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Message from Grandmaster TaeJoon Lee

Message from Richard Norton

To my Dear friends and Black Belt Candidates at TKC. I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for your important day. I know you will do yourselves proud, Mr. Fariborz proud and be proud Black Belt Representatives of the TKC academy. As a part of the TKC family, I know first hand how passionate you all are and how hard you all train and sincerely wish I could be there to share this very important 'moment' of your on-going life journey into the Martial Arts. Remember that the early Black Belt ranks signify the passage from the ranks of those students who are still learning to the ranks of those who have now learned how to learn. Also remember that it is not the color of the Belt that is important, but rather the quality of the person that gives meaning to the rank. Again, congratulations in advance for your efforts and your commitment to the Arts we all love so much. I look forward to 'crossing swords' with you all when I return to LA from Australia in early October.
Sincerely,
Shihan Richard Norton
Message from Sensei Cecil Peoples

Hello Candidates,
The day is almost here, in a few more days you will have reached your goal of becoming a black belt. All the hard work, time and sacrifice will be worth while. I know it’s been a long journey for you, relish the journey, look back on it with gratitude and respect. This will be a day you will never forget, you will always look back on this as a big challenge that you concord, that you rose to the occasion. When Mr. Fariborz tie that beautiful black belt around your waist and snap that knot for the first time you will feel magic happen. The first time you tie your on belt around your waist you again will feel magic, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. What a great journey for you, I wish I could have been there to watch you everyday of your training. I applauded all of you, I respect all of you for your effort. Again congratulations! For those of you that are moving on to higher degrees of black belt, congratulations to you as well. As you know the great feeling of being promoted to another rank is a feeling you can’t explain unless you have been there. The feeling of moving onward and upward is a true feeling of accomplishment, dedication and drive. Trust me the feeling you had when you received your first degree doesn’t change it only increases your love and respect for the martial arts and your new belt. Kudos to you! Unfortunately, I won’t be able to be with you this time, I’ve always been there for TKC graduations, it’s as traditional for me as my own association is. I will be thinking of you and I will have positive energy going out to you. When you get the feeling that I feel strong, I feel awesome, I feel invisible, that will be me thinking and wishing you lots of love. Enjoy this day, keep it in your heart forever, and give it back to the new students that’s coming into TKC. Much Love,
Sensei




Mr. Fariborz,
I'm writing to talk you about your black belt testing last Sunday July 19th. I must tell you I've been to many of your testing as well as promotions, but last Sunday was so special to me. I want you to know I think you out did yourself. As you know I had to referee a fight the night before and I didn't get home to 3 a.m., by the time I got in bed it was 4:30, when I got at 8 a.m. to come to the testing I was exhausted, but the minute I walk in your studio the energy from your student and your black belts just got in my soul and I came alive with strength and energy.
The other incredible thing was seeing Sensei Benny their, what a happy time it was for me to be their with Sensei Benny. As you know he and I both train together Grand Master Bill Ryusaki, but he was always a higher rank than I. After he made black belt he moved on and after some year I went on my way. But on occasions he would come back and teach at our school, he was and is such a great teacher I made sure I was in his class and made sure I was in the front of the class. So seeing him teach again both inspiring and energetic to me, I couldn't wait to get out there and get started.
In resent year as you know my martial art life a changed some. I spend more time now teaching kickboxing, refereeing and judging mma (mixed martial arts), so I have kind of gotten away from my first love Karate. But, coming to your testing and watching your black belt canadates working so hard and giving all they had till they had nothing left to give, and then they gave some more. I was so happy to be back in karate again. I felt like I do when I go back home to Alabama. My soul need that, every ounce of my being needed that, it was like coming home. I felt like a new black belt again. But this is what I want to ask you Mr. Fariborz, did you insist on me coming to your black belt test because you could tell I need to be back in karate again? Could you tell my soul need to come in and work with karate students once more? Did you know it would inspire me and make me appreciate karate again? If so I sincerely thank you. I also want to thank you for inviting me and have me be a part of it. Seeing all the other guess black belt there was awesome. I hope your students realize what you did for them and years of experience that was there on the mat that day, and they got all that we had to give.
Sincerely,
Sensei Cecil Peoples
Message from Tom Callos

Message from Mr. Reza Ghasry The black belt journey is a reminder that most everything worth accomplishing is the result of consistent hard work, discipline, patience,. In one word: perseverance- all the hard work you do after you got tired of the hard work you have already done. I am honored to attend and celebrate this black belt exam with you all. We have a common goal with no shortcut; there is no way to achieve a black belt, but through hard work and perseverance. I'm excited and look forward to the best that is still to come! Black belt and beyond! lets make sure that we show proper gratitude to all the magnificent teachers in team karate center for their endless dedication to the black belt excellence. My dear friend master Fariborz Azhakh ; thank you for all your devotion ,I continue learning from your example.
with respect
Message from Master Anderson

Message from Sensei Ash

Message from Sensei Amir

Message from Sensei Jason Lau Congratulations to the Class of 2009 on a job well done.
You have all worked very hard for this moment and you all deserve to shine in the spotlight. Remember September 26 2009 will be your day forever. An event you will never forget. I hope all of you cherish the last time you will all be together and just live in the moment. Congrats again, can't wait to see you all in black belts where the journey really begins.
Sincerely
Sensei Jason
Message from Sally Behpoornia Dear 2009 Candidates,
Congratulations to all the new Black Belts at TKC! All your hard work and dedication has finally paid off. I hope you have enjoyed and made the most of these past six months because an experience like this will never come again. My black belt journey was one of the most fulfilling and wonderful experiences of my life, and I will always remember the memories and close friendships I've made with the people I tested with. When you all test on September 26th, enjoy and cherish the moment because moments like these only come once in a lifetime. After you receive your black belt, you will realize that the real journey has just begun. Again congratulations on your accomplishments and enjoy your special day! Love Always,
Sally Behpoornia
Message from Sensei Linda Vogel

Message from Sensei "T"

Message from Sensei Patrick

Message from Sensei Patrick