A HUGE Breach in Tradition

SBHS Tradition of over 50 years

DISCLAIMER: This blog reflects the views of many alumni of Saddle Brook High School between the years of the 1960s up to current day students and does not reflect the education or ability of today's students in SBHS Choir, but the complaint of respecting tradition.

Note: all links are to other blog posts on related topic so you can follow the tradition. 

Mr. Charles Broadhurst,
SBHS Choral Director 1964-1994

Mrs. Cynthia Verost,
SBHS Choral Director 1994-ish- Dec 2015

I was always taught in martial arts to know when to value tradition, and to know when to innovate. You need to have a balance to knowing when it is important to evolve because those who see the future first evolve the most. At the same time it is a skill to preserve strong tradition because you preserve a way of life that brings value, and not detriment.

In 1964, a man named Chuck Broadhurst taught choral music with 8 or 9 members in the choir. Two years later in 1966 he had 80 or 90. He taught for 30 years, retiring in 1994. In those 30 years he had so many choir members (record being 250 members) he had split them into Boys' Glee Club, Girls' Glee Club, Concert Choir, and a select a cappella group called the Choraleers. He also began the high school Spring musicals that still go on today.

After his retirement an alumnus named Cynthia Verost (Class of '75) took the position of Choir Director. She at this time had about 15 years of her own teaching experience in one or two districts already. He came and brought in her own knowledge and choice songs, but still preserved many of the strong traditions the school had like the Choraleers and Spring Musicals.

If anyone can tell you that times have changed, it would be Cindy Verost. Things you deal with, with an administration and Board of Education, parents of the present day, people's attention spans and appreciation not what it used to be, but she dealt with the changes of the time and still did her own thing while preserving the strong traditions which were deeply rooted in the school.

Mr. Broadhurst teaching and singing with alumni

Mrs. Verost with 2005-2006 Choraleers

Something very deeply rooted to Saddle Brook High are the traditions shared by the alumni. That deep seated root continued over two decades after Mr. Broadhurst's retirement by Mrs. Verost. In 1978, spear headed by my mother, Karen Lazzaro-Trento (Class of '78), 14 years worth of alumni got together for a Choir reunion. Not everyone knew each other but their love for music had been passed down to all these "students" and they shared the same experiences of what it meant to them in the process of learning and performing. In 1990, another reunion of Choraleer alumni came together to sing like the old days and enjoy each other's company. And in 1994 at Chuck's retirement they all came together to celebrate the career of Mr. Broadhurst and sing as if not a day went by the last time they did (I have the video of it). And in 1999 and 2000, alumni got together to perform around the community almost 20-30 years later singing under Mr. Broadhurst again.

Then in 2014, Mrs. Verost had done a 50th Anniversary Concert  to celebrate the program's existence in the school for 50 years. The program was a selection of popular and favorites songs from the SBHS archives, a mix of Chuck and Cindy's repetoire. Local alumni gathered together for maybe 3 rehearsals which were a small portion of people. Then the day of we spend morning to night rehearsing with about 80-90 alumni. That evening we performed our concert, and it was a beautiful reunion. Mrs. Verost did a fantastic job as always, she showed great appreciation to the ones who showed up, and I think she was surprised by how many alumni actually showed up to participate. Her only mistake was only doing ONE of the alumni songs instead of all three, since it was an ALUMNI tradition. I was the only one vocal about it, although most felt the same way. But hey, it's only one concert. Not like the tradition will die or anything......

Mr. Broadhurst conducting the alumni choir in 1999.

Mrs. Verost rehearsing choir for concert in 2006

The Alumni before 50th Anniversary Concert

Well I was wrong. The Alumni Sing is a 51 year tradition. Every Holiday concert ended with Carol of the Bells, Do You Hear What I Hear?, and The Hallelujah Chorus. It began with Chuck, continued with Cindy. Did it have some hiccups over the years? Sure. Maybe Cindy did Carol of the Bells for the processional instead. Maybe she put Have Yourself A Merry Little Christimas in the alumni sing instead. But the tradition for the most part has always been standing of the three songs. It is something that is supported heavily to by the community, it's alumni, staff and faculty, and families of several generations.

After 22 years, last December Mrs. Verost retired. A new director has taken over. I hear he's good. The kids sound great. This year's holiday concert was December 15th. We find out the day of that ONLY the Hallelujah Chorus will be sung for the alumni. Students in the choir currently were unhappy about it (I've spoken to many of them as several are students of mine), alumni from a range of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, and 10s are upset about it, faculty current and former are disheartened, and families who have come to see the new generation of students and remember the old were disheartened.

When I inquired and asked people in the establishment, the answers given to me were it took "too much time and prep" and it was "too alumni oriented" and the alumni have to ":get over it." OKAY.. Let's address the first part. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors know all three pieces as their predecessor taught it to them and it wasn't like beating a dead horse to learn. TWO: The alumni was the last three pieces. The entire rest of the concert is the students? Every performance, including entire spring concert is student oriented. DO a hundred songs in the concert with the students, don't touch the last three! And ALUMNI are the ones who support the program, and HAVE for many years, and when budget cuts come in, the arts are attacked first, and when that happens, they come to the alumni! Not a good move. And as far as "get over it"? That's a sad way to look and respect tradition. I was also told not to make "a fuss" about it....o_O ME?! LOL!

Eleven songs were sung for the Choir NOT including Hallelujah. What's two more? That MAJORITY of choir knows. I believe only 7 alumni came. For me, it was the first one I've missed in I think 14 years. Christmas began for many of us at that concert. For us who knew Chuck, we felt most connected to him in those few moments singing those songs. And the CURRENT students looked forward to participating in that tradition. Some things are meant NOT to be touched. If it ain't broken, don't fix it.

 This SBHS Alumni is a Community. The sentiments shared about this tradition, or in this case lack of, is shared by such a span of people from even huge generational differences. Many of them still continue to keep music in their lives! Some became music teachers like Barbara Avento Weiner, Austum D'Esposito, Catherine Blankenhorn Boyes, Eric Zadoroznyj, and Anthony Ligouri. Some still sing in groups and Choirs like Lisa Lazzaro Graf, Arianna Pomo, Lynn Van Wyk Wojcik and her late husband Joe Wojcik, Annie Conway O'Shaunessey, and Barbara Pastuch Pernetti. These names are all from different generations of Saddle Brook music program.

Standing 50 year traditions should be preserved regardless who is in charge. It is an insult to Chuck's memory and Cindy's legacy, in my opinion. It's also a slap in the face to the alumni who have supported this program for many many years. I hope the new director reconsiders his future choice of this tradition. If not, then a tradition is dead......unless I can help it. Mrs. Verost said to me "Get your own choir!" Hmmm.....that's the best idea I've heard all day..... (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Losing My Hobbit Hole

Early in the process of the water coming down and the before ceiling began to cave in. 

Twenty minutes later this entire couch was filled with water. 

I stopped taking pictures once the ceiling began falling in in bigger chunks, and I was soaked from head to toe.

I had just come back home from Atlanta, Georgia on Monday Nov. 28. I worked all day Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday night while watching the Dolly Parton movie on NBC, I received two boxes of pictures I ordered to be printed and began to organize them to put into photo albums (I'm probably the only person in the world who still prints pictures). I was even taking pictures of the pictures and sending them to people, all excited for my photo project Mega Omega I embarked myself on! I just printed pictures and put them in these new picture frames too and replaced them all on my walls. So I decided the next day, Thursday I would sleep in a little and work on my picture project.

