell was Professor McGonagall.

But one of the greatest memories I will have with Mrs. Campbell was at Christmas time. Of course there were her world famous lollipops she would make, but the year I was in her class was the first year my school did a school sing-a-long of Christmas carols. HOWEVER, our favorite song White Christmas was NOT on the list of songs to sing and we were insulted. So Mrs. Campbell, another teacher named Mrs. Martin, and myself sang at the top of our lungs in the auditorium White Christmas so everyone could hear! Well, on my own account, EVERY year since then, I would come back on the last day before Christmas vacation and sing White Christmas with Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Martin. We did that for 10 years straight!

Mrs. Campbell retired from teaching, and she will be spending a lot of time enjoying her grandchildren. I want to personally thank Mrs. Campbell for being the wonderful teacher she was, for giving me my love to read, for all the Harry Potter craze in my life, and we will still sing White Christmas but in a newer traditional way! Happy retirement and God Bless!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO 

Mr. Carl Johnson

Mr. Carl Johnson (1962-2012)

"With great sadness I learned about the passing of Carl Johnson last night. Carl was a master teacher of Math at Saddle Brook H.S. and I say that because he could relate and teach math to the highest level student as well as our special needs students. So cooperative and willing to go out of his way to meet the needs of his students he was an asset to us and I am so proud to have played an intricate part in bringing him to Saddle Brook. He recently took over the Librarian position at the Middle/High School and that says something as well, to be certified in Math and Library Sciences what a unique combination. Carl was a good man and was called much to early, he will be missed by all but mostly by the children of the Saddle Brook School System. Rest in peace Carl and GOD BLESS you!"

-Mr. Jack Impomeni, SBHS teacher of 40 years

Eight years ago, a dear friend of my family's died. He was a teacher from Saddle Brook High School. I remember the deep pit in my stomach and the shock that overcame me. I remember the amount of sadness and grief the entire town had for this teacher. I exaggerate you not, the entire town. It is amazing how one individual, especially a teacher, can have such a profound impact on people's lives when they come in contact with them. When this teacher died, I learned a great lesson, at a very young age, how to appreciate every life you come in contact with. Because not every day is a given.

Last week, that same sadness I had not felt since Chuck Broadhurst died had overcome me once more. I had found out that a teacher from Saddle Brook High School had died unexpectedly. Mr. Carl Johnson was a dedicated math teacher for over 20 years, the eight years which he taught at my Alma mater, Saddle Brook High. Most recently he was working in Library Services as the Media Center Specialist. He also served in our nation's Air Force Reserves for several years, as well as volunteered for many service projects. One of those service projects was Habitat for Humanity.

Carl Johnson in Dallas for Habitat for Humanity in 2010

That unfortunate yet familiar shock overcame me and I called a few teachers whom I am very good friends with at their homes to confirm the news and get the details. He died of a massive heart attack. I felt like I was having one, just hearing about it. I spoke to his closest friends who were understandably devastated and shocked. 

I had Carl Johnson as my Algebra II teacher in my junior year. My junior year was a very difficult year for me in my personal life. A lot of changes on the horizons, the Friars of Old going their separate ways, my martial arts school moves, I had deaths in my family, friends were changing, and I got very sick that year. Managing school was very difficult. Mr. Johnson was a very understanding teacher. My junior year was very much a blur for me, I don't know how I got through any of my classes, including his. There wasn't a whole lot of consistency for me that year. But Mr. Johnson was. 

Air Force Reserves 1985

Carl Johnson had a very quiet, laid back, kind personality. I NEVER saw him upset or lose his temper. He was diligent, sharp, and students related to him. My freshman year was his first year teaching at SBHS. When it came time for my senior prom, I will never forget the little tribute he voluntarily made for us. Because we were his "first class" and started SBHS "with him" he had the D.J lend him the microphone as he made a little speech to us and danced this line dance shuffle as a tribute to us. It was a silly, yet beautiful tribute to us. I remember how we hoo-ed and woo-ed him on and whistled and clapped till our hands were red, just because Mr. Johnson did it for us. Now, to my understanding, many students who he taught line dancing to will be paying tribute in that same manner. 

