Faith in Mankind

"Change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change."

-Dr. Wayne Dyer

I heard a story recently about someone explaining how they believed in mankind. An example used was during Hurricane Sandy how people came together to help others who had no power or food or whatever. And a person in the same room disgruntled stepped forward and said "Let me tell YOU about mankind!" (funny feeling that he was not going to tell a story about mankind).

He continued on this whole shpeel of him being on line for THREE HOURS for gas and then this hummer cut in front of the line and harassed the gas attendant wanting seven cans filled of gas and how he and five other people got out of their cars and yelled at the guy and told him to leave the gas attendant alone and go to the back of the line, which he did.

He ended his story with something to the effect of "So there! What's that tell you about mankind!" And the person listening said "Well, I just heard of a story of people stepping out of their cars and sticking up for a helpless gas attendant and making someone do the right thing. That's pretty awesome." The response was "Yeah, you WOULD see it that way."

AND WHY NOT?! We choose the look at the world with the lenses we put over our eyes. We choose, bottom line. Sometimes it's from what we are taught by our parents or mentors, or things we like that we see. Sometimes it is learned through our experiences and circumstances or our lives. But at the end of the day we choose how to see things. You can see mankind as rotten a**holes cutting three hour lines and harassing a gas attendant, or mankind as people defending victims against bullies and making people do right.

I have friends who say "People are all out for themselves!" As I get older, I sometimes see that, and I get upset because I am not like that at all! I am being told I NEED to learn to be MORE selfish in my life! But I also don't want to look at the world as mankind being all about people looking out for themselves. Even the friends I have who say they'll always be there for the ones who they love sometimes aren't. Because their belief is everyone is out for themselves and so should they.

I refuse to live like that. I sometimes falter and want to, but at the end of the day, my faith in mankind prevails. If I gave up on people that easily, I wouldn't have more than half of the important characters in my life. From Kristin Barrett, Andrew Kranich, Professor Sargese, Master Balon, Robert Lisciandrello, Frankie Peracchio, Kenny Perez etc. These are some of the most important people of my life, but if I gave up on them, I couldn't imagine what life would be like today?

And sometimes you have to hang in there and have great faith in people. Sometimes there is evidence on the outside to show you why you SHOULD give up on them. But nothing is a deal breaker. There is nothing all that horrible mankind can do to you, for you to shut them out. You may have to learn how to behave differently for the benefit of your health, but to really cut people off? I see no reason so horrible. Human beings are flawed and fragile, and people forget they themselves are human too. I work very hard not to label or judge. But I like that I have strong faith in mankind.

Recently, someone did something for me that was so huge and phenomenal that it brought tears to my eyes. It was a scenario where anyone looking into the situation would say "But no one has that happen to them. No human being would do that!" But when you look for the good in people, and treat people right, and expect nothing in return (Tao), you find it.

Such as case happened to me today. While driving home from visiting with one of my dearest friends ever, I had to take a toll on the Parkway. BUT! I realized I had no money for the toll! I forgot to plan ahead and didn't have change. I pulled over and scrounged around frantically. Within two minutes, I looked up and another car pulled up next to me. A man had his hand stuck out his window with three quarters pressed against his fingers. "You need money for the toll?" he hollered out to me.

I was in an instant mode of gratitude that melted over me entirely. I even teared up, not because the situation was that frantic, but because that was a true moment of seeing GOOD IN MANKIND. It was a sign from the universe to remind me to never give up on my faith in mankind. Because ALL humans have good in them. Sometimes it has to be shown, sometimes we can bring it out, and sometimes, it can be learned. Don't let your negative experiences take over your view of the world. Change it, and make it so yourself. That is my mission. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO 

Two Great Stories

So on the day of Lisa's Confirmation, I heard two phenomenal stories and I thought they were very blog-worthy to share. They were "feel good" stories, and hold great life lessons in my opinions. So I thought I'd share two great stories:

The First Great Story 
The first great story came from a man from Stop and Shop named Mike. Andrew and I got up very early to help Lisa with a few errands before her Confirmation. So we made a stop at Stop and Shop and there was very kind gentleman named Mike who helped us with our order, rolled it over to the register for us, and even rolled it out to the car and put our things in the back of the car.

He was kind and humorous. At the cash register, there was a little mix up with the change and we corrected it. With that small moment, we got an awesome story from him. He told us of a time where he was at that very cash register and was buying something and the attendant gave him $20 more money in change than he should have. He told him to take the money back, but the attendant said "No no, the amount is right." Mike was insistent that he had too much change but the attendant refused to take back the change.

So Mike told the accountant that if by chance there was $20 short at the end of the day, he had the money and would give it back. Sure enough at the end of the day, when the accountant closed up the register and counted the money, there was $20 missing, and Mike returned the $20. What a man of integrity! He did the right thing! And sometimes, doing the right thing comes back in many different ways!

Well that's just what happened to Mike! At the Stop and Shop, he bought something again and with his small change bought a lottery ticket of some sort, and he played it, and ended up winning $5,000! It was a GOOD day for Mike! But a man with great values who does the right thing, deserves to have his kindness brought back to him tenfold! What an awesome story!

The Second Great Story 
The second great story was when we actually arrived at Lisa's RCIA class before the mass of her Confirmation, one of the fellow students in the class who was very religious was telling us about her recent abdominal surgery she experienced. The young woman was in a lot of pain, and had to miss one of her RCIA classes because of the recuperating time she needed to heal.

She had a very hard time moving and being able to find comfort. She was in a lot of pain. But she did something that made her very happy and at peace: she prayed. She would pray the entire time she was in the hospital. As a Roman Catholic, one would usually make the sign of the cross by using their right hand and touching their forehead, their heart, the left shoulder, and then the right. But with all the pain she was in, she struggled to do it.

But as much pain as she was in, she pushed on the make the sign of the cross for her prayers. She also could not speak very loudly yet. One nurse was close by and watching the young woman struggle. The nurse looked at her and she asked "Are you in pain?" The young woman shook her head no. "Are you praying?" asked the nurse. It was as though the nurse just KNEW. The young woman nodded her head.

The nurse then went over and said "Let me help you," and she took the young woman's right hand and helped her do the sign of the cross for her prayers. What a moment! I think that was such a beautiful display of human kindness at it's best! What a wonderful story!

You never know where you can go to hear a great, feel-good story! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Subbing at a College

My mentor, Professor Sargese, gave me an awesome opportunity last week. I had the opportunity to use my expertise to substitute a college class. The class was for physical education majors, sports psychology majors, mostly in that realm of students. The class was called Yoga, Meditation, and Relaxation. The professor of the class is a very well known, charismatic, and popular professor of the university and had asked Lisa to sub for him.

BUT! She had her interfaith talk she had to do which conflicted with the time. So she asked ME to start the class for her. She wanted me in my full uniform, which would be the first time I have ever been in uniform on the MSU campus, and use my expertise to profess to the class.

