My 1st Degree Black Belt:

I am Agnes Artoonian, and I am a Black Belt Candidate. From the very beginning, as I watched my little brother throw punches and kicks and have the time of his life every Tuesday and Thursday when he attended class, I knew that I wanted to participate in this activity, this art that gives him so much confidence and joy. As a young girl until this very day, I have always been very athletic so beginning the first day of my long journey was very successful. It was my brothers instructor Mr. Shervin, who really pushed me and believed I could be great, and I thank him so much for that. I began taking classes in September 2005, the first year of middle school. And now in September 2009, four years later, I am proud of the result that I have become. It took me four years to reach where I am today, and I would start my journey all over again in a second, because I really dont want to let go of all of it. I still remember the very first day I took class. I had recently turned 11 years old, but Mr. Fariborz encouraged me to take Teen classes, for Junior classes were not enough of a challenge for me. I clearly recall being taught the three dominant punches that we still practice today, Jab, Cross, and Hook by Mr. Jimmy on my first day. I grew a love for martial arts, for our study of Hapkido, and continued on my journey to Black Belt Excellence. All that I had worked for didnt hit me as much as it did on the day of my Qualification Exam. I realized the difference between being a martial artist and being normal, as Master Fariborz has always taught us. I knew that as my training began I had to give it my all, and every day would be an extra push towards my success. Its so sad to think these past few months of training, pre-tests, and Team Makoto are coming to an end. I finally understand what all the black belts before me meant when they said how much they miss those days of their ultimate journey, and training to become what they are today. I am already beginning to miss all of it though my journey has not officially ended. I am looking forward to September 26th, 2009, my Black Belt Exam, more than anything I have ever anticipated for in my life. Thank you to all my instructors who have helped make me the person I am today, thank you to Master Fariborz who I look up to as such a great role model, thank you to both my parents for being there and supporting me, and a great thank you to my little brother, Roderick, who got me started on this incredible journey. My road to Black Belt Excellence will be one I will never forget.

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

Throughout my life, I have always set goals for myself and was always determined to accomplish them, which brings me to the person I am today. Until this very day, I can not complain about my results from setting myself goals and accomplishing them. One very important motto I live by is Smile, the cameras still rolling. This may seem like nothing to many, but it has got me through some pretty tough times. What this quote represents is the act of trying, staying determined, and not giving up even if you mess up. Its always best to keep moving because yesterdays history, tomorrows a mystery, its all about what you do in the moment. You cannot change your mistakes, but you CAN learn from them, and this will benefit your own future.
My goal in life is to act as a role model by doing what I do, and learning from my mistakes. I want to be able to teach others the right path, although I had struggle finding mine, because I know with only a little help I can make a difference and help those who look up to me. Particularly, I wish to be a great role model for my brother to look up to. He too attends TKC and will be a Black Belt Candidate of 2010. I hope that I will be able to teach him all I know, help him during his time of need, and make him even greater then I will be.
I wish to maintain my good nature, and focus on my goals so I can accomplish all that I desire. I really believe in myself. I can do anything if I put my mind to it, and thats exactly what I will do.

My Essays

As I have always been told, I demonstrate determination in anything and everything I take part in. I know I am a committed person, because I tend never to give up on anything that comes my way, and I really prize this quality about myself. I lead life with confidence and put my heart into what I love doing, and try my best on things that I dont particularly enjoy, because I believe that we are meant to face challenges as a big part of our lives. I have always loved challenges and pushing myself to the limit of my abilities. I know very well that I am not perfect, and not every challenge I come across or take is going to be easy, but I always tell myself Why not just give it a shot. Nothing in life comes easily and I try my hardest to obtain whatever I have put my self up to. Why do I deserve a Black Belt? At first I wasnt sure as to why I did, or even if a deserved such an honor as incredible as this. But that is not how I look at it anymore, for I see that part of the reason I deserve it is because I dont know yet, because Im still learning. What I can conclude is that I deserve this honor because of what I have given: confidence, motivation, and my absolute best. However also because of what I have received: a learning experience like no other. I would not be in this if I wasnt driven, or ready for the challenge, because I am quite aware of what lies ahead. I CHOSE to put myself up for this, and with a little push of confidence I can say that with all my hard work and dedication, I really do deserve this.

