My 1st Degree Black Belt:

May 17, 2009. The day I became a black belt candidate. On the day of Qualification, all the secrets of being a candidate were finally revealed to me. Over the years, I had heard almost nothing from my brother, and now I was there living it. In a way, I was grateful that I never found anything out because I was able to have my own experience and surprises. As a candidate I learned to test my limits. During most classes, especially during Saturday morning sparring for over an hour, I could hardly lift my arms up, and I was out of oxygen, but each time, I knew that to be able to be here and have the chance to do this was even more rewarding. Being a ca ndidate has brought out all the potential I knew I had inside of me, but had never seen before.
Throughout the next few months, the first degree candidates of 2009 became Team Makoto. As a candidate, I learned what it is to be a team, and what a team is. A team is undividable, inspirational, together, encouraging, never ending, and forgiving. After the black belt spectacular, I will sincerely miss my team being as one and being a candidate. We fight together, we touched the rock together, we WIN together. These six months are something I will cherish forever, as the height of my martial arts as of now.
At the time of red-black belt, I learned that there is more to karate than the technique, that is requires discipline and emotional strength. I got knocked down, beat up inside me, but I would never give it up, not now, not ever. A black belt is what I am meant to be, and I will never stop being one. I am one. Henry James wrote, Believe that life is worth living and the belief will help create the fact. I believe that it is all worth it, and you know what, it is. I have been challenged, and have had to face my fears throughout, and that sums up my biography. I came to karate, and overcame my challenges and fear.
Throughout my jour ney, there have been numerous people and instructors to inspire me and keep me moving. To my mother for driving me there, and supporting me in my decisions. To my father for being a great instructor, and the one who showed me the way of martial arts and how to succeed within it. To my brother Josh. If not for him, I strongly admit that I would have been a quitter, and not have returned over and over. His motivation keeps me going, every time, especially off the mat. To Mr. Saeed, my first instructor for leading me through the beginning. To Ms. Erin, who pushed me and convinced me to continue, even after I had left. To Mr. Amir and for helping me get back in the game, and showing me a new light to karate and the way to overcome challenge. To Mr. Robert for his inspirational words before every test, and during preparation. During one specific class, I needed help on a kicking combination during kicking line, and it took me multiple tries, but Mr. Robert made sure I got it, and when I did, it was an amazing accomplishment for me. To Master Fariborz for all the chances to succeed and to attain excellence, and a lifetime of mastery. Mr. Fariborz has taught me to be proactive, to make it important, and to care about everything that is important to me, and to WIN. And finally, to Team Makoto 2009. May we forever be a team.
Team Karate Centers has taught me more than karate. It has taught me to be strong in the face of fear, to encompass honesty and modesty and indomitable spirit and perseverance and confidence. I can say that I won the game. I still have a lifetime ahead of me. This is just the beginning. Wherever I go, my martial arts will continue.

My Red and Black (Qualification) Belt:

My Red Belt:

My Brown Belt:

My Blue Belt:

My Green Belt:

My Yellow Belt:

My Orange Belt:

My Mission Statement

I, Justin Pennish, will live life to the fullest. To take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I will strive for the best in every aspect of life, not limited to family, school, and martial arts. I will achieve success. I will continue to persevere in every way possible as a student of life and as a person. I will treat everybody equally and respect everyone for the human being that they are. I, Justin Pennish, will rise to the challenges of life, and emerge victorious.

My Essays

What is a black belt? Is it someone who has mastered all the requirements. Is it someone who takes what they learn beyond themselves into the real world. To every person, a black belt means something different. To me, a black belt means that I have continued to expand my ski lls to the greatest extent, and have accomplished the beginning of what I set out to do. It is a representation of my dedication and determination. Every color belt I have ever worn if fused together into one masterpiece that I will wear forever. All my knowledge, sweat, struggle, triumph, and dedication are woven to form a black belt. A black belt to me signifies my passion for the martial art. Originally, I wanted to obtain my black belt to follow in the footsteps of my brother and follow who are both black belts and instructors, But somewhere that changed, and I ascertained attaining my black belt to be prioritized, because I enjoyed the creativity of the art, and I wanted to achieve something worthwhile. And still to this day, no matter the challenges I am faced with, I will forever express continual success and gratification. I am forever indebted to those who inspired me, encouraged me, and pushed my to my limits. Black Belt Excellence is a way of life, and I will always strive to convey excellence in every aspect of life.

My journey toward black belt excellence started ten years ago, when I first became a junior white belt. Little did I know that ten years later I would continue to be working toward that goal, toward mastering everything I had been taught over the years. However, it was not always easy, and I gave up on myself and my confidence numerous times, which forced me to step into a place lower than struggle. I stopped trying and going, because I was afraid I could not do it, whether it be sparring or a cartwheel. Despite all this, I grew, and my mentality toward it all changed. I became inspired by my brother and sought victory. I deserve my black belt because when struggle=0 Aconfronted me, I always overcame it, and each time I reached a new level of intensity, determination, desire. As I continued to progress through the ranks once again, I followed all the philosophy that TKC teaches, and I put it to good use. To me, the most important, Kaizen gave me new direction, and revealed to me that perfection can always become more perfect. I deserve my black belt because I want to bring my abilities to the next level, and be triumphant, excellent, and knowledgeable. I deserve my black belt, because everything leading up to it has made me who I am, and earning my black belt will transform me into the person I want to me.

I, Justin, will live life to the fullest. To take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I will strive for the best in every aspect of life, not limited to family, school, and martial arts. I will achieve success. I will continue to persevere in every way possible as a student of life and as a person. I will treat everybody equally and respect everyone for the human being that they are. I will rise to the challenges of life, and emerge victorious.