Another great memory I have of Carl Johnson was how every year he would judge our high school talent show and our drag-comedy show that raised for charity called Mr. Saddle Brook. One year my friend Eric dressed up as Marilyn Monroe, and had asked Mr. Johnson to come up on stage so he could sing happy birthday to him, the same way Marilyn sang to the president. Eric sat on his lap, caressed his hair, Mr. Johnson laughed and was such a good sport. I have the pictures in my picture album. Another year when I hosted the talent show, I did a skit that involved math and made mention of him and would continue to refer to him in my skit. It's these little memories that add up that become such treasures over night.

Mr. Johnson was known for his line dance shuffle!

It is a great loss for not only a school system, but for anyone who ever loses someone so soon.

We never know what the day will bring. We never know what life will be like the next day. Every day we come in contact with people that we never know in what way they will effect us. Appreciate every day you have with the people that matter in your life. And never let a day goes by that you don't tell them you love them. You never know when the last time that will be. Truth be told, everyone loved Mr. Carl Johnson, no one had a bad thing to say about him. SO we all say, the community of Saddle Brook as teachers, students, and alumni, Mr. Johnson, we love you and your essence will live on in our memories and our hearts. 

There will be a memorial for Carl Johnson on Tuesday August 7th at 8PM in the Charles Broadhurst Memorial Auditorium at Saddle Brook High School. All are welcome to attend. The family will take donations for the Good Shepherd Home in Allentown, PA, where Mr. Johnson's handicapped brother has been receiving care for over 30 years, by clicking on the link here. Students and friends can post pictures and memories for the family to see at the memorial Facebook page.

Yours in service,

MASTER TRENTO

Vacation and Disney

When we went to Florida, our reason for going was to compete at the AAU Nationals. But for ME, I was focusing more on vacation after celebrating TMAFC's second anniversary, doing my six day 4th Dan pretest, my actual 4th Degree test, it was a full month (a full year actually) and I was looking forward to relaxing and having fun, something I need to learn to do more of.

Lisa and I flew into Florida on a Saturday and Kristin and a few friends drove up the night before We stayed in my parent's condo in Delray, Florida. The first full day we had we all went to the beach. I don't think I went to the beach AT ALL last year. And years before that I would go maybe once out of the entire summer when I visited my grandparents. I was already starting my summer off in a great way and it was a beach in Florida! It's been so long and I LOVED being in the water. I was in my element. That night I made a big pot of sauce for a Florida Macaroni Sunday!

We went a little all over the place in Florida. I was in Ft. Lauderdale three times during the week. One day to visit my student's hotels and train with them for the tournament, another to compete in sparring while balancing some pool time and fireworks on the beach, and another day when we all competed in forms and had our team dinner. One morning Kristin and I went back to the beach and that night we all went to Miami for drinks and dinner. We enjoyed pool time and nightime on the linai.

I can't remember how much fun I had on a vacation. I've been on many vacations but I would always find a way to train and workout, find time to work or do research, and always making plans for when I get home. It's a bad habit of mine, and I always would do that to myself, no one else. I did to me. But this time, I didn't take out my notebook, never turned on the computer, didn't wake up early to workout, I just simply enjoyed my time, care-free. And I had excellent company.

Cooking Grandma Yo's Italian sauce for Macaroni Sunday, Florida edition!

Florida iteration of Macaroni Sunday

TMAFC's Team dinner after competing at the AAU Nationals All Day

But there was one day that really stood out for me during our vacation. And we did it right at the very beginning. An entire year ago, Lisa had her second knee replacement. I happened to be there in the hospital room when Lisa was going over her list of short term and long term goals for her physical therapist at the hospital. You can read about her mention of it on her blog here. She told the nurse she wanted to do things like bend her knee at 90 degrees and so on. And then for her long term goals she said "I want to be able to walk the entire length of Disney World!" The nurse laughed and nodded as she wrote it down, not in a "yeah right!" kind of way but as a sincere "Good for you" kind of way. But I knew better.