Back Belt. The two words that always turn heads, stun, and possibly scare people. But not one of these people can believe the journey one takes part in to reach their infamous Black Belt, unless they too decide to take part in this journey. Karate is more than attending classes when one feels like it, learning a couple kicks and a few punches and calling yourself a fighter, or even having the physical ability to kill someone. Those are not what OUR journey has been about at Team Karate Centers. I could not be any happier in my choice of attending TKC. You guys from the very start, have believed in me like no one ever has, taught me so much I will never forget, and helped me learn and grow. And after 4 years of my attendance here, I honestly want to congratulate myself for taking part in this journey, and never backing down. I have grown an absolute love, for karate, the studio, and the people there. But now I ponder upon what a Black Belt really means to me? And my answer is simply everything. It is not the Black Belt itself that means something, it is the story, the hard work, and the determination, that lead to receiving the belt. To me, receiving my Black Belt doesnt classify as the end of my journey, but merely the first chapter. I know I have so much more in store for me as I choose to pursue this journey, and I can only shiver towards all the excitement, thrill, and drive I have to fulfill this dream of mine. Every day that I have stepped foot in the studio has been another test question I have completed, sometimes with difficulty and other times with ease. And as I continue to study and complete each question, the end of the test keeps drawing closer and closer in my direction, and soon enough my test results will come in as I reach my Black Belt Exam. It is then when I will stand in confidence, sure that I gave my all, completed every question, and even if I missed one or two or even three that its okay, because in the end it all pays off. Getting my black belt requires the same steps as one has to face in real life situations, dedicating yourself, showing determination and confidence, and doing your absolute best which can all get you so far.

My Letters of Recommendations

Agnes Artoonian can in many ways be defined as one you would admire. Her qualities both as my niece and as a person are incredible, for she seeks for a challenge. Throughout her life, she has always demonstrated the potential of a leader and one who will succeed greatly in the future. Her hard work and determination always pays off, for she is a very bright and intelligent young girl. She has been the greatest pleasure in my family and Im sure she is to all those around her. I highly recommend her with the honor of receiving her Black Belt. I know she will make it!
Scarlet Yerissian

Oh, what a journey. Agnes was born 14 years ago, an incredible child, so sweet, nice, and happy. I never heard her whining or crying, she was so different. I was always wondering and couldnt wait to see how she will become a young lady and get through lifes journey which lay ahead of her.
I cant find words to explain Agnes for all that she is. Not only a daughter, but a very caring and respectful person in the family as well as in society, or I better say a loyal friend to me. For the first time in my life this year, I felt I lost my best friend, whom I see as so independent, happy, and confident, when she began going through her teenage experiences and changes. In this I mean in no bad way, because she proved to me, that she can stand strong on her own.
Im so proud and grateful of Agnes who chose martial arts and showed a lasting interest of being in this team. She has worked hard, and always gave her all both physically and mentally.
Im sure that even after this commitment to Black Belt, she will learn to become even more of a better person, with a better mind to make the right choices in the future to lead a happy, and positive life.
I love her so much and shes one-of-a-kind and deserves the honor of getting her Black Belt.
Truly,
Yvette Artoonian

What can I say about Agnes Artoonian? Basically she is one of the most amazing individuals I have ever met. She is determined, honest, and dedicated to anything put in front of her. In the ten years I have known Agnes, I dont think I have ever seen her give up on anything. She walks with pride wherever she goes, though modest at heart. Anyone who does not love Agnes the moment they meet her is either crazy or jealous. Because frankly, there is a lot to be jealous about. She is intelligent, beautiful, sweet, caring and best of all a great friend. From what she wears to the gorgeous smile on her face, she is one confident girl. Agnes has a lot of respect for people, but most of all her parents and teachers. She loves gaining knowledge and they give her the wisdom to grow and learn.
Personally, what I admire most about Agnes is how driven she is. No she doesnt have her life planned out or know where shes going in the next few years, but what she does know is that she is young and free. She loves doing what makes her happy and Karate makes Agnes extremely happy. Love is a big deal in her life. She believes that in this world of ours all you need is love. So in conclusion, Agnes loves Karate and if anyone deserves a black belt, it would be her.
I Love You Agnes. Forever&Always
Sincerely,
Sophia Dekermendjian :)