Having psychology training under my belt (no pun intended), I began the course with explaining basic psychology that I have studied since I was sixteen years old on the correlation of stress, relaxation, and organization. I discussed the concept of control in our minds, the conscious and subconscious mind, the importance of relaxation, and it's definitions. After about 15 minutes of theory, I decided to give them an experience of relaxation like no other: hypnosis!

I did the Progressive Relaxation Induction and then gave a small lecture on what hypnosis is, why is is important, how it can help, the purpose of doing it today, and relating it to the concept of relaxation. It took a good half hour to do the induction and a few positive suggestions and affirmations for relaxation purposes. About half way through, Lisa came in. I also used the Qi music that we use with Sifu.

I got some good feedback from the students, there must have been about 20 students or so in the classroom. The room was more of a Yoga studio (I didn't even know it was there at MSU to be honest!). Then I had Lisa talk a little bit and she introduced the concept of Qigong. I explained what Qigong was and the use of Qi/energy, how using it for meditative purposes and exercise can be beneficial. I did the Taoist Qigong that we have done with Sal for meditation, and I got a great response from that as well.

I had no doubts I could teach the class, and I wasn't nervous because I am very confident in the material. I could see myself teaching college courses like that. It's second nature to me. And I DO have my Masters Degree....four degrees actually....in martial arts! LOL! ;) It was a great opportunity and a lot of fun. Too bad there aren't any degrees in martial arts....maybe I'll make one !!! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The Interfaith Talk

For thirteen years, Lisa has been doing a weekly meeting called Conversations in Faith and Spirituality at the Center for Iterfaith at Montclair State University. She facilitates the meeting and two of her biggest mentors, Professor Esmilda Abrue and Father Jim Chern, attend the meetings as well. Students and faculty of all faiths and denominations come and discuss different topics that have to do with faith and spirituality. In the last five years I have known Lia, I have never been to one of these meetings.

It's very hard with my schedule to have ever participated in these talks at the campus. However, an opportunity arose where I was able to attend one, and I have happy to go for a number of reasons. But one of the big reasons was this: after ten years of doing this Interfaith talk, Lisa has decided she is no longer going to be facilitating these meetings any longer.

I don't know but for some reason that was HUGE to me. It was like hearing when Barbara Walters was stepping down from 20/20 or something. I knew how she would do this talk every week and it has gone on for ten years! I am just thinking how thirteen years ago I wasn't even a Black Belt! I know all the major events that have occurred in my life since then, I just as well know all the events during that time Lisa had gone through also during that time and this Conversations in Faith and Spirituality was an event, more so like a person to me, that was there for all those things.

So when the opportunity called, I knew that I wanted to sit in for even a part of one of these last Conversations in Faith and Spirituality, so I took it! I was able to stay for a half hour of it, and students were there of all different religions, one of Lisa's big time mentor's, Father Jim, of course was there, and I think a few other religious leaders sat in. And of course, the Queen mentor herself, Professor Esmilda Abrue who I absolutely love.

I got to sit next to Esmilda and Lisa brought up a great topic to discuss in faith in terms of human beings have a calling or a purpose, and we discussed the possibility of people having a life purpose to fulfill and whether we choose or purposes and how our actions can be in alignment with our purpose. The discussion of doing what are good at versus what we love and whether they can be the same thing, was discussed. I was really getting into the talk!

I couldn't stay for the whole thing, but I had another "purpose" to fulfill, so to speak LOL (next blog). But I was happy to go to the Conversations in Faith and Spirituality because then I felt like even in some smal way, I was able to be a part of something that was a very big part of Lisa's life, and I least I can say "Oh yeah, I've been to one of those, it was awesome" like so many before me. And I always love spending time with my mentor's mentors, like Father Jim and Esmilda! (BOWS)

Yours in service
MASTER TRENTO

Dinner with the Mentor

I had mentor time with Master DeJesus this past Sunday. Four years ago, we met when I was testing for 3rd Dan and he was testing for 4th. Master DeJesus was so welcoming and warm when I met him. Encouraging and motivating with a light hearted air about him. I was also so impressed with his self-defense demonstration where I first witnessed Haganah. When I met him at Master Balon's school I remember saying two things: 1) this guy is going to teach me this Haganah stuff, and 2) I just made a friend for life. And that was the truth.

I have always said, if I could be anyone in the world, I'd like to be half the man Master DeJesus is, and I mean it. As a martial artist, he is strong and fierce yet kind and humble. He has many of the qualities I hold in high regard for a master. He continuously educates himself in the martial arts, he loves what he does and you can see his passion, he cares very much for his students and looks to push their potential and make them better and better. And like me, he is always updating his curriculum book.

This past Sunday I was over at his school with one of his long time students and one of my high ranking students, Andrew, to go over all of the open hand Haganah defenses. After a couple hours of training which I absolutely loved, we were invited over for dinner by his wife Annabelle. I have never been over the DeJesus's home, and we graciously accepted their invitation.

We had such a good time! Food was great but the company was even greater! We just spent hours talking, sharing stories, and laughing. Both he and his wife are such good people with such good hearts and were so welcoming and so much fun to be with. I found myself stepping outside of myself and just being so grateful to being in the presence of these wonderful people.

You know, we need to cherish all the moments we have where we are with people who love life and have good hearts. The DeJesus's are definitely a pair of people whose company I treasure very much. I knew when I met Master DeJesus I found a friend for life in him, and I really felt that great feeling of friendship from a fellow martial artist, and a fellow human being who's passion and heart are as strong as his values as a master. I have the utmost respect for he and his wife and the deepest gratitude for them welcoming me and Andrew to the home. And a even greater gratitude for their friendship! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The NJ States

I found the AAU Taekwondo program four years ago when I was a nineteen year old business owner, teaching students in basements and garages and my office for business was in my apartment in Garfield, NJ. I was a 2nd Degree Black Belt looking for a way to test for 3rd Degree Black Belt and wanting to become certified in everything I had experience in.

My research had led me to the AAU which recognized both styles of Taekwondo and looked like it had well rounded competitions, and had a Dan certification program that could also get me my Kukkiwon (international) certification if possible. So I looked up the AAU in New Jersey, and the name that of course pops up is Master Kevin Balon. Little did I know what an important character this man was in the AAU and what an important character he would be in my own story.

The AAU has taken very good care of me over the years. Each year I get a little more involved and a little more involved. I do a slow gradual process of my involvement because I do not want to overwhelm myself with a new business, I cannot risk spreading myself too thin, and I have to maintain some kind of control with myself where I don't just jump in full swing and not have a full understanding of how things work or what is expected of me.

My first year was getting ME certified with the AAU. My second year was getting my Black Belts certified with the AAU. My third year was bringing students to AAU tournaments and me and my Black Belts becoming certified coaches. This year, we not only had students compete and coach, but we also had officials, including myself.

This past Saturday was the 20th AAU New Jersey State Championships directed by my personal mentor, Master Balon. I had four younger students compete and my three girls testing for Black Belt next month compete. I had Samantha Frey and Andrew Kranich coach, and Samantha Volk and myself officiated. Andrew and I also competed. This was my very first time officiating officially! Sam did at the NY state tournament back in January.