When she continued her physical therapy with Dr. Joe, she told him the same thing. "I want to be able to walk all of Disney World!" And for eight months WE continued to say that we would be going to Disney World. I don't know what she originally thought but MY goal for HER was to go when we went to nationals in Florida. HASHTAG-- WE DID!

The five of us who were together drove to Orlando and we went to the Magic Kingdom. It has the lesser of rides out of the four parks but holds the truest essence of what Disney World is all about.
Now besides Disney being my most favorite place to go in the entire world (been there over 20 times), Lisa has not been to Disney since 1989 and Kristin has never been herself! I planned out the itinerary to avoid being the sun, doing the most we could with our time, and seeing the major attractions in the theme park.

I love everything Disney is all about! Holding onto your dreams, making them come true, believing in the impossible, using your imagination to making wonderful things happening, holding those truest and most loving in your life close, and believing in magic and miracles! The feeling that overcomes me when I am in Disney World, I cannot really express. But it truly is a feel-good place to be and I was thrilled to be with the company I was in. But I had an extra special feeling, proud even, of how well Lisa WALKED THE ENTIRE MAGIC KINGDOM OF DISNEY WORLD, just as she said she would.

Dancing like a fool at Magic Kingdom!

me and Kristin dancing fourth of July

Lisa walked ALL of Magic Kingdom Disney World!

Lisa applied just this!!

All of us on Splash Mountain!

Kristin and I by the "Friar's Nook" #HowAppropriate

Lisa and I in front of Cinderella's Castle after WALKING almost 12 hours!

She does not give herself enough credit at all. She sometimes does not take praise well when she deserves it. And she also (as well all do) sometimes undertalk our accomplishments. Lisa, we are ALL proud of you and your accomplishments, and your biggest fans (US especially) are beyond proud of you! I am also a big fan of people doing things that others say they cannot. Well done Lisa, well done!

The final things we got to see was one of my favorite Disney displays: the Wishes fireworks! I'm such a Disney geek that I have this on my Ipod. LOL! As I stood there watching the fireworks, taking picture after picture, I teared up and got a little weep as the overwhelming sense of gratitude came over me as I always get when I see these fireworks. This place is truly magical. Everythign Disney stands for I do my best to live my life by. And to share that moment of being with friends like Kristin and Lisa, or experiencing a triumphant moment like Lisa walking all of Disney, words cannot express those feelings. As much as we blog, words will always fail to get the essence of how we feel. I knew this walk for Lisa was like my 4th Degree Black Belt test for me.

When that overwhelming sense of gratitude comes over me, I disappear into my own little world. Being older, I understand it's spirit. Spirit gives me the reflections, visions, and feelings I need to understand and to learn from our most joyful moments as it does for our most difficult moments. Coming back home after a week long vacation like this one was tough to get back into reality. And I have NEVER had that problem before. But that's how I knew it was a vacation to remember!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Nationals

The first week of July, we traveled to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for the AAU Taekwondo National Championships. This was the first time my school, my students, and myself have ever competed at this tournament for the AAU on a national level. In order to go to the national tournament, you have to qualify by placing in the top eight of your division at a state qualifying tournament. The group who went to the nationals here all qualified at our first AAU tournament in February when we went the New York AAU States that were held in Troy, NY.

The AAU Taekwondo organization has an excellent Taekwondo program to follow and I am happy that TMAFC is a part of the AAU. AAU have always taken care of me. When I left my old master, I needed to get my Black Belt certified on some level because my old master wasnt affiliated with any major organization, he wasn't a certified Black Belt through any federation, and I was opening up a school and needed particular qualifications at such a young age. I was also over due to test for 3rd Degree Black Belt at the time.

I came across online to the AAU Taekwondo and I was happy to see that the organization recognized both traditional AND Olympic styles of Taekwondo. As a new school owner, I loved it for the purpose of exposing my students to all styles, making them better martial artists, there were very organized tournaments and events for my students and myself, and they got me certified on the national level AND internationally certified by the Kukkiwon from Korea, the highest honor you can receive in Taekwondo.

