Harry Potter

Last week I watched all the Harry Potter movies. As great as the movies were, nothing will ever beat the magic inside the books themselves. I began reading the Harry Potter books when I was in the fifth grade. There were only three books out at the time and everyone was awaiting the fourth installment of the series. I had no clue what they were about and had to do a book report for my class (do they still do book reports??).

We had a book sale at school and everyone was talking about this Harry Potter character, so I decided what the heck, I'll buy a softcover edition and read it for the report. It's funny how we never realize what an impact something will have on us. I read the first chapter and it caught my attention. But then the next two chapters took me forever to read. I was bored. At nine years old it didn't take much. But my Aunt Karen was reading the books to my cousins at the time and she told me to read on, I wouldn't be disappointed.

Well if Aunt Karen says so! So I read onto the fourth chapter and that's what really spiraled the story and I could now appreciate those few chapters prior. I continued to read the book and it was in fact a very good story. I became invested in the characters, I enjoyed the plot, and just imagining this magical school and what it'd be like to be at such a place was excited and made me feel good.

Then one night I read the last two chapters of the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and I was bewildered and shocked at the big twist J.K Rowling had! No book had ever shocked me the way this book turned out! I am pretty sure I even gasped! There was no way I was figuring this out.

One my eleventh birthday, my Aunt Karen bought me the next two installments of the series Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. She also whispered in my ear how Harry Potter found out he was was wizard on his eleventh birthday. We couldn't help the excitement of the silly coincidence!

That summer I read both books quickly and was just as shocked and amazed with the development of this story and the twists and turns the plot had in store. That summer the fourth book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, came out and the dramatic twists was beyond thrilling, and it was at this time the books turned dark as well. The story was very real and the story would unfold as J.K Rowling had planned from day one.

I was in sixth grade and I couldn't get enough of the stories so I would read them over and over and over. By reading them over and over as I did, I really appreciated the work and world J.K Rowling had created. The back story and cross referencing, the consistency, the brilliance of the story was absolutely fascinating. I am afraid if you haven't read the books, my words truly don't do justice to the work this woman had put into these books.

Anyone who read these books not only got a true sense of entering an entire new world, which is supposedly the job of any story in a book, but you felt like you actually knew the characters as if they were your real life everyday friends. Rowling hit the emotional chords that made you cry, they made you laugh, she made you happy and excited, she also made you scared and sad. She didn't spare any part of these books to make her audience happy, she kept these books just the way she had planned them out, never compromising the plot. There is also so much background information left over that she could most likely make a several volume encyclopedia of Harry Potter info. To J.K Rowling, there was an entire background history for even the unimportant characters, and if you backtracked and cross referenced them in the books, she was consistent.

She also created what I believe is the most feared and terrifying, most horrible villain of any story imaginable. The Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort, who an entire world even feared just speaking his name, was spine chilling. Worse than Bowser, Darth Vader, Ganondorf, the White Witch, no one was as chilling and horrifying than Lord Voldemort. She really captured the evil of all evil with this character throughout the series.

You felt the fear in the books in not knowing who to trust, not knowing who was good or who was bad, the killing of some beloved characters, some you never thought would go missing, some that destroyed our character friend's entire lives. But if these tragedies happened in real life, they wouldn't change, and neither would these stories. Imagine living in a world where the most feared individual infiltrated the greatest schools of the world, our law enforcements, our governments, and you had no clue who to trust, even people you've trusted your entire life! The fear she captured brilliantly with this character.

And as Harry books went on, so did Harry himself. He was growing up and of course the adolescent years were difficult for all the characters. An eleven year old and twelve year old problems were certainly not a fifteen and sixteen year old problems. Romance and friendships flying whichever way. Family difficulties, families breaking apart, all real life circumstances in the Muggle world or wizarding world.

But the friendship that is written in the pages of these books are classic. I think people would want to replicate the true and wonderful friendships in these books. They are real, true, and every circumstance a friendship can go through, good and bad, are in these books. And only the truest or truest friends can go through these circumstances and survive with the great deal of love and support as the characters themselves grow. There are fights, jealousy, tears, but also joy, laughter, and celebration.

