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