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My 3rd Degree Black Belt:



I want to first thank my family that came from different parts of the country to watch the Spectacular. It means more to me than any words can express.
There is something special at Team Karate Centers, we sweat, bleed and cry together, we punch, kick and become better human beings together. I am constantly learning at TKC, may it be how to protect myself physically or how to communicate better in my relationships.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to teach at TKC. My fellow staff members at TKC are incredibly talented martial artists as well as wonderful people. I want to thank my students, because my students TEACH me on how to become a better person and martial artist.
The journey towards my 3rd degree has been full of challenges and triumphs. Balancing family, work, school, teaching, and training has been exhausting!! As this journey comes to an end, another one begins.
Congratulations to the 1st Degree Candidates TEAM MAKOTO!
Congratulations to the 2nd Degree Candidates TEAM E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)!
To my fellow teammates THE SENSEISwe were brought together for a reason, this was our time, our training and our journey. I could not have asked for a better team!
Thank you to all of our guest instructors over the last five months.
Thank you to all of my past instructors, each of you helped me to reach this goal.
Thank you Mr. Faramarz for all that you do.
Thank you Kyoshi for your vision.
Ruth, thank you for your support and love.

My 2nd Degree Black Belt:



It has been a little over 4 years since I walked into Team Karate Centers. I could have never imagined that I would be testing for my 2nd degree black belt. Deep down I knew that I would one day earn my black belt, but I had no idea that I would come to love martial arts the way that I do and have the opportunity to teach others.
Most of my life I have been involved in some kind of sport. Little league baseball, mighty might basketball, tennis, and swimming. As I got older I participated in softball, basketball and volleyball during high school. I had many coaches throughout those years and enjoyed learning from most of them. They helped me to understand teamwork and respect. Team Karate Centers brought those fundamentals of teamwork and respect to entirely different level. I have been taught some very tough lessons about people and who they are through TKC and I wouldnt change any of those experiences. Ultimately I found out that the journey of black belt excellence stops if I make the choice and that I want to continue on the path of constant and never ending improvement KAIZEN.
This past year I have the opportunity to watch some incredible people strive to earn their black belt. Congratulations to the Budo Warriors.
Thank you to my mom and sister for making another trip from Florida to come support my efforts. No amount of words could ever describe my love for you.
To my niece Hannah, who is to young to read this, you bring such joy to my life. One day when you are able to read this, know that you can do anything with instructions, time and practice.
To all my instructors past and present, thank you for all that you do.
Mr. Terry over the last two years your friendship has become paramount in my training at TKC. If you had not been there I dont know if I would have continued. Thank you for listening to me during my frustrations and ALWAYS exhibiting your loyalty for Mr. Fariborz.
To my martial art brother, Mr. Amir. No matter what you have been supportive of my training or lack of training. There were times that I wanted to quit and you never judged me instead you led by example. Thank you.
Congratulations to Team Legacy. Your dedication is tremendous.
To my fellow Kensho teammates it has been an honor to train with each of you.
Ms. Erin and Ms. Heather you are missed, I know you are not far and just a phone call away. Thank you for being wonderful friends.
To my soul mate Ruth. Thank you for being so understanding during my candidacy. I know that I spend many hours away to train and teach.
Mr. Fariborz thank you for your continual growth, without your drive to excel many others including myself would not tap into the opportunity that you provide for us to grow not only as martial artists but as human beings.

My 1st Degree Black Belt:



My name is Allison Mosa. My training began in June of 2003. I remember vividly the first day I walked through the doors of Team Karate Centers. It was a testing night and the energy and buzz of the environment was exciting. Since I was a little girl Ive wanted to study martial arts and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity as an adult. I am eternally grateful to Nicki Holland for introducing me to Mr. Fariborz and TKC. The past 2 and years have been a tremendous growing period.
Mr. Saeed, Mr. David, Ms. Soehelia, and Mr. Bill thank you for contributing to my marital arts foundation.
Glenn Dietz, thank you for your guidance and acts of kindness.
Michele Tritt-Glasser, your support and friendship are priceless. Youre a wonderful example of Black Belt Excellence.
Ms. Christine, you will never know how much your encouraging words mean to me. When I was struggling with life on lifes terms you were there to remind me that Im worth it. Thank you.
Mr. Keith, Ms. Lisa, thank you for your advice and motivating words.
Ms. Elaine, thank you for continual support.
Ms. Nina, its always a pleasure to walk into the studio after a grueling run and see your smiling face.
Mr. Jim, thank you for listening to me and helping me through some tough times.
Mr. Faramarz, you are a special man with a very large heart. Thank you for the talks and helping me to see things differently.
Mr. Robert, thank you for your ability to explain and make me think. You are a gift to so many students and I feel very fortunate to have you as one of my guides in this journey.
Mr. Shervin, you are awesome. I love your positive attitude. You always bring a smile to my face.
Mr. Paul, I feel incredibly blessed to have you as a mentor. During this journey there were times where I wasnt sure of myself and you were able to pick up on it and help me through it. Thank you.
Mr. Terry, youre a great instructor, loving person, and a wonderful friend. Thank you for all of our conversations on love and life.
Ms. Heather, thank you for your friendship. I will never forget the kindness you showed me the day we met, and continued throughout the past several years.
Ms. Erin, on the mat, your teaching abilities are incredible and I look up to you as a female martial artist. I believe that Black Belt Excellence is part of your everyday demeanor; youre a true gift to TKC. Off the mat, I cherish our friendship.
Mr. Fariborz, thank you for your vision. I see you touch so many lives and make a difference in your environment. I enjoy being your student and look forward to many more lessons.
Team Bushido, each of you is dedicated to continual improvement and I am honored to have the opportunity to share the mat with you all. Congratulations on your new achievement.
Teammates of Kaizen of TKC, thank you for helping me grow as a person and martial artist.

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 will listen more than I speak. I will strive for knowledge and fact, and in doing that I will refuse to listen to gossip. I will be open minded to others perspectives. I will not compromise my character, values or morals for anything or anyone. I will be honest and kind to myself and other individuals. I will look at myself before I place blame on other people, taking responsibility for my own behavior and choices. I will help others whenever possible, without sacrificing my beliefs. I will open my heart to forgiveness. I will remember to laugh; life is too short for resentments. I will work through resentments, refusing to hold anger in my heart. I will try to maintain an organized home and work environment. I will stop, think and ask for patience before acting in anger. I will not put happiness in the value of material things, and remember happiness is a journey not an emotion.

My Essays

Being a Black Belt has changed me forever. Martial arts is not a hobby, its my way of life. I do my best to bring black belt excellence in all areas in my life, though I fail, I continue to try. Black belt excellence is not about how I am able to hurt someone, its the complete opposite. Its how I can help someone else. How I can help my family, my community, my world? Being a black belt to me means so many things to me.
First, being a black belt means being in excellent physical health. Lets face it most of us are not going to be in fighting shape like an MMA figure. Being in excellent physical health means: being able to accomplish demanding physical activity. Having excellent physical health also means eating well, not smoking and limited alcohol consumption. Second, being a black belt means being mentally fit. Continued education is a must, a black belt must continue to learn and exercise the mind. Being a black belt means being spiritually grounded, having a power greater than themselves to ask for guidance.
Lastly on a humanitarian level, a black belt donates their time to help others, not for any type of gain (monetarily, or otherwise.) A black belt donates their time to help others just for the sake of helping their fellow man or woman. This is what being a black belt means to me.
On October 25th, 2005 I earned my first degree black belt. On October 20th, 2007 I earned my second degree black belt. On September 26th, 2009 I will earn my third degree black belt. Some people may think that it is presumptuous to say I will attain my third degree when it is 144 days away. Being a black belt has taught me to set goals, to pursue my goals with all my heart. Its not with arrogance I say that I will earn my black belt in 144 days, its with confidence. I will earn my next degree because I am committed do what is asked of me. I am committed to help all those individuals that are also committed to the embodiment of black belt excellence.
I know this journey will be another peel off the onion. A new layer will be exposed. I am ready to grow as a person and martial artist. Over the last year I have had the opportunity to teach martial arts to children. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career in teaching others. The satisfaction I receive from teaching is like no other feeling that I can describe.
When I first began my journey into martial arts, it was about how I could become healthier physically. As I continued I began to understand that not only was it about physical health, but it included my mental and spiritual health. As I continue to work on those areas of my well being, I have come to understand it is now about how I can help others.
Constant and never ending improvement, this concept has been essential in my growth. Now I wish to share that concept with anyone that wishes to move forward, not only on the mat, but out in the world. This is why I know I will earn my next degree.

My Letters of Recommendations

I am writing this letter to recommend Allison R. Marrero-Mosa for candidacy of 3rd degree black belt. I have known Allison for many years and can attest to her character. She is a highly generous friend, loyal wife, dependable employee and a goal-orientated student. I whole-heartedly recommend her as a 3rd degree black belt candidate.
One of Allisons greatest qualities is her kindness. She will help anyone at anytime even if they have done her wrong in the past. She is always looking out for others and making sure that others are served before herself. She is full of energy and loves to see the kids in her class grow and develop the same passion for martial arts that she embodies.
Allison works hard to stay knowledgeable about the black belt curriculum; in shape so that she can continue to excel; and loyal to her studio and sensei. If you were to walk in our house you would be able to tell right away how important TKC and martial arts are to Allison. She proudly displays her achievements on the walls and is more then delighted to tell others how life-altering martial arts has been for her. Though balancing family, work, school and martial arts has not been easy within these last 3 years I believe that Allison has found a balance. I believe that her 3rd degree will be yet another step into a lifetime of martial arts and thus I strongly recommend her for candidacy.
Very truly yours,
Ruth Marrero-Mosa

Dear Mr. Fariborz,
I am writing this letter to you at the request of my daughter, Allison Mosa, to share my understanding of her progression through years of training in Hapkido at your studio.
Watching Allison develop her technical skills, mental commitment, and then embrace the philosophy of martial arts in general, Hapkido in particular, has been a fascinating experience for me.
Many parents mark their childs growth throughout the years by milestones in their lives, but for Allison I believe the true root of her best accomplishments and character development were polished as she progressed through your program. It has not been an easy undertaking for her, but it is my belief that most fulfilling and rewarding achievements in life seldom are.
Over recent past years she worked through academic stops and starts, personal set backs, physical and family challenges. The one constant that kept her heart and mind balanced as she pushed forward through these times was her training. From her very first step through the basic levels of achievement, on through the most challenging requirements of first and second level Black Belt trials, she was single minded. She would do this. She would succeed. She believed.
I havent seen her training for the third level of required skill, but I know she will put her heart, and all her skills to work to meet those requirements. I know this as strongly as I know how deeply I love my daughter, and admire her progress as a student of your discipline. I am personally grateful that your studio offered grounding for her soul.
Most respectfully,
Mary Mosa

Dear Mr. Fariborz and TKC instructors,
I am writing this letter on behalf of my older sister, Allison. I was pleased when Allison asked me to write a letter of recommendation for her, and I was a little nervous...what should I write about? So here is a little history about my dear sister and her journey.
Growing up with Allison was sometimes hard, we weren"t exactly friends... I was the annoying little sister that stole her clothes and always needed a ride somewhere. We didn"t have much in common as far as music, sports and hobbies. But there is one thing I knew we did have in common...love. That is the foundation to our friendship now. Allison is full of love.
Allison met herself for the first time at TKC. I always knew how strong, worthy, and capable Allison was, she didn"t, until she started her journey toward her first degree black belt. I have seen changes and growth in her, not just the obvious of learning different forms and techniques, but the really other things like kindness, patience and tranquility. It has been remarkable to witness, and inspiring. I have been honored to be able to attend and witness my sister receive her first and second black belts. I was overwhelmed to watch her take her steps down the candle lit isle, with her peers watching as she made her way to her accomplishment.
I use that image, and the shirt she has given to me at her last black belt ceremony as inspiration. Having challenges in my life that can consume me if I allow, has taught me to find a positive outlet. I run. That can be difficult to make an effort for as a single mom with two jobs. Sometimes I want to stay in bed and escape...until I think of my older sister. I think back on that day, and I how I felt for her...proud and again, inspired. So I get up, put on that shirt and run like something with big teeth is chasing me. If my sister can crawl up a rope, run and then tussle with a man three times her size, I can surely run four miles.
No matter what struggles I may have, I know I will never be alone, I have Allison. My sister is my rock. She is there for me in my darkest moments, pulling me through with positive energy, kindness and patience. Allison is a devoted Aunt to my daughter, and a wonderful role model for Hannah, she is a true example of courage, strength and love. I am grateful for the TKC family. TKC had given my sister the chance to find herself, to believe in herself, and now to inspire others. Thank you.
With great respect,
Amanda Russo