I would love to meet J.K Rowling. She of course has in fact helped many people in the world with her stories. Probably saved many too. I would personally thank you for creating these wonderful characters, these wonderful stories, and for creating these stories that I used to get lost in and make me feel good and happy growing up. She is brilliant and contributed a great deal to my childhood. J.K Rowling deserves all that she has because of these stories. If you have never read the Harry Potter series, I highly recommend that you do.

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Famous BFFs

“We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet.
Even longer,' Pooh answered.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

 

 “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.”
― Aristotle

 

 “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”
― William Shakespeare

 This past week I got to do something I have not done in a long time: watch movies. I absolutely love watching movies. You can watch a movie and enter a magical world, go to any country on the planet, make a trip to New York City, go under the sea, or explore outer space! You can be inspired by a true story, entertained by magic spells, get intense over an adventure, get the sh*t scared out of you by a horror, or cry over a love story. And I can always go for a good story. And sometimes we get so invested in the characters of a story as if they were real people!

One of the greatest stories of our time come from the Harry Potter books. I grew up reading these books and they have a plethora of fantastic principles and themes which I will save for another blog. But one theme I will discuss that the movies do a fantastic job with is capturing the unparalleled friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The movies truly capture the phenomenal display of what a true best friend is. 

There are so many times throughout all the movies where seeing the best friends in the finest moments. They laughed, they fought, they protected, they argued, they comforted, they even hexed LOL. But they loved each other more than anything. They were brutally honest with each other when one was flying off the handle, they knew exactly the right things to say to cheer each other up, they wanted to be with each other more than anything, and they shared all the things important to each other in their lives. And what was important to one was important for the other.

Sometimes we may think, only true friendships like that exist in movies and stories. But growing up, I always was able to identify and appreciate the famous BFFs of our royalty in Hollywood from back in the day to present time. As a collective captive audience, we always enjoyed and felt the magic of seeing these famous BFFs together. Because they enjoyed and entertained each other in company, we were all happy and entertained by seeing them together, like these following BFFs of the famous:

Lucille Ball and Bob Hope

Here are the king and queen of comedy themselves! Everyone knows how much I LOVE the legendary Lucille Ball. What may have been just as legendary was her friendship with the great Bob Hope. The two of these big stars made four movies together, guest starred on each others shows, and had done a number of specials on television together. Whenever they were on the screen together, all you could see was the deep love and respect these two had for each other. They did nothing but laugh, praise each other, support each other, and I would love watching them on old television shows together and seeing the beautiful magic between the two. There was once an old clip of Bob Hope surprising Lucy on the Merv Griffin show and the surprised smile and jumping up and down in excitement was so beautiful to see. They would not only work on screen together, but spend time off screen with each other, vacationing in Palms Springs, it was a true and beautiful friendship. It was only fitting that Lucy's last public appearance on television was with her best friend Bob Hope at the Academy Awards before she passed.

Abbot and Costello

My favorite comedy duo of all time was Budd Abbott and Lou Costello! I grew up watching these two men and memorizing their routines and doing them all the time. The chemistry between the two men was amazing. They were quick, sharp, and didn't miss a beat with each other. But not only on screen but off! People in their company were entertained and laughed, but a team like that doesn't get that successful without having a true and strong friendship underneath the surface. They would have swimming parties with each others families, work together and Abbott was there to support Costello when tragedy struck his family when his son drowned. Even in the darkest times, his best friend was there to offer comfort and laughs when he was ready.

Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews

Amongst the most famous best friends of all time would be between Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews. They did three huge television specials together. Their first at Carnegie Hall in the early 1960s, another in the early 1970s, and in the late 1980s. The two of them had no competition between each other and every time they were together, you could just see the way they looked at each other how much they loved each other. They each presented to each other when they each was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors and would have the term of endearment "chum" for each other. Both would say about the other that they made each other felt as if they belonged in the world and it was nice to have a fellow "nut" to enjoy life with. Their friendship has been going strong for over 50 years. This video displays absolutely wonderfully the magical friendship of the two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK4ukabJ9N0

Courteney Cox-Arquette and Jennifer Aniston

On television for ten years Monica, played by Courteney Cox-Arquette, and Rachel, played by Jennifer Anitson, were the best of friends and since high school. But even off television, for the last twenty years these two have been the best of friends and inseparable. They have been there for their weddings, birthdays, vacations, shopping, and even hard divorces. The friendship these two women have in real life I think was very evident in their work that made the friendship on television even more believable, like this video from Friends:

 

Brad Pitt and George Clooney

Then there is the famous bromance of two Hollywood stars between Brad Pitt and George Clooney. It is even reported how these two BFFs act like two teenage pranksters when they get together. Whether it was working on their movie Ocean's Eleven or vacationing at Clooney's Como home, these two are supportive of each other and are always seen laughing. They motorcycle together, travel, even started a charity together. In joking about their bromance, in an interview when asked when he would marry Angelina, Brad Pitt said he would marry again when he could legally marry George Clooney. The bromance never stops!

Oprah and Gale

Who doesn't know about the friendship between Oprah and Gale. Everyone knows Oprah is probably the most successful and influential television star of our time, and I think Gale's claim to fame is simply being Oprah's best friend. But for over a quarter of a century, we always heard about Gale! Gale got to be a part of every good thing Oprah ever did, in every part of her life. Whether it would be a wine tasting episode on her show, a trip to meeting a celebrity, starting her book club, having her pick out things for her trip to Africa, everyone knows of the strong friendship and great love these two women have for each other.

Toby McGuire and Leonardo DiCaprio

I actually have known about the childhood friendship between Toby McGuire and Leonardo DiCaprio for a long time. Now many know that these two actors have known each other since the old Nintendo days. Both simultaneously took different paths to achieve the same goal of making it in Hollywood. Both very successful. So when recently The Great Gatsby came out in movies theaters, I doubly understood the importance and big news of how these two long time BFFs were actually filming a movie together. But besides work and fame, these two men still make time to just be BFFs like going to catch a basketball game.

Kid Leo and Kid Toby

 It has always been entertaining to watch real life famous BFFs from our Hollywood royalty, mostly because you can sense the great fun they have being in each other's presence, the blast they have, and the chemistry is just magic. And who doesn't want to see magic! I don't throw around the word Best Friend very easily, the same as I don't with the word "master", as a position in my life. A best friend is someone who absolutely loves you for everything you are, good and bad. They accept, respect, and enjoy you. When you're wrong, they still are behind you. They are brutally honest with you, they make you feel appreciated, they make you feel like you belong, they never make you doubt yourself, and you feel happy, protected, and secure with them. Values and interests go a long way, but as as much as the respect and understanding of each other, and knowing you will always have that one person to count on even in the darkest times. My late grandfather used to say that you only need one good friend in life to enjoy it with and live it with. And nothing will ever get between you. Hold on to your BFFs and keep them strong. Look at the example of the famous BFFs. They're not just fantasies like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They exist. Make it your reality as well!

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

American Taekwondo Black Belt Test

Sifu Dave Ferreira, Master Samuel DeJesus, myself, and Sensei Cara Parmigiani

The very next day AFTER Master DeJesus's 5th Degree Black Belt test, he hosted his school's Black Belt test for six of his students. I had the privilege of being on the panel for the first time last year for many of the students were testing this time around. I also sat with two fantastic martial artists and very important people to Master DeJesus, who was also on the panel last year. Sifu Dave Ferreira and Sensei Cara Parmigiani, both whom I have the utmost respect for.

Jenna and Sabrina were testing again for their 1st Degree Black Belts and were familiar faces, and are a fantastic team together. Jenna's younger brother Paul, who helped with last year's test had his chance this year to test for his Black Belt, and he had a push up goal to meet and is only 9 years old! Master DeJesus's mother was testing again for her 1st Degree Black Belt. Susy was testing for 2nd Degree and would be Master DeJesus's highest ranking active student. And finally, Mr. Austin was testing for his Black Belt.

The Black Belt candidates had to do a mile run, 1st Degree Black Belt candidates had to do a mile and half run, and Susy for 2nd Degree did two miles. Then throughout the test they continuously did Master DeJesus's signature conditioning cycle of 100 jumping jackes, 50 push ups, 75 sit ups, and I believe 80 squat jumps. They demonstrated all their forms, did self-defenses they chose to demonstrate and went through self-defenses from the judge's choices, so the attacks would be unknown to them and we tested how well they'd respond.

They sparred and the higher ranking candidates had to spar after several rounds multiple people including us the judges being added on for some time. I thought that was very awesome but all three of the guest judges had different disciplines. You had Sifu Dave punching and kneeing from Haganah and other F.I.G.H.T techniques, I was throwing Taekwondo kicks and doubles, and Sensei Cara was doing her Judo throws left and right. You had an all out, true MIXED martial arts round.

Then they chose 4 breaking techniques and a fifth being the choice of one of the judges. Everyone at some point had their strong points and everyone at some point had their weak points. It was a very well balanced test, and it was a very challenging test. I am in agreement with Master DeJesus that the Black Belt test needs to be difficult and challenging to get through. When you work hard for something, it means a great deal to you, and you feel fantastic about it. The amount of value on the Black Belt is a treasure and should not be taken for granted. There are too many people out in the world that DO take their Black Belt for granted.

Although the Black Belt tests are not impossible, they are challenging in every which way possible. Martial arts is a discipline that aligns your physical, mental, and even spiritual abilities. These individuals were trained for this. And they are still, even on a test, learning something about themselves.

Young Paul was very impressive. There are some grown adults who do not have the character and discipline that he has at nine years old. This young man showed great humility and great focus. He also did a total of 1,000 push ups which, again, some adults have never done in their entire lives! His sister Jenna has improved so much over the year. Her confidence has grown, her focus improved, and she really kept a level head. He remained calm and light hearted, and people do not realize how priceless that can be! Controlling your state of being is a hard skill that is difficult to master and I think she demonstrated that beautifully.

Sabrina has come a long way as well. Her focus is sharp, her technique has improved, and her attitude is strong. She doesn't have a "tude" so to speak, she has a confidence within her and you see it in her eyes and her movement. That will take her very far, and she was awarded her Kukkiwon at the test as well, the highest honor you can receive in Taekwondo. Susy has phenomenal potential and she will go very far if she continues to peak her training in different avenues. I enjoyed debating her on the mental aspect of training that has lead her to question and debate and allowed me the chance to challenge her way of thinking. It's that challenge that will open many doors and thought processes for her.

Sarah DeJesus I give so much credit. She is a beautiful lady on in the inside and out. She has a great heart and truly does have the heart of a Black Belt. When one of her fellow candidates was struggling with push ups, she went out of her way to do the push ups with them. When her fellow candidates were nervous before the test, she comforted them with a smile. It certainly doesn't matter how old you are, you can still learn lessons of great value. Sarah learned that mistakes are a part of growing and not to limit herself by denying herself with mistakes. I hope she continues to make those good mistakes in training so for her next test, the confidence that I know she will have will grow ten times more! You can see the confidence in her already just by the way she stands!

And Mr. Austin! I have not known Mr. Austin as long as the rest, but you don't have to know someone as long to realize how much one's heart is into their journey. Mr. Austin was like any other teenager who found troubles and views on things in different perspectives who has grown tremendously in mind and character. This young man showed not only great strength and focus but great character and that will take this young man very far and will open many doors for him. I look forward to seeing where his future takes him. I can tell he is a very good right hand man for Master DeJesus as well.

I am very proud of all of Master DeJesus's students. Congratulations to all of you. My message to you is to continue to reaching new heights in your training and finding ways to challenge yourselves to the point where you will say "WOW!" Wow your selves always! Congratulations to Master DeJesus on a successful examination and a thank you for the honor of sitting on your panel. And thank you to Sifu Dave and Sensei Cara for the honor of sitting alongside you both! (BOWS)

Top: Master DeJesus's father, Mr. Austin, Sifu Dave, Master DeJesus, myself, Sarah DeJesus, Jay. Bottom: Sabrina, Susy, Jenna, Paul, and

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The 5th Degree Mentor

Two of my mentors: Master Samuel DeJesus on left, Master Kevin Balon on right.

The above picture are two of my personal mentors who mean a great deal to me. I met both of them four years ago. When I was 19 years old, all alone in the world working on opening my own school and looking for a way for me to test for 3rd Degree, I found Master Balon who just happened to be the best of the best. He took me in, introduced me to the AAU Taekwondo program which has taken care of me ever since. When I tested for 3rd Degree Black Belt, this other guy from outside of Master Balon's school was also testing for his 4th Degree Black belt. His name was Samuel DeJesus, and he was testing to become a master!

Wow! That was my goal, my dream! I got to see someone else do it right in front of my eyes! I watched him do this Haganah self-defense, and I remember saying to him "You're going to teach me that one day." Remember words have power. Last year when I tested under Master Balon again for my master test for 4th Degree, Master DeJesus mentored me and trained me in the Haganah system which I was so determined to demonstrate on my test.

Last week, Friday July 19th, Master DeJesus tested for his 5th Degree Black Belt. How awesome and exciting! It's not every day you get to see someone test for such a high rank. So once again, the three of us were together for a Black Belt exam. Nothing was going to keep me from coming to this test. Both of these gentleman have done so much for me in my training, my business, and my personal life.

I was there to support all of the Fastkix students as well, getting to know so many of them myself over the last couple of years from either testing, competitions, or random visits I have had at the school. I was equally proud of them and their achievements as I was of my mentor's.

The school's air conditioning was being replaced so the test was held at the inn across the street from Fastkix Taekwondo. Master Balon had said it best, "Black Belts learn to make adjustments and work with the best case scenarios we make for ourselves." And that is exactly what they did. It was great to see the progress of the Fastkix students I have had the privilege of knowing and watching. A shout out to Sabrina and Isabella on their tremendous improvement, to Lenny and Neil who were fantastic and make a great team, and to Andy who did not let nerves get the best of him!

It was great to watch Master DeJesus do his forms, we were in the same group when we tested together four years ago. It was through forms that I got to meet him and know him originally. He did a mix of the Olympic Taekwondo forms and a few traditional forms. Master Balon threw in one of his "Balon surprises" as his group also demonstrated three stations of doing kicks. One was for accuracy where they kicked a cup off someone's hand doing a spinning hook kick. Another station they kept throwing kicks to all possible area demonstrating all the Taekwondo kick uses, and another station was a blind folded jump spinning side kick break. Master DeJesus said he's never done a jump spinning kick blind folded for breaking. What an awesome first!

Of course the self-defense mentor was beyond entertaining to watch do self-defenses and I believe all the spectators would have agreed. Watching Master DeJesus demonstrate doing self-defense techniques against open hands, gun defenses, and knife defenses is like watching a master painter stroke his paint brush on a canvas, or a great composer swinging the baton, or master chef swisk away his wooden spoon!

The first attacker Master DeJesus asked "Can I hit you?" The attacker said "Yeah, sure." HEE HEE. I think he regretted saying yes after the first knee to the stomach. Master DeJesus punched where he needed, threw his knees, brought them to the ground, did his strikes, and smiled as he went to the next line. LOL! Another moment, one of the attackers was explaining to him what they do for their knife defenses. Master DeJesus looked up and said "Want to see my way?" Before the attacker knew it, he was on his back looking at the ceiling. LOL! Master Balon also allowed Master DeJesus to show any defenses of his choice at the end of the self-defense portion.

Then the sparring portion began. Master Balon asked for floor judging and I only saw Miss Sue stand in, so I volunteered to stand up and help in any way I can. It was great to watch everyone spar, and it's been a long time since I've seen Master DeJesus spar with gear on. He sparred with Kevin Sanidad who I haven't seen in a very long time, Master Balon's son Mr. Charles Ferrone who is fantastic and coaches the Force One Team, and another student who was testing named Mike who has fantastic ability. They were all great sparring matches.

I also helped a little bit at the request of Master Balon for holding for breaking. The breaking always impresses me with the students, and they break one inch boards regardless of age. Master DeJesus did an impressive flying side kick break over four people bending over. His final break was a jump spinning side kick which was a phenomenal challenge. I better start working at it now!

It was a wonderful test and I was so proud of all the Fastkix students and of Master DeJesus. I may not have as much history with these two men as they do with each other, but I do know it is an honor and privilege to have both these men in my life and to be a part of the New Jersey AAU Taekwondo.Congratulations to all the Fastkix students on their new ranks! Congratulations to Master Balon on another successful examination! And congratulations to Master Samuel DeJesus on his 5th Degree Black Belt! A job well done by all! (BOWS)

From left to right: Neil Bloom, Master DeJesus, Nick Carbley, Miss Sue Batkko, Mr. Charles Ferrone, Master Kevin Balon, Mr. Lenny, and Kevin Sanidad.

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

The Mentor's Preparation

"Sometimes the mentor needs mentoring!"

-Master Samuel DeJesus

One of my personal mentors, Master Samuel DeJesus was preparing for his 5th Degree Black Belt test. I was so excited for him! It's a goal I have set for myself in three years from now. Every person who tests for Black Belt finds a new mastery within themselves for each Black Belt test they take. The journey to Black Belt is a personal journey for each individual. What you put into it, what it represents, and what you learn is totally different for each person.

For me personally my first Black Belt test was mastering the basics. I learned the very broad view of what basics covered not only physically but mentally. My 1st Degree test was about my technique, the improvement I made in my technique in such a short time was incredible and it set the stage for what I was to master going toward my 2nd Degree which was the master of mindset. The 3rd Degree was about mastering Self, as my training took a brand new turn in a psychoanalytic perspective. And 4th Degree was mastering the art. I think my training toward 5th Degree for me is Master of Spirit.

I love Master DeJesus. He is fierce in training mode, but has a very good, kind, and light heart. He trains for his students and pushes himself so he can  push them. If he does not grow, his students won't grow, and I have the very same philosophy. He trains in other martial arts that compliments different aspects of his training. And for every Black Belt test, we say "Expect the unexpected."

And that's what Master DeJesus did for his upcoming 5th Degree Black Belt test which he was preparing for under Master Balon. One of the challenges he set for himself was to learn the I.T.F traditional Black Belt forms, just in case he was asked to do them on his test. You never know what a 7th Degree like Master Balon could ask! He pulled a "Balon surprise" on my 4th Degree test, taking out his old 4th Dan and tested us on whether we could decipher old names of techniques and present them to him. It was fun, but an example of expect the unexpected!

I have to say, I was honored to help Master DeJesus, but I was also thrilled. First off, it's not every day you get to work with a Master like he and teaching a master something is so different then teaching an everyday student. The mindset is different, the amount being done is different, the way it's being explained is different, the material in itself is being taught different.

I think when training under Sifu and mentoring under Master Balon, that was an eye opener for me. Sifu was teaching me beginning Hung Ga Kung Fu but as a 4th Degree Black Belt, much of the conceptual aspects that takes years of beginning training to grasp. When I train with Master Balon, he teaches me in such great detail but challenges my thinking to understanding how different types of learners and levels would understand the same material. It was very eye opening to me.

SO Master DeJesus was right on the money in how to prepare himself for his test and he wanted to challenge himself by learning as much of the Black Belt traditional I.T.F forms. He knew the three 1st Degree forms, and he was familiar with a few other ones, but he relearned them. We did the four 2nd Degree Black Belt forms.

 Now up to this past year, Andrew Kranich was the only person I taught Choong Jang, the second of the 2nd Degree Black Belt forms. I have never taught these traditional higher ranking forms to anyone before, with the exception of a 3rd Degree form to George Valentino. Master DeJesus never knew the third 2nd Dan form, Ko Dang, and he is the first person I have ever taught it to.

When doing my forms, I can actually go through my whole life timeline. I remember where I was in my lifetime when I learned these forms, practiced these forms, who I taught these forms too, etc. Ko Dang was the last form my original master taught to me before I began teaching myself the forms on my own. The last of the 2nd Dan forms, Juche, Master DeJesus was familiar with, but he was also the first person I had ever taught it to, and it was the first form I ever taught to myself when training on my own.

I was getting a lot of deja vu and going through a time portal, while simultaneously enjoying practicing forms with my mentor. We also began the 3rd Degree forms, Sam Il being the first one which he has never done, and he's the first person I taught it to. He was familiar with Yoo Sin, the second one. And he learned Choi Yong, the last of the 3rd Degree forms. I even taught him the first of the three 4th Dan forms, Yong Gae.

Do you realize how many forms that is and how many techniques he had to learn within one week? It was about 400 techniques in a particular sequence and order. Some people have trouble remembering less than 20! But that's why he's the master!

But I also enjoyed getting to hear about Master DeJesus's past training and Black Belt tests. You don't get to hear other people's experiences sometimes. I love hearing about other people's journeys from testing and how they became to be who they are now and where they are now. I continued to be excited for him, and inspired to see him go for his 5th Degree test. He sent me a text thanking me one day and said "Even mentors need mentoring." I was flattered. =D

Yours in service,
MASTER TRENTO

Walt Disney World

"Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever."

-Walt Disney

The one place I can go to again and again and again and it is just like the first time I ever went, is Walt Disney World. It truly is the happiest place on earth. I was raised on Walt Disney movies and characters, and the messages and dreams and laughter Disney provided. I think Disney work is yet another great influence in my life in so many areas.

Each time I go to Walt Disney World, I am reminded of all the special feelings I get from all the classics and the music that remind me to hold onto your dreams, think happy thoughts and you'll feel as though you can fly, don't lie or your nose will grow, explore a whole new world from a different view, believe in magical things, and to this day I still wish upon a star. Almost every night, in fact.

Walt Disney was a brilliant visionary. He had all the pictures in his mind to make his dreams a reality. I always held onto my dreams. Everything I ever said I would do, I found a way of doing it. But even more so, when I went to Disney earlier in the month, I am reminded of Disney the man. There were so many other great qualities of this man that is represented not only in his work, but in these theme parks.

Disney had a phenomenal appreciation for this country and it's history. He had a fabulous appreciation for history in general! In the Magic Kingdom, the first thing you walk into is Main Street U.S.A and you are reminded of the great old days of our country in the early 1900s, with the trolley driving around and the hold town style buildings and cinema movies. HE captured the great Frontier of our country in Frontierland, and in Liberty Square it is always amazing to sit and see the Hall of Presidents where you are reminded of the privilege of what it means to have freedom.  

Of course there is Fantasy everywhere you look, but Walt's love for the future and technology and innovation brings you Tomorrowland, and the Carousel of Progress allows you to remember our country's roots of where we came from and where we got, and where we could possibly go to. 

This year we happened to also go to Epcot and the first thing we did was Spaceship Earth. Inside the ride takes you back to the beginning of time and you travel through the history of not only our country but our universe! To the times of the caveman and the days of exploration, the time we discovered fire and paper, then writing, language, and documentation, and saving old books and learning.

If there is one thing that kept standing out in my mind that I could appreciate so much is Disney's value on learning and preserving our history. He always encouraged good skills like always growing and building your mind, educating yourself, never stop using your brain. Whether it was from history, technology, reading books, using your imagination, use your brain! He knew it is our greatest tool and should be used and constantly worked on! 

His love for our earth you could see in Future World from learning about the fish in the ocean, seeing Figment and using your imagination, or even going into outer space! Ellen DeGeneres does a ride that teaches about energy and not only learning about energy but the importance to it in our world and how we should pay more attention to it to preserve our earth. Even in "The Land" attraction, Simba teaches the circle of life in a different way and encourage people to take care of our planet and be involved in seeking new ways to stop pollution and grow our plants and save energy.

I know there are many days where we see other people and get frustrated and say "Well no on else cares and I am tired of caring, so why should I!" I know I felt that way recently when I had an overflow of recyclables at TMAFC and I was getting frustrated on finding a solution to properly recycle them when it would be so much easier to throw them in the trash! (I DID recycle them). And seeing in Walt Disney the importance of such a thing, it gave me hope. Not only for our world, but just to think that enough people see these attractions of ALL ages, that seeds are planted for people to go out and treat our world in a better way.

And of course the World Showcase is absolutely fantastic. Disney's appreciation for the different cultures of the world is unparallelled. And needless to say it was nice to see my relatives in Italy and Norway, see the eiffel tower, see Mark Twain and Ben Franklin rejuvenate our patriotism for our country, and of course who doesn't want to play in China all day!!

There are two other parks, Hollywood Studios, showcasing his love for movie making and theater using imagination in a different way, and Animal Kingdom for his love of animals. Walt Disney was truly a well rounded, grateful guy. All of Walt Disney World truly embodies who this man was and has affected people in more ways than one could really imagine. When I think of Disney World, it gives me a great rush of happiness and a special kind of feeling nothing else really can. A lot of it has to do with fond treasured memories, gratitude for what it stands for (the MANY things it stands for), and with all the people I've had the pleasure of sharing it with.

I think the only thing that could EVER make me leave the life I know now and start all over is if I were to move to Disney World. Not Florida! Disney World! And I am dead serious about that. If you have never gone, it is well worth planning someway, somehow, a trip to Walt Disney World.

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

2013 AAU Nationals

Gold in forms, Bronze in sparring

 I wrote a blog last week while I was in Florida, sitting by the pool. But for some reason the entire post not only didn't post on my blog but didn't save. So it has gone on it's own vacation in the land of lost files of the internet! So I figured I would just recap the experience we had competing at the national level in Taekwondo!

I didn't have as many students as last year compete, hopefully we can build up the program and the team for the following year. We went last year for the first time to the AAU Nationals. At that time it had been seven years since I personally did ANY type of national competition. But it was my first national tournament as an adult.

I work really hard to be well rounded, and I hold high expectations for myself. Some may seen unreasonable, but I never lower the bar as to not limit myself, and give me a point to push myself and my abilities. But one area that I do struggle with the most is sparring. I began sparring competition when I was 13 years old, I was only ever a Black Belt competing, and I won several Gold medals, state titles, and had the opportunity to compete at the USAT Junior Olympics twice, once in Atlanta, GA and once in San Antonio, TX, where I won bronze.

Local competitions are not bad to go to, state wide tournaments are more intense and challenging, but not impossible to do, but national competition is a whole different ball game, and international level is an entire different universe!! In order to do serious level competition, especially in Black Belt division, you have to start early, 16 the latest! Anything after that it is going to be really really difficult, many will say even too late.

I was on the right path. I competed in the fierce Black Belt 14-17 year old divisions for years, and even competed against Jayson Grant when I turned 18 in the adult division. I was just fresh meat at the time. But then my old master drifted away from that world, and I of course followed wherever my old master went and I did not continue on that path. I still trained of course, but the competition world is in constant innovation. You have to keep up with it for the right transition.

So in October 2011 when I decided to get back into competition, it was after a four year break. It was tough, but I held my own. The training I did do with Master Bardatsos was definitely helping. I did win gold at the NJ AAU State tournament, and I had a lot of struggles this year and I began doubting myself for this year.

Was I getting too old already? Was I ever going to get to the level of skill I want to be at? Titles and medals aren't as important to me as the ability and skill I want to acquire. Needless to say, I was very nervous for this years nationals. Even emotional. I was in a heavier weight division also. But I won my first two rounds and made it to the third round of the semi finals. I sparred against a national team member of the AAU, sparred a great match, and won my first bronze medal at the AAU national tournament. 

I know I didn't prepare as much as I could have, or at least to the ability I know I can and wanted to do. But imagine if I did? Now I a little more confidence. Now I feel like I can do it. Now I have to push myself for that serious motivation to get to where I want to be. Do I take on a lot? Yes. Do I spread myself out thin sometimes? Yes. But I can do it. And if I want it bad enough, I will do it and do it well. I want to go for the gold next year. I have never placed Gold in sparring at the national level. I only have a few more years left to do higher level competition. I am going to make it worth my while.

I have re-established my goals and have to meet with my sparring mentor. I have kept up greatly with the other mentors. But I still have three years of master training to do to reach where I want to be. And of course with me pushing myself, I can push my students as well. And I am so proud of how far they have come as well.

Young William Stiehl has a great gift in forms. I have no problem saying that he is a gold medal forms competitor and will go far with his forms. Grace, beauty, control, power, and technique for his age are flawless. But he's still only an eight year old, but maximum amount of potential. His aprring he also had potential in and competition has helped him stay motivated, even if he gets scared, to progress. I don't think without competition would he have reached the level he is at now.

Andrew Kranich I am very proud of. For many years he could not compete, and I wanted him to have this experience. Truth be told, I told him at 19 years old, it's going to be VERY difficult as an adult and many would say too late. But I have taught him that nothing is impossible. He won Silver at the Garden State Cup, Silver at AAU NY state championships, and double Gold in AAU NJ state championships. He sparred valiantly at the national level and came home with a great amount of experience. I am happy he had the opportunity to do it and I hope he continues. 

The nationals were a great experience for us. I am motivated for myself, I am motivated for my students, I am motivated for my school. Now to put the work behind it all! (BOWS)

Yours in service,

MASTER TRENTO