My 1st Degree Black Belt:

My name is Alek Solter and I am 9 years old. I started karate at the age of 6 and automatically loved it. This journey has been so great for me. I have learned so much from Master Fariborz in the past few months I feel truly blessed to have him as my Kyoshi. From the very beginning, when I was a white belt, I have thought Team Karate Centers is where I belong. I was always so comfortable on the mat with Mr. Ash. He taught me everything that I needed to know to be a successful junior martial artist. At the age of 7 (2007), after receiving my green belt, Mr. Ash invited me to be on his Demonstration Team. This was quite an honor. I was one of the youngest to be invited to join the team. Performing with the team has been great. I know that this helped me to be the martial artist that I am today. Mr. Ash always put so much of his own time into us and for that I am truly thankful. I always enjoyed going to class. I have had the joy of sharing this journey with my two best friends Cole and Jake. I like that I will forever have this bond with them. Team Karate Centers has really helped me with my actions at school and at home. It has made me much more responsible. I cant wait to have the honor of being a Black Belt. I promise to always do my best and to never forget what it took to get me here.
I am Alek Solter, an Elite 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 give my all, everyday. I choose to respect myself and all others that surround my life. I will have integrity in all I say, practice and do. I will strive for Black Belt Excellence. I WILL BE AN ELITE MARTIAL ARTIST!

My Essays

I think I am a brave person with a lot of heart. I have spent the last few years at TKC training with Mr. Ash and moving up in rank as best to my abilities. I practice at home and I also try to help my sister and father practice too. I have tried this year to study hard and get good grades. I am loving and caring to my team mates and I always try to help them if I can. If I am privileged to wear a black belt I will continue to give back to the community and to TKC. To know that someone has fulfilled such an amazing journey means they have earned the respect of others. I wish to earn this respect and strive to have others see me use it to the best of my ability.

The belt itself means nothing but the honor to earn and wear the belt means everything. Being a black belt is giving back to TKC and the community. Its the everyday fight to be an achiever and meeting your goals. A black belt does not need to wear the belt to be a VIP.

My Letters of Recommendations

I remember Alek coming to TKC as a white belt I saw a shy boy, not sure that this was the place that he wanted to be, but he was going to give this new challenge 150%. Alek is now 9 years old, going for his black belt and that determination continues inside him. Alek is good at helping others when needed and practices on his own time if he is not sure of a position; he knows the importance of getting it right. Alek has what it takes to become a Black Belt and when he sets his mind on something, look out world!!!!! Alek is not only a wonderful, loving, kind and smart 9 year old, hes a ROCK STAR!!!!! ~ Jackie Korman, aka Bamma

My name is Virginia Jago and I live five houses down from the Solters. My husband and I have been great friends with the entire Solter family since the first week we moved onto the street almost three years ago. I feel so honored to write this letter of recommendation for Alek. You see, our first son, Jace, was born 2 years ago and Alek has been more than a friend to him, he has been a big brother. Even though he has to stop playing his older games when Jace comes over Alek always makes time for Jace. He is kind to him, helpful, generous, shows guidance, is protective, and makes him laugh. I trust my son with Alek. Being a motherthere is no higher praise than that. But I will say that it has been a joy to watch Alek grow through his involvement with Karate. It has given him focus, responsibility and pride. Seeing him in his gi practicing his forms is priceless. ~ Virginia Jago, Family Friend

It has been my pleasure to have Alek Solter in my third grade class this year. Alek has demonstrated responsibility and academic achievement throughout this year. Alek is quiet but a good listener. He has many friends and has great social interactions. He is very inquisitive and really loves to learn. This year we have a student with special needs (Downs syndrome) in our room. Alek has been a special buddy to Gracia and enjoys sitting next to her and helping her with her work. She responds very well to him and calls him by name. Her vocabulary is limited so she really feels Alek is special if she wants to say his name. Alek certainly deserves the honor that comes with earning his black belt. He has worked hard in every area of his life and I am very proud that he is able to achieve this so soon. ~ Susan Goble, Teacher, Lockhurst Drive Elementary School

It is with extreme enthusiasm that I write this letter for my son, Alek Louis Solter. When Alek said he might want to start karate we didnt take it lightly. We searched out many karate studios and he didnt like any of them. It was by chance that Alek attended a birthday party at TKC. That day he finally looked at us and said, This is where I want to take karate. As soon as he started taking class with Mr. Ash he felt at home. Karate has been such an awesome gift to him. It has made him a better student in school and it has taught him to be more in control of his actions. Being at TKC has taught him to be more patient, kind and to hold up to his responsibilities. These last few years at TKC has been so eye opening to not only Alek but the rest of the family as well. We believe that Alek will be a great black belt and will always treat the privilege of wearing one with respect. ~ Erik & Jennifer Solter