I wrote a blog recently about how I cannot always do everything. Apparently that doesn't only apply to business.  To officiate, compete, AND coach took a lot out of me. I had a great time, but it was way too much.  After officiating sparring for over two hours, then go in uniform to spar myself, I was done before the match even began! Right after sparring I went right back to officiating. Later went back to  compete for forms, and then back to officiating again! It was a great experience, but to do it all is too much. I will officiate only in the future.

But it did mean a lot to me to win gold in forms at my mentor's tournament with the form that he taught me! That was important to me. I am competing at nationals this year and I want to do well. I only have a few more years of competition left in me before moving onto different paths in my training. But officiating is a fantastic way to challenge yourself.

Master Balon taught me Moon Moo, the form I competed and won with at his tournament. That was important to me.

I really got to meet a lot of new people in the AAU through officiating and making new friends. Some are really big names in the organization too. I am very proud to be a part of this organization. The AAU Taekwondo offers a fantastic program. And Master Balon runs a fantastic tournament. It was pleasure officiating at his tournament and I will definitely be doing it again in the future for him. It was also great to officiate with another one of my mentor's, Master DeJesus. We were just one big family having a great time sharing the experience of friendly competition and providing a high quality tournament experience for all participants. I think we all did right by Master Balon.

Me speaking with mentor Master DeJesus as we both officiated at the AAU NJ State Tournament

I got a lot of experience officiating and I think I had every possible experience you can get. Basic running of a sparring match or forms competition. The proper usages of terms, warnings, we had DQs, we had good coaches, we had bad coaches, we had close sparring matches, we had turnovers from one division to the next, etc, it was really a lot to learn and see hands on and the more experienced judges were extremely helpful.

I was very proud of my students too. Four of them are still new to the competition arena. We had little Sonia win gold in sparring, three boys Anthony, Theodoris, and Tomasz do fantastic. I think we got a Bronze and Silver in there from them. They all did great with their forms, and the "Trento's Angels" Mia, Bethany, and Taylor competed in their last tournament as color belts! But I was especially happy to see Andrew win double gold in sparring and forms. He waited so long to compete and this was his third competition, and he finally made the title of State gold medalist in BOTH sparring and forms. AND he coached all day too. Even Samantha Frey LOVED coaching and really did a great job with the students.

It's hard for me not to coach my own students. Back in the day, it was absurd to think the masters wouldn't coach their own students. That was the mindset back 5-10 years ago for where I came from. And some parents felt the same way back in the day. But the program educates so well and has legitimate certification through their education that parents could even coach and become certified which allows the higher ranking master officiate and give quality judging. It's a different mindset. And of course Sam Volk always is a hard worker and was steller with officiating, and had the opportunity to officiate once again with one of my own mentors! She got to officiate in the same ring as Master DeJesus!

Miss Volk congratulating Miss Sue on her competition

Me teasing Miss Volk who was NOT in the mood! HAHA

It was a great day. It was a fun day. We were happy to be a part of it, representing New Jersey in every way, as officials, as competitors, as coaches, and as spectators. And quite honestly, Master Balon IS the driving force behind the New Jersey AAU Taekwondo, there is no better man for the job! We are proud to be a part of this program, we are proud to represent New Jersey, we are proud to help Master Balon, and we are proud of this tournament event! Congratulations Master Balon on a successful event which celebrated its twentieth year! (BOWS)

Me exhausted after a full day, but happy for the experience!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

P.S Photo credit to Prof. Lisa Sargese

The Student who Found ME

I have the best master of martial arts in the entire world. I have also seven phenomenal mentors who contribute to a part of me in my mastership training. I sought these mentors out and I have chosen them because they are the best ever. When I met Professor Sargese in 2008, I knew I wanted her to be my mental and spiritual mentor for my mental training. I told her I wanted her, and I got her. When I met Master Bardatsos when I was a kid training for my Black Belt test, I knew he was the only one who will get me to the level of Olympic sparring I want to get to. My friend George Valentino is stellar at Songahm Taekwondo in the ATA style of Taekwondo, and there is no one else I'd rather have to teach me this style than him!

When I met Master DeJesus at my Black Belt test and saw Haganah self-defense for the first time, I knew he was the one I wanted to learn it from. Now today I visit his school all the time to learn and be mentored. When I worked with Charlene at the gym, there was no one else in my mind I would have to push my physical limits. Entering the world of Chinese martial arts and learning what Qigong was all about, Sal is the best of the best. The powers that be that had led me to Master Balon knew that I only wanted the best. I found him and travel an hour away every month to learn from this great master.

Recently, I would wonder if anyone would seek me out to mentor them the way I sought out all these mentors myself. I get a great thrill learning from them, each with a phenomenal specialty in my training. Of course Sifu, being my master, is them all in one. And I work very hard on doing my best to be as well rounded as possible. But would there ever be a day in the future, years to come from now, that someone would find me like I found them? How cool would that be! Imagine to be considered a mentor at the caliber these people whom I hold in the highest regard are at!? One day....

Well lo and behold, I get a phone call one day from a young man. He was recommended to me by an 8th Degree Black Belt from down in North Carolina who reads my blog and I have had a few conversations with in the past. This young man wanted to continue with his martial arts training and was willing to drive all the way from Brooklyn to be taught from me after the recommendation this 8th Dan master gave. WOW! What an honor! I was flattered, and a bit nervous. Right away, the self-worth nerves come to the surface we all get when we enter a role we have really never been in before. We question whether we will hold up to the standards and expectations of the ones seeking out guidance from us.

This past Sunday after Qigong, the young man came all the way from Brooklyn, NY to have a lesson with me. He did Olympic style Taekwondo, and knew the Taeguek and WTF Taekwondo forms. That is a total of 11 forms. I thankfully know nearly 50 of the Taekwondo forms of all styles. I also trained in his style of sparring. So I felt confident that I would at least know his style.

I reviewed all his forms with him, and I thought of how I go to Master Balon's for lessons. What would he be doing with me? Well this person was not my student and wasn't taught by me, but I made a lot of suggestions, offered insight, gave him a variety of applications for his forms for understanding, held him accountable of being consistent based on his choice of style, told him the up-to-date material for his style, and welcomed debate, listened to what he had to say, left enough open ended space for him to make his own choices, and challenged his skill and mindset. His technique was phenomenal, but he had a little memorization to work on, which he knew coming in. Offering him drills and challenges, he was very pleased with the standards and expectations I layed out for him, based on his goals.

It was a relief to hear he wanted to schedule a return visit and that he was happy and pleasantly surprised with the information I was able to provide. He was very disappointed going to other schools in the past who were all about sweat, and not the art at all. He has a great heart and good intentions, and he loved how welcoming I was to him, and I reiterated how my doors (and mats) are always open to him. It felt really good to have been given that respect, and I felt really good what I was able to offer him.