While on the mission years ago, I met Master Balon who tested me for my 3rd Degree Black Belt and only last month three years later gave me my master test for 4th Degree Black belt. He also ran the New Jersey AAU State tournament which many other students of mine qualified for nationals. Robert has become a certified coach and my students are AAU members, and my Black Belts are all AAU certified and have their Kukkiwon.

I've done national tournaments before when I was young, between the ages of 13-16. I competed at the Junior Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and in San Antonio, Texas, and even placed Bronze.  It's been seven years. I was competing this year solely for fun, my main focus this year was my 4th Degree test. However, for my students, this is what they've worked for all year! Robert, Sam, William, Owen, and myself all competed.

The tournament was impeccably organized. I was so impressed. it was run so well, so smoothly, and so by the book, it was one of the best tournaments I've been to. The competition was great too. I was very pleased with my students and very happy with their sportsmanship as well. We came home with two silvers and two bronze.

I'm glad they get this experience, and my goals was to get my students the feel of what competitions are like. The AAU provides great things for upcoming Taekwondo students and my students meet other students, create friendships, and better their training. I am so proud of them, and they should be proud too. We have new goals and new ideas for next year and will yet again find newer ways to get more involved. Excellent year guys!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Gay Pride

Last month, Kristin and I went to New York City for the Gay pride parade. One of my best friends is gay, I had an uncle who was gay, I know of a lot of people from school who are gay, and you know what? That's exactly what they are-- people!

I have never gone to the gay pride parade in the city before, but Kristin told me it is a lot of fun and the people in general who go to this event are awesome. Not because they are gay, because they are how people should be. Nonjudgmental, tolerant, and accepting. And she was right. When you go to the gay pride, it really isn't about sexual orientation. It is about being completely accepted for who you are and living your life in happiness.

A lot of close-minded people say "They can live their life in happiness! They don't have to make a big hooplah to do that!" But they're wrong because there are so many ignorant people out in the world who go out of their way to make gay people's lives miserable and unhappy. It just doesn't make sense to me. There are more and more teenagers committing suicide because of the bullying, adults afraid of being disowned from their families, and people who live in fear of being rejected from jobs and opportunities just because of their sexual orientation.

I know of a many gay people who go through self-sabotage and extreme anxieties because they are told they are bad people for who they are. That they are  wrong for their decisions in life. Some say they're going against God. This is where I get offended. Yes, I am a Christian, but even as a Christian, I totally disagree with those Christians who snub and turn their backs and look at gays as if they are bad people. That is NOT what MY God is about! "Love one another as I have loved you." That is His greatest commandment. LOVE!

In all of the self-help research I have done, all the positive thinking I have done, all the spiritual work I have done, they all say that the greatest power on this planet is the power of LOVE. The highest frequency of living is based on LOVE. And at the end of the day, Love is LOVE. Whether you are straight or gay, the more love brought into this world, the better!

 Years ago, I remember watching a documentary in Professor Sargese's class on Rosie O'Donnell's gay cruise line. The gay cruise went to the Bahamas and as they arrived, protesters lined up on the shores holding up signs telling the gays they were going to hell, signs that read "Faggots" and "Sissys" and proclaiming how this is not what Jesus wanted, etc. Hold up! These are hateful actions? This is not Christian! MY God is not a hateful God! My God is a LOVING God! GOD wants love in the world! I was appalled by that when I watched that part of the documentary.

But I think the part that always left a mark on my heart when I watched it was these two gay men who adopted a young boy. They found out that the young boy had like four other siblings and they were all separated at a young age. The two men paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to FIND the siblings, bring them all together, and adopt them all. If that is not love, I don't know what is!

