Where are they now?

As of 4/22/2010 1:36:36 PM, Travis D writes:
Master fariborz! Long time no talk I hope everything with you is going well. How are things at the old karate studio. It"s been a long time since I"ve been there and seen it. I catch myself thinking often about the old days when I was a junior black belt and how athletic and flexible I once was. Haha I"m still pretty athletic but have definitley lost some of my flexibility. Karate was a big part of my life when I was a kid and helped teach me many things that have aided in my development as a person such as our principles of courage and integrity. I know there was other principles but it"s been a while lol. I just wanted to say thanks for everything you taught me as a kid and I appreciate all the memories. Let"s try and catch up sometime in the eat future.
Best regards,
Travis

As of 4/22/2010 1:11:09 PM, Amir G writes:
Hello there Mr. Fariborz!
This is Amir. It"s been a long time since I have spoken to you. I just wanted to take a moment to visit your web page. WOW! It has changed immensely. It"s great to see the progress that you have made in the past year and a half that I have not seen you. A NEW BOOK! That is quite an accomplishment. I never knew that you had it in the working. Well...I am now a student at UCLA and holding up pretty well.
Just the other evening I was re-examining my past. I have my third degree black belt certificate on the wall in my room.. I could not believe how long it had been since I had actually stopped to take a look at it. I look so young in the picture. When I look at myself now, I am shocked at the progress I have made in my short 17 years. When I think back on my days in karate, they seem so distant. I can hardly remember the day I began my martial arts training. However, I vividly remember the karate tournament that introduced me to your studio. Fate--it"s a powerful force. When I remember the feeling that I had when I first began at your studio, I feel warm inside. Having me watch Maziar and Nima test for there black belts was your way of showing me my goal. Boy did it work!! After watching the two of them test side by side, I knew that that was what I wanted to achieve in the near future. About a year later, I was testing for my black belt along side Bobby (I don"t know if you remember him). Maziar and Nima were right there on the panel watching me. What a feeling!! The same intensity that I felt when I started karate at your studio is beginning to fire up within me at college. I am about two weeks away from finishing my first quarter at UCLA. I recently broke my finger and had to go to the Emergency Room here at UCLA. I got to see the Medical students take a look at my finger at together, make a decision on how to treat me. I think that is what sparked the fire within me. Just as Maziar and Nima"s black belt test ignited my passion for karate, these medical students also aroused a certain passion within me to practice medicine. I now have the drive to complete college quickly and be on my way to Medical School. Fate--it struck again.
Thank you Mr. Fariborz.
Yours truly, Amir Ghafer

As of 4/22/2010 1:05:35 PM, Sahar J writes:
Dear Mr. Fariborz,
I recently visited your website and had the pleasure of reading through your inspirational stories and quotes. Just reading through them gives a person such a wonderful feeling of self assurance and peace. I just wanted to send you some of my favorite quotes. I also wanted to take this time to thank for all your teachings. Not only kicks, punches or forms, but those that I will use on a daily basis throughout my life. You taught me that through setting short term and long term goals one has direction. The first long term goal I set that day was earning my Black Belt. I can never describe how it feels to reach your first long term goal. However, I can tell you that the experience has allowed me to set and reach several goals in life. There are still numerous long term goals that I still need to reach, through my short term goals I have the confidence that I will reach them. Thank you for being an inspirational mentor.
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. Henry Brooks Adams
There comes that mysterious meeting in life when someone acknowledges who we are and what we can be, igniting the circuits of our highest potential. Rusty Berkus
I do want to return and continue my journey towards Black Belt Excellence. But you also taught me that if your not going to give it 100% there"s no point. My goal is to be able to give it 100%. I plan to reach that goal before the new year. I have all the confidence in myself that I will.
Sincerely Yours. Sahar Javaherian

As of 1/1/2009 10:11:56 AM, Sophie K writes:

Dear Mr. Fariborz,
I've been meaning to email you for so long, and of course have all the typical excuses that really just don't cut it! I am sorry that it has taken me all this time. I think of you often and reflect on my years with you as some of the very best. It is always so wonderful to receive your emails.

I can attribute many of my successes so far in life to the focus and confidence you and all the instructors instilled in me as a kid. I am so proud of what I learned with you, and feel now, many years later, as if I have misplaced my ability to stay focused and driven. Often I feel paralyzed by all the wonderful options in life, as even though it's wonderful to have those opportunities, it's hard to have confidence that the choices I make are the right ones. I recently picked up and moved to New York City as all the ducks aligned and created the opportunity I couldn't refuse as a young person without many ties. I am enormously close with my family and always will be, and have them to come home to whenever I need them, or vise versa. But I must say, being away has afforded me with the chance to observe the world around me as a passerby in New York, writing about what I see, rather than feeling like the subject. I feel less self-analytical, which is a welcome relief as I have always been my own worst enemy. I have tried to adopt the mentality of living in the moment, without anticipation, and to show my gratitude and acknowledgment of all the things around me.

I think that for a long time I have felt as if I've been in this ambiguously defined "race," to finish something that I am not even a part of, without a solid goal in sight. I have always been too insecure to admit that I want to be a writer, too scared of what people would think when I told them or when i showed them my work. I am so interested in everything going on around me, it was easy to let myself get distracted because of course, if I'm distracted, I can't really be judged, can I? :) I get involved in so many random things that excite me, but I notice that I quickly lose my follow-through. I had it when I was with you. I achieved my black belt. I followed through. But where is it now? How do I get it back? I know that fear of judgment has stopped me from following through, from becoming better at whatever it is that I've verbally committed myself to because there was always some part of me that thought it wasn't me that achieved it, that the success wasn't really mine. It was as if I had everyone fooled and one day they would realize that they were meaning "the other SK."

But I'm going to take your challenge. I want to regain my follow through. I want to own my decisions and live each of them without judgment of others getting in the way. I am confident, and I know more of it is in me, wherever it is. I'm hoping to spend the next year finding it.

I miss you terribly and hope that you know how much you mean to me and always will. I hope that you and your family are well and I wish you all the happiest of new years.

All my love and respect to you,

As of 8/18/2008 10:00:52 PM, Maral F writes:
Seeking motivation
I will always consider myself a martial artist. I haven"t trained in almost ten years, but I will always be a Black Belt. I think the reason why my bond with Hapkido will be forever is because at one point I realized that it was never about the kicks, forms, or escape maneuvers. As much fun as it was learning ways to stop an attack or grappling a 250 lb sweaty man (not to the point of making him tap out, but him never being able to make me tap out), my training was an education of my mind.
My first lesson was on self-discipline. I met the Master Instructor, Mr. Fariborz, when I was 10 years old. I went to the studio and got to jump on the trampoline. Mr. Fariborz was keeping an eye on us in the empty studio, closed for a private event, and he told me not to move as he walked away. The other kids egged me on to do something crazy. "I can do a back flip." "Do it! Do it! Before he comes back!" So I did it. Upon landing it, my smile quickly disappeared. I was looking Mr. Fariborz right in the face and his hand was clutching my neck. I don"t remember the rest of what happened, but I can tell you that it started a relationship founded in fear. Of course, my fear of him.
Over the next five years of my consistent training, I learned a lot about myself and a lot more about this mysterious Mr. Fariborz. I learned never to challenge him because I will lose. Everytime. Badly. I learned that he was an instructor and a teacher. I remember that he failed me on my Blue Belt exam because I was certain I"d pass and I did poorly because I didn"t prepare. I remember the day I saw him as a regular man and I remember that I quickly learned that though he had faults as a human being, he was a flawless teacher.
I remember his kindness--when I started college and still wanted to train but didn"t have the money to pay for classes, he allowed me to repay him by teaching other students or helping him with small projects. I remember his commitment to me as a student once I showed him my commitment to the art. I believe that above all else, Mr. Fariborz most respected committment. I wasn"t the greatest martial artist, but I"d like to think I was a great student.
I must have been about 13 years old when Mr. Fariborz had the studio redesigned with a whole new paint job. On the main floor, above the mirrors, beneathe the South Korean and American flags... beneath the picture of Grandmaster Ji Han Jae and Mr. Fariborz"s teacher, Steve Sexton... he had the Principles of Being a Black Belt painted.
You know, I was 13 years old and it was something I had to learn--but, at the time, it was memorization. But, I think Mr. Fariborz knew that even for a 13 year old... if you make them look at it over and over and tell them that they have to live by it that maybe one day they"d realize what those words meant.

Modesty | Courtesy | Integrity Perseverance | Courage | Indomitable Spirit

When I was nearing my Black Belt exam, I found a way to associate all of these qualities with me. I always related most to Integrity and Perseverance. To this day, I am so proud of being true to myself and never apologizing for it. And, perseverence is sort of all that is me. I"ll never give up... though, right now I"m going through incredibly trying times and I am quitting a job, but not a dream. I"m looking at it more like it is the Blue Belt test of my Black Belt career. I have to try a different approach of study to go even further.
But what motivated me to write this was that today I realized that I had almost allowed someone worthless to conquer my "Indomitable Spirit." My mental strength has allowed me to be strong under very exhausting conditions because of my Indomitable Spirit. It"s not just a potent or strong spirit--it is INDOMITABLE. I had forgotten that I have been trained to live by these principles. It is MY LUCK that I have been trained to think this way.
Mr. Fariborz used to say that a black belt is something that holds your pants up. A Black Belt is a way of being.

As of 7/21/2008 4:00:34 PM, Sanaz B writes:
My age when you got your Black Belt 9yrs. old first degree, 12yrs. old second degree

My age now 23yrs. old!!!

A good memory about TKC and your training This is tough, because there really were so many. I think the best part of TKC has always been the familiarity of both the studio and the instructional staff. I spent most of my time there -- day and night -- and though I learned a lot about Hapkido, I learned a lot more about life. There was a constant bond between students, no matter how young or old, and I felt very lucky to be a part of that. TKC has been a family to me and I know that no matter how long we go without seeing or talking to one another, that bond will always be there. A part of my heart will always be with the studio.

An overall message Dont forget to enjoy itall of it Its too easy to look so far into the future that you forget to cherish the moments you have right now. Take a moment everyday to look around at the people and the things around you and appreciate them for what they are especially in high school and college those are the best years of your life. Dont let things go, make sure you always see them to the end, because you will regret it if you dont. Most importantly, remember to remember the good timesoften. Reminiscing reminds you of how lucky you are, how far youve come and why you did certain things the way you did them. And lastly, remember to love and to let those that you love, know it.

What I am up to now I attended college at Cal State Northridge and graduated two years ago with a degree in Journalism. I am now a an Account Executive JMPR Public Relations www.jmprpublicrelations.com in Woodland Hills. Our clients are mainly high-end luxury, lifestyle and transportation clients such as Bentley Motors, Bugatti Automobiles, Ducati Motorcycles, Cirrus Personal Aircraft, etc. I bought a condo in Northridge about 2 years ago and so I am still local, and I am thinking about going back to school for a Masters degreesometime in the future.

Id also like to take a moment and let you know how much you changed my life. I know you must hear that everyday from students, but Id like say that for the record, that without you, Id be a completely different person. Aside from my wonderful parents, you were an integral part of shaping my future and for that I am thankful. You saw me at both my strongest and my weakest moments and you never judged me. You are always encouraging, forever forgiving and a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most. You guided me through Hapkido and you helped me along in life and I couldnt ask for a better mentor. Thank you for always giving me strength, courage and hope when I needed it mosteven when you didnt know you were doing it. I look back on my time at the studio and the lessons I learned there, and I am proud to know that I was a part of it all. I miss it terribly, and I hope that I have the courage to come back one day. Sometimes its hard because you dont want to ruin an experience that so greatly impacted your life. My memories of the studio are permanently ingrained into my mind, just perfectly, and it may sound silly, but I dont want to risk losing them and I know what you will say about RISK. Its something Im working on and I promise, youll be the first to know when I get it all straightened out.

For now, I will simply say that I love you very much and I will come and visit soon. Please say hello to Nina and the kids for me.

As of 7/17/2008 10:42:25 AM, Michael S writes:
Hi Master Fariborz,
I hope all is well. It"s been quite some time since we last spoke, but from what I understand TKC is stronger than ever. I recently graduated from UCLA and will be starting medical school here in a few weeks. I"m sure you hear this a lot, but training in your studio made a profound impact on my life. I enjoyed the martial arts, but it was the little lessons that stuck with me for the past 10 years and will stay with me for the rest of my life. Things like honesty, integrity, punctuality, professionalism, respecting your peers, parents, and elders, believing in yourself, and exercising self-discipline seem like common sense, but I am surprised at how many individuals lack these basic skills. I am very fortunate to have learned these valuable lessons as your student. Next time I am in Woodland Hills I will try and pay you a visit. Once again, thank you for making a positive influence on my life. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful future.

As of 7/13/2008 12:59:44 PM, Cyndi C writes:
I was 14 years old when I got my black belt.
As of now I"m 20 years old.
My best memories: There was one late night of training for our Black Belt test and toward the end Mr. Fariborz had us all sit down. He handed us all a big envelope and some tissue. Most people were like "uh oh.." but I didn"t quite get why there would be tissues with this envelope. We opened them up and inside was a letter from almost EVERY single person I know! They all had really awesome and encouraging messages.20THEN I realized why we had tissues. I was crying like a baby, but it felt SO good to read all these things from my family, friends, and even acquaintances. It"s so amazing that Mr.Fariborz was able to pull all of that together. This has to be one my favorite memories from my training at TKC.
My entire experience at TKC was awesome. I think it"s so important to have something to be committed to. It keeps you busy, and helps exercise responsibility. Martial Arts has helped me learn to be more humble and aware. I"m so thankful for Mr. Fariborz and TKC. I love that people are working toward such a high goal while bettering their health and lives. Thank you everyone at TKC who"s helped make it the amazing place that it is. What I am up to now: Right now i"m currently going to school for Graphic Design, a passion that happened to find me while goofing around on a computer in high school. I do some side work, such as album covers, business cards, banners, and photo editing. I also work at Starbucks. It"s a really awesome job because it forces me to interact with dif ferent people on a daily basis, and it keeps me on my toes. Not to mention it works great with my school schedule. I"m also volunteering at a school for kids with social/emotional needs for the summer. It"s so rewarding to completely give back to the community. I also went on a cross country road trip recently. I drove from LA to NYC and back for 18 days. It was an amazing life changing experience and i recommend everybody does it.

As of 7/13/2008 12:57:10 PM, Danielle G writes:
Black Belt History: 14 years old when I received my first degree and 16 years old when I received my second degree black belt.
Age now: 20
Special Memory: Karate has played an important part of my life. I have so many special memories and I have had great experiences. My favorite memory is walking into the Studio with my new black belt on. I had the biggest smile on my face as I entered the studio and lined up for my first black belt class. This was something I had dreamed about for the longest time and it had finally happened. I had accomplished my goal of becoming a black belt and it felt great. After my first class as a black belt, I decided to set my next goal: getting my second degree black belt. Two years later, I received my second degree and I loved every minute of my training. Karate provided me with self-confidence, strength, and so much more.
Message: Mr. Fariborz sent me this quote and it has been very inspirational to me. "Now is the only time there is. Make your now wow, your minutes miracles, and your days pay. Your life will have been magnificently lived and invested, and when you die you will have made a difference." Always do your best and try to reach your goals.
Currently: I am currently a senior at the University of Southern California. I am majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Law and Society. I am in the process of applying to medical school where I hope to become a Pediatrician. At USC, I have taken self- defense classes to continue with my martial arts training while I am away at school.

As of 7/13/2008 12:54:44 PM, Daniel F writes:
I started at TKC when I was only 13 years old.
Today I am 18 years old.
My best memory: The pre-test on the beach and the rock climbing.
My message to you: Do not hesitate to set your goals beyond your limitations. As you practice and go forward in your training, you will see that your limitations extend beyond your goals.
What I am up to now: I have just graduated from high school and will be attending UC Berkeley. I am working hard this summer and enjoying it. I am looking forward to returning to TKC and continuing my training in the future.

As of 7/9/2008 2:30:26 PM, Zelia S writes:
My name is Zelia. I started my training at TKC at the age of 39.
I have so many wonderful memories of the time spent at TKC. But none of them can compare to the experience I had training for my first and second degree black belt, and the moment Mr. Fariborz tied my black belt around my waist. I couldn"t wait to get on the mat and train. I still miss it everyday!
I am still training in a different way. Taking yoga class at my gym, spinning class once a week. Emily, my daughter, has started a cross country camp so I have joined her. We start at 6am at Balboa Lake park and run 3 miles, 3 times a week, hoping to reach 6 miles by the end of the month...!!! Taking care of Kian, Leo this summer is keeping me busy too...

As of 7/9/2008 9:02:52 AM, Brandon F writes:

August 1992 - 1st Degree, 11.5 years old
December 1994 - 2nd Degree, 14 years old
September 2008 - 3rd Degree, 27 years old (IN PROCESS)

My memory about TKC and my training:

I have so many great memories about TKC. The first earliest memory I still remember to this day was how the studio looked back in 1988. There were no mats like we have today, but instead, industrial carpeting with padding under it. I remember testing for my Orange belt one afternoon after school. It wasn"t a big class of kids. It was just me! After going through all the basic kicks and punches, I had to do 50 knuckle pushups!

The next memories were taking Mr. John"s and Mr. Paul"s classes from White belt to Red belt. Mr. Paul"s classes on Fridays would be called "Fun Day Friday", and we would basically get to do fun things that us kids loved to do back then like Jump Front Kick contests, off-the-wall kicks, some gymnastics, etc.

I remember FAILING my first 1st degree black belt exam! Why is this a good memory? Because it served as a humbling experience in which I learned the true meaning of earning something. Back then, you were only allowed a total of 5 negative points to pass, and I had 6 negative points. I returned two months later, re-tested, and passed!

My latest memories were during my high school and summers back from college, I remember teaching classes in the afternoons/evenings. I have seen some kids that once in my classes grow up to become awesome martial artists as well (Mr. Jonathan, Mr. Josh are two of them). Also, doing demos for graduations with Mr. Omid and Mr. Glenn

My message to you:

I can"t believe that it has been 20 years that I have been training at Team Karate Centers. The studio is my second home, and I know that I am always welcome. I have a second family when I walk in through the door.

I love being able to train with Mr. Fariborz, and all the recent guest instructors (Sensei Richard Norton, Sensei Peter Cunningham, Sensei Peoples, Sensei Ron Balicki). Each and every workout session is demanding, and sometimes painful, but I just can"t get enough of it. I will come home limping or go to work all sore, and people ask me why I do it. I tell them because the feeling of being on that mat is something that could never be replaced, and that I feel unfulfilled when I can"t train. It is more than the physical aspect, but also the psychological and spiritual aspects that are involved once martial arts becomes an integral part of you and your everyday life.

Thank you Mr. Fariborz for your contribution to my development into the person I am today.

What I am up to now

I currently work for Northrop Grumman Space Technology in Redondo Beach, CA. I work in Project Control and Schedule Management for Advanced Mission Programs. I have been with the company since January 2007, after completing my MBA at Pepperdine. Before going to work for Northrop, I worked as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer for General Dynamics for almost three years after graduating from UCLA, where I studied Aerospace Engineering.

After work, you can find me training at TKC or training Capoeira in Culver City at Capoeira Brasil (Mestre Boneco). I have cumulatively trained Capoeira for 5 years with Mestre Boneco, and currently have my blue/red cord (6th rank). I am also testing for my 3rd degree black belt at the September spectacular.

As of 7/8/2008 3:59:53 PM, Rebecca L writes:

Age when I got my black belt -- 16
Age I am now -- 17
Good memory about TKC -- Mr. Fariborz and the teachers of TKC always pushed me to be the best I could be. Because of their strength and determination, I became a strong, confident young woman, who has managed to go through a variety of personal struggles while keeping a level head. I was the Editor in Chief of El Camino"s newspaper, and I would not have been able to manage any staff if it weren"t for all that martial arts has taught me. My life would be virtually incomplete without it.
Overall message -- Be all you can be; do all you can do; live all you can live. You never know what will happen in the future, so make it great. By the time you are old and grey, you will want to have smile lines to reveal the happiness you have lived to know.
What I"m up to now -- I start at Brooks institute of Photography on July 9, and I will be majoring in Professional Photography with a concentration in Digital Media. I will be working as a layout artist at Montecito Journal, as well.

As of 7/8/2008 3:58:01 PM, Alexandra G writes:

I was about 12 or 13 years old when i received my black belt.
I am now 19 years old
TKC helped me grow up. the training was absolutely phenomenal. and it really matured me.
Although I don"t practice anymore, i will always have and be a part of TKC"s family
Now, I"m working at Washington Mutual as a Senior Teller. and I am going to school at Pierce college (transferring soon - hopefully USC), and I am studying to become a pharmacist...

As of 7/8/2008 11:41:42 AM, Omid K writes:

I don"t remember exactly how old I was, but I believe I was around 10 years old when I received my black belt. One of the last classes I attended was the summer after my first year of college, around the age of 19. I started just before I turned 7. Maybe I was closer 11 or 12 when I received my black belt.

I am 25 years old now.

My memory about TKC and my training
Just one?!? There are so many! The first is of one of my first classes with Mr. John. That was an awesome day. I remember the struggle and stress of training for my black belt, and wanting to quit. My parents convinced me stay and that lead to the wonderful memory after earning my black belt. I even remember, after the test, of being asked to give a speech, but I was speechless!
Another memory I"m very found of is the birthday I had at the studio. I also remember the sleepovers and tournaments.
Most of all, I remember the friendships I"ve made with some of the greatest people I"ve met.

My message to you:
Studying martial arts was the greatest thing I ever did. It taught me discipline and the ability to set small goals in order to reach the big goal. Although I"ve fallen out of shape, what I learned in those 13 or so years has stuck with me mentally. I am incredibly happy to have continued my training, even that one time I felt like quitting, because otherwise, I don"t know if I would be where I am now. College and Grad school would have been much harder if I didn"t learn to focus on the task at hand, be it a target to kick, or a class project.


What I am up to now:
I am a Software Engineer at Apple. I went to UCSD known that I wanted to study computer science. After receiving my BS degree, in 4 years, I stayed to get my Master degree. One summer I interned at Apple, and they decided to hire me!

As of 7/8/2008 11:07:16 AM, Vahe S writes:

Age when I got my Black Belt: 12
Current Age: 24

My training taught me self control and improved upon my self esteem. My fondest memory would probably be me breaking the board at the Black Belt test (haha).

Life is a journey and everything happens for a reason; don"t panic or worry if things don"t always go to plan, because in the end, things have a funny way of working out for the best.

I just graduated with a Masters in Public Health and am waiting to start medical school soon, hopefully.

As of 7/8/2008 10:31:16 AM, Abteen B writes:

I was 7 almost 8 years old when I got my Black Belt:
Now I am 19
My memory about TKC and my  training:
I still remember performing at the Hilton Hotel and think of it as the place where I got my black belt every time I drive by. One of my fondest memories was also going rock climbing with other black belts.

My message:
Keep up with your training and go after your dreams. I was only 7 years old when I got my black belt, but I believe that karate gave me the strength to excel in other sports throughout my life. Exercise also leads to a healthy mind.

What I am up to now:
I"m currently studying creative writing and communication at Stanford University. I"m studying to become a writer/filmmaker.

As of 7/8/2008 10:12:58 AM, Hannah Y writes:

I got my black belt at age 14.
Now I am 16 years old.

I remember at my 2nd pre-test i was grappling for the first time in my life against Ms. Linda, and i had no idea what to do. Ms. Erin was coaching me and tried supporting me saying whatever she can but i was struggling helplessly underneath Ms. Linda. Then Ms. Erin said fight as if you are fighting for your life, and at that moment my eyes lit up (says Ms. Linda LOL) and i flipped her over and tapped her out. that moment made me realize that i can do whatever i intend to. and that gave me the nickname Tasmanian devil.

As of 7/8/2008 10:10:37 AM, Stacy M writes:

I received my Black Belt when I was 38 years old

My memory about TKC and my training:
My best memory is strangely enough when I had to stop training for a period of time. I received an email from Mr. Robert and he told me that even if it is the right thing, maybe it was not the right time. I kept that email for almost 2 years and cried every time I read it because I knew I had something very special with TKC

My message to you:
There is a place on the mat for everyone at every level here.
What I am up to now - I am still training at TKC and have just recently finished SWAT. I am now assisting in some of the teens classes and having a lot of fun. I am still as excited, scared and honored to be on the mat now as I was almost 6 years ago when I started.

As of 7/8/2008 10:06:54 AM, Gail S writes:

My first black belt, in tang soo do, came at age 34. My black belt in Hapkido was at age 40 something...
Now, I am 50+
My memory about TKC and my training:
They are all great memories - having my eyes opened to a versatile style; having the benefit and privilege of training with the most amazing instructor I"ve ever encountered
My message to you:
I miss those days at TKC
What I am up to now
I am training in Doce Pares Fighting Arts System (Eskrima) with GM Anthony Kleeman and still training in TSD. My Hapkido training surfaces daily. On the non-martial arts front, I am working for the City of Malibu but preparing to move, in two months, to the State of Washington to be near family. I"ll continue to train by returning to SoCal as frequently as possible and hope to stay in touch with everyone I"ve met through martial arts over the past 22 years.

As of 7/8/2008 9:42:15 AM, Janelle K writes:

I received my 1st degree at the age of 9. I then received my 2nd degree at the age of 12.
I am currently 23 years old.

My memory about TKC and your training:
The feeling of being challenged. Waking up at 4am for my black belt pre-tests. Coming to the studio half awake not knowing what will be expected of me. In addition, the feeling of being on top of your game. The elated emotions I got when practicing the kicking line (diagonally across the mat) in preparation for my black belt test at the Marriot Hotel. Having the whole testing group cheer for you as you kick, do forms, and perform gymnastics. Words cannot describe this feeling.

My message to you:
Never give up. If it is something meaningful to you, never accept anything but your best efforts to achieve that goal. There is a quote by Lance Armstrong that describes this well: PAIN IS TEMPORARY. IT MAY LAST A MINUTE, OR AN HOUR, OR A DAY, OR A YEAR, BUT EVENTUALLY IT WILL SUBSIDE AND SOMETHING ELSE WILL TAKE ITS PLACE. IF I QUIT, HOWEVER, IT LASTS FOREVER. Personal success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. So stay focused, work hard, and love the journey.

What I am up to now
I just completed by Bachelor"s of Science degree from UCLA, in Psychobiology. I am pre-med and I hope to apply next year to medical school. My goal is to go to Stanford Medical School and specialize in Sports Medicine, Orthopaedics. I would love to do Orthopaedic Surgery and keep people on their feet and doing what they love. In addition, I want to get more involved in The Special Olympics. Sports are my life. I know how important it is to stay active and feel those natural endorphins once you have physically and emotionally challenge yourself. It is a part of my life and who I am.
I am staying active in my community by volunteering at a convalescent home, spending weekends at a camp for kids with diseases or disorders, receiving my sports medicine trainer degree, doing biomechanical research, tutoring junior high and high school students in academics, and running competitively. I am focused on running the 1500m at track meets and 5k"s for road races. ALthough it may seem easy, there is much strategy that goes into running effectively and competitively. One of my favorite expressions is "I run to live and I live to run." My life would be incomplete without it!

Join our mailing list and receive free news and updates:

E-mail:
Name:

News

Copyright © Team Karate Centers - All Rights Reserved.