My 1st Degree Black Belt:

When I was much younger, I never thought much about martial arts. I had been doing tennis since kindergarten, but stopped sometime in 2nd grade. My brother, Eric, had been taking Little Dragon classes at his pre-school with Mr. Shervin, and loved it. He loved it so much, the summer before he started kindergarten, we went to Team Karate Centers, where Mr. Shervin did the Little Dragons program. We went in, and before I knew it, I was signed up as a junior for TKC.
It's hard to believe I first stepped into TKC slightly 4 years ago. Karate has helped me physically, mentally, and socially. After starting karate, I overcame shyness, one of my biggest issues.
I would like to thank my mom for everything she has helped me accomplish and especially because these past few months have been very stressful for her.
My dad for bringing me to class on time and supporting me.
All the instructors that have helped me reached this point in my life.
My friends, for always being there for me, even if they weren't physically there, and for making my time at TKC bright and cheerful, even if my day wasn't.
Team Makoto, for being so friendly, helpful, and supportive. Thank you for the pleasure of training with you.
Mr. Shervin, for being my stepping stone that began my journey.
And finally to Eric. Even though we disagree and fight, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be a black belt candidate, so close to receiving my black belt.
Good luck Team Makoto, and all the 2nd and 3rd degree candidates. Let's make this year the most memorable. SHINE IN 2009!!!!

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 live by the phrase "constant and never ending improvement". I will always remember that unless I do not try I will never know the outcome. I will strive to see the difference between right and wrong, and I will try to always control my anger. I will push my limits to the max and keep negatives to a minimum. I must never let someone stand in the way of doing what is right. I will always know that without the support of my team members, friends, and family, I would be lost. I will continue to try to be the best friend that I can be, the best daughter and older sibling I can, and a great team member.

My Essays

To many people who have seen martial arts movies with lots of fighting, they may think a black belt is symbolizing the wearer is a superb martial artist who can knock down anyone in their path. To me, a black belt means something more.
A black belt means accomplishing a goal. It means achieving the physical fitness a black belt requires. A black belt means being able to complete the conditioning I am assigned, and learning and doing what is asked of me.
A black belt also means helping and being a role model for others. I have helped fourth graders learn their multiplication tables, helped adults with a third grade activity, aiding my brother in his martial arts training, and I set a good example by doing what I am told and behaving well.
A black belt also means overcoming fears, having confidence in yourself, and having wisdom to make the right choices.
To me a black belt, as should any belt, symbolizes constant and never ending improvement. My journey is long and difficult. I know the end is far from near and there will be many stops along the way. To me, a black belt is a very important stop I will take.

Do I deserve a black belt? Deserving a black belt isn"t all about pretending to know your forms or yelling the loudest. Deserving a black belt means true effort, honesty, and commitment. I can tell you I learned my curriculum, pushed myself to the limit, and can leap tall buildings in a single jump. But does that tell you I made an honest effort, was true to myself, and devoted four years to this journey? I want to deserve a black belt. I want to succeed because I give my best to trying.
True effort comes from practice, realizing mistakes, and correcting those mistakes. As one of three students in a particular red belt exam who felt we could have and should have done better, we refrained from wearing our red belts. Mr. Fariborz"s pep talk to us taught me that honesty is more important than receiving the next belt.
My commitment to this journey began four years ago with Mr. Ash and Miss Erin demonstrating that martial arts meant more than fun and self defense. It"s also the commitment to self improvement, character building, and becoming a team player. Do I deserve a black belt? Yes, I do.

My Letters of Recommendations

To Whom It May Concern,
I"ve known Samantha Ono for four years. Initially Samantha was a third grade student of mine at Serrania Avenue Elementary in Woodland Hills. Since she and my daughter are the same age, I have kept contact with her and her family over the past three years.
Samantha is a very intelligent, responsible young lady. She sets high goals for herself, and strives to achieve them. She is dependable, trustworthy, and conscience of others.
Samantha Ono is an asset to any program or school she attends.
If you have any questions, please call me at the numbers below.
Sincerely,
Mary Matsuno
Teacher, LAUSD
Lorne Street Magnet Elementary
Home:(818)998-6212
Cell:(818)231-4196

To whom it may Concern,
I have known Samantha for 5 years, and I believe she has worked incredibly hard for her black belt. Samantha is a very kind and smart and deserves it the most. Every day at school, she tells me everything she does at the studio and how she practices at home and I am so shocked on how much she wants this chance. She is such a hard working person, it will be terrible to see such a committed girl loose out on this. If I were to list everything about her, the paper would turn into a book of nice things. She is kind, smart, funny, thoughtful, and lots of other things like she is a straight A student. You are very lucky to have such a talented person going to your studio. Thank you for your time.
Hannah Khorassani

To Whom It May Concern:
It is my great privilege to present this letter in support of Samantha Ono as a black belt candidate.
I am Samantha"s father. While I might be a bit biased in my opinions, in truth, I honestly do not believe I can overstate the depth of character that is Samantha. And it is this extraordinary depth of character, in my humble view, reflects the values of spirit and mind that will serve her well should she earn a black belt. It is absolutely true that she has any number of wonderful qualities (e.g. she is bright, dedicated, mature, courteous, respectful, honest, hard-working, caring,etc.), but at the end of the day, the things that say the most about her is that she has unconditional love, support, and respect of her parents. As a daughter and person, she"s already a "black belt" in a manner of speaking. I hope you will agree that as one of your students, she is also well on her way towards earning that distinction.
If you would like to discuss any of the forgoing matters in detail, please do not hesitate to call me. I can be reached at 310.864.6937. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Allan S. Ono

To Whom It May Concern:
Samantha is a bright, organized, and responsible student. She takes all her work in my classroom seriously, and puts thorough effort into all that she does. I am pleased to say that she sets a good example for her peers. I would recommend Samantha for a blackbelt one hundred percent. She is a committed and dedicated student! Samantha has been earning an "A" in both of my classes throughout the year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Heller
Woodland Hills Academy
Room 15