Who would have thunk! Someone sought ME out to be a mentor!? I was only thinking a few weeks ago "I hope one day someone would seek me out like I did..." Little did I know...maybe I don't give myself enough credit. And this is not someone I know personally. Maybe that's what makes it different for me too. But no matter what, the mentoring that came from me was based on the great mentoring I myself have received and continue to receive to this day. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The Mentor who Gave Me an Opportunity

My fitness mentor and I at my 4th Degree test with her youngest daughter.

Charlene Gallitano is my fitness mentor. I met her when I was apprenticing under my old master. She took the fitness classes at my old martial arts school, but the irony is that she is one of the best and well known fitness trainers in all of Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson counties. I used to go to gyms for trial classes and such and I remember mentioning the gym I worked at that Charlene was the general manager for at the time, and when I mentioned the gym's name, the reaction was always "OH! Charlene!" People knew her in the fitness industry by first name everywhere I went.

A good mentor will welcome debate, push the envelope to help you get to your highest potential, pass on and share knowledge to hone your skills, and sometimes they do this by throwing you into situations that will force those abilities to come out of you. Well that is exactly what Charlene did for me.

Back in 2009, I was trying to figure out ways to starting my business, and for months she wanted me to come to the gym she worked at to do a cardio kickboxing class. At that time, I really never actually taught cardio kickboxing, I really only taken them. But she reassured me I could teach it, and using my Black Belt mindset can create a very "dojo" style type of kickboxing that would be beneficial. Truth be told, she wanted to take the class I would make.

I kept saying no, and no, and no. Then finally right before my 20th birthday. I went to the gym to give it a look over. Charlene ran her gym with an iron fist, and it was fantastic. Before I knew it, I had a Cardio Kickboxing class I would teach on Monday nights at 7:00. Many of the girls who I used to take cardio kickboxing with my old school were at the gym, including Dawn, took the class. Before I knew it, it became a rather popular class.

Charlene gave me the opportunity to teach fitness, she taught me fitness, she gave me a job when I didn't have a job, she gave me a place to train when I had no place to train, she gave me a place to test my martial arts students when I didn't have a place, and she gave me the opportunity to figure out my own style and routines.

To this day I sometimes shake my head and laugh because I never thought I would be teaching fitness classes. It wasn't on my business plan. But she believed in me and knew something I could do that I didn't know. She threw me in the ring cold turkey and before I knew it, I had created an entire structured program that I continue to use today, continue to add on to and tweek, and continue to have results with myself and my members at my own center.

I forget what the days were like sometimes when I was working on my own center. Charlene knew what my goals were and she always supported me. She had no problem when some people left the gym to continue my classes at my center, and she herself would continue to come to take MY classes which, to me, is a huge honor. She was even at my grand opening day when I did a cardio kickboxing class. I have so much respect for Charlene, and so much gratitude. If it weren't for her, I may never have continued with the fitness aspect of my training, and I may not even have a fitness program at my center. Even if it was just on the mind, my experience at the gym with her was the opportunity I wasn't giving myself to create.

That's what a good mentor does. That is what Charlene has done for me. She not only pushes me when it comes to doing push ups and lifting dumbbells or how many crunches I could do, but by pushing the envelope and opening opportunities where I saw brick walls. Charlene, along with the other mentors, have a big part in making me the master I have become today. I have so much gratitude in my heart for that. And I am grateful to have a mentor like Charlene! <3<3<3 (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Four Generations of Mentors

It is always great to meet the mentors of your own mentors. I have quite an entourage of seven mentors who help me further my training and life (the master is a category of his own). One of those mentors is Professor Lisa Sargese, professor of religion and psychology. I have had the privilege of meeting quite a number of mentors of Lisa's, who also have a little less than a dozen mentors herself. At Lisa's First Holy Communion, many of the mentors were present, which was an honor in itself. But what about when the mentor's mentor comes to see YOU.

Last week, Professor Esmilda Abreu came to TMAFC with Lisa for a visit. I first met Esmilda when I did my first talk in Lisa's class at Montclair State University. Esmilda is a brilliant business minded entrepreneur and a certified Hypnosis Master under the National Guild of Hypnosis. This is the person that taught Lisa hypnosis. Esmilda is so fantastic at hypnosis that she has been able to hypnotize people who are allergic to anesthesia so they can go under surgery. Yeah, she's the real deal.

She is also very light hearted and you can feel nothing but positive energy coming from her!   Pleasant personalities are always a bonus with brilliant minds! I have had a few ideas for TMAFC and Lisa wanted her mentor to take a look and also the fact that Esmilda has NEVER been to TMAFC! I was so excited to see Esmilda come to my school!

I happened to be working in the back with Andrew, and Esmilda and Lisa came on in and I greeted her with a big hug! You can feel the massive Qi moving in the room! I was thrilled to have her see my school, and show her around, and hear some of the things she had to say. We bounced ideas off each other, I got to show her a little hypnosis, got to pick her brain about a few things, she shared some of her ideas with me as well, and we were just having fun letting our imaginations run wild!

Then before I could blink an eye, Samantha Volk came on in for a visit! (she saw Lisa's car and wanted to see her, not me XP--lol). And there we were all were in my office, Esmilda, Lisa, me, Samantha, and Andrew. Then Lisa said "We quite a line of mentor-ship here, don't we?" I looked around and kinda froze. I don't know why, but it was quite a moment there for me. "Yeah! We have four generations of mentoring here!" piped in Esmilda. Wooooooooooow. They were right!

Something about that kind of energy gave me a chill. It was positive! Don't misunderstand me. It was a thrilling, really cool, and very positive feel. I of course love my mentors unconditionally and hand picked each one. And any mentor of my mentors I have the utmost respect for. And then to have my own students meet the grandmentors, that's pretty awesome for me.

Lineages of all kinds are important to me. In martial arts, or any true craft, knowledge, wisdom, and skill is passed down. Right there in my little office was a massive amount of energy and wisdom and knowledge, and skill! It was an honor to have Esmilda at TMAFC and she is always welcome there. It is always a pleasure to have my own mentors, like Lisa, share what I am doing and working with them. And I am so proud of my students like Samantha Volk and Andrew Kranich who are always using some thing I have taught them in their lives, whether they realize it or now. I guess that magical experience I was having in that moment can be summed up in one word: Gratitude. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Asking for Help

I have a hard time asking for help. Many people will think it's pride or ego. Partly it is, I can't totally negate that notion. But I have a history of working for someone who used to ask for help ONCE, then it became expected to be done, and the thank yous disappeared, and then being taken advantage of was just a normal thing to be done. Besides lack of gratitude, lack of compensation or reciprocation in any way was also done.

So I was always afraid of ever being looked at as a person who would take advantage if I asked for help, especially consistently, and I never asked for help if I couldn't do something in return or compensated in any way. It prevented me from asking for help when I really needed it, and it made me do everything on my own.