I love how the hypocrits say "Well they can be proud but they don't have to flaunt it and have a parade over it!" Oh? Then don't have parades for Fourth of July, and no more Irish parades for St. Patrick's Day, and the hell with Cinco De Mayo Parades too. Just don't express how proud you are in any way. Does that really make sense? How about, be proud of being an American but don't put an American flag out, that's not necessary then. C'mon! How ridiculous is that!

Unfortunately, there is a lot of stereotypes, hate crimes, and discrimination toward gays just as there are with different races, skin color, and cultures. Just because it's different from what YOU may be familiar to, doesn't mean it's wrong! There is NOTHING wrong with LOVE! And I despise anyone who puts down any form of love.

At the parade, everyone was having a good time. A lot of laughing, a lot of dancing, a lot of fun, and you could feel in the air how comfortable everyone felt. People need to learn to be tolerant. Even if you don't agree, and you don't have to agree, but accept. Accept and RESPECT. Bottom line, and I teach this in martial arts, respect comes in different forms. If everyone just learned the simple lesson of respect and accepted people's beliefs, behavior, and opinions, we would solve so many problems in the world. We allow ego to get the best of us and people need to get over themselves.

You don't have to be gay to go to gay pride parade. I'm not gay, and I had a fantastic time! I was very happy to have gone to this parade. People were just so happy, as they should be. And no one should ever go out of their way to make people NOT happy. THAT I am against.

I don't understand why politics have to play a part in people's sexual orientation as well. If two people love each other they should get married--PERIOD. I think civil unions are an insult, even though it's just as good in some gay people's opinions. The "moral dilemma" should not be a political issue. A lot of Christian's are against gay marriage. Well guess what, not everyone is Christian and I don't see how gay marriage can interfere with people's everyday lives in any negative way. And shame on people who think it can. Marriage is about love, not gender.

To all of he gay community, do not allow anyone make you out to be bad for who you are, condemn you for your love, or to make your life miserable in any way, shape, and form. There is nothing wrong with you and God bless you for continuing to bring more love into this world. I will always accept, respect, and unconditionally love you. Continue to be proud!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

A Master At Last!

"Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason, mastery demands all of a person."

-Albert Einstein 

June 23, 2012 -- The day had finally arrived. I have been waiting all my life for this day. Did I know what it would be like when I was a kid? Could I have figured where I'd be in life the time this moment would arrive? Could anything have prepared me for the journey I had to take and go through for this test? I do not know, but the emotions were running high. I can't say I was nervous, although nerves did set in at the beginning. But I was definitely excited. 

Three years ago, I tested at Fastkix Taekwondo in Spotswood, NJ for my 3rd Degree Black Belt under my mentor, Master Kevin Balon, who at the time was a 6th Degree Black Belt. At that time I was teaching students privately out of basements, garages, and backyards. I was a little on the heavier side, but my heart was a strong as ever. And many of the families who supported me over the many years to that point were there along with my parents and brothers. I also met another one of my mentors, Master Samuel DeJesus at that test. He was testing for 4th Degree Black Belt at the time. 

I remember many names of the other Fastkix students I had tested with. I remember this kid named Gabe, a girl named Whitney, a woman who's self-defense routine my students talk about to this day named Miss Sue, Nick Carbley who was testing for 3rd Degree with me as well, and a little boy named Maxwell who impressed me with his Korean history knowledge. 

Nick and Gabe in the background

It was three years later and I got to test with some of these people once again. I remember how they welcomed me and supported me as one of their own three years ago. They were just as welcoming, if not MORE welcoming this time again! I arrived extra early to do a four mile run with some of the candidates who were testing for higher ranks. I've trained with Gabe under another one of my mentors, Master Bardatsos, who was testing for 3rd Dan. I also ran with Whitney who was testing for 3rd Dan. And I was really excited to test with Nick again, we were BOTH testing for 4th Dan again. 

The four mile run symbolized, to me, us running on our path to our goal. We were on this journey together, and we shared the time together. We got to bond a little bit, share each others positive energy, and our goals. We got back to the school and stretched out and before we knew it, our families, and friends began coming in to show their support. My parents were there, Kristin, Robert, Sam, Kristin's father Erich, my dear friend Dawn, Jill, mentors Lisa and Charlene, Mr. Duke, and many of my students and their parents. And yes, of course Tricia!

