My 1st Degree Black Belt:

I was introduced to Karate in 2005 at a studio not far from my house. My best friend and his brothers were already attending so we decided to try it. I learned a lot of basics at that studio but after about two years my family realized that we were not getting as much out of it as we could. At the same time, my best friends family also decided to change studios and we both started at TKC. My first class was with Mr. Amir as a yellow belt. My first experience at TKC was awesome because there were so many instructors to help in the classes. I got my green belt in 2007 and began learning a lot of new stuff.
After I got my brown belt, it became difficult to do karate and play baseball, my favorite sport. When all of my classmates were getting ready to test for red belt, I was not able to because baseball did not allow me to prepare well enough for the test. I told my dad that I wanted to quit karate because I wasnt moving up and that I couldnt be a candidate for 2009. My dad arranged a meeting with Mr. Fariborz, Benjamin, my dad and me. Mr. Fariborz asked if I could commit to practice and take classes once or twice a week. He told me that if I continued and worked hard, I could play baseball and do karate, and that I could qualify to be a 2009 candidate if I really wanted it. I agreed and am very happy and proud that I have come this far in my journey. This journey has been challenging, but fun at the same time. At first, sparring and grappling were not my favorite things. Now I am more comfortable with them. I also enjoy doing the boxing combinations.
I want to thank Mr. Fariborz and Mr. Ash for helping me and showing me how to achieve the level that I am at now. Thank you Mom and Dad for searching out TKC and allowing me the chance to participate in Karate.
I especially want to thank my Team Makoto who have applauded me and cheered me on. I have become much more comfortable with my group and am not as shy as I once was.

My Red and Black (Qualification) Belt:

My Red Belt:

My Brown Belt:

My Blue Belt:

My Green Belt:

My Mission Statement

I will try my best to not argue with what my parents say. I will not do mean things to people like kicking them, or punching them. My mission is to live peacefully, be healthy and happy. I will not quit.

My Essays

What a black belt means to me is that I have succeeded this day, and then I go onto the next day. It also means that I reached a goal, and it also means that I show teamwork for my group. Also it means that I practice every day, until the qualification exam, and the black belt spectacular.

I deserve a black belt because I worked very hard for it. I got good grades in math and health, and my teacher says I am one of her best students in her class. I will focus on being in the qualification. I have done forms, progressions, combinations, etc, and I am doing better at it. I will continue working through this sweat and blood. I will not disobey my parents when they tell me to do something, like put my clothes away, or get my clothes ready for tomorrow. I guarantee that I will be in the qualification.