Many people would say to me "You're not Superman! You can't do everything." Truth be told, I HAVE done everything and I didn't do too badly. Everything I ever said I would do I have done. When I train, I say I am going to do certain things, I sure as hell do them. When I say I will work with people, I have and done so. When I say I have a project to do, I have done them all! Never tell me what I can't do. Even worse, don't tell me anything I "have" to do either.

That being said, I have come to a point in my life where I have done EVERYTHING. Even in running my business, I have done it all. You need fourteen of me to do what I do. I don't give myself enough credit, and I don't realize how much I do. It takes a lot of energy. But I realize, just because I CAN do all these things, it doesn't mean I SHOULD. And I won't anymore. So I had to do something I never like to do: I asked for help.

People always have offered me help and people mean well, but I know how it goes. When it really matters, when it is really needed, the help isn't there, and the perspective becomes "I am being taken advantage of" and "I'm not getting anything for this" or "I'm not getting enough for this" so I don't bother. I'd rather suffer alone with stress and figure it all out then hear those things, just to never be "that guy." But recently when asking for help, I got it and it meant the world.

Two of my students, Samantha Frey and Andrew Kranich have been HUGE helpers in things I needed to get done. The things I needed to do were taking away my energy to more important things to me in my heart that involve my center. I reached out to them, very nervously, and they stepped up. Samantha worked on my computer catching up and learning things which were beyond time consuming and for me quite annoying. I've done it for three years. She was actually having fun doing it. And she got it down pat. She was holding me accountable for a few things she needed that required the progress, which was great, and she got it done.

Samantha is sharp and quick. I don't have to repeat myself, and she just GOES and gets whatever task needed to be done DONE. She triple checks, quadruple checks, takes no short cuts, and follows the systems in place. She is also a great person to hold all accountable for their responsibilities that are required whether it relates to her or affects her in any way, or not.

Andrew is has a creative mind and technologically intellectual (which is something I lack horribly). He created flyers for me, put them out for me, contacted people I needed to contact, organized things for me, helped with classes I needed help with at the center, he has also participated with seminars and clinics that have been taking place here at TMAFC also. Sam and Andrew have been a great yin and yang.

The two of them have been more than helpful, and it was really really hard for me to allow their help to come into my life for things at TMAFC. But I trust them so much with what I delegated, and they have followed through with top notch quality. And the two of them are getting experience and prepared for the great things TMAFC is preparing for in the short term of things. I have plans and ready to take great steps to furthering this center and they and other people will only benefit, as do the members of this center will benefit. I am proud of the quality my center has grown to. And with the added help, things will run even smoother and more successful.

The energy flow has been amazing. And I am so grateful for Andrew and Samantha's help. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for your helping hands. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The Retired Minister

 “This is a story that crosses denominational barriers and reminds us of the love God has for us in that ‘Whosoever believes in Jesus will not perish, but have everlasting life,’ (John 3:16)”

-Pastor Bill Hegedus

For 24 years, the Passion Play Drama Ministries of the Bible Baptist Church have produced the musical drama "The Jesus Story" for Easter. Pastor Bill Hegedus is the director of the play and began this presentation 24 years ago as an idea with the purpose of not doing this play for entertainment, but to demonstrate the love and passion of Jesus Christ.

I have come to every single year since I was born. Of course when I was a baby and toddler I was either sleeping or having no clue what was going on, and may not even remember. But My grandmother, sometimes my aunts, and my mother would take us out to dinner and go to one of the showings of "The Jesus Story". It's something I have done my entire life. There were some years I went alone by myself. It's just something I have always done.

Last year I went with Lisa, and this year we went again and Andrew joined us. And every year Pastor Bill opens the play with a speech and prayer and comes out again before the phenomenal finale with a speech and one more prayer. We don't know each other, but in some weird spiritual way, I have known the guy all my life and I feel he knows me. I've been coming to his play since I was born!

The production has grown tremendously with over 100 crew members from actors, stage hands, technology assistants etc. Pastor Bill has done a great job. And every year, there is always something different in the play. Last year they began as far back as the birth of Christ, this year they began with John the Baptist preaching, last year God's booming voice didn't echo when John baptized Jesus, this year it did, this year they did Jesus walking on water which they've never done before. I think one year they actually had real animals too which I was amazed, sitting in front row with Grandma Yolanda.

But this year there was something else different. After the finale, they announced that after 24 years, Pastor Bill will be retiring and this was the last production he would be doing. I teared up and got sad. And the 100 people on stage were crying and I couldn't help crying too. You saw how much all these people loved this man and all these years he produced this play, it was sad to hear he was retiring. But he made it clear! His retirement does NOT mean the play will not continue. He set everything up just right for successors to be able to continue the play.

It's so wonderful for people like Pastor Bill to have a dream to do something not for money, but to inspire and help people with good intention and prayer, and have with good faith the ability to keep it going on for almost a quarter of a century, and have it continue on even after he leaves. I will continue to go to the passion play at Felician College in Lodi, NJ, and I will think of Pastor Bill as I understand his very intention for the purpose of making this production in the first place. God Bless you Pastor Bill, and congratulations of your retirement! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Long Live the Iron Lady

"Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope."  

-Paraphrased quote of St. Francis of Assisi, after Thatcher won election in 1979

This week, former prime minister Margaret Thatcher passed away. Once again, a strong and powerful woman who was a warrior in her own way. I recently wrote a blog on Lucille Ball about how in business she was stern, curt, to the point, no nonsense, and was criticized for her strong personality as she ran her studio. But no matter what anyone said, it was that no nonsense, stern, perfectionist of a personality in her work and running of her studio that made the highest quality of success one can imagine. Margaret Thatcher demonstrated those very qualities in the running of a nation.

Thatcher was well educated, I believed she was a chemist. She married her husband Dennis who was beyond supportive of her endeavors, and politics were her true calling when in the conservative party. When the Conservative party gained power in Parliament, she was elected at the first woman prime minister of Great Britain. The country was in uproar with unemployment and other issues, that even caused riots in the streets.

When the United States was at Civil War, Abraham Lincoln said "Desperate times call for desperate measures." Lincoln did many things in his presidency that really could have gotten him impeached. He did things unethical and against the constitution, but to Lincoln it did not matter what was right by law, but what was right by morals for the greater good for the country. I believe Margaret Thatcher did exactly this. She said what was on her mind, didn't care how she said it, was offensive but correct in what she was saying, and wasn't afraid of what people thought.

She was very unpopular at first, then extremely popular, back down to unpopular, popular again, and the unpopularity once again. Her policies were controversial and debatable and she got a lot of criticism for them, but when they worked and brought the country to a greater place, all of a sudden everyone cheered for her. But when the same situation arised and she would do something that didn't seem right, everyone forgot of her previous successes, and boo-ed her until all turned out great and the hoorays came back.

I cannot stand that. Trust your leaders if they have a pattern of being successful. And even moreso, it annoys the hell out of me when the people working closest with you succumb to the same mindset. IN the movie recently produced The Iron Lady there is a FANTASTIC scene where Margaret Thatcher, played by Meryl Streep,  says exactly what's on her mind for the greater interests for the country, calls the men in power out on their fears and intentions, and is beyond sharp and curt with her own officers in command who have been with her for all three terms.

This scene above is absolutely PERFECT in demonstrating the fierce personality of the Iron Lady herself. Meryl Streep does a fantastic job!

Firm leadership to do what is right, not what is popular is so important. It takes that firm stance to make great things happen. No detail unimportant or overlooked, everything contributed to the greater good for the country. I love leadership like that.

Many people may think, damn but she could be nicer about it. I NEVER take this stance ever, but some will say she was that way, along with people like Lucy, because she was a woman. They needed to be strong and firm because they needed to prove themselves amongst men. I don't ever look at that view and don't see or believe it and my feminist friends will say "Well that's because you're a man!" Maybe so, but I will say this: If that's the case, then who cares! Because I find the greatest leadership and the firmest personalities who were most successful came from these WOMEN! So if that's the motivation to get leaders like Lucy and Margaret like that, then so be it! Because they outshine most male leaders in our history.

Maybe because it's unexpected with women in our society? But in my upbringing, all the women in my life, from my mother and aunts, to teachers and friends, were ALL strong women. I never viewed women as weak, poor leaders, not even as the soft caregivers in a weaker light as I hear sometimes the view of women can be. That has never been my view and I guess that's why I always find the light of a phenomanal female leader in their industry. Whether it be politics like Margaret Thatcher, entertainment like Lucille Ball, journalism like Barbara Walters, or music like Barbara Streisand, the women leaders are sharp, curt, all business-- and the most successful!

From my research and understanding, Margaret Thatcher was also wise. I read some old quotes and speeches of hers and I do believe they are quite insightful and from the heart. Even if other people write the speeches for these leaders, I feel if the leader does not identify and feel the true essence of the messages, they essence will not be conveyed. So I believe Thatcher was indeed wise and true. I will end with this video clip that I use when I teach my older students, and I find it to be one of the wisest things ever put into words. Whether Thacther would really say this I do not know, but I wouldn't hold it past her!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Dinner with Dawn

My close friend Dawn and I last year on our April Fools Birthday Dinner

Sometimes people come into our lives and we never know how important they will be until much later. Sometimes these people become such close friends and you cannot even backtrack how it even came to be. I met Dawn about a dozen years ago when I was working for my old master. She began doing the fitness program with the local community school, and then ventured out to our martial arts studio to take the fitness classes there.

I must have been a twelve years old working behind the desk and entering the attendance for the school. I had to mark all the ladies who came to the class and enter them into the computer. And then when I was done I would sit in the window and laugh and make faces at the girls exercising. It was out of good fun, and they would bust my chops in the reception area afterwards.

Then our martial arts school changes location and as I got older, to maintain my class credits I needed to further test in rank under my old master, I would take the fitness classes along with my martial arts classes and I began to do the cardio kickboxing classes. I of course had to be in the very front so I could be closer to the instructor, who was usually my master at the time.

Well I was standing next to Dawn, we would both be wearing all black and she always had this hair band keeping her hair back. One day to bust her chops, I actually came into class, dressed up as her with the all black and hair band. We had a lot of good laughs. When we worked out during the class, I was the maniac going faster and faster and working harder and harder, with this big smile on my face. With Dawn next to me, it was either my making her go faster and working harder by being next to her, or she didn't want some young snot nose kid like me show her up. Either way, the rest was history.

Dawn has such a sweet caring heart and is such a loyal friend. I knew that back in those "old days". When my old master and I went our separate ways, she kept in touch with me, and when my mentor Charlene gave me a job at the gym in town to teach Cardio Kickboxing, Dawn along with a few other girls I worked out with came to the gym also and continued to take my classes. And then when I opened my school she continued taking classes and working out with me here. It's now twelve years later, and whats even more important is that the friendship continues as well.

I do not like celebrating my birthday for personal reasons. Maybe one day that will change. Dawn is not too thrilled about celebrating hers either. BUT! The two of us decided we would celebrate a pretend birthday for the two of us, and we chose a date right between both of ours. It happened to be April Fools Day. How poetic for we are the king and queen of fools all around!

This year we had our pretend birthday dinner again. And I enjoy so much spending time with my friend Dawn. She is a good soul. They don't make people like Dawn anymore. It's good friends like Dawn for good times and good laughs and good values that make living this life so wonderful. Sometimes we all forget what's really important in life, and life's struggles and challenges blind us to the fact that it still goes on. If we take a step back and look in again and enjoy the time we have with the people we care about most, life can be a really great thing. And Dawn happens to be one of those treasures for me. Happy Fools Birthday Dawn! =P (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The Long Awaited 3rd Degree

Miss Sue of Fastkix Taekwondo received her 3rd Degree Black Belt this past January

When I tested for my 3rd Degree Black Belt in June 2009, I took my test at Fastkix Taekwondo under my mentor Master Kevin Balon. At the time he was a 6th Degree and we had only known each other for a few months. During that test I met some awesome people including another future mentor, Master Samuel DeJesus who was a 3rd Dan testing for 4th, I met Gabe who is NOW a 3rd Degree and I train with in sparring, and another person I tested with was with a woman named Miss Sue.

Miss Sue is a woman who not only trains in Taekwondo under Master Balon but instructs at his school. I remember when I met her that day, she was warm, welcoming, and encouraging beyond words! She was the school's BIGGEST supporter and BIGGEST cheerleader. From what I gathered being there, she did a lot for the school to show how much she cared for all the students, to motivate them, and to encourage them in every way possible. She made posters and flyers and all sorts of things. She also did a self-defense routine involving Shamwow products that my students STILL talk about to this day.

The testing candidates with Master Balon this past January

When I went back three years later training with Master Balon getting ready for my 4th Degree test, I had the chance to meet Miss Sue many times at the AAU competitions and she midterm tested when I belt tested. She once again was beyond supportive and encouraging. "BRING IT HOME!!!" She would cheer! It brought a smile to my face each time. The energy exuding from this woman was magnificent! What a heart! And even at the competitions, she was so supportive to my own students, as if we were all one big family. That shows great character and heart.

This past January, Miss Sue tested for her 3rd Degree Black Belt. Well there was no way we were going to miss this test. So I made arrangements and Miss Samantha Volk and myself went to the test on a Friday night to support the Fastkix Family, but especially Miss Sue.

Miss Sue never thought she ever would become a Black Belt when she started Taekwondo training, never thought she would compete, and never thought she would teach it. Since then, she has competed and won at state and national tournaments, is a certified instructor, and not only is she a Black Belt, but here she was testing for 3rd Degree! She also apparently lost a lot of weight and is an inspiration to women of ALL ages. You are never too old to train and accomplish anything big in life. Miss Sue is a true idol and we are all so proud of her. We all teared up when that 3rd Degree was tied around her waste by Master Balon.

Miss Sue, congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment of 3rd Degree Black Belt! Three years ago when I was wondering out of the fog, some kid who had a dream of opening his own school, I met you who was positive and full of life. I remember thinking, I hope when I open my school, I could have a Miss Sue who would be MY cheerleader, the way you were for your team. It was only fitting that I attend your 3rd Degree test, when I met you at my own. Thank you for supporting my students and always making us feel welcome when we see you. We all at TMAFC are proud of you, and always support you! Well done! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Mentor Confirmed

"My students have always asked me 'what religion are you?' and I answered that I was religiously promiscuous.  I was. I would worship around! But after much spiritual reflection I have decided to become a member of Christ's Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Please pray that I grow in my affection for the Lord and do his will on earth."

-Professor Lisa Sargese, professor of religion and psychology, confirmed Roman Catholic

I remember meeting Lisa in 2008 in her Religions of the World class at Montclair State University. She was a teacher like no other. I wasn't just learning religions of the world, I was learning life lessons that can be used every day. Students of Professor Sargese were getting skills, opportunities, and exposed to the best experiences that would stay in their hearts forever.  

First day of class she drew a fish and hook on the board. She wrote the word "God" under the fish, and then wrote the word "religion" under the hook. She turned around and said "Don't confuse the two!" I fell in love right there and then. What a PERFECT analogy and lesson. However, one of the most interesting things about this religion professor was the question: What religion is the religion professor??

Lisa was baptized as a Baptist (I think). She believes in Jesus, but for many years she has gone through many trials and tribulations of her own religious and spiritual journey. It has led her to believing that Catholicism was most in alignment of what she felt in her heart with her relationship to Jesus Christ. I remember her joking around that she was "missing out on the real Jesus." LOL!

A year ago, during my mentor time at TMAFC with her, we discussed her aspirations to becoming Roman Catholic. I think it's something she thought about for a few years actually. I don't talk about my religious views very often and I do take a spiritual stance with people, being very tolerant and open to other people's views and beliefs that may differ. But being a Catholic myself, I couldn't help wanting to nudge her in that direction myself. Last year's Lent and Easter season was so much fun with Lisa. We went to my Uncle Tony's Last Supper re-enactment dinner to get ready for the Easter season, and it was THERE we heard the song Beautiful City sung by Hunter Parrish from the Broadway play Godspell.

And of course how obsessed can two people be of a song? Well besides listening to it every day when we worked out and worked together for about 40 days or so and THEN some, we actually went to the city to see the actual play Godspell WITH Hunter Parrish there, singing the song TO Lisa. We attended St Thomas's cathedral for the Easter Vigil mass. And I also brought Lisa to one of my personal Easter traditions to see the Passion Play at Felician College. 

So Lisa finally began her courtship with Jesus by attending RCIA classes and yesterday had her first holy communion and officially confirmed into the Roman Catholic church. It was a magnificent day. All of the real heavy hitters in Lisa's life, from closest of closest friends, fierce mentors, family members, and colleagues all gathered together under one roof for this holy occasion indeed.

Lisa Sargese embodies the true essence of love. "Love one another." That was Jesus Christ's greatest commandment. Just Love. Lisa exudes this Christ-like quality, and everyone she comes in contact with feels this love, and she attracts people who love her just as much in return, and then some. Lisa, on behalf of all your friends and admirers, we welcome you to the Catholic faith, we congratulate you on this very important and special occasion, and we all love you so very very much. For Love is what you are. For Love is indeed the greatest commandment to our lives according to our Lord Savior Jesus Christ. And it is the Love in your heart and soul as a Roman Catholic that will contribute to our world in creating a BEAUTIFUL CITY. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The 2nd Degrees!

This past year has been a HUGE year for 2nd Degree Black Belts. In this past year alone I have produced at my own school four 2nd Dan Black Belts at TMAFC. One of my mentors became a 2nd Dan Black Belt in an Israeli martial art, and a friend of mine became a 2nd Dan in Taekwondo within the year. There must be some magical energy about having to do with 2nd Degrees!

Not everyone who trains in the martial arts make it to Black Belt. I mean a TRUE Black Belt. A Black Belt is not so much what one can do physically in skill and technique but what one learns in the heart and mind and how they live life. However, there is a much LARGER percentage of people who DO make it to Black Belt than to 2nd Degree Black Belt.

Me personally, it is a real staple in one's training to make it to 2nd Degree Black Belt. It's a big mile stone and I give a lot of credit to those people who move forward in their training and make it to that point. Not to take away from 1st Degree, but there is just something about making it to 2nd Degree that really shows dedication and commitment to martial art training in a different way.

When I trained under my old master, I made it up to 2nd Degree. That is probably the highest rank anyone ever made it to under my old master. There were certain levels that preceded that rank, but never past 2nd Degree. I think I am the first and ONLY student he ever had to have ever pass that rank, even if it wasn't from him. I remember when I conducted my own Black Belt test for my own students, how excited I was. But nothing made me more excited to do my own 2nd Degree test for TMAFC, and it was ten times more special for me because it was for someone very special for me.

In September 2011, exactly seven years after my own 2nd Dan test, I conducted TMAFC's first 2nd Dan test for my best friend Kristin Barrett. I started martial arts with Kristin and we trained together under the old master. We taught together and we were known as one of the greatest teams ever to teach at our old master's school. Her test symbolized a lot of great victories and personal triumphs and the collaborated energy from the past to present was beyond overwhelming. I believe that first 2nd Dan test for Kristin still is one of the greatest tests I will ever produce. It was also the first time I had three of my mentors involved in my school. You can read about the magic of Kristin's test here.

Kristin Barrett receiving her 2nd Dan Sept 17, 2011

Eight months later, I had TMAFC's second test for a 2nd Degree for Samantha Volk. I began teaching Samantha at the age of seven (I think it was seven, she always corrects me and it confuses me! LOL). She left during her four years of high school, but was always a great supporter of whatever I was doing and she and her family always had great respect for me. She attended my first Black Belt test I conducted, participated at events at TMAFC, attended the grand opening day class, and finally six months after I opened the doors she came back in uniform as a student. I was thrilled. She always said she would never train again, but she did. Not only did she train again, she taught classes and competed. Then, a choice she made by herself, she wanted to upgrade her rank as a junior Black Belt to adult Black Belt and tested for 2nd Degree. I knew the test meant many things for her, and to follow Kristin Barrett was a privilege for her. Today Miss Volk is a certified AAU Official and I am so proud of her.

Samantha Volk receiving her 2nd Dan May 2012

This past September, another student of mine named Erin McKenna tested for her 2nd Degree Black Belt. Erin was one of my first students and she has been with me for many years. Erin was a student training under me when I was still apprenticing under my old master, she is one of the pillars on which my origins of TMAFC began, she was the first Black Belt test I ever gave, she was the first maintenance test for 1st Degree I ever gave, she was the first Black Belt test at my center's location, and it just so happened that this past September, her 2nd Degree test was my first Black Belt test as a master! Also, notice that the three 2nd Dan tests were all female? Something must be said for the women warriors!

Erin McKenna received her Black Belt Sept 2012, one year after Kristin Barrett

However, this past January, the streak was broken when I finally tested my first male 2nd Degree Black Belt for Andrew Kranich. And his test was one of the best panels we ever had, along with a very different approach to how the testing went throughout the week. Andrew's test was a challenging one for many different reasons, but he demonstrated great focus and discipline as a 2nd Dan should. No matter what the challenge was or what the block was, he pushed on. It was a great test, and he proved he learned cumulatively from all his previous tests. This was truly his moment. Being a 2nd Dan suits him.

Andrew Kranich receiving his 2nd Dan Jan 2013

My own mentor, Master Samuel DeJesus also received his 2nd Degree in Haganah and my friend John Vanderhee was awarded his 2nd Dan under Master Dough Cook from the United States Taekwondo Association. So here's to all the 2nd Degrees! I will be ecstatic the day my school is ready to produce 3rd Degrees. Anyone who has seen, heard, or read about the Black Belt tests I have know one thing: Black Belts are NOT given here. They are definitely earned. So to receive that high of rank here will be an experience I look forward to giving. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

A Master and his Father

Master Frank Yee and Master Pedro C. Yee

"The Wong Fei Hung Northeastern All Kung Fu Championships were held on September 27 at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. Things got going around 11 a.m. with three different lion dance troupes. The drums, cymbals and lion dances energized the crowd (many of whom were affiliated with Yee's Hung Ga - if I had to estimate I would say up to half the competitors were from a Yee's Hung Ga, which has kwoons in all five boroughs, as well as upstate and New Jersey), and at the end Master Frank Yee jumped in and tossed the lion head around a little too.
After the lion dances, Sifu Pedro Cepero and Master Yee (both of Yee's Hung Ga) stood in front of the head table as the announcer made a long speech about how martial arts is like a family. A good father is... a good son is... Master Yee has been a good father to us... Sifu Cepero has been a good son to Master Yee... it was all very nice, but I was wondering what the point was. Then came the kicker - "As of September 19th, 2003, Sifu Pedro Cepero will be known as Pedro C. Yee!" Master Yee legally adopted his student! They embraced in a bear hug for almost a full minute as the applause swelled. I could feel the emotion running through the gym - truly a beautiful moment."

- Website of "Martial Arts NY" posted on October 2 2003
Wong Fei Hung All Kung Fu Championships

 

Sifu and Sigung in deep conversation.

I have known my master only for a short time. It'll be two year this July, and I have been training under him only going onto nine months now. But I know more about my current master in nine months than I ever did with my old master in ten years. I know so much of the history of the Hung Ga Kung Fu system, stories that would blow your mind away. And I also have heard so many great stories pertaining to my master's own training and experiences. Many which involve his own master, Master Frank Yee.

The above quote is about a moment in time in which I WISH I was present. Master Frank Yee, my Grandfather master (also known as Sigung) is a third generation disciple of the Hung Ga System.The art has been passed down and lived on because of the work and effort of Master Frank Yee. It is through my own Sifu, Master Pedro C. Yee that the entire system of Hung Ga has been taught to inside and out. Not only has the art been passed down, but so has the name "Yee" when his own master adopted him.

I think of that time in 2003, where was I  in the world? Oh yes, I was a first degree Black Belt under my old master at the time, teaching classes in Saddle Brook, NJ. Wow. It's amazing to think of this momentous moment going on. I wish I was there for it! It's all about timing. The master-student relationship in martial arts to me is a sacred one. It is a relationship that unless you truly have it to the extent as it should involving every aspect of your life, then you really cannot understand it.

Back in the day, my old master planted seeds that formulated a very well rounded training material for myself, each specialty providing me with tools that allowed me to use in every aspect of my life. It was through my original training I understood the skills I was learning for really teaching greater skills for my life.When the old master and I parted, I was VERY picky on who I would train under as my master. My expectations and standards were and remain VERY high. I found these phenomenal mentors but they are limited to their specialty in my training and nothing more other than some phenomenal friendships as well. My next master would have to be the real deal in my eyes, and will truly train me in all aspects of my martial arts that will seep into my life.

I think of what Sifu's training was like with his father. My imagination runs wild. Just to think of what my master's training was like, and the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic martial art. Sifu has done many styles of martial arts, but he has Hung Ga as his chosen art. And to share such a phenomenal bond with his master, a relationship that could only rival one of father and son. That really is something special.

Father and son enjoying each other's company.

I have written in a previous blog when Sifu came to visit me unexpectedly one day how I was reflecting some of the greatest teacher-student relationships we may know about. Master Yoda and Obi Won or Obi Won and Luke Skywalker. Master Roshi and Goku, Splinter and the Ninja Turtles. Even in real life like Master Bardatsos and Steven Lin or Grandmaster Chun and Master Doug Cook. These pairs have their names synonymous to the other. But I don't think any can compare to the story between my Sifu and his father. 

To always have that "go-to" authority for guidance or comfort is always a special thing. Something I personally hold in high regard it knowledge. I absolutely LOVE to learn, especially if it is of such high quality that can be used to bettering the world or people in some way. Me personally, my greatest gift to anybody would be to pass on something of great value that I know. A martial arts master has a wonderful ability to share knowledge through a unique and spiritual manner. I can only imagine Master Frank Yee's initial excitement and joy when he finally realized he had someone he could pass down ALL of his knowledge to, and that is was JUST as important to this person as it was to him.

I want to learn everything I can. I work hard, I put effort in truly studying my training, and being as well rounded as possible. I take all I can from my mentors, and by expanding my horizons in my training on SO many levels through my master training, I am in utter bliss. It makes me so happy to learn this great magic, but also to learn it from the best of the best. And appreciating where it came from in the first place.

A master is always sharing his knowledge with his students, no matter where they are in life.

I do not know about my other training brothers and sisters. Of course it is important to them, and they know they have the best of the best as well. But for me personally, what I am learning goes beyond gold. I know my Sifu has many other students and disciples. I can only voice that the greatest treasure I have in my life is having a master who can lead me to the higher level of living I want to be at. To be a part even in the smallest way of these great tradition and history. I admire the story of he and his father so much. It is inspiring and awe-striking. 

But even more so, it's wonderful having a master again PERIOD. Training solo for a few years, I did very well and had great guidance. But the moment you acknowledge someone as your master, it opens an entirely different energy for you. Unfortunately, I don't feel my words can truly convey this energy, unless you yourself have experienced it. I look forward to all my training with Sifu and learning even from his own father. It is a privilege and honor to be learning from the best there is. It means more to me than he will ever know. I will strive to become the greatest master I can be for my own students. Who knows, maybe one day there will be a student out there who will be just as proud and enthusiastic to train under me as I am to train under Master Pedro C. Yee.

Me listening to Sifu and Master Frank Yee one year ago at Yee's Hung Ga.

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO