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

My First Black Belt Test

My first Black Belt test was a six day test from October 7-12, 2002 in Saddle Brook, NJ. 

I tested with Cashel Monarca and Chris Ward, one of our instructors at the school.

I received my Black Belt from my first master, Master Fred Bargiacchi. 

For ten years I trained under my first master, Master Fred Bargiacchi at a school in my hometown of Saddle Brook, NJ  that  was later moved to Rochelle Park, NJ called American Self-Defense and Fitness Center. I began August 31, 1998. Four years later of training I had tested for my Black Belt. At age 13, students at our school were allowed to take the “adult” Black Belt test which was a six day testing process. Upon completion we would receive a solid Black Belt which was the rank of Deputy Black Belt.

The test was October 7-12, 2002. Prior to the test  we had to  read a philosophical book entitled One Encounter, Once Chance by Terrence Webster-Doyle. I trained vigorously prior to testing on my own, doing extra working out and extra conditioning, but also attended every single class I could possibly take. There were three of us testing. Cashel Monarca who had started with me in 1998, and one of our own instructors who was there from the very beginning, Mr. Chris Ward. The three of us were to test together for Black Belt.

Day one was held Monday October 7, 2002 which was the Written Test. The test was not so much pass or fail, but more of a questionnaire to getting us to think. Quotes that were thought provoking that had to do with focus, working in the dojang, determination, intensity, motivation, etc. The purpose of the written test was more so to set up the mindset for us to put into action during the week. Master Bargiacchi would always say “Expect the unexpected” and also “Knowledge is not power, but applied knowledge is power.” We could know all the basic philosophy we could, it was useless unless we put it into action.

The second day was Tuesday October 8 which was the Conditioning Test. This test was to test our physical fitness as well as put into play the mental lessons of the written test to persevere through the physical challenges, a true testament of mind over matter. We started with a warmup of 100 jumping jacks and hopped on one leg for one minute. Then Master Bargiacchi had us do several different kind of speed drills such as a certain number of kicks in 30 seconds and doing them on both sides. Whether it be lead roundhouse kicks, or roundhouse-land-back, or two single low roundhouses and one high roundhouse with other leg, etc. We also did the speed drills on paddles with single knee strikes both sides, and alternating knee strikes. Sometimes it was just to do them, other times it was a certain rep in a certain time, or different rep with less time etc. Next we did 600 jump ropes and we were allowed only 3 missed. If we made a fourth miss, we would have to start over. We also did push ups, sit ups, squat jumps off the wall, rapid fire kicking on the bag, and fast kicks on paddles going back and forth for speed. All of these drills tested our physical capabilities to the max.

Paddle Drills on Conditioning Day

600 jump rope, only 3 missed allowed or we started over.

Demonstrating power on the shields.

The third day was the Basics Test on Wednesday October 9. We ran through mostly our basic curriculum. We did all of our color belt blocks straight through strong and clean. We ran through our kicks as well. Master Bargiacchi also threw in challenges such as making sure he kicked face level, or make up a combination of a certain number of kicks and do it both sides, remembering what we came up with. We also did a trust drill where one person had a piece of paper in the other's mouth and  keeping our legs in the air had to kick a certain number of times the paper in our partner's mouth without kicking our partner. We did it with front and roundhouse kicks. Then we ran through our kicking combinations and then speed combinations going back and forth with a partner. 

Day number four was our Forms and Self-Defense day test. First Master Bargiacchi had us run through all of our forms from white belt to high brown belt. Then we ran through all the forms again by running through the forms out of order, each one of us doing a different form, but facing different directions. I was very proud I did not mess up on any of the forms in different directions. Then we had to do a speed drills of all our forms in under one minute. I thankfully did it  on my first try. Then we ran through full speed, full power our low level escape self-defense curriculum and our higher level self-defense curriculum. 

We did speed drills on the paddles with new objectives each time. 

Master Bargiacchi kept a close eye on us during this test. 

I remember my big smile when I finished my situps.

Friday was a Verbal Test October 11 which w had to answer questions on the philosophy of the book that we read. Each of us had four questions worth 25 points and if there were missing elements someone could not come u p with, someone else could chime in and answer for more points. I passed with a 95, Mr. Ward passed with 145, and Cashel barely passed with a 65. One of the biggest lessons was the quote "Mind like moon, mind like water." The clouds in front of the moon represented thoughts that would cause distractions to divert focus, so the clear reflection on the water was like our clear minds without ripples in it.

The sixth and final day of Black Belt testing was on Saturday October 12, 2002. We got there early and stretched and then we were put into concentration position with our eyes closed in front of the Zen candle with the lights off. Our support entered shortly after and then our panel. Master Bargiacchi had eight judges on our panel. Four were Black Belts at our school at ASDFC. My partner Kristin Barrett was only received her Black Belt six months prior, and this was the only test we did not test together for technically. Mr. Michael Duke and Miss Carla Rodriguez were two other of our Black Belts on the panel along with Mr. Julius Toledo from the Philippines who was teaching at our school. We also had Master Peter Crespo who was a dear family fiend of my mother and uncle from high school, it was serendipitous to have had him there. Master Lawrence Reznik who trained with Master Bargiacchi growing up . One of his top students was also on the panel along with an instructor who I never got to know his name from Hungarian Kung Fu style. We had a great panel.

Chon Ji

Dan Gun

Suh Chong El Hyung

Master Bargiacchi had us run through some basic techniques, chosen blocks and strikes, and kicks.Then we did a few chosen forms and we each did our ranking level form individually, Choong Moo. After that we entered a portion of the test  called Judge's Choice, where each judge had asked us to do something of their choosing. Mr. Duke had us make up a kicking combination to do and do it back and forth. Miss Carla had us do Chonji and asked us the importance of doing it, which was because it is the most basic form and our first form we learn and Black Belt is about mastering the basics and we should never forget the basics. The basics are our foundation and like a house if the foundation is strong we can always  build  on them. If they are weak the building will collapse as will our training. Kristin Barrett had us do the high red belt kicking combination doing all five footwork back and forth that we do in sparring. Master Crespo had us do knuckle push ups, as many as we could do in one minute. Dr. Reznik's student had us do a drill where we did two switches and a kick in a certain number of time. Those are the ones I remember. I don't remember what Master Reznik or the Hungarian Kung fu instructor had us do. Possibly they asked us a question only. 

Then we suited up for sparring which we did severla rounds of warming up. I sparred a few fellow students including the ones on the panel such as Kenny Perez, Peter Dunphy, Giancarlo Rosasco, panelists including Mr. Duke, Kristin Barett, guests such as Victoria Reznik, Rosanna Imbriano's son, and the judges Dr. Reznik, his student. Master Crespo, and the Hungarian Kung Fu instructor. After doing practice rounds we did rapid fire sparring where every 15 seconds we had a new sparring competitor that we rotated through. I remember Master Crespo throwing a furry of punches at me, Mr. Duke's spinning side kick on it three times in a row, and Dr. Reznik's throwing three pounding roundhouses to me. I also remember him getting in Csashel's face before punching her in the gut, it was intense. Mr. Ward had an awesome bought with Master Crespo which was exciting.

Left: Master Peter Crespo, who I had known from the time I was born!
Right: The late Dr. Lawrence Reznik, who trained with my master coming up through the ranks.

I sparred my panel on the final day of testing. 

Me sparring with my partner then Kristin Barrett.

Me sparring fellow Friar, Kenny Perez.

The most intense and emotional phase of the test was the self-defense portion, where Master Bargiacchi took each of us  out into a separate room. One at a  time we were  brought out blindfolded onto a we tarp. the lights were closed, a smoke machine was going on, and we were thrown to the floor, music blasting, and a bucket of cold water thrown on us and we were attacked. One person in what we called "the gorillla suit" attacked us on the ground, There were two other people as well, one trying to tie our legs and another flashing a light in the direction of our eyes in the case if our blindfolds came off. Back  then we did not have mats, we had carpet on a hard floor. So when it was time for me to go, you can hear a loud THUD as my head hit the floor and the water being poured on me. I remember the  yelling and screaming of my Aunt Karen in a shrilling fashion and my father hollering out to me. There was not a dry eye in the room. My father took video of it and My Grandma Cyn and my mother were crying. You forget that it's not real and it's hard for anyone to watch. Bur we were trained for  this, and with everything against us we were able to defend ourselves. Then we were each brought out individually again in similar circumstances being attacked and lights out water thrown on us but we had to defend a loved one. Cashel had to defend her brother, I had to defend my brother Eric, and Mr. Ward protected his wife and son. At one point I think he even through one of the attacker across the room which was amazing to us!

 

Grandma Cyn was very upset, Aunt Karen was 

                                                                                        emotional, and my mother cried.

Then when the smoke cleared, and the lights back on, I noticed I had cuts in my knuckles, but we weren't done. We had to do breaking, about 20 breaks total. The very last thing after 6 days of testing and our bodies are at the pinnacle stage of exhaustion, but we had to push through. The basic breaks were good  like front kick, sliding side kick, roundhouse kick, etc. But then Master Bargiacchi threw a few curve balls of things we had NEVER done before, like a speed turning back hook kick. I never in my life did a speed anything! It took me over seven tries before I finally broke the spinning hook kick speed. Cashel struggled with the ax kick, and Master Bargiacchi kept making my jump front kick higher. My Grandma Cyn would get upset and say "No!" and he would make it higher each time. I don't remember who it was whether it be Dr. Reznik or Master Crespo, but someone uttered to pump more with the pumping knee to gain more height, and as soon as I did it, I broke it! The other challenge was the speed inwards chop. Mr. Ward gave me advice to hitting higher where there was more stability and then I broke it. At the end we did a five board combination we made up our selves. Mine was a step inwards chop, turn into sliding ax kick, turning knife hand strike, sliding hook kick and sliding side kick at opposite sides. The first break took two or three tries but at that point I built up the last of my existing adrenaline and broke through everything to finish up. At the end the three of us turned and we were applauded and cheered by all our support and even given a standing ovation. The judges left to discuss the test and then returned for the belt ceremony. 

Our immediate family came up to stand with us as Mr. Duke read us  the Black Belt oath. My parents came up and stood behind me as I recited the oath back to Mr.  Duke. first Master Bargiacchi went to Cashel, then Mr. Ward, then myself as I signed my oath and he asked Master Crespo to stand forward with him, being that he has known me practically since I was  born. My Aunt Karen said "me too" which got a ha ha out of us. Master Bargiacchi took off my advance brown belt and handed it to my father, and then took the solid Black Belt and tied it around my waste and it was at that moment I had finally become a Black Belt! 

My first speed break was on my Black Belt test with Turning Hook Kick. 

My Black Belt testing board Left to right: Master Fred Bargiacchi, Master Julius Toledo, Hungarian Kung Fu Instructor, Mr. Michael Duke, Master Peter Crespo, Dr. Lawrence Reznik, Master Resnik's top pupil, Miss Carla Rodriguez, Miss Kristin Barrett.

Me receiving my Black Belt October 12, 2002.

Cashel, Mr. Ward, and myself receiving our Black Belts. 

Nothing beats the feeling of working so hard for so long for the same goal. When I started my training, I knew what Black Belt meant to me, I knew what it stood for, and I knew it was something I wanted to be. In order to accomplish that I would act as if I were already everything a Black Belt was. Focused, determined, resourceful, humble, kind yet fierce, in control, perseverent, positive, and wise. I remember looking down at my belt after it was tied around me. I couldn't have been more proud and thrilled. But I also was keenly aware it was only the beginning. As I reflect on this first test, it amazes me how far I have come from that time. But I am also unbelievably grateful for the Black Belt test I had back in 2002. It definitely set the stage for my career as a Black Belt from that point on and I walked away knowing I earned that belt. The ones who were present at that test remember it well. And I was also aware that from that moment on, I would always and forever be, a Black Belt! (BOWS)

Yours in service,

MASTER A TRENTO