The 50th Anniversary Concert

The 50th Anniversary of the Saddle Brook High School Choir with 80-90 alumni and Choraleers.

   September, I blogged about the rehearsal I went to for a very special event. I am an alumnus, as most of my family are, of the Saddle Brook High School Choir. The official choir of the high school was established in 1964 under the direction of Mr. Chuck Broadhurst with eight or nine kids in the choir. A couple years later he grew the choir to eighty or ninety people. My mother's freshman year there were over 100 people in the choir. I think the record was 250 students at one time. The year 2014 marked the 50th year anniversary of its true establishment.

   Mr. Broadhurst had even split the choir into the Girls' Glee Club and Boys' Glee Club, doing all female and all male pieces of music along with the full choir, and in 1966 a select choir known as the Choraleers. After 30 years he retired and an alumnus of 1975, Cindy Verost, became the director after him, and God bless her for continuing the work and traditions he had done, along with adding her own strengths and flavor to the program and the choir. I also believe there are some challenges and struggles she would have had to come across that Mr. Broadhurst never had to deal with back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, that she may have had to endure. I would say she gets a great deal of credit for keeping the program successful for the school and to continue.

   This 50th anniversary was a celebration of 50 years of the program and a combination of alumni from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and new millennium alumni were all in attendance. The repertoire was a combination of songs that were traditional from Mr. Broadhurst, and some that were done by Cindy Verost. The first two pieces were Choraleer pieces, one known as Psallite. Many generations of Choraleers have done that piece. Another song Mr. Broadhurst did every year with the Choir as a processional piece at the holiday concerts was Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence which is a SBHS Choir classic!

    Another popular piece Mr. Broadhurst did that was requested by the Alumni was the Jazz Gloria. A few pieces Mrs. Verost has done with the choir that we did were How Can I Keep From Singing My Song and I Believe which are great pieces of music. Mrs. Verost always did a Mozart piece with the choir, at least to my recollection. She always made sure the choir was not just singing but LEARNING. She made sure we understood a capella and what a fugue was, solfege, and incorporated it into the music selection for the concerts. Doing Mozart pieces like Ave Verum Corpus, Lacromosa, and Alleluia were no exceptions. Her choice of Mozart for the anniversary concert we did was Dire Ires which was your classic Mozart, figuring out your Latin! LOL! Toward the end we also did a song Let Everything Hath Breath which became a quick favorite for everyone as well. I guess you can call it a spiritual, which she was also infamously known for doing.

   There were two small rehearsals with a group of local alumni that got together before this day, once in September and once in October. This was to have a few people somewhat familiar with some of the music to make it easier for the day the entire choir met to learn the music. The bulk of putting this concert together was in a single day. Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 8:30am, the alumni met in the Charles Broadhurst Memorial Auditorium. After meet and greet and coffee, Mrs. Verost led us in a group warmup and then we separated into different rooms for sectional rehearsals. Mrs. Verost took the tenors and it really did bring me back to old times learning with her. Being in the choir and Choraleers really did me a lot of good at that time of my life.

After sectional rehearsals we came together again in the auditorium and rehearsed as a group together. Then we split in the cafeteria for a lunch break before getting on the stage to do a full run through of the program. We then left after about 5 hours of rehearsal before returning for the concert which began at 7:30pm. There were a lot of additional alumni, our friends and families, faculty members old and new, who were all in attendance.
     

Mrs. Verost worked with the tenors for sectional rehearsal. Brought me back to some good memories. 

Alumni rehearsing on the risers like they all once did at Saddle Brook high. 

Pep talk in the Choir Room before the concert. Each one of these alumni sang in this room with either
Cindy Verost or Chuck Broadhurst. 

Traditionally for 50 years, an alumni tradition were to sing these three songs at the end of the holiday concerts but we only did one of the songs, and ended with the Hallelujah Chorus. I was not happy about this decision and made it well known, quite relentlessly I might add. It was felt that there wasn't enough time to do them. In my opinion, they should have been the easiest since just about every alumni knows the pieces already and wouldn't have added much time. Most alumni believed so to. It was wrong not to do all three pieces. But I was the only one to annoyingly say anything to make the change, and there is power in numbers. But I made sure I was heard.

It was a beautifully run concert. Mrs. Verost did a fantastic job as well as her two managers (both whom I went to school with) Catherine Blankenhorn '05 and Autumn D'Espesito '10, who are equally given great credit for helping put this together. And Paul Weiner who accompanied the rehearsals and the entire concert. A fantastic job.

I think one of the most touching moments was the second song that we sang which Mrs. Verost had paid tribute to Mr. Broadhurst with. There is no way you can do a 50th anniversary concert and not sing Mr. Broadhurst's favorite song Brother James Air. I grew up listening and knowing this song. As we sang it on the stage in rehearsal I turned to the soprano section to look for my mother. I could see the tears in her eyes, and she actually had to step outside for a moment. I knew why. The last time she sang this song was at Mr. Broadhurst's funeral. The greatest tribute I had ever seen was Mr. Broadhurst's alumni students gather in front of his casket and sing this song as their farewell tribute. I'll never forget that for as long as I live. He would have absolutely loved to have seen this. 

Not many people have the opportunity to be a part of something in a school system with such tradition, quality, and history. The legacy the Saddle Brook High School choral department leaves is truly a remarkable one. I don't know too many school systems that can get 50 years worth of about a hundred alumni to do a concert like this. Cindy Verost has done a great job with the concert and with the concert in general. Thank you to Catherine and Autumn for all their efforts, thank you to Paul Weiner for his help and accompaniment. Thank you Mrs. Verost for putting this all together. And thank you to all the alumni for a wonderful time.  

On Thursday December 18 at Saddle Brook High School will be the 2014 Holiday concert. I believe all three alumni pieces will be done then, HAHA. Below is also a video of the concert put together by Enjoy! (BOWS)

"There are few things as we walk on this here earth that we know we were meant to do. Teaching ya'll has brought me great joy. It took a lot of time, but it was all well worth it. I love ya all."
-Mr. Broadhurst upon retiring in 1994

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6QscmIdca0&feature=youtu.be

Yours in service,

MASTER TRENTO

Black Belt Test in NY

Last month I was invited to sit on the judging panel for a Black Belt test up near Albany, NY for our acting regional director Master Joe Hasan. Every year I have brought my students to Master Hasan's tournament in Troy, NY as it is our first AAU tournament of the season. Master Hasan was also my TA when I officiated my first national tournament for the AAU. We had a great time at nationals. Master Hasan is also the student of our current AAU Taekwondo president, Master Mike Friello.

When I was younger, many of the local masters would come to judge other school's Black Belt tests. Then over time you saw less and less of that. When I opened my own school five years ago, I began introducing new people at my own testings. I would invite alumni I taught to other martial art masters and school owners to my own testings and it opened up a great community camaraderie amongst us as martial artists and school owners. There is no ego and everyone provides a great amount of experience and lessons to offer, and it makes a great experience for the students.

I've been to many of my mentors schools, and I've been to different discipline testings and different organizations. I've seen and participated in Kung Fu testing. I've seen and participated in Haganah testing. I've been to traditional Taekwondo testings and Olympic style Taekwondo testings, and ATA Songahm Taekwondo testings and each one has something different to it. And we have all collaborated together as well and shared ideas.

I was very excited and honored when Master Hasan invited me to his school's testing. For many years Master Hasan was teaching out of a YMCA and has recently opened his own center. He was only open for one month when this test took place, so it was the first official Black Belt test the new location was hosting. I was honored to be present for the occasion. Two other senior Black Belts were on the panel and President of AAU Taekwondo Master Friello was there as well.

There were over twenty students testing. Some mid term testing, some pretesting, and a few ranking. Master Hasan facilitated the test as we on the panel judged. I love being introduced to new styles of testing as well as new faces testing and seeing what they can do and what they have to offer in their performance. All the students did a great job. There was good focus, good discipline, and good technique.

I train in several styles of Taekwondo forms, and they were doing my favorite style of ITF tuls, which I teach to my students. It's amazing how you can go to so many different places and see the same forms done in a different style, or even similar for that matter. The students did excellent with their forms. And of course seeing sparring and breaking is also great to see how other schools run their testing.

Master Hasan does a fantastic job with his students, and I know Master Friello is equally proud of his student carrying on the Taekwondo tradition. Congratulations to the new ranks and a job well done by all students! (BOWS)

Your sin service,
MASTER A TRENTO

A 60 Year Friendship

Aunt Karen and my mom with Grandma Cyn and her BFF Aunt Ruth, and Aunt Ruth's daughter Camille. 

One of the things I treasure the most and have as a very high priority is friendship. Friendship embodies so many things. Enjoyment of one's company, enjoyment of similar interests, laughter, trust, reliability, tolerance, confidence, encouragement, and unconditional love, NO conditions whatsoever. Friendship is a strong value that has run in my family.

My Aunt Karen has had her best friend, Iris, who is practically part of the family for over thirty years. My mother has a three best friends she's had for thirty plus years. My father and my cousin Stephen are best friends but have had two other people they've been best friends with for over thirty plus years. My Grandma Yolanda and my Aunt Marilyn have been best friends since they were I think twelve years old. I have had close friendships for almost 20 years that mean the world to me and I love, a few now gone.

Even the teachers I grew up with were such best of friends. Some of my favorite teachers like Dottie Filipek, Donna TenHoeve, and Helen Hymanson or Chuck Broadhurst and Jack Impomeni, or Paul Bachman and Robert Kaplan, were legendary friendships to us from Saddle Brook High.

But I think the greatest demonstration of one of the truest friendships I have ever known is between my Grandma Cyn and Aunt Ruth. These best friends have kept their friendship strong and true for 60 years!!!! Marriages don't even last that long these days. My Grandma Cyn met Aunt Ruth 60 years ago at work. Aunt Ruth came in for a job interview or something, and Grandma Cyn was the one who welcomed her in at the front desk. Very similar to Aunt Karen and Iris. The rest was an amazing history.

Grandma Cyn was Jewish and back in those days when she married Grandpa Fred, the Catholic Church wouldn't even let her stand on the alter to get married. When Aunt Ruth was having a baby, she wanted so much for my Grandma Cyn to be thegodmother of her child. But the church at that time would not allow it because she was Jewish. So Aunt Ruth in honor of her best friend then named her daughter after my grandmother, Cynthia. That has meant the world to Grandma Cyn.

Grandma Cyn always says she and Aunt Ruth are sisters! They were very much a part of each other's lives and love each other so much. As time went on, it was harder to travel and visit each other, so one point last year my father, mother, and Aunt Karen took Grandma Cyn to go visit Aunt Ruth (pictured above) and they had the most wonderful visit! Lots of laughs and good times.

Recently, my Aunt Karen and my father were contacted by Aunt Ruth's children that she was not well and in the hospital. Her condition was worsening and they really thought that there was a chance they would lose Aunt Ruth and to prepare my grandmother. They left a phone number to reach them and Aunt Ruth in the hospital room because she could take phone calls. Aunt Karen and my father had went over to talk to my grandmother and immediately they could see the fear in Grandma's face. She wanted to call Aunt Ruth right away.

I spoke to Grandma Cyn and she told me she wouldn't know what she would have done. She couldn't imagine life without Aunt Ruth. She wanted to call her right there and then so my father dialed the number. Ring-ring-ring and then someone picked up. "Hello?" It was Aunt Ruth. My father said "Hello? Aunt Ruth?" which Aunt Karen immediately called out "GIVE THE PHONE TO MOMMY!!!"

And Grandma Cyn got to speak to Aunt Ruth for about five minutes on the phone. Grandma Cyn was so happy to hear Aunt Ruth's voice and Aunt Ruth was thrilled to have spoken to Grandma Cyn. Aunt Ruth had to have a surgery which her children and doctors were afraid she wouldn't be able to handle. Everyone began to pray intensely for Aunt Ruth.

I don't know if it was the next day or the following, but Aunt Ruth's daughter called my Aunt Karen and told her that Aunt Ruth was like a brand new person after speaking to Grandma Cyn. The surgery went successfully, she was up and feeling strong and great, and she said that Grandma Cyn was just the medicine she needed.

I don't know about you, but I believe that was EXACTLY the case quite literally. Their loving friendship was EXACTLY the medicine Aunt Ruth needed. A 60 year friendship with such tremendous unconditional love is the kind of thing that keeps you alive. These two women are a great model of true friendship. Aunt Ruth is doing well and in the process of recovery.

True friendship like Aunt Ruth and Grandma Cyn is a blessed gift that should never be taken lightly. When you have a friendship like that you hold onto it tightly and remember the love that bonds together that is strong and pure. Remember, unconditional! No conditions! No strings attached! Pure love and admiration! My Grandpa Fred used to say, you only need one good friend in life. Grandma Cyn and Aunt Ruth have been best friends for 60 years, and it is a blessing I know they both thank God for, every day. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Dinner with the Masters

A few weeks ago I was invited to a pre event dinner in Queens, NY. I was honored and thrilled to have been invited! It was a suit and tie occasion and I was to meet some of the other masters from the Taekwondowon organization and some of the other Kuk Mu Kwan masters, some who actually trained with my original master years ago as well!

The trip was long for me trying to get to the facility, but it was definitely worth it. I also wore my AAU pin, which I was proud to do. I hurried over as quickly as I could because I really did not want to be late. When I got there, a beautiful Korean dance demonstration was going on, it was so well done! I have seen a similar dance at the Arcola Korean School that I teach at in Paramus.

I met some of the nicest and most intelligent martial arts masters I have ever met. I sat next to Grandmaster Hosun Kang, the son of Great Grandmaster Suh Chong Kang, who I had interviewed only a few week prior for my first Master Trento Special. At our table were some of his long time students, who all saw the interview. I was thrilled that it was received so well by them. But they also expressed how important the Kang family was to them and they were so happy that the interview was done. I was so grateful for their expression and enthusiasm to the interview.

You could tell, just sitting there for a few hours, the tremendous loyalty these master had for Grandmaster Kang and his father. They were really tight with each other, but oh so knowledgeable as well. And I felt great talking about martial arts, hard style and soft style, technique, some history to the Korean arts, the involvement of the Kang family with General Choi and some of the organizations they had a hand it, I also got to talk to the other masters about their own training history and the schools they run, and we also talked about earlier days of their training. Some even remembered my old master.

It's always a great testament to see such wonderful loyalty and friendship between a master and his students. Let alone a grandmaster and his master students! But they were so welcoming to me and included me and I felt very welcomed and comfortable. It was a really great evening. And I felt I was reaching further back to my own martial arts roots. My old master never talked about his old training days or the people he trained with or anything like that.

As I've gotten up through the ranks, I've met some great martial artists and they all still work with each other, train with each other, and keep the values of their martial arts alive so well. You can only imagine the intense tradition and history these people knew and were a part of. And there's still a grand big future out there! Every October The New York Open tournament in held! Try to keep your calendars free for such an event for next year!

Thank you to Grandmaster Park for having me, and to Grandmaster Hosun Kang for inviting me and introducing me to such wonderful people! Thank you to the Kuk Mu Kwan masters for being so welcoming and humble towards me and I look forward to working with you all! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Pies & Quiches at Last!

 IT HAS FINALLY HAPPENED!!!!

SHE'S READY TO OPEN!!!!

 AND SHE HAS!!!!!!!!!

You know when you've waited for something for so long because you KNOW it's going to happen, you just don't know when? For YEARS my Aunt Karen has been dabbling with one of life's greatest mysteries: What do I want to do?! I have grown up eating the greatest foods and baked goods over a quarter of a century. My Aunt Karen, as I have mentioned to almost every person I know, is a Renaissance Woman. 

Back in the 1500s during the Renaissance, a man would be known as a Renaissance Man which was a term that described them as a jack of all trades. They could do everything and anything, and knew everything about anything! That's my Aunt Karen. She is extremely talented and is the ultimate IDEA WOMAN. You need something done, she'll figure out the best efficient way to get it done. 

This is the woman who works hard at every single thing she does. Whether it's tearing down a wall, landscaping her garden, putting up a back splash in her kitchen, tiling floor for someone, creating a new recipe that has people gushing all over it, to fixing toys and broken trophies, so speckling a wall -- bottom line, the woman has talent!

She is also very regimented in her projects. She doesn't feel like she is, but if she just stepped outside herself for a second, she would realize he applies her organizational skills in every part of her life. I always called Aunt Karen like our own Mary Poppins, we always had the most fun and magical adventures. 

But the real magic for Aunt Karen is her baking. Years and years ago, my grandfather, her father, who passed away before I could ever meet him, told my Aunt Karen something. He told her to over the years, certain things that you really need for the things you do, when you get the chance buy them, and over time when it is time for you to have your own place, you will already have it all.

Aunt Karen's cold case filled with all her made from scratch goodies!

The dry case has scones and muffins made right in her shop!

Preparing the Quiches for the customers!

Grandpa Fred was brilliant in so many ways. But I think his brilliance went further here whether my Aunt Karen knows it or not. He saw early on Aunt Karen loved and bake and was GOOD at it. I truly believe he knew she needed her own place as in BAKERY, not necessarily a home. Don't get me wrong! Aunt Karen's home always has her baking things and the baking the family and friends have been SPOILED over the years with the most amazing treats. 

Back in 2008 Aunt Karen began to work at a catering place in Tenafly, NJ. She and I used to go to some of the ritziest places for catering parties and food, and great menus and had lots of fun. The business was okay, but that mind of hers was going and she had incredible ideas of making things better. The business incorporated some, but not all and certainly not the way she would have done it. She did help the company make a lot of money. But I remember telling her then in 2008 "Aunt Karen, you can definitely do all this for yourself."

She was let go from the job and an opportunity came up at a catering house. She was to be a third partner of this catering house. The original owner was failing in the business, and a second partner came in and did reconstruction and cook. Aunt Karen with her ideas, menus, and baking came in and helped pick the business up. Me, my best friend, and a few others would work as wait staff at the time in 2009-2010. Again she brought the business a great amount of money and we were hoping she can make it her own! But the main owner did not want to continue and she couldn't incorporate what she wanted to do. I reminded her, it was just time to do something on her own!

The next stop was at a market where the owner had her run the baking. She would do some treats and cookies, and small things and sell on her own to people and people ranted and raved of course. The owner was also a very good mentor and would push the envelope in her pies and tarts as she began to create even more ideas in her baking and recipes, which are CONSTANTLY being innovated and improved.

The scones are perfect size and delicious!

The best Chocolate Chip cookies ever!

Don't those muffins look absolutely delicious!?

Once again, she was making someone else money but it wasn't her own. That business eventually left and a farmer's market took over. She ran it like it was her own, but it wasn't. She ran baking goods, as well as deli, and would have ideas, but in the end she was only an employee. She thought at one point of going into business with the owner elsewhere but circumstances changed. Then finally, she decided it was time. 

FINALLY! The long awaited bakery is here! It's been a seven year process, but debuting in Park Ridge, New Jersey is Aunt Karen's bakery PIES & QUICHES!!! I am reminded of Mrs. Garrett in the Facts of Life when she opened her gourmet shop! LOL! I am so proud of my Aunt Karen and thrilled. I am also with the rest of her fan base saying "IT'S ABOUT TIME!"

It's a perfect sized shop, set up just right. She sells her Black and white cookies, scones, Apple Pies, Pear and Plum, Chocolate Mousse pies, Apple Pecan Pies, different types of cookies, lemon bars, quiches of all kinds, and all made from scratch! IT IS HOLIDAY TIME!! You should head on over to her bakery and stock up for the family and prepare for the Holidays! Thanksgiving, Hanukkuh, Christmas, New Years, parties, brunches, you name it! 

It's not far at all, and in a great location on Kinderkamack Road in Park Ridge. You can follow her on Instagram and see more pictures of her delicious treats, and also on her Facebook Page Pies & Quiches! She's been open for almost two weeks and the people who have walked in have raved about her treats to a point where its ovewhelming! And rightfully so. Grandma Cyn lives in town and keeps getting phone calls about how wonderful everything is from her neighboring friends! She's so proud as well, but she made it clear she will NOT work there! LOL!!!

Aunt Karen, no one is more proud than I. I know you will be and continue to be a huge success. Truth is, you always have been. I know there were times where you may have felt lost and not knowing where you were going with all this. But your fans always knew. And remember those people who believe in you, it reminds you what you can do and why you're doing it. Have fun with it all, and enjoy doing what you love to do for YOU!!!!! (BOWS)

PIES & QUICHES

133 Kinderkamack Road

Park Ridge, NJ 07656

201-746-6251

DELICIOUS QUICHE!

APPLE PIES MADE FROM SCRATCH!

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE!

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS RIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN!

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

The 5 Animals Form Book

At 30 years of age, Grandmaster Frank Yee (Yee Chi Wai), third generation disciple of the authentic teachings of Wong Fei Hung in Hung Ga Kung Fu, wondered what contribution could he leave in the world, what mark could he make in history, what would last through the ages. He realized that books have survived hundreds of years only to be rediscovered over and over again. This is what he decided to do. There was no publication on the third form of the system, Ng Ying Kuen, (also known as the Five Shape Fist or the Five Animals form) that holds the essence of the entire system. But even though the idea enveloped, Grandmaster Frank Yee, he knew it was too soon.

Grandmaster Yee has a brilliant engineering mind and has innovated the art of Hung Ga Kung Fu in so many ways! He has refined his art in such detail on a daily basis that his mind is like the age old manuscript "The Book of Changes" , constantly changing and evolving. Not a day goes by that he does not think about ways to improve his art. His earlier thoughts back when the idea for a publication entered his mind on the Five Animals form was; "How could I write this book when I am still constantly developing my martial art?"

It is now more than 30 years later. The contributions Grandmaster Yee has made to Hung Ga, and the accomplishments set forth since then are incredible. This year, marked the founding of the World Hung Kuen Association , which has brought together all the lineages that have sprung forth across the world, from the famous Chinese Hero Wong Fei Hung.  Grandmaster Yee thought is was finally time to accomplish the writing of and completing the book he had the idea for,  so many years ago.

The original deadline was set for December 2015! But to this Grandmaster, nothing was near to impossible. He planned to have the book completed, edited, pictures and all by the middle of August of 2014. The masters, disciples, students worked diligently together to accomplish the task and Grandmaster Yee was very resourceful to getting what he needed for the pictures, and the explanations, and the interpretations from Cantonese and English, proper information, etc.

My master, Grandmaster Yee's disciple whom he adopted to pass the lineage on, Sifu Pedro Cepero Yee was editor in chief. Sifu spent hours and hours reading and rereading and editing and making sure every detail was accounted for. He was in constant communication with Grandmaster Yee. One night Sifu was over by me and I think Grandmaster Yee called three times from China that night to go over details! With the long hours and hard work of all the masters, disciples, and students, the book was completed and ready for the publication process.

By September 24, 2014, the Five Animals Form Book was published printed and received! I have my own copy now and it is one of the most extensive training manuals I have ever seen. The history, the philosophy, the technical, the application and explanation, it is absolutely phenomenal! So utterly impressive. Other martial arts masters who have the book that I have seen comment on it all are in agreement: one of the best publications in the art, let alone in martial arts they have ever seen!

For more information on this historic and professional piece of work, go to www.yeeshungga.com. I am proud to be a part of this tradition that goes back so far. I love to study martial arts, but also in ones history. Grandmaster Frank Yee once said at a ceremony I was present at in 2012 "Tradition is important, but so is innovation." He and Sifu Pedro Yee do a phenomenal job at keeping this art so innovative while instilling and keeping alive the traditional values and I am proud to be a part of it. I congratulate both Sifu, Sigung, and the rest of the people who worked so hard on this book!

This November, Sifu will be going to China for the first World Hung Kuen tournament being held in Xiqiao, Foshan, China at the Emperor Palace, National Arts Studio. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Advocare Weight Loss and Health

Being in the nutrition and fitness field for sixteen years, I have seen and done it all. Well just about. I am very well read in nutrition and well trained from fitness trainers and martial artists in fitness. I've been taking fitness classes for years at my original martial arts school, having the opportunity to even teach fitness classes then until many years later my fitness trainer, Charlene, gave me a job at the gym she ran where I had a greater apprenticeship in learning and developing what I do today.

One of my other former mentors opened up a lot of information to me when it comes to nutrition, and I have incorporated a little bit from here and there in the information I relay to people. Charlene and other of the greatest trainers I worked with all have the same view for the most part: EAT FOOD. They are not big on products or supplements or anything like that, and neither am I. I don't even sell power bars at my center, I think they're disgusting.

However, I am always open to anything and everything there is and always give things a try before tossing the idea away. I've always been that way. I have tried Shakeology, I thought they were disgusting. I did Isagenix, my stomach hurt and I didn't like taking the shakes and having to take chocolate to raise my blood sugar for dropping, I've done beach body products, blegh. And I have tried whey protein and fiber drinks, yuck.

So when another mentor, Master Balon, was beginning these Advocare products, he was very excited. He lost a lot of weight, looked fantastic, as well as his wife and son. My feeling is, you lose weight initially on EVERYTHING. It's whether or not you keep the results and for how long. I told him if he's still excited a year from then, we'll talk. It's a year and a half later. He continues to keep his results as well as his family, and all the members of his martial arts school who have done the program and products have all received and kept the results as well! So now I'm interested.

Other martial artists in our AAU Taekwondo organization are also partaking in Advocare from Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, and Florida. Speaking to them and seeing their long lasting results intrigued me as well. For me personally, I have gained a lot of weight over the year. I just needed something to motivate me and get me back on track with my eating habits.

There are products but you are eating food the entire time which I like! Already a win for me! It teaches what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat, restructuring your metabolism, and putting vitamins into your body that are needed. Master Baon came to visit TMAFC a few weeks ago and introduced it the my members and then put me on the 24 Day Challenge! I was very grateful and was excited to see what would happen!

Well! In five days I lost 6 pounds. I was so happy to see results already and as I always say progress is the key to motivation! Whenever you see yourself getting results you always are motivated to stay in control! I am down 18 pounds total, 4 inches off my waist, I have been sleeping easier and fuller, and waking up more refreshed and earlier easier, and overall feel great.

Master Balon is right when he says we come to classes and go to the gyms to work our outside, this is a fantastic way to work out on the inside! You have to take care of this vehicle you are with every day! When the 24 days are up, you can continue to a 72 day challenge, or buy whatever products you personally like, maybe do the 24 day challenge every season to keep you on your toes and consistent, but either way you will have developed the healthy eating habits.

Today is Day 21 and I have lost 22 pounds. I can't tell you how happy I am. I feel great and motivated because of the progress I made, I am proud of the decisions I have made, and I have also been SLEEPING better!!! Last week my phone dropped and broke. I have never had that happen before. I went to the mall to get it fixed and my mother and brother accompanied me while they had errands of their own. We went to have lunch and my brother got this cheesesteak with onion sandwich with cheesy fries, etc. Normally I'd be tempted to eat bad stuff like that (It's true thats how badly I was eating) but I had my grilled chicken salad instead and just MAKING the decision made me feel GOOD!

If you're interested in the 24 Day Challenge or have questions, call me at 201-203-0773! Also you can go to my advocare site and get more info there too! If you decide to do it, I will coach you, along with some of my other friends like Master Balon and we'll help you get the best results! (BOWS)

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

Georgia Bound!

At the beginning of this summer I went to the 2014 AAU Taekwondo Championships where I officiated my first national tournament, competed in sparring, and had my final forms competition. But I also had the most fantastic time meeting some really awesome people. Some were from Georgia, some from Tennessee, some from North Carolina, some from Florida. The common denominator: It was a blast spending time with them.

I was weary at first of going to nationals, but it was the greatest blessing in disguise. The kindness and laughter was such a gift in itself from everyone, and I felt so welcomed and that I belonged. After a horrible year, it was a great joy to be in the presence of some wonderful people. It was also a fantastic way to start the summer. So I figured, it would be a great way to end the summer as well!

When I got back to New Jersey I couldn't get enough of them all and was emailing, texting, and Facebooking with them all! One of my friends actually kept kidding and joking how I should come down to them. Well the joke was on them, because I actually did! As much fun as I was having, just as much work was to be done. I had brought things from home to work on that were important for when I got back and I was able to get the solitude to focus and refresh my thoughts for my return to the school year, I was able to teach classes at their center two days, I taught people about Qigong and essential oils, even work on a few people the Raindrop technique. I also officiated a tournament while there and did a six mile run.

The Stone family are wonderful people. They opened their home to me as if I were one of their own and am so grateful for their wonderful hospitality. I have always admired and respected Master Bobby Stone a great deal, knowing him from the AAU Taekwondo the last few years. He has centered for me a few times when I competed, I also worked with him as an official, the week I stayed, I was happy he got to see me where I am at my best, teaching on the mats. But I also got to learn Master Stone and I are VERY similar in many respects. We are almost to the tee parallel in interests, values, and opinions, which I thought was pretty funny, as did his wife Stacey.

Stacey and I hit it off right away in Florida. She is the sweetest person you can come in contact with, bubbly personality, and full of great spirit. There are few people in the world you can meet with a heart like Stacey and she has become such a dear friend in a small amount of time. She took extremely good care of me while I stayed with her and the family, and made me feel so welcomed. I don't think it was just good ol' Southern hospitality, I think she just has a great quality of doing good for people, and that is a gift.

They have two beautiful children who I absolutely loved. We laughed, played, and had fun. The older son was in awe as I spoke about the mysterious ways of Qigong, and the younger diva sister was as entertaining as can be. They did a great job in raising their children and you can feel a great amount of love in their home. It was comforting and good to feel and see.

I really enjoyed spending time with some of the other Georgia people I met from nationals, and I got to meet a few more! I met a lot of awesome people at the tournament I officiated at. It was a full and exciting week for me. Once again, I didn't want to go back home. And I always want to go back home LOL. I really felt that I belonged. They made me feel so welcomed and treated me so well. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed myself like that.

I try very hard not to think about a year ago and the months that followed then. Life was not great. After making some heavy decisions, the timing of these guys presence in my life was just as much a shock to me as they say it was for them. Time. Time is an interesting thing. My Aunt Karen always told me everything is about timing. Just like sparring! Great sparring has great timing. Kick too soon, you jam, kick too late you miss. It's a nice feeling to be a part of an extended family. If only they didn't live so far..or me.

Aunt Karen always said time give you just what you need when you need it. I have practically seen my Georgia family every month since nationals. I stayed for that week in August and extending my stay a bit into Sept. They were in the New York-New Jersey area in October and I was thrilled to see them, show them a little Jersey life here. And I will be returning to see them for Thanksgiving week. I am so grateful for these guys, if only they knew what they've done for me since I met them.

So what will the future bring. Who knows? I don't. But there is a comfort in knowing I have this extended family in what seems like a far away land. Our connections with people are universal and we are all connected universally, people don't understand that. Energy is a very real thing. Energy makes things happen. Having a strong support group is energetically healthier and makes the mentality of abundance grow greater. I am beyond grateful for my new "family friends". Let's see whats next.. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

First Tournament of the Season

Me at the U.S Open Masters Taekwondo Championship in Colonia, NJ

Me officiating at the U.S Master Open. Photo courtesy of Mark Williams of MarkSharkPix Photography.

My students Tomasz, William, and Anthony at the tournament. Photo courtesy of Mark Williams of MarkSharkPix Photography.

October was certainly a busy month. Behind the scenes I have a team of some great people who help me with projects in the office of running TMAFC among other projects. This month we had Master Balon come visit as a special guest, introducing Point Sparring, Breaking, and Advocare to the school. I had my first Master Trento Special on the YouTube Channel with Grandmaster Suh Chong Kang, I had dear friends from Georgia come to visit in the New York, New Jersey area. I had our school's monster mash and belt testing for 25 students. And I am finishing up my next Special that will hopefully done this week!

But one of the highlights was the new and improved, totally revamped competition team. We have a team of 11 people on the team. They signed contracts and have their own two hour slot in the schedule to train for tournaments. My student, Robert Lisciandrello runs the classes and coaches at the competition along with help from other adult students, and I jump in as often as I can.

The Friday before the first tournament of the season for the team I had Master Kevin Balon visit TMAFC and he really instilled to them the importance of teamwork and cheering each other on, encouraging, and being supportive to give the sense of unity! Well the timing couldn't have been any better because our team was full of spirit, camaraderie, and one of the loudest crews in attendance supporting each other. They helped warm each other up, stretched with each other, and they would run to ring to ring to cheer each other on!

I was representing the AAU Taekwondo by officiating. I went in my AAU suit with my AAU tie, my AAU pin, and worked my best to give quality officiating in my ring. I believe my ring ran very smoothly, promptly, and professionally. I did my best to keep the ring flowing and take command of the ring and be of fair mind. I think I accomplished that.

My students were fantastic for their first tournament. There were two events for them to compete in which were forms and Olympic sparring. We also had a lot of first time competitors as well, including adults, not just the kids. We also had two team members who did not compete but came to support and cheer on their team members until everyone was finished that day. That teamwork I am very proud of them for.

The students who competed before were my "ravishing reds", four red belts that have come up through the ranks together. William, Tomasz, Theodoris, and Anthony all not only did a fantastic job but they were the loudest competitors in their ring. I knew exactly where they were in the gym from their Kias! They would stretch each other out and warm up each other up and would run from ring to ring to support the team mates competing.

Aram is a high green belt and has been looking forward to competing for a very long time. He had sch a great attitude and got two medals in his first tournament! John Michael also competed for his very first time and has come such a long way in his training, he was very happy to bring home his gold for doing forms!

And I also had three adult students compete. Nicole made TMAFC history by being my very first white belt competing in a tournament EVER in my dozen years or so of competition years. Besides being a female white belt competitor, it was technically her FIRST time wearing her Olympic sparring gear and she brought home two gold medals! Thomas Cubby is our ray of sunshine, full of positive spirit and enthusiasm on our team! It was his first tournament ever as well, bringing home two golds, and shows great promise! And a veteran competitor was Ara Grigoryan who also took home two gold medals.

Jamie and Marcel did not compete but were there to support their team members for the enitre day and wouldn't go home until everyone was done! I was so proud of this entire team for their energy, camaraderie, and the parents and families who came to support and stay as well! By the end of the day for our first tournament of the season we brought home 7 gold medals, 2 silvers, and 4 bronzes. Not too shabby!

Congratulations to the team and thanks to Robert and the families for their hard work and support! I am very proud of you all! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Master Balon Visits TMAFC

The Competition Team with Master Kevin Balon at TMAFC

"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you."

Master Kevin Balon

TMAFC students listening to Master Balon's advice.

One of the greatest martial artists I have ever met is my mentor Master Kevin Balon. He is a 7th Degree Black Belt and the AAU New Jersey District Director. He is a phenomenal mentor. Everyone who knows me knows the story of how I was on my own back in 2009, just starting up my own business and looking for someone who knew my forms and could test me for my 3rd Degree and I came across the AAU. Little did I know, Master Balon WAS New Jersey AAU. I took three lessons with him before he tested me for my 3rd Degree Black Belt in 2009 and it didn't take much time to see how phenomenal he was.

In 2012 he tested me for my 4th Dan Black Belt, my master level, which was a goal of mine since I was a young kid. Over the years I continued to train with Master Balon in Taekwondo. He has a superb eye for detail and a fantastic ability to think outside the box and be innovative in training. His knowledge and passion for teaching Taekwondo goes beyond measure. I strive very hard to attain the vast ability he has. Like any truly great mentor, he always pushes the envelope for me, always keeping me on my toes and striving to become better, as a martial artist and businessman.

When I wasn't well last year, Master Balon had offered to come up to my school. But we never arranged anything. After getting back on my feet and clearing my head the last few months I have been up to some great projects and building anew at my center. My team and I have planned ways to build up my fitness program and I also incorporated a more regimented and structured competition team. I expressed to Master Balon that I have been looking into bringing in to my center a lot of "new", new classes, new programs, new routines, new energy. So I asked him if he would come to the center and offer his experience to my students.

I love watching my mentor in action. 

Master Balon explaining the importance of uniting as a team!

I have never had Master Balon at my school before and it was a really big deal to me. I made sure everything was clean and right, and I was also nervous too. It was an honor for me to have him at TMAFC. He arrived for the first class and I told him that the mats were his. He was going to introduce Point Sparring to my students on our new competition team and review competition forms.

What I absolutely loved was that he had no problem getting in their face and calling them out about being a TEAM. Not in an abrasive way, but in a way that built unity. He made everyone go into a circle and perform their favorite move and introduce themselves and say their name while everyone clapped and cheered them on. He encouraged everyone to woot and cheer and encourage each other to build unity and communication. Enthusiasm builds energy and Master Balon was on it! He also caught them off guard with something as simple as one question: What is your team name?

Everyone kept wanting to use my name, but this is about THEM. To build communication and interest as well as enthusiasm, it gave them a sense of unity that will make them stronger as a team. That's what I love about Master Balon. He's not only teaching technique, strategy, and exercise, but comradery and teamwork, and he does it in such a unique way!

Master Balon observes Aram before his competition. 

Three generations of martial artists. 

He did just as much drills and application as he did lecture. His advice was great and all the students thought so when I got their feedback. But I also knew a lot of it was for ME as I observed carefully. As he was explaining the drills and purpose behind what they were doing to the team, I could catch how he was indirectly advising me how I could incorporate these drills into the classes as well. The team was excited as they were learning this new style of sparring and Master Balon got right in there with them too! He put his gear on and moved around with everyone just as much. It was a thrill for my students to get a chance to spar with Master Balon himself!

I think for me, one of the greatest points of the day was watching Master Balon get to work and advise my own students with their forms as he does with me. It was special to me to watch him give his advise and watch them do their forms. He was honest, encouraging, gave pointers to improving, and I was happy for my students to see how great his eye for detail was, as well as possibly reiterate some things that I would say. But sometimes, we need someone else to say it for it to be heard or mean something sometimes! In fact, I made a bet with one of my brown belt girls that Master Balon was going to make a comment about her running jump side kick. Sure enough, he did and also gave her humbling advise on not being afraid of being hurt and overcoming her fear. By the way, Samantha N if you're reading this you owe me fifty bucks! =P

My advance belts were introduced to breaking. Some were very nervous as they have never broken before and one inch boards on top of that. Master Balon's students always impressed me with their breaking and I wanted to uphold those same standards for myself and my students. Master Balon is excellent at board breaking and gave some phenomenal tips and drills to help the students board break. The girls getting ready for Black Belt testing were extremely surprised at how much they were able to break their boards after listening to Master Balon's advice and feel so much more confident in their breaking.

When I was a color belt, even and earlier ranked Black Belt, I remember my fellow training buddies and I felt like 4th Dan was untouchable! We never saw a Black Belt rank higher than that. And we also really never learned from anyone else other than our own master and our school instructors. I emphasized to my students that it is not every day you get to work with, not only a 7th Degree Black belt but a Black Belt at such a caliber as Master Balon. I had a white belt and a couple of yellow belts getting to experience working with Master Balon and I think it's so awesome for them to have that experience.  I will do whatever it takes to help my students have the best experience in the martial arts and to improve and sometimes that means bringing in the best of the best. And Master Balon truly is the best.
         

   

 Not only did Master Balon work with the martial arts students but also taught my kickboxing class with my ladies at the end of the day. I was happy to have my fitness members experience Master Balon as well. I explained to him that for a long time I have been looking into changing up my style and adding up and changing routines and bringing in some "new" to the program. My routines and style is very different from Master Balon's, but we always bounce ideas off each other, and Master Balon knows I am always open to change and new.

I also wanted him to see what a great group we do have. Some couldn't make it to the class, but the ones who did make it I was happy they were there. We had not only a great workout but some good laughs. When I used to teach at my old master's school, and when I taught at the gym, and when I first started, my classes were full of energy and I'd get the entire class to woo hoo and ha ha and count loud with energy. Classes are still great but it's been missing that energy and I told Master Balon I needed along with new and rejolt of energy.

Well Master Balon definitely delivered. The class counted loud, they were enthusiastic, and they liked a change of pace and new way of working out. As much as he was explaining to the class, he was offering me advice as well of how to change up and build the program. At the end Master Balon also explained Advocare products which he has incorporated at his school and something I will be doing at my school that not only had his members benefited from but his entire family as well. (later blog on that one).

It was a fantastic day. Master Balon has always looked out for me, since I was that 19 year old kid wandering out of the fog one day wanting to start my own school. Each year I have accomplished all the goals and did exactly what I would do as to not overwhelm myself, but true to my word. I am a full supporter of the AAU program as it has taken great care of me over the years. It meant a lot to me to have him at my center and to bringing his experience to my students on our mats. I hope he knows that he and the rest of our AAU NJ family are always welcome to TMAFC and we want to extend a huge thank you to Master Balon for his tremendous support and experience to our center! Thank you Master Balon! (BOWS)

Master Balon helping the Samantha, Danielle, and Tomasz. 

The Ravishing Red Belts having fun with Master Balon. 

Master Balon and Master Trento with Thomas Cubby who broke his first board ever!

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

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