Thursday December 1 as I'm working on the pictures, I hear this rapid "TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP", and I wonder "What the hell is that?" I get up from my couch and walk over to the opposite side wall where I have my shelves and Christmas tree. I see water running down the walls and dropping on my pictures! I pimmediately begin to take the pictures off the shelf, then I see there is water in the middle of the ceiling coming through straight down on the Chritsmas tree! THEN two seconds later one of the ceiling tiles falls in with a loud SPLASH of water!

I run upstairs to find my landlady yelling in Italian with her aide and there is an inch of water in her entire kitchen! I yelled in Italian "What happened!?" She couldn't remember how to turn the water off and no one called anyone! I immediately called her son and daughter in law and his place of business to send someone over! In seven minutes a man came and it took him 8 more minutes to find the main water brake. During that time I was a shrill version of the Rain Man going "Okay! Alright! Oh NO! Okay! As I kept moving objects into the dining room or to other sides of the room, then RE-moving them because water was spreading that way. I was drenched in water, which smelled horribly, and ceiling was caving in on all different spots.

I stopped taking pictures once larger pieces were falling. It was sporadic too. 

The lights filled up with water which had me worried about fires starting too. 

It was only my main living room floor at first but then it expanded into the bedroom and closets. Both my couches now drenched. 

I didn't know what to do! I messaged Master Kathy to which I received a phone call immediately. I knew she dealt with water before when she lost her house in 2010. Immediately she gave me direction, as I had none. I didn't know what to do, I was a bit stunned, and just getting more upset and I watched the water come down even more! It started off as just drops from all over, then fast dripping, then at one point it looked like it was actually raining inside the apartment.

I sent a mass text to people who may have been around. One of my students came to help. We saved the books, the electronics, a few DVDs and I put a bunch of clothes I saw and grabbed in a backpack. By then both couches, my clothes, pictures including all the new ones that were organized on the floor (easily replaceable), my bed, my cabinets, were all water and destroyed. It was almost and hour and a half when the water finally stopped coming in and by this time, 3/4 of the ceiling caved in, adding a lot of dirt on top of the wet. 

We took out the two couches, taking the doors off the hinges and leading them up the stairs. One opened into a bed for guests, and one had a full mattress in it for guests as well. We bagged a lot of garbage, tried to clean clothes across the street which some were salvageable, most not. We also saved as many of my Christmas ornaments that we could, some ruined, some fell and broke, but the tree itself that I keep up all year round had to go as it was a pre lit tree. 

By this time you can see the fast dribbles before it turned into what reminded me of a fire sprinkler. 

All I kept thinking was "My home..."

My pre-lit Christmas tree I would keep up all year long, gone. 

My two couches and the rug ripped up. 

I was so lost. I started one thing and would walk over and do something else then bounce to another part of the apartment. All I kept thinking in my head was "My home..." When I noticed the tears in my eyes I shook my head and told myself to snap out of it, and then attempted to shift my focus into the "It could be worse" mindset, see if I can see some silver lining. Well, I DID want to downsize and purge a bit, but this is ridiculous! I tried to make little jokes with my students there and with the landlord's workers.

We ripped up all the rugs and rolled them up, exposing this VERY old and retro looking floor. The workers had taken down the rest of the 1/3 ceiling that didn't collapse. I was just dumbfounded. Of course immediately people were offering me a place to stay and I always have my parents and Aunt Karen in Saddle Brook, my grandparents back in Saddle Brook now too, and Jessie, and Charlene, and Ara and Juneta across the street, and I thank them all who've been helping.

It's over a week now and I do miss my own bed. I've had stressful days of being on the phone all day with insurance companies, making lists, looking for things, continuously finding things that have been ruined, clothes we didn't catch still soaked, papers and documents gone. And of course the looking at options and credit checks and on and on and on. Did I mention it's the holidays?

Rugs ripped up and taken out.

Most of the ceiling caved in and was wet and old. 

How in the world my Hogwarts tapestry on the wall survived I'll never know!

First batch of trash.

So I went through the grieving stages quick. That Thursday I was so focused on what I had to do. Friday after I was shell shocked. Then Saturday I just sat in my parents living room all day after teaching and was just so incredibly sad. By Sunday I was with Aunt Karen and already accepted that it happened and move on! This past week of stress has had me emotionally eating everything in sight, not sleeping well, I even had a few dreams of water going down the walls, I see it in the corner of my eyes sometimes, and I have a twitch under my left eye LOL. 

But one of the things that this did do for me was not to realize I lost just about everything, but to realize I have EVERYTHING. Everything that really counts. What makes life is not our things, but the life we live and the people we get to share it with. I have been counting my blessings but even more than that to see how incredibly blessed I am. I have had such tremendous good wishes and calls and support from my family here in New Jersey, as well as my martial arts family now only here at home but all across the country. My fitness ladies at the gym have brought great support to me as well, and a blessed person bought me brand new clothes last Tuesday. 

The night of the apartment flooding out, I went to dinner when all was said and done across the street, where I showered and cleaned up the debris all over me, and then my student Robert and his girlfriend came by and asked me to go across the street. I told them there's nothing to see but they persisted so I went over where they met me in front of the house. I walked them to my entrance and I'm talking and then I stop dead and gasped. They had a three foot Christmas tree set up and decorated in front of my door to the apartment. I couldn't contain myself, my heart turned to mush. 

 I later saw that his girlfriend Amanda started this online GoFundMe account, someone showed me the link. When someone gave me the link to see this, this is where I finally caved in. I cried like a little baby. I couldn't believe so many people came together to do something like this for me. She even called it Trento's Hobbit Hole Help (everyone knows I call my apartment the Hobbit Hole). People from my family, students and families from my school, friends of mine from town and grade school, extended family from Georgia, Tennessee, Nevada, Maryland, I think even Misouri! I was and am so deeply touched and in awe. It would be impossible to thank all these people one by one so here I am to say to all those people: THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart.

Even though I am still incredibly sad, I am incredibly aware that I am incredibly blessed to have so many people who care about me in this way. Jimmy Stewart said in the movie It's a Wonderful Life, "No man is a failure who has friends." And I have always said, I am doubly-blessed to call them all my family! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

The Year of 5th Dans!

                           

THIS was the year of 5th Dans! Eleven, count it, ELEVEN, people tested for their 5th Degree Black Belt this year. I did my best to support as many of them as I could this year. This many people testing for such a high rank is virtually unheard of, and what makes it even better is THIS: all these people are PHENOMENAL martial artists! And that makes it even better!

First up, both testing on the same day of May 28, 2016 was Master Glenn Ames in Maryland, and down in Dacula, Georgia was Sahbumnim Kelley Hardy. Master Ames testing in Maryland. I met Master Ames in the AAU Taekwondo. My earliest memory of Master Ames was us studying together for our officiating upgrade in the summer of 2015. Master Ames is a very good official and great martial artist. He is very precise which we are both very similar on in our training styles. He's excellent at mentoring, a supportive team captain, and has one of the best senses of humor I know of! He always keeps up laughing and smiling! I called him the morning of his testing, and the night of to wish him luck and hear about the testing! Needless to say, a great martial artist like Master Ames needs no luck!


Down in Georgia, where I was, Miss Kelley Hardy was testing. She had a phenomenal attitude from beginning of the testing right to the very end. She remained positive, excited, and strong. Her focus was sharp, and I was so happy to be there for her. Kelley and I first met officiating in my first nationals. We hit it off right from the beginning. But also testing alongside her for 5th Dan was her very own daughter Victoria Hardy and another woman warrior, Master Cathy Brown, a school owner in Georgia who had claimed Master Stone as her instructor. Victoria serves in the military for our country which is the greatest sense of servant leadership I can think of. Master Brown was wonderful to watch test and be acclimated into this family, with support and enthusiasm, and great to see her transformation during the testing.

Miss Kelley Hardy (GA) and Master Glenn Ames (MD) received their 5th Dans May 28, 2016 

Master Ames breaking on his 5th Dan test.

Victoria Hardy tested with her mom in Georgia, both 5th Dans!

Cathy Brown (center) tested for 5th Dan unde rher instructor Master Bobby Stone in Georgia.

In the ATA, I have a friend named Victoria Valentino. Victoria is a PHENOMAL martial artist. She is physically very talented, mentally strong, and also has a strong spirit. While attending school, getting a thousand degrees, still teaching and training, pushing herself all the time, Victoria tested for her 5th Dan with the ATA during their World tournament at the beginning of July, during 4th of July weekend, down in Arkansas. I was at AAU nationals in Florida, but was corresponding with her the entire time and texting with my own mentor, Ms Gedman to see how things were going. She found out weeks later that she indeed passed her test, and no wonder!

Next up on July 16th was my very own 5th Dan Testing at my school in front of my students under my mentor Master Kevin Balon, with my testing board being mentor Master Samuel DeJesus, my brother Master Bobby Stone from Georgia, and surprise guest Master Kathy Wieczerza of Tennessee. You can read that blog here. A week later at Fastkix Taekwondo, Master Balon's student Nick Carbley tested for 5th Dan. I met Nick when we tested for 3rd Dan together, it was the first time I ever tested outside my organization/school. Nick and I also tested together for 4th Dan, and that test I will treasure sharing with him. He once again tested and did an amazing job after a very difficult year personally, I was so proud of him to persevere and join the 5th Dan Club!

Victoria Valentino tested for 5th Dna in Arkansas at the ATA World Championships.

My 5th Dan testing under Master Kevin Balon in Saddle Brook, NJ.

Nick Carbley tested for 5th Dan July 23, 2016 at Fastkix Taekwondo in Spotswood, NJ. 

                                                                                   
August 2016 was Grand Master Kathy's last bi-annual testings. She will be going a different direction with the bi-annual gatherings. But at this testing for 5th Dan was Miss Taylor Wauford. Taylor, who was prepping for a wedding at the same time, was also training for 5th Dan Black Belt. I was in Chicago with MLK. All day I was getting updates through text of on Facebook of how she was doing. Everyone said her forms were impeccable and testing was impressive! I may have been on the phone with her literally an hour, maybe less, after her testing was done, waiting for my bus in Chicago getting ready to go back to New Jersey.

Then, third weekend of September I found myself in Nashville, Tennessee at Family First Martial Arts. I attended their first Black Belt testing the year before and totally invited myself to return the following year. Weeks before this testing Miss Dani Carroll-Kooyman, wife to Master Larry Kooyman gave birth to their beautiful daughter. Reading her essay, training and preparing for 5th Dan Black Belt testing was a real challenge for her, and rightfully so. There's not many people who would push themselves, or know to what extent to train for a 5th Dan Black Belt test, and while pregnant?! That in itself was amazing and her indomitable spirit got her through rigorous training that she appropriately allowed herself, the mental and emotional challenges, and then of course giving birth, made her 5th Dan a treasured event.

Taylor Wauford (now Hooper) testing for 5th Dan in Tennessee under Master Katherine Wieczerza.

Dani Carroll-Kooyman received her 5th Dan at Family First Martial Arts Center in Tennessee, only a couple weeks after giving birth to her beautiful daughter!

This past weekend was the 20th Anniversary of the D.C Turnbull Taekwondo Black Belt Camp! 44 Black Belts tested, two of which were testing for 5th Dan were fiances's Jessica Wauford and Joey Curtis. The camp in itself is a phenomenal experience, but the testing process these guys went and had the opportunity to share with their fiance I know is something that will go deeper for them. I was privileged to be present for them. I felt Joey broke through a lot of barriers during his testing, and physically showed it when he did a four slab concrete break (one of my favorites during the test) and Jessica pushed through and allowed herself to JUST BE and LET IT BE which allowed so much to flow. And yes, Jessica, it is OKAY to express that happiness, as you earned it and deserve it. I was happy to be there for my family.

Fiances Joey Curtis and Jessica Wauford were the last two to receive their 5th Dans this year in Orlando, FL!

         
Even though this blog is about the eleven 5th Degrees of the year, there were some VERY high ranks that were tested this year I think I should make mention. I never witnessed a 6th Dan testing before and it was my privilege to see Sahbumnim Matt Bucci and Master Peter Vargas test for 6th Dan last week at the Black Belt Camp in Orlando, Florida. Also June 4, 2016 in Reno, Nevada was the test for Master Kathy Weiczerza for 8th Dan Black Belt. You can read about it here or in her words here. And Febraury 2016, my very own Sifu Pedro Cepero Yee achieving his 9th Dan in Hung Ga Kung Fu before being appointed World President for Yee's Hung Ga Kung Fu Association on June 13, 2016. I bleieve he is the only 9th Dan in the system in the world, and his Sifu, my Sigung, voted in to 10th Dan.

In this industry, people in mass martial arts get Black Belts too easily, and many people the standards and quality  falls and distills the arts. I can vouch that these martial artists mentioned in this blog are top quality martial artists that keep the standards, values, and the deep meaning, worth, and tradition of the martial arts strong and alive. It is a great comfort that these individuals represent what the martial arts is all about. I am honored and privileged to know them all and extend my most sincerest gratitude to knowing you all and congratulating you all on your achievements and accomplishments.

This Blog is dedicated to my fellow 5th Dans of 2016!: Glenn Ames, Kelley Hardy, Victoria Hardy, Cathy Brown, Victoria Valentino, Nick Carbley, Taylor Wauford, Dani Carroll-Kooyman, Jessica Wauford, and Joey Curtis.

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Trento's Travels

I haven't blogged much. But I have kept VERY busy! I have been training hard, working hard, getting things done, accomplishing projects, competing in-completions, making time for important things to me and people who are important to me, and a lot of it required TRAVELING.

My mother is a travel agent and I practically grew up on an airplane. I am very grateful for all the opportunities I got to travel, but at one point in my life it was just too much for me. It actually became a problem for me at one point, so I took a looooong break from traveling. However, in the last year or two, I made up for all the years I ever traveled. Actually, I don't think I EVER traveled as much as I did growing up as I have in these last two years alone!

And guess what? I'm LOVING it! However, one of my major goals for the next five years requires A LOT of traveling. But I've been a part of some majorly awesome things since the end of August. Many of them will be blogs in themselves, but this is just to capture a small glimpse of my traveling adventures, which has been every week or weekend since the end of August.

I began with me going to Chicago, Illinois for the Tactical Offensive Warfare (T.O.W) Blade Warrior Certification with Mike Lee Kanarek. It was a fantastic experience! I even ran into my buddy Tyler Mineo from Georgia there! It was my first time in Chicago and I really enjoyed it. But what I enjoyed even more was the fabulous training that I always get a thrill from with Mike Lee.

The following weekend I went to one of my most favorite places ever, Georgia! For my best friend Stacey Stone's 40th birthday! She doesn't look a day over 28! She doesn't act a day over 28 either! She won't agree with that first statement. She WILL agree with that second statement! LOL! She and Bobby are family to me and I wouldn't have missed the occasion for the world.

The following week, I went to Ft. Lauderdale with Master Balon for the AAU Taekwondo Team Trials. This is one of the biggest events the AAU Taekwondo runs. All the gold medalist Black Belts from Junior and Cadet age divisions competing and fighting for the spot on the national team for elite training and competition experience on the international level. The greatest coaches, athletes, and referees. I was happy to have the experience with my mentor, Master Balon, to spend time with my AAU TKD family, and for the experience of refereeing at that level.

The next weekend I was in Pennsylvania for the HaganaH Ground Survival Certification. It was one of the last certifications I was going for in the system. The following weekend, I went to Nashville, Tennessee for the Family First Martial Arts Black Belt testing. I spent my time with the great Master Kathy and the wonderful Jo Wright. I also got to spend time with their son Grisha and had a great time. But I also loved my time with Masters Larry Kooyman, Richard Winston, Master Andy Tourin from Nevada, and Soke David McNeil, who I also had the opportunity to interview.

Then I went to LBI for my traditional trip for the Chowderfest for a little getaway after my school's belt testings, and the following week TMAFC had it's own Black Belt testing. Then the next weekend was a doozy. I drove an hour down in New Jersey for part 1 of my best friend, Nina Harkhani's, wedding. I got home 1:30am. Woke up 6:30am, to leave at 7:30am to be in Pennsylvania 8:30am for the Mike Lee Kanarek seminar, left early at 1pm, drove four hours down to Baltimore, Maryland for part 2 of the wedding where Nina and her new husband live, left at 12:30am, drove three hours home with Robert on the phone and arrived 3:15am, woke up 6:30am, left 7:30am to be back in Pennsylvania 8:30am  for training all day with Mike Lee Kanarek and the Striking Militia where we sparred and did sparring drills all day.

The following weekend I had the honor and privilege of going to Nashville, Tennessee again to be a groomsman for Taylor Wauford and Jacob Hooper's wedding. It was an absolutely beautiful wedding. Spending beautiful time with family and dear friends. The next weekend (this past weekend) I was in Orlando, Florida with MORE Taekwondo family for DC Turnbull Taekwondo's 20th Black Belt Camp Anniversary, to participate and support and experience this camp I've heard so much about! (later blog).

Next week I'll be in back in Atlanta, Georgia for Thanksgiving week, and I'll have a little breather until February. Then February to June, just about every week I have adventures all over the country. I am NOT complaining by any means. I am so grateful and blessed to have these opportunities to be doing such great things, being with beautiful people, and having the time of my life right now. Times are good. Tears of gratitude come when I think of the wonderful things I am privileged to experience. And I feel good, for the most part. Movement is life. And you can never hit a moving target. And God knows, I am one!

The comical parts of my travels? Oh every trip had one. A plane having horrible turbulence, flying through lightning clouds, delays because parts broke on the plane, fire alarms going off at airport, security line delayed because of faulty technology, all those things still happen. But they just make for funny haha stories for later! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Macaroni Sunday

Do you know how many types of the picture above I have? Growing up I had Italian style dinner every Sunday whether it be at my mother's house of grandmother's house, pasta for dinner. Salad, meat, pasta, dessert, coffee, every Sunday. To this day if I don't have pasta on Sunday I feel like something is just not right. 

By the time I was 13 years old, I began competing in Taekwondo. I was always a Black Belt competing. I competed with one of my closest friends and Friars, Kenny Perez. His mother, one of my best friends, would have us come over wherever they were living at the time, and we would "carb up" the night before a competition. So we would have Macaroni Sunday on Saturday night before competing. 

In 2008 I moved into my first apartment and for two years, just about EVERY single Sunday, I would host my famous Macaroni Sundays. Looking back, I don't know how the hell I did it for almost every Sunday for two years. It was a LOT of work, LOT of time, and LOT of money to do. But they also remain to be some of the greatest and most treasured memories I have in my life. It was the same 7 people, including Jessie, and some cameo appearances and guests by people along the way. I would change the pasta and sauce every week, and I had my Mickey Mouse plates, Iced Tea pitchers, table all set, and a speech and grace said at the beginning of dinner. We watched movies, swam, played games, and had an Italian style dessert as well. 

Two years. Two years of that. I bet you any of those people from those days, if you ask them today what some of their best memories in life are, they'll say Macaroni Sunday. I moved back to Saddle Brook and I did one or two. I moved back to Garfield later and did a few here and there, but not like I used to. I've been in my current apartment almost three years now and I did one holiday dinner once, but nothing since. It's been years since I've done an official Macaroni Sunday. 

I am blessed to have such wonderful people around me today. They've heard about Macaroni Sundays and have said to me "You need to do them again!" I heyed and hawed, etc. Well recently we celebrated Thomas Cubby's birthday (29th birthday with 24 years of experience). I've been to his apartment but the girls, Nicole and Heather, have not. Thomas has lived in his apartment for almost two years and just NEVER settled in. Things weren't in place, he never decorated, things were in boxes still etc. He never had people over and really wanted to be able to entertain in his home. 

After we went for his birthday me and the girls went over. They have never been there before and right away they were giving ideas and tips and offering him help to settle in his apartment. So of course, I found an opportunity to challenge him. I said to Thomas that to hold him accountable to support his cause, at a random any given moment, I would tell him I am going to host one of my traditional Macaroni Sundays AT HIS HOUSE and he'd need to be ready for it. 

So days later Thomas sent a picture of his floor and the girls teased him saying "Oh my gosh! You have a rug!" to which I followed up "Dinner is at 4:30 on Sunday, be ready." The challenge was on! So that Sunday Thomas picked me up and I brought my two original Mac Sunday pots, my original Mickey Mouse plates, my original Mickey Mouse head coaster for the pot, and when Thomas moved in I gave him one of my old dining room tables which I used to have macaroni Sunday on as well. 

I got to his house, had my glass of wine poured, and I began to cook the sauce and the meatballs, with ABBA music played in the background, dancing in the kitchen, just as I used to years ago. The house smelled of my sauce, and Thomas's apartment was so clean and spacious and tidy, it looked like an entirely new apartment! I made my meatballs, traditional tomato sauce that takes a few hours to cook, and Thomas chose angel hair spaghetti. 

Nicole arrived first, then Guillermo. Heather and her boyfriend Justen arrived, followed by Ann Marie. Jessie was so upset she couldn't make it, but next time she will be there! The table was all set. We sat around the table and I made a small speech of the history of Macaroni Sunday and how this one came about. Then I offered our meal's blessings by saying grace, just as I used to.

It was a beautiful evening. We ate and talked around the table, drank wine, laughed, shared stories, it was beautiful. We cleared the table, and usually I clean dishes but Justen jumped in and helped cleaned dishes, God Bless him! Then we sat in the dining room, and we played random songs on the radio through Youtube and we DANCED! WE DANCED, DANCED, DANCED, we were sweating we danced so much! We danced to Van Halen, Queen, Lady Gaga, Aaron Carter, Spice Girls, the most random selection of songs! And we had a blast! To think seven of us dancing in the living room, and only a week before one person could barely walk through it!

Then we gathered around the table for delicious desserts made by Heather and continued our laughs and conversation. It was at this time I do what I sometimes do and I kinda sat back and sat "outside" of myself for a second, taking in the moment. I was incredibly happy to be doing this again. It was so nice to do and I was so grateful for the company I was in. I have a lot of wonderful people surrounding me. I really would like to do these dinners again more often. It really has been so long. 

On a spontaneous note, we walked over to our favorite place Oak'N Ale and we had participated in Karaoke Night! This was something else I loved about this crew. Always up for an adventure, no one cares about being embarrassed or whether they're good or not, just want to share an experience, enjoy life, go on an adventure, and JUST BE! Nicole and I sang A Whole New World in opposite parts, Thomas sang Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, Justen sang Walking in Memphis, Nicole and I sang 98 degrees, I also sang Piano Man with Thomas. But my favorite part was the group singing together Let it Be. That of course was very special to me. 

My favorite quote from the movie It's a Wonderful Life is "No man is a failure who has friends" and I truly believe that. We walk this earth with sometimes the most incredible people. Never take for granted those people. Sometimes you go through hard knocks to finding those good people. These guys are the most loyal and devoted students of mine, so we share that strong bond, but they are also fierce friends and tremendous support. I have always said it, but no man is a failure who has friends, but I am doubly blessed to call them my family.

Macaroni Sunday was a success, we were sorry Jessie couldn't be there, but maybe we'll help clean her apartment and have one over there next! Maybe it is time to revive the Macaroni Sundays again. They are the greatest gifts I can share, and my treasure are not tangible items but experiences. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed reminiscing in the love of doing it. 

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

5th Degree Black Belt

Master Trento with his mentor Master Kevin Balon on his 5th Dan Black Belt Test July 16, 2016.

Master Trento being escorted into the dojang with his eyes closed at beginning of the test. 

My last Black Belt test was on June 23, 2012 for my 4^th Degree Black Belt under Master Kevin Balon. It takes a minimum of four years before one can be eligible as far as time in grade to advance to next rank. That, however, is not the only criteria. Many at 4^th Dan in Taekwondo have the opportunity to become Master Instructors, in which case the responsibilities expand greatly. One does not necessarily have to be a school owner, but must teach in some capacity and have students of their own they are responsible. There is a level of service provided to the art, its students, and to the community in some way. These fall under the guidelines of service and character, as well as active training that has a depth in skill and knowledge.

I personally have always taken the responsibilities of my ranks seriously. The goals I laid out for my 4^th Dan years I also take on very seriously. In these last four years I maintained a consistent balance in my training regimen and adjusted, upgraded, evolved, and updated my scheduling, training, and studies. I consistently worked monthly with each of my mentors as diligently as possible.  As consistent as possible I would study weekly with my Sifu and learning and advancing in the art of Hung Ga Kung Fu. I have also become an certified instructor under Mike Lee Kanarek to teach HaganaH F.I.G.H.T and received several more certifications including Battle Ready Kickboxing, Blade Warrior, Striking Militia, and soon Ground Survival.

I had a lot of heavy personal turmoil early in my 4^th Dan years that required tremendous changes and heartbreaks. I also had a transition of personal and professional growth and enlightenment. I also got more involved in the AAU even more including officiating, upgrading to B level, becoming Clinical Administrator for New Jersey, worked and run Special Needs divisions across the country, ran my own in school tournament, worked three national events, worked a Junior Olympics Games, and traveled  outside my region to other district tournaments as well.

The day had finally come that I have been training for the last four years for. This past year was my heaviest and fullest year for many reasons. But July 16, 2016 was the day I test for my 5^th Degree Black Belt. I would be tested by my dear mentor, New Jersey District Director, 7^th Degree Black Belt, Master Kevin Balon. I trained every month with Master Balon, he knows of all my abilities, weaknesses, my strengths, my fears, my history, and my character, there is no one better to push me into this new level of rank. For this test, he had even offered to test me at my very own school in front of my family, friends, and students. We would follow the AAU guidelines of Patterns, General Knowledge, Self-Defense, Sparring, and Breaking. In preparation for the test we discussed things expected of me on this test but also promised   me there would be plenty of “surprises” which I said to him, “I’m sure there will be plenty” but truth be told, none of which I could have ever anticipated.

Master Trento giving Mr. Colon a little love during the sit ups.

Master Trento's mentor, Charlene, used to have him do one legged push ups.

The test started with Master Balon warming up Master Trento with conditioning. 

The day before the test my student Thomas and I had gone to get massages and then had a nice breakfast.  I set up the dojang with as many fans as I could for the benefit of the spectators and reserved the front seats for my family. I went home and gone to sleep. I slept in a little, got to the school early afternoon to foresee a few things to make sure the dojang was decent and clean. Then I remembered I forgot something at home (always good to go early just in case something like that happens) to which my student Heather drove me home quick to get what I needed, as we rocked out to I’ve Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas on the way to the school, a small memory I’ll always remember.

I went upstairs to stretch and warmup. Master Kathy told me she wouldn’t be able to come and that maybe we could Skype in her to watch the test. So during the week we practiced how to do it and practiced over Skype a bit. She specifically told me right before I stretched to Skype with her beforehand. I tried but it didn’t work and then I was trying to figure it out on my ipad which only frustrated me more to which she finally called me and said to try Skyping me when I walked in so she could watch the test. I said OKAY.

My student Robert came in early to help me stretch and run through a little bit of things together ahead of time. Then, it was time for me to come in. Nicole and Samantha came to get me and I was instructed that when I reach the bottom of the stairs to close my eyes and keep them shut and they would escort me into the dojang into position to go into concentration position in front of the zen candle. Master Balon was setting up my testing just as I would at Trento’s Martial Arts and Fitness Center.  I remained there concentrating on my breathing and relaxing myself as I grow minutes closer to beginning my test.

The lights went on and I was told to stand up at attention. There in front of my stood my mentor Master Samuel DeJesus, Master Balon, and my dear friend from Georgia, Master Bobby Stone. I knew that the Stone family was coming to support, but I didn’t realize Master Stone would be on my testing board, I was humbled and honored. Master Balon welcomed everyone to my Black Belt testing at Trento’s Martial Arts and Fitness Center. He then allowed each judge to introduce themselves. Master DeJesus first introduced himself following with a quick statement to me: “I’m gonna kick your ass today, sir!” Then Master Stone introduced himself “Hey, I’m Bobby Stone from Atlanta!” and then Master Balon introduced himself as well.

Master Balon then mentioned we have one extra chair on the panel for a special guest who will be coming and he looked over at me and said “I told you about that, right?” And I said “Yessir” thinking he meant Sifu, because we did mention that there was a chance he may be able to make it despite his previous obligation. Then I paused for a second and said “Wait, no…” to which two hands slapped on my shoulders and I paused. I know Sifu’s hands. Those weren’t Sifu’s hands….

I turned around and my jaw dropped and I think I jumped a little off the ground. There stood Master Kathy in person! I was shocked! I was in TOTAL Shock! I gave me a big hug and I damn nearly cried right there. She then took her spot up at the panel and told everyone how they had me going all week, practicing Skype and everything, I even apparently Skyped with her while she was on the way to the airport here to NJ!! It was the most wonderful surprise, and quite honestly Master Balon already surprised me for my birthday in such a way, I don’t know if I could have handled any more surprises at that point!

Master Trento was surprised by Master Kathy "the Wiz" who flew in from Nashville, Tennessee the day before to be at the test. 

Master Kathy was kept a secret to surprise Master Trento. 

Master Balon wishing Master Trento luck before the test began. 

Master Trento's Testing Board: Master Samuel DeJesus (5th Dan), Master Kevin Balon (7th Dan), Master Bobby Stone (6th Dan), and Master Kathy Wieczerza (8th Dan), 

Then the test began. Master Balon brought me through a conditioning warmup with some interesting exercises. Then, He had me do different basic technique line drills which he had Master Stone run me through. In between, Master Kathy would request me to change different style, layout, or execution to the techniques I was doing. Then I ran through techniques and kicks on the paddles held for me by Mr. Guillermo Colon. Again, critiqued and adjusted by the panel for specific things they were looking for.

Then we began the forms and conditioning portion of the test. So here’s a side note. Master Balon had always tried to replicate things from his past tests onto my own. For example, when Master Balon tested  for his 4^th Dan test with the AAU, Michael Friello called  out techniques for Master Balon but the names Master Friello used for the techniques were different to what Master Balon knew them as. SO he had to figure them out as he went along. On my 4^th Dan test, Master Balon did that same thing to me calling out names of techniques by different names that would be used for  them while I do the techniques I thought they were.  SO for Master Balon’s 5^th Dan, the head of the AAU Dan program then was Grandmaster Robert Hardin. Master Balon was put through a series of conditioning drills through this camp in Arkansas before running through his test.

So very similarly to what he did on his 5^th Dan test, Master Balon between each section of forms ran through four different drills, reps increasing each time(one legs, one cardio, one core, one push-ups), and then run through the next section of forms. SO first I did the all the color belt forms. I did the ITF forms, which would be Chonji, Dan Gun, Dosan, Won Hyo, Yul Gok, Joong Gun, Toi Gye, Hwa Rang, and Choong Moo. Then I did my four drills, reps of 25. Then the 1^st Dan Forms, Kwang Gae, Po Ehn, and Gaebeck before doing the next four drills, reps of 50. Then the 2^nd Dan Forms Eiu Am, Choong Jang, Ko Dang, and Juche. Then my next four drills, reps of 75. Then the 3^rd Dan Forms Sam Il, Yoo Sin, and Choi Yong. The last sets of four drills were 100 reps each. 

The legs and core drills weren’t my problem, but the several different types of push-ups and upper body drills that were killing me. It was great because I loved the challenge and the opportunity to push through. But one of the greatest parts for me is when Master Balon and Master Kathy would encourage the students to jump in to support me, not only by cheering but by literally jumping in and doing the drills with me, especially when I was struggling. They do it for each other in our belt tests. But I guess because Master Balon was running the test and it was for me they really didn’t know what the proper protocol was.  Once Master Balon and Master Kathy explained what they needed to do in order to support me, they all jumped in with me each time. Adults, teens, and kids; it was very meaningful for me. I can remember Thomas sweating next to me as if he were testing, or Ann Marie calling out cheers, or Samantha and Danielle counting in unison (which they do anyway, they’re twins!) for everyone to follow, or Sam Volk calling out words of encouragement, or Robert getting in front of me to do push-ups mirroring me while I did them, it was very special to have, and one of my favorite parts of the test. It reminded me of the very very old days.

Master Trento's students jumping in to support him during the test.

Support. 

Master Balon asked me a little bit about the 4^th Degree forms histories and philosophies, and then called me front and center. He announced that “today Master Andrew Trento is testing for his 5^th Degree Black Belt” and my support had applauded for me as I began my ranking forms for 4^th Dan. First was Yon Gae. Then was Ul Ji. Then right before I did my final form, Master Balon announced and gathered cheers for my final form which had made me a two time national champion, and it happened to be my favorite form, Moon Moo. I wanted this form to be sharp and clean. At this point my body was pretty spent, but I knew I had to really put my all into this final form. It started with a slow single leg side kick to the side and then rechambering for a piercing side kick with the same leg, then changing legs by holding the heel up in position while moving it 180 degrees slowly to the other side before executing the hook kick. I was VERY pleased, considering my physical fatigue.

Then Master DeJesus came forth to me and told me to get changed. Blink Blink. Yessir….um….to what? “Wear something comfortable.” I already knew whatever Master Balon had asked me to do for self-defense, was NOT going to be what we discussed. I had always said for Black Belt testings “Expect the unexpected.” I came out with my HaganaH Ambassador T-Shirt given to me my Mike Lee Kanarek, and my new Muay Thai shorts. Master DeJesus was standing ready for me saying “So I heard you thought you were going to be doing this self-defense demonstration and stuff. You’re not doing that at all!” I told him I figured. He was called in to run my self-defense testing. Perfect! There’s no one better!

We did two stress and aggression drills. The true way to test self-defense is through physical exhaustion and high levels of stress. To be able to perform in those conditions is a true testament to whether or not one can defend themselves in high level confrontations. The first was a drills where 8 people or so pushed themselves against me against the wall to which I had 30 seconds to get out and then at random be attacked by one of the HaganaH scenarios. I got out the first time then got attacked by the side headlock attack. The second time I did NOT get out in 30 seconds  to which I did burpees, then attacked by gun in front of the head. The third time I did get out in 30 seconds and then attacked by outside neck knife threat. Then we did a stress an aggression technique that required me to run and get a medicine ball and acquire it for 30 seconds while another person tried to retrieve it as well. The first time, I had the ball, but my muscles were brought to their brinking point. My muscle fibers reached their limits. I was also instructed not to strike. My best weapons were taken from me and I had to just fight on heart alone. I didn’t do too bad, but not enough to acquire the ball alone. Physical exercise penalties were applied, and I would be attacked again with another scenario.

So the second time I had to do it, I had taken the ball and I ran straight out the door, right to the front of the gym, out the front doors, and around the building. He didn’t say I couldn’t! And I had the ball for more than 30 seconds at that point! I walked back to the dojang. Master DeJesus said I had to do it again. LOL! But that time I had to fight off two of my HaganaH students at the same time, and again, my body pretty much was done by that point. Then I was given a 2 minute break.

Master Trento doing forms. 

Master Trento's adult students from Taekwondo and HaganaH

The first stress and aggression drill.

Master Trento grappling with Master Samuel DeJesus

Master Trento had to do three submissions in five minutes. 

When I returned after two minutes, Master Balon explained to me I was going to grapple with Master DeJesus for 5 minutes. In that 5 minutes I had to do 3 submissions to him. I had never done grappling before in my life and did not know how to do a submission. So this was a GREAT challenge and lesson to walk away with. I was NOT allowed to strike. It was also an honor to roll on the mats with Master DeJesus, he’s FANTASTIC at rolling on the  mats, and a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, what an opportunity! Not many people with little to no experience can truly say they can get that opportunity!

During my time on the floor, He would put me in slight locks as if to teach me while he was grappling with me. But the truth was, my muscles would not let me do half the things I wanted them to do. The prior conditioning really fatigued the arms and shoulders to the point where they  were done, and my legs began to cramp and lock up, so I knew I had to be smart about keeping my body healthy while also achieving my objective. I think it took over 2 minutes before I got Master DeJesus to  tap out the first time. Maybe another minute and a half for the second. Literally, in the last 10  seconds I got my third.  It was a GREAT challenge and awesome opportunity!

Next I got my shin guards, helmet, mouth guard, and gloves on for sparring. I already knew before this test I wanted to show more hands in my sparring because they always came second to my legs being that I did Taekwondo sparring for nearly 20 years now. I was not doing Olympic or Point Taekwondo sparring, but Kickboxing sparring. This would be more challenging for me and outside the comfort zone. But again, the prior conditioning made an impact on how I would manage my tools. It was a one, three minute match with Mr. Austin Redlich, one of Master DeJesus’s students, and excellent fighter, and I chose him because I knew he would challenge me and come at me. I was happy to spar Austin for this test, and when we started I knew my focus had to shift from being tactical to persevering. I could not extend my arm for the jabs and I could lift my arms to block or throw proper hook punches. Foot work was my saving grace, along with my HaganaH vaccination training. I threw my kicks when I felt too fatigued and only when I knew they would land. But I really didn’t want to use kicks if I could help it because I wanted to do what was harder for me and that was definitely my upper body. But I did have no choice but to resort to the legs a few times and ended with an ax kick to the head on the final seconds. Austin was fair, and a great sparring partner.

Master Trento sparred with Mr. Austin Redlich on his test.

Master Trento did kickboxing sparring instead of Taekwondo sparring.

I changed into my final uniform to do breaking. I had prepared with a set number of station breaks to demonstrate power upper body, power lower body, and technical breaks. The first break would be a single leg kicking break without landing my leg which was front kick, side kick, hook kick, round kick, into ax kick. This was a tribute to my friend Master Joe Hasan, who is known for his single leg breaking techniques. IN aiming, my legs began to cramp badly to which I took a moment to stretch with Master DeJesus, before  getting back to breaking the boards, which I did each board first shot. Next I did three  board power reverse elbow into three board straight elbow, which I did successfully. Next was technical break of scissor kick which is a left leg twist kick simultaneous right leg side kick in the air. I’ve done it on targets, balloons, even x rays; Never on the boards. This would be in fact my first time.

I reflected back on my 4^th Dan Pretest I did at my school which I did a double front kick in the air. When I did it I broke the right but not the left, then the left but not the right, back to the right but not the left, and I kept laughing after each time that would happen which I remember Ms Gedman would laugh and couldn’t believe how light hearted I was. I certainly was focused and strong, but I had to figure out something technically I needed to do before finally breaking both boards. Well the scissor kick is the next step up from that and Master Balon has ALWAYS wanted me to do this kick. So history repeated itself. The right broke twice, then only the left, then neither, then the right. Usually you ask permission to break before you go for it, but the last time I decided not to so that I didn’t have to reset my mindset and keep the atmosphere a little more at ease than the tension that would erupt each time right before I broke. Also, my hip began to twinge and I knew I needed to keep it safe.

Then Master Kathy had brought over a board that was very special. Master Kathy just tested for 8^th Dan. When she sent the boards to Soke McNeil, he had his name stamped on them all. The leftover boards were sent back to Kathy’s home in Tennessee. She wanted me to break the FIRST board brought back from her testing with me holding the board for a speed punch. Another side note: I practiced doing this break earlier in the week and I was bruising my knuckles and I just wasn’t getting this break. Then another time I did it, it took several times to do it. Then skyping with Master Kathy we went back to the basics and I did it with a hammer fist and I did that a few times leading up to the test. Well I was to do this speed punch, holding it myself right now for Master Kathy. Master Stone did it in front of me first. Master Kathy had Master Stone do it first because he and I are brothers. We are family. Our energy is one. He can do it, and so can I. Well Master Kathy hit just the right chords to my heart. The symbolism behind doing this break as well is that everything must stay relaxed, even in motion so when it meets, true power can show. I relaxed and relaxed, I used the Goju Shorei fist, and BOOM, I did the break first shot!

Next was my signature power break: the sliding side kick. It was the first time I had done 6 boards, ten inches wide. It was a personal record for me. Then Master Kathy had me do one more break. I’ve seen her do this on testings in the past, but I’ve never done it myself. For a high rank such as 5^th Dan which I was going for, there comes greater responsibilities. Great power one can hold, but to be able to use it and not harm unto others is even greater power at a whole other level. So my next breaking objective was to break the board that would be held against Master Kathy’s body without hurting her. That means no follow through, but being able to use power in a different way that would not inflict pain. Whatever technique I wanted to use. I used inwards chop first and did not break it. I held back because it’s one of my favorites, but I didn’t want to follow through and hurt her. So I changed it to hammer fist and using a Qi method taught to me by Sifu when I first started training with him and the same relaxed state I did for the speed punch, I was able to break the board and NOT hurt Master Kathy. I think after I broke the board I even looked up and said “Are you alright?!”

Master Trento breaking 6 boards sliding side kick.

Power elbow strike breaks.

Speed punch on the first board brought back from Master Kathy's testing.

Master Kathy's board breaking challenge. 

I sat down into concentration position in front of the Zen candle, and I again regained my breath and relax my muscles while the judges went to a separate room to meet.  When they came back out I was told to stand up and to go to attention. Master Balon said while discussing my performance for my test, four words came up. The first was Entertaining. He asked everyone there is they thought I was entertaining which they all cheered. The second was skillful. He asked everyone if they felt I showed great skill and everyone cheered. The third was powerful, where he again asked if everyone thought I was powerful. And the fourth was inspiring, and he asked if everyone thought I was inspiring to which everyone cheered. Master DeJesus said to me he believed I showed exactly what it was to being a leader, being the candle as I always strive to be, especially for  my students, and to always reflect just that. Master Stone said he really loves to see how a  martial artist continues to get better not just over time but even in the course of a testing process, and he felt I did just that.

And Master Kathy first thanked Master Balon for welcoming her to the testing board along with the others, and then told me that she was proud of me, and it spoke volumes that so many people came out to support me and to go out of their way to being present at this very special event for me. The Stone Family came from Georgia, Master Kathy came from Nashville, TN as a surprise, both Annabelle DeJesus and Linda Balon were present, so many of my students, alumni I once taught, some from decades ago literally, my best friend Nina and her fiancé drove up from Baltimore, my Great aunt and uncle Joyce and Paul , my Aunt Karen, my dear friend Jessie, Sensei Cara Parmigiani, both my brothers, my parents, and my Grandma Cyn were all present. I truly am blessed by the support I had there.

But of course Master Kathy reminded me of the responsibility of this rank and to continue to make everything that I do so well know EVEN BETTER and to make it always look like what my level is all about, to which she asked Master Balon if I could right there do the white belt form, the most basic form I have been doing most of my martial arts career, the best I have ever done it, and to make it even better. She joked (kinda) that there was still time to fail me so to do it well. It was a great  way to end my test physically, to end with the first and most basic. Never forget your roots.

Master Balon in front of Master Trento at the end of the test. 

Then Master Balon had a special award he wanted to present to me and this was from the AAU New Jersey Taekwondo. I was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition to my dedication, service, and contribution to the martial arts over the course of my career. It was a beautiful gesture but it took even longer to digest for a while later as I thought about it more and  more. Something so very simple as this award really meant so much to me. IN a small gesture did Master BAlon validate and acknowledge my entire 20 years of martial arts in such a way that I could not begin to describe my gratitude. Then Master Balon stood in front of me and read off my certificate announcing that I had passed my 5^th Degree Black Belt and showed me my certificate which was signed not only by Master Balon, but by Master DeJesus, Master Stone, and Master Wieczerza as well. It was the greatest endorsement I could have for my rank. I saw there was an extra line in the case that Sifu may have been able to make it on time, but I knew I would have him sign there either way being he played a huge part in my journey to 5^th. Master Balon did not miss a single detail.

Master Trento receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from AAU New Jersey Taekwondo by it's District Director, Master Kevin Balon. 

But he proved his ability of not missing a single detail yet even further. What he did next blew my mind and warmed my heart so greatly. He pointed out that the certificate he gave out is what he gives to all his students, but he looked at me and said “But you’re not just any student.” Then he said “Let’s see if you remember this,” and he opened this box and took out this glass looking plaque and he held it up for me to read. As I was reading it the first thing I thought was “This looks like my Black  Belt certificate.” And He said “Do you remember?”  Then I realized it WAS a Black  Belt certificate! It was MY Black Belt certificate engraved in a glass plaque! I remember seeing this done at Master Larry Kooyman’s school  when I went back in September for his first Black Belt test.

Then my mind ran to “When did I tell Master Balon about this??” He said tell everyone the story behind it. I remembered the certificates like this given out to the Black Belt’s at Larry’s school, but I couldn’t even remember telling Master Balon about it! I was blown away that he even remembered that! He kept saying to me “You see! I do listen to YOU!” I was nearly speechless, I couldn’t believe he remembered that, and he made one up just like that for me! It’s hard to render me speechless, and I  was so overwhelmed by that point with all the surprises!

My 5th Dan Rank Certificate engraved in glass.

The four judges kneeled in front of the zen candle, and I kneeled before them. I was instructed to remove my 4^th Dan Belt, which I handed to Miss Ann Marie Cooper. My 5^th Dan was handed to me by Master Balon and he told me to tie it around my waist. The belt was absolutely beautiful. The 5 golden stripes were bright, and below them said MASTER ANDREW TRENTO with my name in Korean directly beneath it, and TRENTO’S MARTIAL ARTS on the other side. Master Balon put so much attention to the details to every part of this test. 

Then one of my students, Thomas Cubby, wanted to present a little "gift" to me. Thomas plays the ukulele, and I challenged him this year to writing a song. He wrote a beautiful song which he entitled "Movement is Life", based on the theme of the year I had been talking about all year. It was a beautiful tribute and he got everyone to get on their feet at the end and Master Kathy put her arm around me and we began swinging our hips, Thomas put many of our TMAFC family in the song as well; it was such a great way to end the test. It made it very fulfilling. One of the decorations made for my test said "Movement Is Life" on it, and I'm goign to gift it to Thomas as my thank you.

Thomas Cubby playing his ukulele and singing his song he wrote for Master Trento, "Movement If Life".

I then wanted to step up and say a few thank yous, which I will reiterate here in this blog. To my parents, for giving me the greatest gift of saying YES to my starting martial arts when I was younger, their love and support, and understanding for my martial arts. It wasn't always easy and they would be very upset sometimes with BOTH Fred and I for all the time it took away from them, but they understood it was just SOMETHING I had to do. They are also the ONLY PEOPLE to be at EVERY SINGLE Black Belt test I have ever taken. Thank you to both my brothers Eric and Thomas for being there as well. My great aunt and great uncle Joyce and Paul for taking the time to see my test. My wonderful Aunt Karen who has always been the Mary Poppins in my life, she was for the very first test, thank you for being there. My Grandma Cyn sat and never got up once from the test and watched intensely from beginning to end, thank you. I had alumni students from the old days who came which I appreciate so much, but to my best friend Dr. Nina Harkhani and her fiance Erik who drove all the way from Baltimore, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time and trip to supporting me. The entire Stone Family, Bobby, Stacey, Robert (R4), and Elizabeth (Biscuit), taking the time to coming to New Jersey on their family trip to NY to support me, but an even greater thrill to have Bobby on my testing board, you guys mean so much to me.

It's not every day you get to meet high ranking as well as high caliber martial artists like the Wiz, but an even more of a tremendous honor to have her surprise me not only with her presence but on my testing board, contributing to my rite of passage to 5th Dan, there is no greater excitement and pleasure, and honor. I love you so much Master Kathy, thank you for being there making my test even more special. To my tremendous teachers and mentors who have contributed so much to who I am not only as a martial artist, teacher, and school owner, but as a human being. Thank you to Master Sal Canzonieri, Master Peter Bardatsos, and Ms Pamela Gedman. Also to Mike Lee Kanarek who has contributed a great deal to my training and business over the last couple years. To the mentors who were present such as Charlene, Dr. Mary Ellen Stiehl, and Master DeJesus, not only your support was appreciated but the gratitude I have in my heart for your friendship and presence in my life goes beyond words. And of course to Sifu Pedro Cepero Yee who transformed my life in so many ways on so many levels, no greater honor is there than to call you MY Sifu.

Master Trento receiving his 5th Dan Black Belt from Master Kevin Balon. 

Master Kevin Balon, I always wanted to learn from you since I met you but I also really wanted to be your friend. Thank you for all these years of guidance, sharing, training, time, love, and support for so long. I loved my 5th Dan test. I know so much thought came into every single detail of this test and the amount of effort for you going out of your way to making this test so special does not go unnoticed. I know even the littlest things like the uniform you wore for the test, announcing I was a two time national champion before I did Moon Moo, the Master Kathy surprise, the custom 5th Dan certification allowing the panel to sign it and leaving a line for Sifu, passing on and re-enacting your 5th Dan test like GM Hardin did for you, the glass engraved 5th Dan certificate which dumbfounded me (LOL), the Lifetime Achievement Award which speaks volumes for me and continues to sink in more and more as the days go by, to my beautiful belt which says "Master Andrew Trento", and to the logo sign for the table cloth for me to use at my own testings; I am just overwhelmed with gratitude, thank you does not cover it.

Master Kevin Balon and Master Andrew Trento at Master Trento's 5th Dan test.

And finally, to my students. At my test I had asked anyone and everyone who has ever learned from me to stand and step forward. There are two ways to spread light, by being the candle or being the mirror. Life I all about being the candle. It has been my mission in life to change people's lives for the better and getting people to shine their own light from within using martial arts as a tool through any platform I can. My greatest trophies and awards that I have ever received are my students. Even if I changed one thing for them to better their lives, than I have been successful, and my life's work has had meaning. I thank you from every fiber of my body for your continued belief in me, love and support, and carrying on my teachings in your lives. You remind me each and every day why I do what I do and I thank you.

I love taking Black Belt tests and giving Black Belt tests, because of the transformation process that occurs. I am eternally grateful and very aware of how lucky I am to have people surrounding me fulfilling my life. For all it's purposes, in every aspect, I say to you all, thank you, thank you, thank you. (BOWS)

Love and Support!
ALL of Master Trento's students running up to giving him a hug at the very end of the test. 

Master Trento and Grandma Cyn at the end of the test.

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO