We Get What We Focus On

This is a huge part of my teachings. Different levels of focus in positive perspective. Anyone who has ever trained under me in the last 20 years can recite this word for word.

The most powerful animal in the world is the human being because of their unbelievable power to think. A theologian will tell you that God has given human beings the gift of free will. If you put these two concepts together, we have the blessing of having free will to thinking.

The ability to make choices is so important. You can choose good, you can choose bad. You can choose positive, you can choose negative. We control our EAR (Effort, Attitude, and Responses). We are 100% responsible for these three things and it has to do with choice. We feel certain things, but we choose what to do next and how to continue feeling about it.

If I asked myself, "Why am I so stupid?" the mind gives you an answer. If I ask "Why am I so smart?" I STILL get an answer? Which is the better question to ask? (I hope you said why am I so smart).

If my radio is not working and I ask "Why is this not working?" my focus is on "not working" vs if I ask "How can I fix this?" I guarantee I will find a way that fixes it. This is how we shift our focus from one thing to another.

I remember walking at Montclair University with a bunch of books and it was snowing. I kept saying "Don't fall, don't fall, don't fall..." What's the last thing I said? FALL. What did I do? I FELL! I laughed of course, knowing what I did wrong. Got all my stuff and then continued, saying "Steady, steady, steady..."

I love questions. Questions is the act of thinking. Ask the same question more and more and over and over and the deeper your thoughts are. The deeper your thoughts, the more questions are answered. The more questions answered, the clearer your mind becomes. This is why I ask questions all the time, sometimes just to hear, to gain perspective, validation, to answers I already know, maybe it's why I love interviewing too. The answer is not important unless asked the right question.

We usually use board breaking as an example of this in, martial arts. Remember thoughts have a frequency, no matter how large it is. If I face a board and say "I'm going to break this! I'm going to break this!" but in the far back of my head that little thought of "But will it hurt?" pops up, my focus is cut 50/50. If I had 50 thoughts in my head out of 100% of focus they each get 2%. This is why many of us run around like a chicken without a head. When we focus and take one thought at a time, life moves forward.

We get what we focus on PERIOD. I understood the law of attraction years before the Secret, because of martial arts. I've seen people cure illnesses and beat impossible odds in life because of this focus. I've done it myself. Where attention goes, energy flows, and results show. This is how we unintentionally affect other people too. Worry and fear for the worst is collective energy that does not serve. I'm not saying being in denial, but maintaining a positive state for ourselves and others is important for positive results.

Focus on needing, you will continue to need. Focus on wanting and you'll always want. Focus on trying and you'll always try not do (I have an issue with this word). Focus on wishing, and you'll only be wishing ever.

Focus on what you want. Not what you don't want. Focus on what you have, not what you need. Focus on doing, not lack of doing. It is not our abilities that define who we are, it is our choices. What do you choose to focus on? (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Our Stories

I have been counseling people for I think now a dozen years. My early years of martial arts training involved a great deal of psychology training, as it should. My first master had me do an insane amount of research on self esteem and over the years I continued and enhanced and upgraded the material. I use it to better my own self and with my students. I use martial arts as the physical avenue to showing what the mental and emotional functions can do for us. It's the "mental training" that I believe is the most important part of our training because of the mind being our most powerful tool.

Mental training led me to my healing modalities as well, including hypnosis, aromatherapy, and medical Qigong therapy. But they all link to something I've done for more than twelve years and that is my life coaching. And one of the things I come across all the time with people and even myself (because we are ALL guilty of this) is the stories we make up about people and situation because of our preconceived perceptions.

At the end of the day, we DON'T KNOW. When it comes to circumstances with people, situations and scenarios, people's intentions and opinions, we don't know. YET many people run off the the assumptions of their perspective and say "OH trust me, I know" and I will say 95% of the time are dead wrong. When we create a story about something and then go with it, it can cause more problems whether it be by choice of words, behavior, or actions taken.

Muscle memory is when your body remembers something and does it without you thinking. Our mind and behaviors can work the same way. Through repetition and association, we program our reticular activating system in this fashion. The truth is, these old programing of ours can be RE-programmed. But we have to be very aware that we work on being objective in our thinking and behaviors.

I knew someone once who wrote a letter to someone. This person believed that someone read it and every single thing this person did was based on reading that letter. I said "But you really don't know if he/she did read the letter." "OH he/she did! I know it!" This went on for about a year until finally when speaking to this person, they found out the other party didn't get the letter at all and it was never read. A year of wasting on the story they made up in their heads.

People create stories for a few reasons. We don't MEAN to do it, but our prior programming can dictate that. Especially those who have had more trauma in their lives. Others subconsciously do it because it dictates a sense of control on a situation and allows them to act the way they want (again this is subconscious, and unintentional, but it happens. And when the perception of a person is just so hell bent on being fear-based, the negative perspectives do take over. Someone was seen as yelling, instead of a stern tone. Someone was "flipping out" instead of just disappointed. Someone was "out to get you" when they were just going about their regular day.

I remember one time of my life I told myself I have to give people a chance. One situation someone said they were going to do something and I didn't believe them. I thought they were going to do something else instead. Normally I'd get all flustered and angry on the inside to the point where I would nag and nudge because I was relying on the other party's help. But in this scenario I took a breath and said to myself, I trust this person's integrity. When the person wasn't showing up on time I had a knot in my stomach but took and breath and told the story, they must be running late. Sure enough the person did arrive and apologized for the tardiness. I began doing this more and more and found if I just trusted a little bit and had faith in people a little more, you'd be surprised instead of being tortured by your own story. This is not to say people won't ever let you down or disappoint you, but you'll find the balance will turn more so in your favor.

Because again, at the end of the day you just DON'T KNOW. People today are quick to turn to the worst case scenario and give themselves an anxiety attack and panic and suffer. But people really aren't as bad as either you view them, or how they want to be perceived. How many people say "I'm a nasty person" and they say that proudly. You'd be surprised. But when push comes to shove, most really DO know when to be appropriate and respectful, and not fly off the handle.

Sometimes the stories we make can be dangerous. We need to acknowledge when we do this and change it. When we program our reticular system with success-based thinking, solution oriented thinking, open mindedness and tolerant thinking, we find we make better choices in our lives and interact more positively in our lives. When we do that, we participate and view life in a much more secure and confident manner, and not in fear and through victimization.

What about the stories we tell ourselves about our SELF!? A whole other blog. But self-image is the key to peak performance. Be kind to yourself. Make a good story about yourself. If you don't like the current story then pick up the pen and start rewriting your future. Rewrite the stories of your past, tell more stories about your happy future. Tell good stories about the people around you. It can change your life. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Rainbow in My Cloud

I have had many clouds in my life. More than most know. But so does everybody. I am very aware that everyone has a story. Everyone has been through something. Everyone has had clouds. When I was a teenager I was very sick, had a huge mental breakdown, a lieu of changes, didn't know how to function in life. At the beginning of opening my school I found myself sick again and going through the same hoops and loops. Some may have heard of the "sorrow" bowl that will is infamous for it's time in my life. And of course the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad 2014. I've been through more death, betrayal, debt, illness, tragedy, and change than I ever wanted to know about.

I've had many clouds in my life, as maybe you have too. But with each cloud I experienced, I had my own personal angel as well. Not an actual angel, although I probably had those too, but people who were the beacon of light for me when I had none of my own in those clouds. Yes, I've had many clouds, but I've had many rainbows too.

In my worst moments, I've had people be my rainbow. When I was sick, it was Mrs. Cindy Verost who shared music and it became an outlet for me. Something I could do, and function, and look forward to when I couldn't do anything else. When I was fired it was Doreen Vignali, who dragged me out of bed and forced me to eat and move on. When the Sorrow Bowl hit it was Aunt Karen and Jessie who stayed with me until it was over. A few years ago it was the DeJesus's and my friend Cara who were a big support to me keeping me moving when I was in a huge cloud.

2014 was the worst year of my life I think. In June of that year I had cleaned house big time, as far as people and places. And a few weeks later I was supposed to go to nationals. I didn't want to go, but I didn't want to let one of my students down who was going. I went and decided to officiate, and I met the grandest crew of rainbows I could have asked for, particularly Bobby and Stacey Stone. All of those guys cannot fathom the amazing timing of their presence in my life.

I use the candle metaphor all the time. It's the name of this very blog. I believe life is all about being the candle. A candle can light other candles, and the light that fuels us to participate in life in such a way that produces miracles is always lit. Anyone who is active in my life knows it is always an adventure. Some even closer find it like being in a Mary Poppins book. All I have to say is "I have an idea," and you know what happens next. When I go somewhere, I bring anyone who has been kind to me with me. I wrote about the gift of kindness a while back, click on the link its a good read.

People don't remember always what you say to them or do for them, but they remember how you made them feel. To be kind to others in desperate times of need, from the most genuine part of your heart is so valuable. It doesn't matter who you are. Whether you're black, white, gay, straight, Asian, Spanish, whoever you are, if you're kind to me I am kind to you and you are welcome in the magical adventures of my world.

I learned a great deal on the lesson of support (click on link, it's been a recent favorite). These days I don't ever feel as if I don't have help or am alone. I've had rainbows in my clouds. You should prepare yourself so YOU can be a rainbow in someone else's cloud as well. We are all beacons of light for one another. One candle lighting the other, eternal radiance, never blowing out. The true measure of tolerance is knowing we are all living in the world together, and need to live. Whether it be someone who may not call God the same name as you call God,if they call God at all! But you can still be a blessing to somebody.

I am blessed today. I have been blessed in those moments when all I could see were clouds. Whether it be Mrs. Verost, Doreen Vignali, Aunt Karen and Jessie, Bobby and Stacey, Sam and Annabelle, Cara, or my students of today, I have been blessed to have rainbows in my clouds. At the end of the day, always be kind to one another, and be a blessing to somebody today. Smile, share, laugh, and offer your light to others. Most of the times you'll never know the difference you make, but you do and you will. Be a rainbow in somebody else's cloud! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Pain

I was really sick several years ago. Seems like a lifetime ago, but sometimes it feels just like yesterday. I called that period of my life "The abyss". I thought it was the worst time of my life, and I would ask "How could things get worse?" But problem with words is that they have power, and the universe feels obligated to answer. So when I ask that question, the universe shows me. Took me a while to ask the question, "How could things get any better?" I liked those answers better.

When I was sick all those years ago, some physical ailments never left me. Trento Trivia: I am in pain every single day. You didn't know? Most don't nor do they see it. And the ones who do, probably overlook it. Physical pain. The way I described it to someone once was like hot knives stabbing into my body. It's never the same places, but on a good day it's just intolerable. You look at me and you'd never know, nor do I show any signs. I'm on the mats and I move and move well.

But the stinging in my sides, the pain in the joints and muscles, the buckling of my knees, the neuropathy in my feet, it's there every day. Why don't I make a bigger deal out of it? One, despite certain peoples' beliefs, I really don't like that attention, and I don't like to make a big deal of things, because quite frankly I've been through worse. There is nothing that has helped me other than oils sometimes, and Qigong.

Recently I've had new symptoms. Plantar Faciitis, spraining tendons, head aches, fatigue, and chest tightness. Hmmm. I wonder. Nothing concerning yet. I have fantastic medical practitioners, but there are a few concerns that I may actually need to see a doctor. Wow. It's a been a while. I'd like to say I'm used to it, but lately the pain has been more excruciating that before. I officiated in Georgia earlier this month, and I cannot tell you the pain I was in that day. I had done a sparring workout a few times, and I did really well, you would never know. But it was limping afterward. But I remember something from my mental training. Mental and emotional can be MORE exhausting than physical. I've had only a few years ago such emotional distress and stress and heart ache that my body wouldn't function properly and it was a real battle. That was worse than any physical pain I been through. So I understand there's always something worse.

In martial arts, sometimes we get beat and bruised. We are conditioning our body and vaccinating it for the real world of combat. A defense mechanism. He strengthen out bodies, and it's proven to also improve the immune system. When I train my students whether it be Taekwondo, HaganaH, of Qigong, there is a level of appropriateness and reasonability that you look out for and do for the safety of the student, and also to realize not everyone can endure pain like I may.

When we officiate we are told "Pain is not an injury". Also in fitness training I teach that "burn" is not "pain", the burn is your friend and your body is getting stronger. But the human condition only processes that is is pain and then the human developed the saying "Pain is weakness leaving the body." Then I must be some kind of real badass LOL. But the concept of pain can be taken a step further.

Remember the old saying, "Hurt people hurt people"? It's very true in a lot of different ways. People who have endured emotional pain lash out and behave horribly to others. Sometimes it inflicts emotional pain to others. People saying things that hurt, or insulting or offending in a way that just crosses lines that are beyond inappropriate. I know once years ago when I was in so much pain internally, my mood and behavior hurt a lot of people who were close to me. Unfortunately they were not strong enough to endure that pain. Recently someone close to me shot down a nice gesture I made to them and I was referred back as if I were some five year old told I was bad or wasn't liked. It hurt me so much. But hurt people hurt people.

I remember when I was at my old school and the neighboring business used to lash out about the music we played and was relentless about it and we went back and forth for a year or two. I couldn't understand why someone could be so miserable. One day I went into his place of business and he wasn't there. There a note saying he'd be out because his wife who has been terminally ill for several years with cancer had passed away. AAAAAhhhhhhhhh! That's why! It made sense. The pain this man was feeling for his ill wife made him so hurt and miserable, it was reasonable for his behavior. That same day, thinking about it a woman cut me off on the road and gave me the middle finger. Normally I'd be upset and angry, but instead I thought "She must have had a bad day, I hope it gets better for her". That experience changed my perspective.

Now, I am not saying these behaviors are RIGHT. I'm saying it's reasonable. When you're able to figure out there's a reason, it helps to perceive the situation differently, and we find a way where we are not in pain because of it, and we can empathize with the hurt people who are lashing out. People handle pain differently. Some lash out and behave horribly. Some pretend it's not there. Some go to the doctor every single little thing. Some avoid participating in life in any which way, or deprive their own children from experiencing life, stunting their growth in more ways than one. Some want to be alone and say alone. Pain changes people. Some make people harder or worse. Pain makes us make bad decisions. Fear or pain is almost as big as the other as a motivator. Pain is also what happens when you care.

A couple years ago I wrote a blog entitles "We All Have Hard". It's one of my favorites and I encourage you to read it, I think everyone should. We all have hard. You can't tell me someone else's hard is worse than another's etc. Instead of ranking each other's pain against another, commiserate on the fact we all have it. It's what we do with it or how we handle it that is most important.

As for me, if I looked at last few months, I've done more than I ever have and I couldn't be happier. I almost feel like I'm back to my old tricks and then some! But my body has not caught up yet. I just need to rest. I refer back to my original life lesson: Just Be. The foundation of everything I have learned these last few years. I am going to JUST BE and let me body catch up, and in the meantime make sure I take precaution in the details. But I'm not worried, because that has never helped me, and anyone else who is, please don't either. No, I'm not being a hero. I just no mine own self. Trust me, this isn't the worst of it. (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

Brussels Attack

Yesterday, terrorists attacked our world once again. I think in the United States, we can be very empathetic to other countries, knowing the devastation it is to experience tragedy and loss such as this. 9/11 in this country is a date that truly will NEVER be forgotten. The George Washington Bridge is ten minutes away from my house, I remember the smoke and fog that day outside our windows that were coming from the city. We lost many people that day, many whom my family knew. I also remember March of 2004 when Spain was attacked. It was only a few years after 9/11.

I'll never forget Mike Lee Kanarek telling me about his thoughts that day. Being a man who has fought terror his entire life and lived war for many years of his life, when 9/11 happened, his first thought was "They're here." I'll never forget that recount of his. I happened to be at his school this past November on Friday the 13th, the same day Paris suffered it's terror attacks. Being with Mike Lee that day was incredible in itself, just hearing his insights and views on what is happening in the world. It's reasons like this that several military units ask for his expertise.

And now yesterday, terror strikes again. As an ambassador of the HaganaH system, I feel obligated to express to my HaganaH students and fellow brothers and sisters some very real principles that MLK reminds us of each and every time. Where some people may begin training in HaganaH because it's "cool" or to be a "badass" or because it's exciting, or because it's exciting and could be fun, as you continue your training, you realize there comes a responsibility as you develop from a lamb to a lion and then a lion sharpening your teeth.

In October in PA, Mike Lee reminded us that HaganaH is NOT a hobby, it is a necessity. When our lives and world is threatened, WE are the first responders to protecting,  preserving, and surviving. Whether it be our family, our friends, our wives, our children, or brothers and sisters, it is our responsibility to protect and have our brother's backs.

Five separate fingers are weak until crunched into one solid fist! We must ALWAYS remember we are as strong united as we are weak divided! May we always stand against the terror that threatens our world. The best never rest! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

TMAFC March Madness 2016 Black Belt Test

The newest TMAFC Black Belts of March Madness 2016

Very few who begin their martial arts journey make it to Black Belt. Very few who make it to Black Belt continue to rank. One meme I saw recently asked the question "How long does it take the average person to get a Black Belt?" and the answer is "An average person doesn't get a Black Belt." Truth is, a Black Belt is NOT something you get, or even earn, but something you become. With each new rank is an opportunity to grow into something even more than yourself, and it is the responsibility of the master instructor to help with this transformation.

The purpose of the way I do Black Belt testing is NOT to torture the candidates, or to put them through the ringer, nor just to see what the student can do, nor is it a showcase by any means. It is about pushing the student INTO the next level, transforming them into the rank they are to become, where they walk away feeling they can take on the world but also with lessons they will have the rest of their lives. We grow not only through the successes but through the struggles, but also knowing we can persevere beyond all odds, and if we dig deep enough, we will WOW ourselves.

The Zen candle burns for the entire test at every Black Belt test.

When I opened my doors of TMAFC in 2010, my friend and student Mike Grella had this professor in college who was absolutely in love with her little boy, William. He challenged her, saying "If you really loved your son, you would take him to this martial arts school." Well anyone who knows my mentor, Dr. Stiehl, no one beats her at a challenge when it comes to her son. Little William Stiehl began at my school the summer of 2010, little five year old with cute glasses, very timid and quiet, who barely come up to my knee, that's how small he was. Today William is higher than my shoulder, healthy young man, national champion, and has a winning streak regionally in forms.

In the fall of 2010, I was opened for half a year when a father and mother walked into my school when it was in Rochelle Park, looking for a martial arts school to try out. This young kid named Theodoris was very eager and had a lot of energy. He was looking to have fun. Over the years, you found that this martial arts training meant a lot more to this kid. He wasn't only enjoying it, but there was a sense of importance to it for him. Theodoris has now grown up, competes, helps with classes, and has a baby sister who also takes classes.

Rounding into the second half of my first year at TMAFC, a young boy named Tomasz Sadowy came in to try martial arts. My Black Belts at the time were really impressed with this little kid's ability and focus. He was quiet and calm, but when he was on the mats, loud and strong. Here we are now in 2016 and he was preparing for Black Belt testing, but had the flu the WEEK up to his test! He rested a few days before getting the okay before taking the test, but on the first day almost went home, sneakers and jacket on. Until he made a choice he wanted this bad enough to push through, demonstrating Black Belt attitude at it's finest. He did not miss anything on the test.

At my one year anniversary in 2011, a white belt named Anthony Guallpa came to the celebration. He was silly and rambunctious, but wanted to be involved! Over the years, he's found some good solid friends and always wanted to be the first to help any of them or anything in the school. There came a time he wanted to quit, where walking into the school was a challenge. His friends had supported him and encouraged him that they wanted him to join them for the journey. There was a point we did not know if Anthony would make it for the Black Belt test. But he made a choice, to do it. It is not in our abilities that define who we are but it is our choices. He committed to his choice and with a lot of hard work and perseverance, became ready and prepared for his Black Belt test.

William Stiehl

Theodoris Costa

Tomasz Sadowy

Anthony Guallpa

So I was already lucky. Lucky to have four really really good kids. They were raised well, they had strong principles, and great qualities of the human condition. So how to get the very best of them even further into becoming a Black Belt. These are the questions I always ask before preparing for a test. I don't just teach kicking and punching. However, I use martial arts as a tool to teaching life principles that will serve themselves individually and our world they waltz through.

Junior Black Belt testing is 3 days long for me. The first day was Thursday March 10. It was Forms and Conditioning, it took 3 and a half hours to complete. They began with 1000 jumping jacks, 50 burpees, the beginner forms, 5 minute horse stance, 50 burpees, four more forms, 3 minute plank, 50 burpees, two more forms, 15 side to sides in 30 25 seconds and then beating their time every time, 50 burpees, and all their ITF forms facing different directions. They also did a HaganaH military drill that I saw at last years conference which was running back and forth the legnth of the dojang with someone on their back (each person had to do this), squat jumps with their battle buddy there and back, wheel barrows back and forth, lunges one way and duck walks back. Every drill was ten 10 times there and back the whole length of the dojang. They ended doing all their forms in under one minute.

Day 2 was Friday March 11, Basics and Self-Defense. All Blocks, questions on Blocks and Strikes, All Kicks, questions on kicks, Kicking Combinations, partner kicking drills, then Speed kicking drills beating their time and objective each time such as 25 kicks in 15 seconds, 10 seconds, 9 seconds, I think they did it in 8 seconds (talk about speed!). That was one of four or five drills, and both sides they had to do. All bag and target striking and kicking techniques on the bag, they demonstrated all their escapes, self-defense, self-defenses in reverse order, and rapid fire self-defense where they were timed adding stress.

At any time if one made a mistake they all did push ups. Push ups are not a punishment, it's to get the students to physically shake it off and get their mind on track. You can't think about the mistake while doing push ups. Also the lesson of our choices can affect other people. But at the same time, unity. One struggles we all struggle, and we need to support. Many people get angry if someone's choices effect them. Not these boys! They were encouraging and supportive. In every shape and form, the test was contributing a lesson.

The judges on the panel for the final day.

Master Kevin Balon, 7th Dan, with the candidates for his judge's choice.

Master Samuel DeJesus, 5th Dan, working Theodoris on his judge's choice.

The final day, I never know what's going to happen. The boys are stressed as it is, but it's how they handle that stress or how they allow that stress to affect them that makes or breaks what happens on the test. I always hand pick my judges to contribute to the growth and lessons to give to my students. My mats are their mats that day. For the first time was my personal mentor Master Kevin Balon on the panel at my school. Also returning was another mentor, Master Samuel DeJesus who always brings something to the table! For the first time, newly promoted master instructor Master Drew Turner was on the panel for these boys. We also had my Black Belt Miss Samantha Volk who has known these boys since they started. And two of my instructors at TMAFC Mr. Guillermo Colon-Green and Miss Ann Marie Cooper.

We began with forms where they had to do all the Taeguek forms and selected ITF forms. You could tell at the beginning they were very nervous and would make silly mistakes which would not go by without being fixed and overcoming the stress and fear. There were several eyes on them and plenty of questions and challenges thrown at them to overcome the mental pressure while demonstrating proper technique. After forms, their general knowledge was questioned, and some did well under the stress, some had difficulty. But they learned the brick walls are not there to keep you out but to show you how badly you want something.

Judge's choice is a tradition that I personally get the most out of. It is the opportunity where my panel gets to really work personally with my candidates and they walk away with a lesson. Sam Volk loves breaking and had them learn to be able to face discomfort, breaking through their challenges, while receiving support and giving support. They chose their least favorite break, had to do it, while holding for each other. This is the first time any of them have held for each other as well. Tomasz actually chose one of the hardest breaks which isn't even in our curriculum and struggled, but with the support of Samantha Niblock who struggled with the same break at HER test, he finally persevered! Miss Ann Marie Cooper had given each person individually a task whether it was answering a question or a drill.

Master Balon challenged the boys in thinking outside the box and adjusting to a class like set up of doing techniques with different instructions, having to listen, interpret, and execute with confidence. He stressed that Black Belts "Don't give up that easily" and to push forward. It was really cool to see my students being taught by MY teacher, it was a really cool moment for me personally. He then asked them all about who motivated them to continue and what their goals would be. He was surprised that many said not even the 1st Degree Black Belt, which is their official next rank, but they were saying ranks even further down the road!

Master DeJesus knows exactly how to push my candidates beyond their potential, choosing another HaganaH drill from last year's conference, where three people were on top of them and they had to army crawl to the orange block. It was physically demanding and exhausting, but there is symbolism too. How many times in our lives do we feel we have all this weight on our backs but we need to keep moving forward and pushing through to our goals? The average person lays defeated, where the Black Belt perseveres and digs deeper within to move forward. It was definitely high energy in the room. Master Drew taught the boys a jump turning side kick which they were unfamiliar with and after seeing how well they took to learning the technique had them break a board with it. Mr. Guillermo Colon tested their focus by having each do a different form at the same time wanting no mistakes or they would have to do 100 jumping jacks.

Can you see William's hand reaching for the block?

Tomasz with all the weight on his back but needing to push forward.

Master Drew Turner, 4th Dan, demonstrating a new technique the boys had to learn quickly for his judge's choice.

Then the sparring matches began. They did two two minute rounds of sparring for warmup. Then rapid fire sparring. They had to spar for 5 minutes or more straight, every 15 seconds a new person would rotate in to spar. For the last 45 seconds, we would add 2 people creating a three on one scenario. This also became high energy and intensity in the entire room from the support on the side, the judges, the audience, all cheering and rooting, and yelling our their supports. I thought the ceiling was going to fall. Next they did all their self-defenses from our curriculum. After that, they had 5 on one attackers in a self-defense scenario, rapid fire. We were looking to see how intense, smart, and effective they were in defending themselves in real life scenario, but also how well they responded under stress. This is a true way to test self-defense for reality circumstances because if you cannot be smart and effective under stress, your are not prepared for the real world.

The final part was breaking. They had to break one inch boards, eight inches wide. There were 8 boards breaks total for this test and the judges and instructors helped to hold. One at a time, boom,boom, boom boom , boom! Breaking was never so smooth on a test. At this point, it didn't matter how physically exhausted they were, they saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and they were not going to let ANYTHING at this point stand in their way! 

As always the judges reconvene in a different room where we review what we saw on the test and how we felt each individual testing did and decide on the pass or fail. The character and perseverance these boys showed some adults don't have in their lives. And the judges agreed. I also ask for feedback and especially with mentors on the panel as for advice and improvements to make with the students and the general running of testing which they know I am ALWAYS open to. We came out and allowed the families to speak and final thoughts from our judges, and then had the traditional reading of the Black Belt oath. Then the belt ceremony. 

The reading of the Black Belt oath by Miss Samantha Volk

Theodoris Costa awarded his Black Belt

William Stiehl receiving his Black Belt. 

Tomasz Sadowy becoming a Black Belt.

Anthony Guallpa having his Black Belt tied.

These boys are 11 and 12 years old. Can you imagine walking away with the lessons they learned at their age? It's unbelievable. It's unbelievable the things they pushed themselves to do. There is nothing in their lives they will ever believe they cannot do. There is no fear they will not face. There is no challenge they cannot overcome. Their perspective in life will be positive and productive. They will know how to support others and receive support. They will ask the right questions, and they know how to dig deeper than any adult allows themselves to dig. This new generation of Trento Black Belts is truly a force to be reckoned with, from the first set of pure breds (the Niblock twins) , to these boys.

I am so proud of these boys. But I am also so proud of all my other students who took the day to come help, support, and cheer these guys on. I want to thank all the colored belts who helped, but especially our two instructors Miss Nicole Vidal and Miss Heather Marte. Also thanks to Miss Marte for all these pictures she took (They are all on Facebook). I want to thank the phenomenal judges who contributed so much to my students in becoming Black Belts. You guys MADE the test for them and it was an honor to have each one of you there. Thank you to the parents who have entrusted their children's care to me and allow me to train them. The pleasure has truly been mine. 

And a very special thank you to Danielle Niblock and Samantha Niblock for their unbelievable support, encouragement, and guidance to the boys who tested. Without them this would have been a very different test. There were times they even jumped in doing the test with them! I am so proud of you girls for all you did this week and you represented servant leadership to the max! 

It has been an honor to watch these boys grow up and I really look forward to what the future does hold. They shined bright like candles, and may they always remember that a true candle always keeps their light lit bright, but if ever a time it dims, they have their brothers to help support them and keep it lit. (BOWS)

The candidates bowing out to Master Balon

The phenomenal panel of the March 2016 TMAFC Black Belt Test and Black Belts.
(from left to right: Miss Samantha Volk, Master Kevin Balon, Mr. Guillermo Colon-Green, Miss Ann Marie Cooper, Master Andrew Trento, Master Samuel DeJesus, Master Drew Turner, (bottom) Miss Samantha Niblock and Miss Danielle Niblock.

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO

Keeping Your Word

So this July is my 5th Degree Black Belt test. I reflect on a lot from these past four years. It was definitely an interesting four years. I think I had some very REAL experiences that were pretty heavy. Some were invigorating, some heart breaking, some lessons that will last a lifetime, some insightful, some with great enthusiasm, some with great regret. I also reflect on my training of where I am now, and where have I been. Of course, where do I want to go as well.

I always taught what I call the GPS method. All human beings have this tremendous power to think, and the act of thinking is questions. I am a master questioner LOL. When you turn you GPS on, it has to figure out where you are at this very moment. So the first question we must as for any assessment of ourselves is "Where am I now?" Then we plug in the address we want to go to. So the next question is "Where do I want to go?" Once we plug in all our info, the GPS then calculated the route to getting there. SO the final question is "How do I get there?" I ask these questions all the time. Small scale things to large scale things.

When we belt test, we are to write short term goals and long term goals before testing. I have been doing that since I was 12 years old. And EVERY goal I set I had a plan and I followed it. What came with age, especially with the bigger things was not being so hell bent on the HOW and just keep in mind the WHAT. To make the habit of beginning with the end in mind is SOOO important. One thing I can say about myself is that I have always accomplished every single thing I set out to do. Many of my goals people have thought I was crazy, irrational, or just plain hopeless romantic. But I always said, I don't know how, I just know I will. TMAFC was a big one of those things.

 I think of the goals I set out for myself these past four years. It's a little heart breaking than some people will not be around for them like I thought they would. There are some who are even still around but have no involvement in the magic that is right now. But I am also blessed with a grandeur new generation that make everything exciting. In a matter of one year TMAFC has grown tremendously. I've added the programs I wanted, the classes I wanted, physically changed the facility I wanted, made the curriculum changes I wanted, etc.

But I think what holds even greater value for me is that I learned what I wanted. I always kept up with my training despite what was going on in life. I maintained my schedule as best I could, with a plan and purpose (I never worked out to work out). I kept my word to work with all my mentors each and every month. I remember wanting this greater and higher understanding of my forms and it's applications which I currently set a huge project on. I remember I wanted to learn the HaganaH system and now I get to work with it's founder. I wanted to progress in my Kung Fu training, and I have with Sifu. I wanted to learn the Tang Soo Do forms, although not mastered, I have learned all to my level. I wanted to learn a bit of Muay Thai, I did.

If I am not growing, then my students cannot grow. If my students cannot grow, then what the hell am I doing? And there is ALWAYS something else. Always something new. Even the old stuff, there's something new to learn. Sifu once told me if you're not learning from your art every day, that's a problem. Sigung stressed tradition is important but so is innovation. I am constantly evolving and upgrading what I do. My mentors are all privy to this concept when we work together too.

To keep your word in the things you say you'll do is part of personal integrity. It erodes from your self-esteem when you don't, and energetically keeps us connected and stuck with this weight we don't even realize it's there. If there is a time delay, you need to do one of three things: 1) finish what you start and do what you say, 2) renegotiate and change and adjust to finding an ends to the means, or 3) agree to not complete whatever it is. The last one is important because until that decision is made, and it is an area of completion, the broken agreements latch on to us like you would not believe. You're kidding yourself if you say otherwise.

But also if we keep our word to our own selves, we can keep our word to other people. One of the four great spiritual agreements is make your word IMPECCABLE. Words DO have power more than people realize and I can write a whole other blog on just that (another time). But it energetically brings great karmic power into your life to keeping your word as well. You cannot be self-sacrificing either! Keeping your word to yourself is just as important as keeping your word to others. The Chinese call it honor.

So as I approach my 5th Degree test this July, I think about where I was A LOT, what has happened in these past 4 years. It was A LOT. I think of where I am now and I am very proud, and almost amazed not only at what I had done but what I know and can do. Where do I want to go, I have a lot of goals, for my training, for my business, for my teaching, for my life. Do I have plans to getting there? Hell yes. Do I know exactly how it will work out? Not at all. All I DO know, is that I WILL! (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO

"I'm Too Busy" Pet Peeve

I don't like to complain or rant and rave. But today, I'm going to. It's been on my mind for a while and this is something I have been saying for years and years and years. So maybe I'll get it all out of my system right here right now LOL. But this has got to be one of my biggest pet peeves of all time. And it's my peers who do this, seniors, kids, adults, doesn't matter but amazing to me how many say this. Have you ever heard someone say "Ugh! I'm just too busy!" or "I'm sooooo busy!" and BUSY is the reason they cannot do something?

When people use being "too busy" to do something, I call the Bullshit card! Let me tell you something. I am ALWAYS busy. There is never a time when you hear me use busy as a reason to not do something or reason I cannot do something. And I am always doing something. Now, many people tell me I do too much, or I overextend myself, but truth be told I know my limitations better than anyone and I do what I can and adjust accordingly. What HAS changed is maybe I have less attachment to the say things should happen and be more content that the end result can be the same if I adjust and not be hell bent on tactics.

But when I hear "Oh it's always something with us!" or "It never ends, we got so much to do!" or "I can't I'm just so busy with stuff" or "I'm too busy to do any of that right now" etc, it really pisses me off. People also come off as entitled beings of great importance to the world and it's just so trying! I'm not saying ALL of them but a lot.

When I was in high school, I took two Advanced Placement courses, three honors classes, Editor in Chief of the newspaper and top reporter, head photographer for the yearbook, President of the Interact Rotary Club, Student Council historian, sang in the full choir, was president of the Choir, and a member of the select choir the Choraleers, while also teaching and doing private lessons every single day at my teacher's martial arts school, while training at least 3 hours a day, studying doing homework, and also competed every chance I was able to get. By the way my priorities were still martial arts even then LOL.

Maybe it had to do with my martial arts training that I can task manage and time manage so well, but I can also teach that to people and I have. Today a t 116 years old (eh erhm), I STILL train 3 hours every single day, I teach ALL of my classes, I study intensely, I read material every day, I run my business, do my computer work, prints and phone calls, I also blog, I research and still do my interviews (even if you haven't seen them yet) which require homework and travel, I travel to train with seven mentors every month, I go to see Sifu to train almost every week, I run seminars and workshops monthly, and I travel to help my friends with their tournaments, while also doing private sessions for Qigong and Raindrop.....am I busy? Sure.

February alone, I traveled to Albany for two days for tournament, I had a Super Bowl Party and did a day of raindrops, hosted an in school tournament with three other schools in attendance, another day of raindrops, movie night for the kids, two days training with Mike Lee Kanarek in Pennsylvania, Qigong workshop, Blade Warrior seminar, two days of belt testing, made time to attend Master DeJesus's school FIGHT test, while STILL training, studying, working, and going to mentors. THIS weekend I go to Georgia, next weekend I conduct three days of Black Belt testing, a day of raindrops, the FOLLOWING weekend in Tennesee, workshops the next weekend, first weekend of April Maryland, plus Sifu and all my mentors!

Guess what? EVERYONE IS! But do I ever say I'm TOO busy to do anything? NEVER! And when I say I do something, do I do it? ALWAYS! Is there a time delay? Sometimes. But here is a little TRENTO TRIVIA. EVERY WEEK, I make the time to make phone calls to all three of my grandparents, my own parents, and friends of mine. I never lose touch, and I make the time to see people and keep in touch who mutually do the same with me.

What also AMAZES me is that there are people who say they're too busy to do things, but they make time for other things. LIKE going out to eat. Going to a hockey game. Going to the movies. Hanging out with friends. Truth is, is someone REALLY wanted to do something, they not only find a way, but they MAKE the time! Well IMAGINE THAT! At least I will admit that if I haven't done something, I'll just say "Obviously I really don't want to right now." IT's OKAY to admit that something is not important enough to do. But I really cannot stand people saying "I've just been too busy!"

Recently, a friend got angry with one of their other friends because they kept cancelling plans, saying "I've just been so busy," and she felt like it was saying she wasn't important enough to make time for. That's how it comes off to people as well. I remember feeling that way when people have done that to me! There is also the connotation of "busy" being wasteful time-spending. Ever hear the term "busy-work"? Stuff to just do but of no significance. TIME is an irreplaceable thing and people should really spend their TIME more meaningful before they can ever make that time back.

Truth be told, no one is going to behave or do the things that you may do. We have to accept it and that's fine. But at the same time, I think people should really think about what busy really is, and acknowledge if they really wanted to do something, they should put the effort in and notice where they do that already. People who miss out on time with people or time to doing things, but if they can do something they REALLY want, amazing how resourceful people become. I wonder how we could make a difference there? (BOWS)

Yours in service,
MASTER A TRENTO