My 1st Degree Black Belt:

If I was to go back far enough I could say that my experience and my involvement with martial arts started 35 years ago when I was just a 10-year- old boy living in Iran. However, this essay has a limit of 750 words and that story could take more on its own. Suffice it to say that there were kung fu movies and somebody by the name of Bruce Lee involved.
My martial arts journey at TKC started in February 2006. One of my wife's patients, whose two sons were going to TKC, gave her a one-month-free VIP card for our 6-year-old daughter Nicolette. She spoke so highly of the studio, the instructors, and the family-friendly atmosphere. After the free month, we signed Nicolette up at TKC. For most of that year my wife was in charge of taking Nicolette to her classes. Starting November 2006 I started taking her. As I watched her and all the other students (especially the adults) in their classes, I started reminiscing about my own martial arts experience so long ago. But this was so different. The school was incredible. I had never seen (and still haven't) such a huge studio; 3 mats with all the equipment you would need; wonderful instructors and assistant instructors (teen-agers some of them); friendly and helpful staff, especially Mr. Faramarz with his quiet salutations and ever-watchful eyes whom I have grown to respect more and more since the first moment we met.
It was at the insistence of Mr. Faramarz and my wife that I finally decided to sign up for classes in March of 2007. And I have never questioned my decision. It has been a wonderful journey. An incredible journey of self-improvement, self-realization, acknowledgement, education, failure, victory, mental and physical exhaustion and exhilaration. It has been a journey of discovery. Along the way I have met and become friends with a number of ordinary people with extraordinary characters and personalities. People of such positive attitudes and determination that sometimes it felt as though they were looking forward to some kind of obstacle or setback only so that they could work their way through it. There is not enough room in one essay to say everything that can be said about the instructors. It would have to be enough to say that their hard work, patience, advice, expertise, and talent are greatly appreciated, and I can only hope to show my appreciation and gratitude by my actions, on and off the mat.
Before I go further, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the one person most responsible for my journey, and that is my wife, Afie. I can say with no exaggeration that without her support, sacrifice, encouragement, and understanding I would not be writing this bio. I wish to tell her here that she is loved and appreciated beyond measure.
I want to extend my wholehearted and sincere thanks first and foremost to Mr. Jason and Mr. T., the two instructors under whose guidance I learned and grew as a martial artist. It is well known that the measure of a true teacher is not the quantity of knowledge or expertise he possesses, but his ability to confer that knowledge and expertise unto his students. And I can say with a good measure of confidence that these two gentlemen are among the top teachers I have met in my life. I would also like to extend my earnest gratitude to Mr. Ash, not only for his occasional instructions and guidance to me, but for the amazing job he has done with the juniors and teens that are now my teammates in our candidacy. My daughter Nicolette is one of these juniors that has been instructed and trained by Mr. Ash for the past 3 years, and if her admiration and adoration of him could be the measure of it, then Mr. Ash is truly a great instructor. I would also like to thank Mr. Robert, Mr. Amir, Mr. Bill, Mr. Patrick, Mr. Dan, Ms. Sandy, Ms. Allison, Ms. Linda, Mr. Josh, Mr. Lief, and Ms. Erin for contributing to the completion of my journey in their own capacity. Each one of these dedicated instructors has had a positive impact, directly or indirectly, on my journey.
In closing I would like to acknowledge the Azhakh family, Mr. Fariborz and Mr. Faramarz. Their vision for and commitment to their school and students have created a place not only for learning of martial arts but for self-improvement and through that the improvement of society as a whole.
I look forward to the continuation of my martial arts journey and the endless pursuit of black belt excellence at TKC.

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 each day by one rule: Live and Let Live.
I will practice the Golden Rule every day of my life: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
I will try everyday to better myself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
I will love life.
I will walk the path of optimism and positive thinking, for I believe in the universal law of attraction.
I will love my wife and children to my last breath.
I will strive to understand first than to be understood.
I will listen more and speak little.
I will live a life of patience, tolerance, understanding,
compassion, and open-mindedness.
I will not be resentful or envious.
I will practice forgiveness.
I will strive to be more ambitious and self-confident.
I will learn to say No more.
I will laugh with my wife and children every chance possible.
I will lead by example.
I will let my actions speak for themselves.

My Letters of Recommendations

When Gagik asked me to write a letter of recommendation for him, I felt honored, and I thought what better way to let someone else know what a great of a man Gagik really is.
Gagik Alvandian, a man of character and principles. In addition to raising a family and being a good husband, father, son and brother, Gagik has always found time to get involved in life around him. Unlike many people these days, whenever he adopts a cause or pursues a new interest he is guaranteed to be highly committed. There are many aspects in life that Gagik is involved with. He is a proud father of two beautiful daughters who love and adore him. He is a man who dedicates his life to his family and portrays how important family is to him. Gagik is also known for his profession as a Chiropractor. He is extremely caring to his patients and always treats people in the up most kindest and professional manner.
Gagik Alvandian is a loyal, caring, loving, supportive, honest, respectful, and most humane person that I know. He is loved my many people because of his character. His way of caring for people is sensational. Besides from being a father of two kids, Gagik has two nieces, and a nephew who love him very much. Something else that comes to mind is how dedicated Gagik is to everything in his life. Whether it is his wife, children, brother, sister, career, sports, he puts all that he has into all aspects of his life.

To whom it May Concern:
I have known Dr. Alvandian for over twenty- six years. He has been like a brother to me in all these years. In addition, over the years he has been my classmate, roommate and partner in a small business.
Gagik is organized, efficient, extremely competent, and has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. He also has excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. He is the most trustworthy and honest person that I have ever known. But most important of all, he is a great husband and father.
In summary, I highly recommend Gagik for any endeavor that he may seek to pursue.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Darab Badkoubei

Greg Alvandian is a person of character who takes his responsibilities seriously. He is an attentive health care professional maintaining both high credentials and skilled patient care. He is detail oriented and articulate in his communication with others. Furthermore, he practices the lifestyle he preaches. Dr. Alvandian provides education for his patients in all areas of self care including nutrition, exercise and effective rest habits. In his family interactions he models honesty, spirituality, and discipline to his children, and he demonstrates good cheer in doing so. He is an excellent role model for all in his community.