Robert, Mr. Duke, and Sam.

Ann Marie and Dawn.

Kristin Barrett watching closely.

Master Balon began the test with a basic warm up of blocks and kicks. Some of the terminology for the techniques were different, some VERY different for me. But I made my educated guesses, some were common sense, and others, had to look over my shoulder. Not a big deal. Just do the moves well. Check. BUT what was really cool was at the end of the basics warmup, Master Balon had everyone sit to the side EXCEPT me and Nick.

Master Balon wanted to do something a little extra with the two of us since we were testing for such high ranks, he planned a little something special for our basics portion. Master Balon found his old 4th Dan Black Belt test. He told us that we went down to Texas for this test and the instructor has totally different names for the techniques, almost like what I was experiencing only moments ago. But Master Balon at the time did not want to ask the instructor what move he meant because he felt that a 4th Degree Master should be able to decipher on his own what the move was. So he wanted to see how well Nick and I would do by reading us and having us do Master Balon's 4th Dan test basics.

I was honored to have been able to do something my mentor had done on his test and I am sure Nick felt the same way, having the opportunity to experience his his own master had gone through for this very rank. We didn't do too bad, some were really good, some were really off, some were very focused, some were even a little comical. But I really appreciated the extra challenge on the test! 

Master Balon giving his fourth degree test to Nick and I.

At 4th Degree, you should be able to figure out the technique even by a different name.

 Then we began the test following the AAU Taekwondo guidelines. We were divided into groups, since there were about 20 of us all together. Whitney, Gabe, Nick, and I were all in the same group. After every few forms we would alternate with another group while doing different conditioning exercises in the back. Our bodies were being used the entire time.

I love doing my forms. I feel, in my opinion, it shows the true essence and grace of the martial art. And I am very pleased with all the work I have done and improvements I have made to my forms, many thanks to Master Balon for that. I performed all of the ITF (traditional) Taekwondo forms for this test, they are the forms I have done since I was a white belt and began 15 years ago. And it was funny because I kept having flashbacks as I were doing the forms. I don't think anyone could have really realized it, but my spirit was cumulatively bringing my entire Taekwondo career to the forefront of my mind.

How many people have I taught these forms? How many ties have I done Dan Gun? Where was I in my life for Yul Gok? What was important to me when I learned Tae Goi? What were my goals when i learned Hwa Rang? Who was important to me in my life when I learned Kwang Gae? Where was I living when I learned Juche? Was I really teaching in the basements when I learned Sam Il? My entire history could be seen through these forms. I was very happy with them, and it was amazing to think of how much I had been through to be at this very point.

 Toward the end we did our level forms individually. I had to do my three third degree forms Sam Il, Yoo Sin, and Choi Yong. For the General Knowledge portion I had to recite the historical meanings of the three forms and I also had to do a question-answer with Master Balon. He asked me about my goals and how I will continue to improve on my training and how I am going to relate it to my life and into my own school and with my students.

You have to remember, three years ago I was in this same room saying how I was going to open up my own school and that I would be learning all these things and start all these programs once I open my own school etc. Now here I am having my own school for two years already and I did everything I said I would. You never know where you're going until you get there. It's amazing how life comes full circle.

After the general knowledge portion, we moved onto the self-defense portion. I believe only the people belt testing, not maintenance testing had to demonstrate their self-defense. What each persion had to do was a 3-5 minute presentation. Some did skits, some did a free for all attack and demonstrated how their reflexes were conditioned to defend against the unexpected, or someone like me had to do instructional.

Three years ago when I met Master DeJesus, I witnessed for the first time Haganah, which is a style of Krav Maga, high level self-defense. I remember being used as the dummy for him and was so impressed with it, thinking "I'm going to learn that for my next test!" Sure enough, Master DeJesus began teaching me Haganah and I absolutely loved it! It really is a very militant, high level self-defense stylethat I think a 4th Degree should be able to learn and know for this level of training, as I explained on this test.

Once again, Frankie helped out and attacked me to show five open hand defenses, some gun defenses, and some knife defenses. I am sure some people have never seen anything like this before. One mother sat with an appalled look on her face. Others were very intrigued. And some were entertained at how easy Frankie was thrown as a rag doll (he's a good actor too). A special thank you to Master DeJesus for helping me prepare for this portion of the test.

Me performing an open hand Haganah defense with Frankie.

Keep the elbow up!!

When everyone's self-defense routines were finished, we moved onto Olympic Taekwondo sparring. We were separated into different groups, by age and height. All matches were 2 minutes long and everyone had three rounds. Nick and I would do four rounds for fourth degree. My first opponent was a 1st Degree, very aggressive and very strong. My second opponent was older than me and did great. I always give an adult in the martial arts a lot of credit because martial arts training really is a commitment and adults have a lot in their lives between family and work, so kudos to all adult martial artists at any level.

My third match was with someone who I have trained with under Master Bardatsos named, Gustavo. Gustavo is an excpetional fighter, just like Gabe. He's quick, agile, patient, and smart. Whenever I spar an elite fighter like him, I can't help but smile because I get excied for the challenge. It was great for a fourth degree Black Belt test. Then the last match was with Nick and I. Nick told me he does a lot more point sparring than Olympic sparring, but he did great. As tired as we were, we both gave it our all and had fun with it. Nick has great spirit and I can see such phenomenal changes in this young man since I last tested with him three years ago.

The final portion of the test was breaking. Master Balon has a set of requirements for each belt level. Everyone, regardless of age broke the same one inch thick boards, 12 inches long, 10 inches wide. These are not easy boards to break, so I was especially impressed with the younger candidates who were breaking these boards. Even Kristin was really surprised to see younger kids breaking what we call "adult boards". 

For our level, we had a combination of different stations, two boards each. I did a front kick-side kick without landing, then a spinning heel kick. Then Nick and I were given 9 more boards to do another combination. I chose a ridge hand strike with two boards, a 180 jump front kick with two boards, then my five board sliding side kick, which was my goal for this test. Not a lot of people are used to holding for this type of break and it's hard to really get the leverage and support of FIVE of these boards. I know it because I have been on the receiving end myself.

Samantha, Robert, Frankie, and Kristin all came onto the mats to help hold for this break. I was actually very pleased to have them there for this last portion of my test. Sentimental, I can be #YodaReference. We had to adjust a few times. They didn't break the first time. They didn't break the second time. Readjusted again. I wasn't worried, because I knew once we figured out how to get the stability of these boards, I can pierce through them. And speaking of ourside reinforcement of Qi, Master Balon got up to help hold the boards. "Uh oh! The boss is here! No pressure!" I joked.

Once Master Balon helped hold the boards, I picked up on his Qi, kia-ed (kioped) my loudest, and pierced right through the five boards. Right after I broke through the boards I stood tall with a "Okay I broke them" kind of look. But I looked up at Master Balon who stood for a moment, and a smile spread across his face. A smile that just said "Well done" and "I'm proud" kind of smile. He gave me a little hug as well. I think that was a very special moment for me on this test.

Consulting with the mentor.

That was it. I did all I had to do. I accomplished everything I said I would. I demonstrated all I felt I should. I sat and waited for the rest of the candidates to finish their breaks, and then we all sat down to hear our results. Master Balon awarded the certificates to those who had maintenance tested. Then he began to award the belts starting with the 1st Degrees and up.

I awaited patiently, as the butterflies zoomed in my stomach and the emotions already building up. Yes, I know I am sentimental and emotional as it is. But this test, this very moment was something I had been wanting since I was eight years old. It as still surreal. Everything was hitting me all at once. My fifteen years of training flashed before my eyes, and the rush of joy and gratitude that built up inside of me was overwhelming. Kristin, who I started this journey with, as there; my parents, three of my mentors, my Black Belts, close friends, all there to witness a moment that I've waited for my entire life and it meant so much to me. It meant everything to me.

Master Balon called up my name and I stood up and announced I "was hereby awarded Fourth Degree Black Belt!" Not only did my supporters cheer for me, but the wonderful and exceptionally supportive Fastkix Taekwondo Family did as well. I turned around as I took off my old belt and Master Balon tied my new belt around my waste. A belt I thought I would receive with my old master. I began to tear up and Master Balon spoke in my ear and said "You did it. This is all for you. Remember that," which made me tear up even more until Frankie yelled from the back "Don't cry!" LOL! Master Balon knew how much this meant to me, and how significant that very moment of him tying that belt around my waste was. Mr. Trento was no more. At that moment, Master Trento was finally born.

Cheering for all the candidates.

Mastr Balon tying my new 4th Degree Black Belt around my waist.

I couldn't hold in my emotions for the gratitude and joy overcame me like a whirlwind.

With the final knot, Mr. Trento is no more, Master Trento is born!

Me with my mentor Master Kevin Balon who awarded me with my 4th Degree Black Belt.

I did it. I was a master at last. The dream I held onto, the dream that kept me going even in the toughest times, has arrived. When I was eight years old, I said with this KNOWING feeling that I would do this. But even though we spiritually know, nothing can prepare you for the wave of emotions hen you're finally there and when you share it with the people who mean most to you.

There were a lot of people over the last fifteen years who contributed to this very moment. Oprah Winfrey once said,"We are all beacons of light for one another." We know we never truly accomplish anything alone. I have been blessed with a life I never expected and helping up the steps of the ladder over the years have been hundreds of people. And we always remember those people we shared the journey with, the struggles, the joys, and the magic. Only a few can I thank in this blog right now. In particular, thank you Kristin Barret for the many happy years we shared over the years not only in martial arts but in our personal lives as well. Thank you to the other Friars, Julie, Kenny, and Nina who always play a pinnacle role in my life.

My Black Belts and closest friends, especially Robert Lisciandrello, the "powerhouse of friendship", Samantha Volk, Frankie Peracchio, Andrew Kranich, and Erin McKenna along with Samantha Frey as well. You guys will always be "my trophies". To al my students and supporters who came to the test, you all make my life so much richer and I thank you for all your love and support. And George Valentino who played a vital role in preparing me for this test with the pretest. Thank you to my parents who came to support and have seen me through all my training career and know how important this is to me. To my wonderful mentors, Master Peter Bardatsos, Master Samuel DeJesus, Professor Lisa Sargese, and master trainer Charlene Scarcella who all play part in making me the master I have become.

 And of course to Master Kevin Balon whom I want to thank you so much for everything. The training I have done with you and hope to continue to do with you as a new master of Taekwondo has been a treasure. Every workout with you I walked away with a plethora of information and I leave in awe of the amount of detail I get from you. I love how even a quarter of an inch of a block is of the utmost importance to you and it is something I admire and emulate. It is a comforting feeling to know there is a master of your caliber out in the Taekwondo world and that the art is just as important to you as it is for me. It was an honor to have received my 4th Dan from you and thank you for making the entire experience a memorable one. I definitely appreciated the extra drills with Nick for the basics, the extra sparring match, the extra station of board breaking, and the use of A.TRENTO on my belt =) , I loved it all!

At last! A maser! Even at the end when Master Balon made a few announcements, he acknowledged how TMAFC will be going to the AAU Taekwondo nationals for the first time and regarded me as Master Trento. I felt so validated! I want everyone I come in contact with the know that you can achieve anything you want. Continue to pursue your dreams and make them reality! there are no limits to what you can do. And as a master, I will share that essence the martial arts has to offer in helping people achieve their greatest bliss in life.

Robert Lisciandrello, myself, Samantha Volk, and Frankie Peracchio.

Me with mentors Lisa Sargese, Charlene Scarcella, and Charlene's daughter Brooke.

Me and Kristin Barrett, since day one.

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO