Listen to the Coach!

This is Mary Ellen Stiehl. She is one of the most brilliant people I know. She has a few thousand degrees and a few more million certifications, and a plethora of priceless life experience. Maybe I exaggerated a little bit on the degrees and certifications (or am I!) but she truly is one of the most well educated people I know. But above all of that, she is a devoted mother.

Anyone and everyone can see the love she has for her son, and her son is just as devoted to his mother. He adores her and respects her so much. You can see it in the way he looks at her. He knows he has a "cool mom". He's said it himself! That's actually how I got William as a student. An adult student of mine was in Mary Ellen's college class and he recognized how much she loved her son. I remember him telling me, "Oh my GOD she loves her son sooooo much!" And he knew William would love martial arts. So he challenged Mary Ellen and said "If you really love your son, you would bring him to this martial arts school."

Well this is before we knew Mary Ellen. But I can tell you now, Mary Ellen will take any and all challenges and EXCEL! She brought William to my studio and the rest is history! I have always found Mary Ellen fascinating to talk to, and like me, we both LOVE to talk! We can talk for hours on end if we didn't keep to our schedules!

Being the devoted mother she is, Mary Ellen is extremely dedicated and involved in William's life and he loves that! Even if it's just her sitting and watching his sparring class. But many years of being an educator, Mary Ellen also has a fierce side in her as a coach. This is something that I can identify with and learn a great deal about, that prompted this blog.

Mary Ellen I know has coached swimming, I think dance and a few other things, I could be wrong. She is also a certified Taekwondo coach for the AAU for our team! But she said something to me before that I thought long and hard on. Mary Ellen told me as a coach she was excellent and got great results! Her teams would make it to the finals in tournaments, national level competition, the technique was of high quality, and then she would lean in and say in a lower tone "But I can't do any of those things myself!"

For some reason that sparked something in me and I have been pondering that. She is absolutely right and is on to something whether she realized it or not. But I think many people in our society have the notion that "do as I say not as I do" ideology leads to being hypocritical, and also when someone is teaching something but they cannot do it, people feel those coaches lack credibility. Well that is absurd! And Mary Ellen is a fine example!

Mary Ellen is a fantastic coach, and whatever the topic matter is, she can teach and coach the heck out of it like no other! But she will be the first to tell you, you won't be seeing her to high dives, cartwheels, splits, and spinning hook kicks anytime soon! But just because she cannot do it herself, does not mean she can produce high caliber students and athletes of her own. Her experience speaks for itself.

I think it was a great fear of mine to not be able to do every aspect of my martial arts training to the highest degree because of my original master. But I always said to my students about him, even if he couldn't do what he was teaching or ever use it, it didn't negate the fact that what he was teaching had incredible value. It had it's strong points of course. It motivated me to train hard, push through, and reach unbelievable heights and goals before I even turned a quarter of a century.

But even so, I think there comes a point where we have to accept that even if we cannot do something ourselves, that we could possibly coach and teach others to the highest degree. I sometimes feel that way in Olympic Taekwondo sparring. Now I know people say I don't give myself enough credit. But I remember how great I was when I was younger, and I have struggled the last couple of years. But I know I want to be able to have the skills of that higher elite level. Part of me because I feel I CAN, and part of me because I feel I HAVE to. Call me crazy. But also, in the end, I also feel I can teach and really make higher level sparrers.

I have seen it with Mary Ellen's son William, and his other blue belt cronies in class (lol). In such a short amount of time I cannot believe the amazing progress they have made. I sometimes look and go, jeez I got work to do myself! They're gonna catch up! LOL! But I am also glad I know what I am teaching is working.

I saw Monsters University with my long time friend Jessie this past week. Don't worry no real spoilers, you have seen the first one! But the monster Mike Wazowski was a Class A student and knew every theory and technique in scaring than any other monster in the entire university. He even coached a group of monsters who were thought to have NO ability to scare and turned them into fantastic scarers at the university! Even his counterpart, James Sullivan, said "Mike is the heart and soul of the team!"

There was only one problem. Mike himself was NOT scary. He could not do all the scaring to the highest degree himself. But he knew it all better than anyone else and was able to get others to that level through his coaching of others. I think people need to open their minds a little and be open to the fact that just because some people cannot do something doesn't mean they cannot be the best as teaching someone else how to do it. Don't be the jerk who say "Well YOU do it then!" or "Let's see YOU try!" or "I'd love to see them do it!" Without the coaches and teachers there's be no guidance for the greater mass of students and athletes.

As for me, I'm still stubborn, I wanna be the best in all I do in the martial arts. That's why I attracted the best mentors and best master to teach me. But I learned a long time ago that there is a difference between being THE best, and reaching YOUR best. And by pushing myself to be the best, I have found my own personal best ;) .

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Sigung's Seminar

Me and Grandmaster Frank Yee of Yee's Hung Ga Kung Fu Academy

"You must have philosophy! If you have no philosophy, you have nothing!"

Grandmaster Yee Chi Wai (Frank Yee)

After my Kung Fu test, I had the opportunity to stay for a seminar that Grandmaster Frank Yee was giving himself. Many people from testing stayed, a lot of the seniors stayed, and most of the masters stayed, including my own Sifu. I was awesome to have a lesson with my master's master. But it didn't occur to me until the seminar began, that this was technically my first Kung Fu "class." 

All of my lessons with Sifu are private lessons, private instructions, and I really have never done a Kung Fu lesson with other people in a class setting. It is different with Kung Fu than it is with Taekwondo, hell the two arts are completely different as it is! But I was excited to actually do drills and work with other practitioners in a class setting.

However, as I stood up in the front at the line up, Grandmaster Yee (Sigung) stood before me and spoke to me and another girl with this big grin and said, "We discuss much philosophy today too. You must have philosophy! If you have no philosophy, you have nothing!"

Grandmaser Yee is a phenomenal martial artist who has enhanced and innovated Hung Ga Kung Fu to what it is today, doing a great deal of research, study, and practice, even to the point of studying palm trees in Puerto Rico for three days to understand how the mechanics make it work and then incorporating it into his Kung Fu.

It was wonderful to hear him speak. He discussed the five elements and their characteristics and how they incorporated with the Hung Ga techniques, and the philosophy of the eight strongest strikes. Understand the waves of water and you'll understand the forceful movements of the backfist. Understand the strength of gold/metal, you'll understand the changeable effects of the scissor technique. Understand the wood element and you'll understand the balance used as a crane. Know fire and you'll understand the power and ferociousness of your punches.

I found the seminar insightful, intriguing, and inspiring. I loved hearing other Kung Fu minded individuals ask questions on the philosophy and usage of Kung Fu to this world renowned maste. I especially enjoyed watching my Sifu take part in the seminar when we did drills, or taking notes as his master spoke, or tell a reminiscing story of how Sigung studied, or proved a student wrong when he challenged the absence of an important sequence in a form. Sifu explained that Hung Ga always has all aspects put together and is complete (something to that affect).

It was nice to be a apart of the seminar and hear the great knowledge of Frank Yee, along with other Hung Ga practitioners. It was a great way to finish up the day after testing and getting to know my other training brothers and sisters within the Hung Ga family. And I look forward to the next step in training. (BOWS)

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

My First Kung Fu Test

My first Hung Ga Kung Fu test. Me with Grandmaster (Sigung) Frank Yee and my master, Master (Sifu) Pedro Cepero Yee at Yee's Hung Ga Academy.

Today was a magnificent day. I have been studying martial arts for fifteen years. Tomorrow will be an entire year since I tested for 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo. I have been studying almost a year with my new master, Sifu Pedro Cepero Yee in Hung Ga Kung Fu. I've been wanting to study Kung Fu since I was a little kid. But I promised myself it would be a privilege I needed to earn because in my mind, Kung Fu was an art so precious and sacred, I needed to put my time in before I felt I met the standards of studying this sacred art.

I was "masterless" for four years. I knew I wanted whoever my new master would be NOT be in Taekwondo but allow it to be in Kung Fu. My standards were extremely high and expectations which some would have thought to may even be unreasonable. Until I found someone who fit the title to the tee! I met Sifu two years ago and I knew that day I had found my new master. And anyone who knows me well knows that I don't do anything in a haste or make quick BIG decisions. So for me to say to Sifu that very day I would be training there was a big deal.

But I would not allow myself to train under Sifu until I reached my 4th Degree Master Degree in Taekwondo. I knew Sifu was the best of the best who studied under THE BEST as well, Sigung Yee Chi Wai (Frank Yee). However I didn't even know at the time that Sifu doesn't take on just anybody as a student and does not teach beginners. He taught only advance, Black Belts, and masters to pass down the conceptual knowledge of this sacred art. So for one year as I waited and trained for my goal, he watched me. He even guest judged at my Master pretest at my school last year.

August 2012 I began my training with Sifu and I was a beginner once again, for the first time in fourteen years. But I was being trained as a 4th Dan Black Belt and I wanted to meet Sifu's standards and expectations. He challenged me, he pushed me, and he continued to make me a better martial artist in every way one can grow. Besides drills and new style that was a COMPLETE challenge to me, I began to learn the first form in Hung Ga Kung Fu called Gung Gi Fook Fu Kuen (I've seen it spelt four different ways). The forms is I believe somewhere around 187 techniques. The first form in Taekwondo is 19 LOL. I consider my training with Sifu to be like graduate level martial arts training. Because it indeed is in my opinion that kind of level of martial arts and has enhanced even my Taekwondo skills, even as a master's understanding.

Besides memorizing it, I learned the principles and application. This being the oldest form in Hung Ga teaches breathing, coordination, the 5 elements, 5 animals, strengthening, stance work, everything you can possibly imagine! It is a fantastic beginning form that embraces all the foundation you need to build on in the art. The form is also taught into two parts separating two levels of beginner.

After almost a year of training and practicing it was time to take my first test. I tested both Gung Gi and Fook Fu, the entire beginner level. I was extremely nervous, particularly for the general knowledge portion where the judges ask you questions. I was doubting my ability to explain and understand, but I can be my worst enemy. It was also the first Kung Fu test I have not only taken but ever witnessed! I had nothing to compare to and it was totally out of my comfort zone!I was actually more nervous than I thought I would be.

Grandmaster Frank Yee flew in from China for the test. other branches of the association came together at Sifu's school to test. One school from New York drove 5 hours to come to the testing! And it almost seems top secret at first because the doors are shut while the instructors have their workshop first during he day. Everyone says outside and here are really no spectators. About 20 masters and seniors were judging and five rings were set up fr the testing to be done.

I first bow to the shrine of the ancestors, then to Sifu and Sigung, and walk up to the judges. I introduce myself, say which branch I am from, who my master is, recite the lineage, and then explain the form I would do. They give me permission to do the form, and then I begin. After the form, two judges come up to ask me questions such as the three most important hand techniques, the three important stances, and application of movements from the form. Unlike Taekwondo where we look for what you can do, these judges were looking to see what we know. Did we have Hung Ga inside of us!

I had to do that procedure twice. One time for each form. Then we sat in our horse stance for 5 minutes while senior instructors tested out strength and will power. We then did a technique sparring match to show we could use our Kung Fu in sparring. At the end of the test, some seniors spoke, my Sifu spoke, and Frank Yee himself said a few words.

I was very happy with how I did, and I enjoyed the experience so much. But it meant a great deal to me. I wanted to represent my Sifu well, I wanted to meet my expectations, and it was the first test I have taken ever. It was a very big month for me with Sifu. First my Qigong test and now my Kung Fu test. The experience was also insightful and inspiring to me because I got to see where I wanted to be one day as well, seeing the disciples judging before me.

Part of me still cannot believe I am a part of this world. And I am studying under the best of the best of the best of the best. It is an honor to train in Hung Ga and a greater honor to train under Sifu. We get our results within the next week or so. I look forward to receiving my results. I want to thank John O'Brien and Patty Barron for their help and support, and mentor Professor Lisa Sargese for introducing me to this road for me to take and for support. And of course, my deepest thanks to Sifu for his phenomenal training and guidance. I hope to be at the caliber you are one day!

My next blog will be about Sigung Frank Yee's seminar that I attended after the test! Once again an amazing experience! (BOWS)

Me and Sifu at my first test!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The Qigong Test

My Master, Master Pedro Cepero Yee (Sifu), 8th Dan Black Belt, Qi Healer, and Tuina Therapist.

When I sat down with my master back almost a year ago, it was a momentous moment for me. I had been "masterless" for four years at that time. Although I had several mentors, all masters in their field of expertise whom have contributed greatly to my training, I had no master. I held expectations to the highest level and standards to the highest degree. I thought it would take me a long time to find one. But you never know where you're going until you get there, and when you get there sometimes you don't know where you'll go. I am happy to say that I know I have the best of the best whom I entrust my training to.

The purpose of having mentors is to work very closely with them because there is something very great about them that you identify with and want to learn from and acquire for yourself as well. But understand the mindset in Trentoland, the terms I use are very literal and have great meaning in my universe. The "master" is one whom you entrust every aspect of your training with and is more than a mentor to you. The master-student relationship, in my eyes, is more sacred than the mentor-student one. Call me crazy, but this means a great deal to me.

Training with Sifu has been a transforming and enlightening experience for me. To be challenged again from the very beginning, but at a master-level understanding. I am still a beginner in a brand new art, but Sifu has given me the understanding and training for a 4th Degree Black Belt. It is something I treasure and am very grateful for. Training in like at this level with this art is something I have waited my entire life for, and Sifu is truly the real deal.

My second ever meeting with Sifu when he surprise visited me at my studio.

At our first breakfast meeting last summer, he asked me what my goals were, shared great stories of his own background in training and history of the art itself, many which involved his father and master, Master Frank Yee. My martial arts training is not just about martial arts. Think of the word training as "journey". And my journey is about living life to it's fullest and teaching people about it. There is a three fold triangle to my training/journey. There is a physical/fighting side, a mental/emotional side, and a spiritual/healing side. After my experiences with my very first master, I was going to be very picky to put someone in charge of every aspect of my training in that respect.

Sifu knows I want to learn. I am eager, I am nervous, I am imperfect. I knows I want the experience with the victories along with the mistakes. He knows I want the understanding. He knows I want the tradition. He knows I want to improve. He knows I want confidence and he knows I want challenges. He knows I don't want things the very first time, yet other times I do want things the first time round. He knows I want to share it, but respect the traditions of the art. He knows I want to enhance myself physically, he knows I seek emotional enlightenment, and he knows I want to be spiritually advanced. He knows I want to help myself, but he knows I want to help others. He knows I want to be taught at the highest level, but knows I one day want to teach this myself. And he knows I respect and trust him more than anyone else.

We said we would start with the physical side to train and condition the body for this new sense of training I would be getting involved in, and then will come the training of the mind as the understanding in itself will create great change and enhance my skills to a whole new level. This would then lead me to my spiritual path of healing myself and ability to heal others.

Now I have a very systematic way of things and like structure. My Kung Fu training has enhanced my Taekwondo tenfold! There is no question about it. In the process of training my body and improving and dealing with the challenges as well, my mind has been trained tenfold as well, without me even knowing it. It has made me a better master, a better teacher, and a better martial artist, there is no question about that. That alone I have the most utmost gratitude.

Sifu teaching about Qi.

Then finally the opportunity to learn at an even higher level presented itself and I took it. Sifu was offering a comprehensive course in Qi. It was an approximately three month course, once a week for 2 hours or more on Chinese Medical Qigong, and at the completion of the course we would become certified Qigong Therapists. I took the course with one of my personal mentors, Professor Lisa Sargese, and one of my Black Belt students of nine years and long time dear friend Frankie Peracchio. The three of us became Qi-mates.

I feel like I was in real life Hogwarts, learning the most magical wonders of life. We learned the different classifications and functions of Qi, Yin and Yang theroy, the Five Elements theory, the meridians and point theory, methods in diagnosis, how to balance the Dan Tiens, the Six Healing Sounds Qigong, spiritual Qigong movements and exercises, Qi meditation, I can go on and on.

Once again, my training/journey opened up a whole new world, and I couldn't have had a better person to teach me and who will continue to teach me. He has helped me train my mind and learn such a discipline in such a way that I know I can make an even greater difference in my corner of the world and plan to capitalize on it in great depth. I didn't think I could do this just yet in my training but Sifu knows and believes in his students. It was also a great pleasure to share this experience with Lisa and Frankie.

So at the end of the course we have a written and practical exam. The written test is about all our theory work and possible applications and the practical we would be working on an actual patient and figuring out the problem and healing them, possible give a prescription exercise or technique to help them. Frankie, Lisa, and I have prepared together for our test. Late at night when Lisa finished teaching, Frankie finished work, and I finished my day, at my school we would spend LATE hours studying together and testing each other in preparation for the test.

This past Thursday, Frankie and I walk in with the idea that we were going to have a full review for our final class. WELL, Sifu had a different thought process. He called out to us to go to his Tuina room. He walked over to us and smiled "Ready to take the test?!" Frankie and I kind of froze, side glanced at each other and kind of muttered "Uhhh...no? I was gonna take it possibly tomorrow. Aren't we reviewing tonight?" Sifu said "We don't need to review! Last week was review! You know it! You'll do fine!"

At that moment Lisa walked over and Sifu said "You're taking the test, right?" Lisa's face dropped. "But what about the review?" "We don't need review! You know it!" Sifu says smiling. The rest of the Qi mates had a similar thought that we'd have a review. I took a step aside for a moment, and walked into the Tuina room. I put my backpack on the ground and walked to the doorway opening and just looked at Sifu.

I'm nervous and want to do really well. This is important to me. I want to do the very best I can. But I stood there watching Sifu. All he did was keep smiling and reassuring us we were ready and didn't need a review and we knew everything. He said we could take a re-take test if needed but he said "But I know you guys won't need it!" Well, my Sifu says I am ready. He believes in me. He has confidence in me. So I said aloud, "Okay.....I'll take the test..." Then Lisa gave me a good laugh and made a face as she said "WELL! If you're taking it then I'm taking it too!!" Then the rest slowly followed suit to taking the test.

I was nervous and I sat alone in the Tuina room. Sifu walked in at one point and asked "How are you?" I honestly told him I was nervous. I want to do well. I want to do my very best. It means a lot to me to do well. He gave a small smile and put his hand on my shoulder and said "You'll do just fine. You already know it." I smiled back and simply said "Okay, Sifu." My Sifu believes in me. I got this.

And sure enough I actually enjoyed taking the written test. I felt I knew the answers well, I am sure I may have over thought some things and overlooked the simplicity of things. But I felt I showed I knew my theory, I had some method or thought process of going about things, and I gave open and honest answers that came from my heart, not so much my mind. I did it intuitively, not critically. That's what Sifu stressed the entire course.

Then I had the practical. I had a young Kung Fu woman as my patient. Sifu said I was allowed to ask questions and possibly prescribe a treatment if needed after working energetically. I have practiced with family, friends, and students and have gotten great results and used a combined cumulative amount of skills and knowledge from my entire experience along with my new Qigong therapy skills that were very successful. But this was a stranger. A brand new person! But if I wanted to work on new clients of my own, this is where to start. And my approach should be no different.

And sure enough, I felt the energy just right, I knew what was able to differentiate the physical from the emotional ailments, and offer insight, explanation, comfort, while simultaneously using Qi to relieve the symptoms. I gave a bit of counseling and advice to her, I am still a master of martial arts myself after all. I had to just be myself and allow my true essence do the real work. Let the Qi flow and be clear. If the mind if correct and the intention clear and good, one can always facilitate healing. I gave my explanation to Sifu, and Sifu questioned the patient, and I was happy with her report back and was pleased she felt the Qi moving properly as I intended, and even added things I didn't realize she experienced. I was very happy wit the result.

I got to watch Lisa and Frankie as well. I was so happy to be doing this with them. I was particularly proud of my Frankie. He too has waited a long time to enter this world of training and I want to open those doors for him as well. You have to forgive my personal pride with that. And doing this course with Lisa, she is the reason I found Sifu in the first place! Life truly comes full circle.

I do not know the results of my test yet, I eagerly (slightly impatiently- lol) await the results. But I felt fantastic and I am not done yet! I am still in study and training mode, as my first Kung Fu test nears only a week away....yes the test anxiety is there, and it's only because this test is still unknown territory for me and it means so much to me, and I don't want to let Sifu down. But I am sure, as I did with my Qigong test, keep my Qi flowing clear and well, only good things will come.

Thank you Master Cepero-Yee, for the fantastic experiences you've shared with me, and enhancing me in every way you possibly can, whether you have realized it or not. I hope you know how grateful and special my training with you is to me, and thank you for helping me reach new levels in my life. It's been a very real, deep, experience, but enlightening in every possible way. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Today's Prejudice

Consider this venting, consider this a stand, consider this a rant, whatever it may be, if there one thing I cannot stand it is prejudice! But you know something, I may be naive, and I've said this before, but I don't see a lot of prejudices that there once were in our world anymore. Maybe because I don't look for it, maybe because I am naive, maybe because it really isn't there.

But I do not tolerate other people being treated differently or their value in the world is different from anyone else because of their ethnicity, or culture, or religious views, or political views, or sexual orientation, or gender, I find it UNACCEPTABLE.

In my opinion, and it is just MY opinion, and I am not saying this is everyone-- but some past prejudices that may still be alive today is because some people WON'T let it die down and away! The more you talk about something or the more you fight against something, then more power and energy you put into the thing you do not want. That is a basic principle of the law of attraction.

Don't fight agianst drugs! You focus on DRUGS! Don't fight against bullying, you focus on bullying! Don't fight against cancer, you focus on cancer! Don't fight against hunger, you focus on hunger! Don't fight against a political opponent, you focus on the opposing party!

What do you do then? Instead of drugs, focus on recreation! Instead of bullying, focus on respect! Instead of cancer, focus on health! Instead of hunger, focus on abundance of food! Instead of anti-political figure, be pro-her/his opponent! You get what you focus on period!

There are some people who blame other people for not moving forward in life or say they aren't given the opportunities they wanted, or the pay raise they earned or WHATEVER, and they say it's because they're Spanish, or it's because they're black, or because they're a woman, or because they're gay, or because they're Muslim, or because they're Jewish, or because they're Protestant, etc WHATEVER!

IF, IF there is still any hint of prejudice because of these things, a major part of it is because people look for it. My opinion. And I am not saying that all people. But a lot. HOWEVER! Like I began, I really honestly don't see it as much in the world I live in. Maybe it's the area I am in, maybe it's the people I surround myself with, maybe it's because I am no naive and don't look for it and have much more faith in the world I live in, BUT-- in my experience, I find people are much more tolerant and open to differentiation with ethnicity, religion, gender, even with sexual orientation. And if not, I will be one of the first to stand up against any such prejudice!

But you want to know where I DO see prejudice in the world? And it burns me up! In my opinion, the real prejudice in the world lies in EDUCATION. If you're not educated, you're ignorant. If you're not educated, you're not worth anything. If you're not educated, what do you know. If you're not educated, you can't move up in the world. If you're not educated, you can't succeed. If you're not educated, you can't make anything of yourself in the world. It's all BULL SH*T!

It angers me so much. The university level of education is more of a business than anything else. Thirty years ago you could get a degree for $8000. Today it can four to five times more than that, with no proof you're education has any more value than it did thirty years prior. Here is an excellent article to read up on that:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/dear-class-13-ve-scammed-110139929.html

I have also written blogs about how people's abilities should be worth more than the papers one hold's accrediting them. Ability over accreditation any day! I know people with phenomenal ability but cannot receive opportunities and growth because they don't have a paper saying they can. On the other hands, I know people with 4 degrees and cannot find their way out of a paper bag!

Am I anti-education? No. I love to learn, I am always seeking ways to learn, but I am anti-the education system at university level. I have ALWAYS been big on certifications. I am a certified Black Belt on the national and international level, I am certified in fitness, I am certified in coaching and officiating, I am trained with hypnosis and qigong certification, I am getting certified this summer for Raindrop Technique and other skills, and you are EMPLOYABLE!

One of the highly effective habits of successful people is to attain specialized knowledge! Some of the greatest and most powerfully successful people understand this. And I know too many people who have achieved great success with no degree. Some people argue "Well not everyone can." That is only because they are spoon-fed this ridiculous idea that they cannot any other way or taught to seek other options and the processes of doing things they really want are made complicated. Trade schools and specializations have a great deal value in this world. And I will NOT conform to the conditioning of the thought process that it's the way to go.

I am an entrepreneur. I am not. looking to get a job or be hired. I have plenty of contingency plans and skills that I can make things happen for myself. People who are "older" have the mentality that they get to a certain point in life that no one will hire them and they can't get jobs. Do not succumb to that limited thinking! You can do something about it!

Another fuel to my fire is when I have SUCCESSFUL minded people who DO have great education also saying that degrees are worthless in this world, then even more so I despise this system. I will continue to go to school and attain my degrees, only to say that they mean nothing and will no credit to any of my success. Unfortunately in this world, no one will listen unless I have it. So to have a voice, I will acquire them and do nothing with it. But it will be a stepping stone for me to make my small difference in the world to fight this ridiculous mindset planted in our society.

So many of my friends and school mates who have degrees and do NOTHING related to their majors, or have NO jobs whatsoever and are in over their heads with debt. And the irony of wanting people with experience. HOW DO YOU GET EXPERIENCE IF YOU WON'T GET HIRED! PLUS, how can people WITH experience not get hired because companies want YOUNGER faces to pay them LESS who have LESS EXPERIENCE! It's all f*cked up!

SO the prejudice I fight is the prejudice of education. It must end! People need to open their eyes and find a way around the system! Limited thinking leads to limited results with limited opportunities! Value comes from the individual essence of each person. When allowed to options of this abundance universe with the guidance of people to teach how to think outside the box and build one's confidence to grow and explore, then our minds open a greater world for us all.

Under no circumstances should there ever be prejudices against any group of people that depletes one's value. Respect for the treatment of other people and their possessions, respect for people's beliefs and opinions, and respect for people's abilities over accreditation! That's the key to building tolerance in the world. R.E.S.P.E.C.T! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

P.S Just my opinion... 

A Lesson and I Didn't Even Know it!

Kyle with my student William at 2012 AAU Nationals

I have always said, we are all beacons of light for one another. We may pave the way for others to follow, we may spark inspiration or find opportunities for each other, and sometimes it's a simple lesson that has great value that we learn from one another. However, most of the times we don't even realize when we do it for someone else!

Last week I had my lesson with my mentor, Master Kevin Balon. One of Master Balon's student's names is Kyle. Kyle is a cute little kid with an awesome attitude. Last year he won a gold medal in the same division as my student William (who is also going back to nationals this coming July). He did a fantastic Toi Gye last year.

I did not realize when I left Master Balon's school last week that Kyle was nearby and saw me. Later on that day I got a Facebook message from Kyle's mother. She told me that during dinner, Kyle told her that he was so impressed that I was training with Master Balon for the nationals. He said to his mother "I guess even as a Master there is something you can always work and improve on." She then thanked me for giving him that lesson, even if I didn't know I did! And I didn't!

That Kyle is a sharp kid! Yes Kyle, even as a Master, I am always looking for ways to improve and have the best of the best, like Master Balon, who helps me reach my goals. And I am so pleased I was able to share that lesson to Kyle, even if I had no intention of doing so! But sometimes, without even knowing it, we teach others by just doing what we do.

I think Kyle will go very far, as will my student William. I think it will be very interesting seeing these two gentlemen grow up and contribute their experiences to the martial arts world in their own way. That what us masters want for our students! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The Gun Seminar

Master Sam De Jesus is a 4th Degree World Taekwondo Federation Black Belt, Muay Thai Instructor, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt Instructor, 2nd Degree HaganaH Black Belt, HaganaH Fight Instructor, Israeli Tactical Knife Fighting Instructor, Ground Survival Instructor, Israeli Combat Shooting Level 1 Certified, IPTT-Israeli Counter Terror Warfare Level 1 and 2, Combat Pistol Certified, NRA Basic Pistol Instructor, Fit 2 Fight/Combat Fitness Instructor, Heart Saver- First Aid Certified, Heart Saver- AED Certified

This is my self-defense mentor. I have written many blogs about him before. Master DeJesus and I met June 29, 2009 when he was testing for his 4th Dan and I was testing for my 3rd Dan under Master Kevin Balon. It was there I saw for the first time HaganaH self-defense. My first thought that day was: this guy is going to teach me this one day. My second thought was: I just made a friend for life.

Master DeJesus is a fantastic martial artist, always looking to improve and grow and learn new martial arts. Besides Taekwondo, he has several certifications in self-defense arts and ranks in other martial arts. You know me and certifications! BIG fan of them! Master DeJesus, in my opinion, is the best at what he does, and there is no one greater than he when learning self-defense. What I also admire about Master DeJesus that I can identify with is his never ending search for how to improve not only himself but to benefit his own students in growing in the martial arts as well.

The day after Sam Volk, Andrew Kranich, and I officiated in Pennsylvania with Master Balon, we went to a gun self-defense seminar at Master DeJesus's school in Rockaway, NJ. Master Balon and some of his students from Fastkix Taekwondo were in attendance. I was thrilled to be with both my mentors in the same dojang!

Master DeJesus is not only a fantastic instructor but he has a great heart, and you see that in his teaching. Even though it is a seminar for self-defense that requires serious focus and an understanding that you have a survival mentality that can become intense, he still has as an instructor the air of humility about him. You know his intentions are to teach you to protect yourself.

I have done these particular gun defenses, and I am happy Andrew and Sam got to experience the drills too. I was also happy to be in the presence of Master Balon as well, who I think spearheaded the idea for MAster DeJesus to host the seminar. It was informative, insightful, good hands on application, and excellent drill-oriented for what we needed to know as basics.

Sometime this year (probably much sooner than I think), Master DeJesus will be testing for his 5th Dan Black Belt. I am excited for him and inspired. As I currently train and work on my journey towards 5th Dan, and accomplish all the goals I have set for myself within these next four years, it excited me to see one of my own mentors doing it right before my eyes.

I am very grateful for not only his mentorship but his friendship. He has been there for me as a fellow martial artists, as a mentor, and as a friend with my own training, with my Black Belt tests, and as a business owner, and I thank him so much for offering his tremendous heart to me, as well as his expertise. I look forward to his test, and a job well done at the gun seminar, as always! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Officiating AAU Pennsylvania

Master Balon prepping the AAU officials before the tournament.

A new challenge for us Taekwondo practitioners who get to higher ranks are not always in our physical training. Yes as our ranks get higher we want to learn new forms, new self-defense, new drills, new physical challenges, but you also get to a point in your higher rank where you may want to challenge your knowledge and understanding in other ways. One way of doing that for us was becoming certified AAU officials for tournaments.

My student of forever, Samantha Volk, and myself got certified as officials back in January under my mentor, Master Kevin Balon, Region 1 Director and New Jersey District Director. The following month, my other student, Andrew Kranich, got certified. The three of us have competed and we have even coached. But none of us have officiated that much before.

Sam Volk got a head start by officiating at the AAU Adirondack tournament in January. She also got great hands on experience and guidance officiating in the same ring as Master Balon himself! I was even a little jealous of the education she was getting with him while I coached! But this officiating certification was meant for Sam. She is excellent, she studied the rules and knows them so well (better than me I think). I have to ask HER questions!

Master Balon prepping the officials.

The first time I officiated was at the New Jersey State AAU tournament and it was a great experience. Andrew has never officiated before until the three of us traveled to Pennsylvania with Lisa to officiate the Mid-Atlantic Qualifier, directed by Master Aaron Morris. This was Sam's third time officiating AAU tournaments already and acts like she is a professional. But the thing is, she IS a professional. She offers so much to the competitors who compete. Parents of competitors and the competitors themselves were thanking her for her help and fairness in running the ring she was in. Sam has a great knack for this.

Andrew was having the time of his life officiating, never doing this before. He not only had fun, but he learned a great deal. As the day went on, you could see her comfort and confidence grow, and was given pointers from my own mentor walking around giving advice and tips on things to look for and how to improve. Master Balon even entrusted him to run a ring for Olympic sparring, which Andrew was honored to do. And he did very well.

Samantha Volk (2nd Dan) doing a superb job officiating in Pennsylvania.

Andrew Kranich (2nd Dan) getting advice from Master Kevin Balon (7th Dan).

And of course I always have an experience everywhere I go. I was the second most experienced official in my ring but also the highest ranking official in my ring. I got to center for forms which is easy work, but when it came to knowing what forms were acceptable to compete with for what level, I was right in there, teaching the other officials. When higher ranking divisions were called, Master Balon expected me to be in the chairs for judging, being a higher rank myself.

And Master Balon made me step out of my comfort zone and centered for Point Sparring. I was nervous and uncomfortable, but successful people make the uncomfortable comfortable! So did as my mentor requested and center refereed all the Point Sparring matches. That alone was a huge challenge for me, and I made a few mistakes, but learned a great deal. Then I ran an entire ring for Olympic sparring which I am very comfortable with doing. All in all, I had a fantastic experience as well, and we were more than happy to help with Master Morris's tournament, and Master Balon did a great deal to help Master Morris as well, being it was only his second year. And it ran great!

Me as the center official for Olympic sparring.

Mr. Kranich ran the ring for Olympic sparring.

When our rings were done with competition, they became to break down the equipment and there may have been one or two rings still open finishing their divisions. One ring, I saw Master Balon was actually centering for Olympic sparring. I saw there were no other judges sitting in the chairs. So I immediately walked up to Master Balon, bowed, and said "Master Balon, can I help with officiating in your ring if needed?" He appreciatively accepted and Andrew and I got to corner referee while Master Balon centered the final Olympic matches.

Besides being more than happy to help in any way we can, we selfishly couldn't wait to have the opportunity to watch Master Balon center judge as well. And it was a fantastic experience. Everything he taught us about officiating we were able to see him do first hand, and there was even a situation where the coach was arguing about scoring. Master Balon gave a half point deduction warning (Kyong-go) to her competitor. She continued to argue and he gave another warning. He assumed position, with his finger pointing up ready to do it again and turned to her and said "Say it again," with a slight smirk. His intentions were of course not malicious in any way, but it was a stand to say "Don't tell me how to do my job." According to the rules anyway, the coach cannot tell the judges how they are supposed to be scoring. Even after calling the judges together, we all agreed no points were scored based on the coaches's challenges. It was great to see Master Balon handle the situation with dignity and control.

Master Balon centering at the Pennsylvania AAU tournament.

The three of us were tired, but really enjoyed the experience. It's a new role we get to share in our training, and it's another way to be more involved with the AAU, which is a fantastic program for Taekwondo. Master Morris did a wonderful job directing it, Master Balon did a great job helping us out and offering advice, and the day went very well. We would do it again in a heart beat. (BOWS)

She can never take a nice picture with me!!! FRESH!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Walk for Autism

When I was a junior in high school, my guidance counselor called me into her office. A mother of a young boy came into the guidance office in tears looking for a way to find friends for her son. Her son did not go to out high school. He went to a special education school. And it wasn't that he was not a friendly young boy at all. The young boy had austism.

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by social interaction, and verbal and non-verbal communication, and by restricted or stereotyped behavior. (definition from Wikipedia.com). There is a lot of information and new studies about autism. The movies Rain Man and Temple depict the behavior of people with autism. However, the movie Temple is a true story of an autistic girl who goes to college and revolutionizes the way cattle is herded that is still used today. But when I met this boy in my junior year, I really didn't know what autism was.

The young boy was named Alex. And his mother loved him so much. And she was willing to pay someone to spend time with him once or twice a week. Well, my guidance counselor thought of me immediately and I immediately said "Absolutely not. I will not be paid to be someone's friend." There was no way I was going to be given money to spend time with this young boy. It was a privilege to just be his friend, period.

Another friend of mine and I would take Alex out for pizza and hang out with him for a couple of hours, we took him to see the Pirates of the Caribbean movie which he loved, we bought him the DVD for Christmas and brought it to his house on Christmas eve, and he also loved going to the Dollar Zone store.

There are many different variations and extremes to autism. Alex had the mentality of a young child and his speech and ways of communication was difficult. When he was younger, his aunt would tell him to eat his peas and carrots all the time. For years to come his aunt was known to him as "Peas and Carrots". Since he loved going to the Dollar Zone which he loved so much, anything he enjoyed or liked he would say "Dollar Zone." And he took a great liking to me and knew my name was Andrew. However, my friend at the time who joined me in spending time with Alex was also dubbed Andrew afterwards by Alex.

Over the years I have worked with a lot of children who are autistic. I know in my experience, martial arts has helped with the autistic children I had as students with their focus, their communication, and the sense of belonging that they want. So when I was asked to participate in a walk for autism, I had my older students and myself participate.

Unfortunately it was a very rainy day and things to help out with were limited. But even if all I did was direct people at the front entrance to the place they needed to be, I was happy to help. I am not one of those people who has to know someone with a disability or an illness to care. What I do understand is that there is a lot of ignorance in the world and misunderstanding of people that I cannot tolerate. Whether it be autism or any other disability, people need to rid themselves of ignorance and prejudices. This walk is very important to those who have autistic family members or friends. One shouldn't have to have someone they know for an event like this to be important to them.

Autistic people are not "different". They view the world differently so may behave differently, or understand our world differently. Different is not wrong. We all have our different ways of viewing the world and behaving in it. But autistic people can also love the same qualities as anyone else, they can smile like anyone else, and they share kindness like any other human being. Questions don't hurt, ignorance does.

 There are a lot of things out in the world about possibly being able to cure autism, especially through nutrition. I have worked with many autistic children and have met many autistic people who are very functioning and able-bodied individuals who contribute great things to our world. Do not let the power of ignorance impair your ability to see the heart of an autistic person or a person of any disability. Focus on the wonderful qualities of another human being. And for the people who are autistic, focus on all the wonderful things you have to offer as well. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Three Years of TMAFC

Fifteen years ago I had a dream. I knew that one day I would own my own martial arts studio and it wouldn't be JUST a martial arts studio. It would be a center for one gigantic family that would share transforming experiences and learn the great lessons life has to offer through a profound discipline. It would always be a safe haven for all its members, and a magical place all were welcome to come to.

When life through it's own challenges my way, I made a decision that it was time to make that dream become a reality. It the help and support of loving family members and close friends and their families, I began a journey to open the doors to this magical place, that only took form in clear pictures inside my own mind. Those were exciting times to share with those people, but it wasn't always easy. With any great venture comes a lot of resistance, naysayers, and Debbie downers.

But lo and behold, on June 5, 2010, I opened the doors to Trento's Martial Arts and Fitness Center in Rochelle Park, NJ. It was a fantastic day. Family members of mine were there, all my students, alumni students who I haven't seen for years came out of the woodwork to view my doors open, and the Friars were there as well. Not everyone knew each other, but they all had one grand thing in common: the belief in me as a martial artist, my dream, and what I stood for.

It is now three years later since I opened those doors. There were, in fact, many people who thought I could not do it, and that it would not last. But here we are today. Stronger and tighter than ever. And I am so blessed. I am so lucky. To have the students that I have, to have the families that I have, to have the friends that I have, to have the mentors that I have, to have the master that I have. It's all magic to me.

Yesterday we celebrated TMAFC's 3rd Year anniversary with a big party. The fitness members did a cardio class, and my fitness mentor was in attendance to the class (it was also her birthday! what a way to celebrate your birthday!). At 12:00pm we had a combined martial arts class which was fun, followed by pizza and games for the kids, we had wings, and macaroni salad and other foods. Then every year I make a yearbook that shows all the things TMAFC has done over the years from events, tests, black belt tests, teams, competitions, etc. And we had a nice big cake along with an assortment of other desserts before playing more games and signing each others yearbooks and enjoying each others company.

Professor Lisa Sargese was of course in attendance taking pictures, Friar Julie Feliciano was there with her brother from the U.S Navy, Airmen Michael Feliciano, long time dear friend Jessie Peralta, my own parents were there, and of course several students and their parents. We had such a beautiful time together.

TMAFC is not just a place where we learn  martial arts. It's a place where a group of people have come together in experiencing the magic of life. We use martial arts as a tool to have these lessons and experiences, and build a deeper family sense that will be with all who come through its doors. I want to thank all my students and their families for their love and support for this school and for contributing to the magic is holds. I especially want to thank my mentors and my master, Sifu Yee, for all their help and encouragement in my growth as a martial arts master.Thank you to my leadership team and my Black Belts for all their time and help they give in support of the school, especially to Mr. Andrew Kranich, Miss Samantha Frey, and Miss Samantha Volk.

And special thanks to Mary Giordano and Elizabeth Disanno for the help and support at the school, and for bringing macaroni salad and taking care of the drinks for the party. A special thank you to Dr. Mary Ellen Steihl not only for bringing the wonderful assortment of desserts but for helping with the AAU coaching as well at last year's nationals and our upcoming nationals this year! Thanks to Ara Grigoryan for the wings we all fought over that were absolutely delicious! Thank you to Lori Marini and Aunt Karen for the crumb cake!

May the fourth year of TMAFC be the most magical and successful of them all! As we continue to shine the light of our own candles, we continue to light the way for others. We are all beacons of light for one another, and the light we all share comes with great passion and joy. Thank you all! Thank you, thank you, thank you! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO