My 1st Degree Black Belt:

My name is Hailey, and I grew up in the Woodland Hills/Canoga Park area. I live with my dad, my stepmom, and my dog, Tanner. My hobbies are cheerleading, drill team, dance, and of course karate. I started martial arts when I was in elementary school. I started with Tae Kwon Do and I went all the way up to red and black belt. I was so close to getting my black belt in Tae Kwon Do, but I was graduating that year and moving schools. I did a couple of tournaments in Tae Kwon Do, and they were really fun to go to.
My dad started TKC while I was still in Tae Kwon Do and he was always telling me how fun TKC was. So about 4 months after my graduation from elementary school, my dad tested for his black belt and I went to his black belt spectacular, and I was fascinated by everything that was happening because it was all so new to me! In my old Tae Kwon Do studio there was no journey in earning your black belt. It was just like any other test except you get a black uniform after. I then joined TKC January 2, 2008. I started as a no belt because I didnt know anything. I had to learn all the way up to green belt, so I never got my white, orange, and yellow belt at TKC. I loved karate so much that I would cry if I couldnt go to a class. I just loved the vibe of the karate studio. Everyone is just so nice and friendly that they are like a family to me.
I loved testing with my stepmom, Jen, almost every single test and now black belt! She is a great role model and shes really good at karate! Thank you so much for pushing me and making me a better person.
Id like to thank everyone this year for helping me and pushing me to get my black belt this year. Thank you

My Red and Black (Qualification) Belt:

My Red Belt:

My Brown Belt:

My Blue Belt:

My Mission Statement

I will stay positive everyday and I will work on not losing my temper. I will strive to achieve all my goals. I will be ready for anything that will come at me during my life time.

My Essays

The reason I think I deserve a black belt is because I am a hard worker. I stick to things and I dont give up. I have been in martial arts for four years, three years of Tae Kwon Do and a year of Hapkido Blend (only one year because I started at green belt). I was about to get my black belt in Tae Kwon Do, but I had to graduate and switch schools. I was looking forward to earning my black belt. My dad got his black belt about two months after I quit Tae Kwon Do and was telling me how great of a journey it was to get his black belt. At Tae Kwon Do, there was no experience; it was like any other test for them. Now I see that you need an experience to feel good when you are wearing your black belt. I go to karate classes almost every day and I feel good after because I realized that I tried my best in that class and that made all the difference. I practice a lot after class too. I run three times a week and Ive gotten from a 12 minute mile to a 7.52 mile.
I am so proud of myself. I have been practicing and I got so much better. I know that my journey is going to be the best experience of a lifetime, because I am going to try my best and not give up.

To me, a black belt means that you are the one that the people look up to. You have to be a good example for the lower belts. You have to take things seriously, you cant goof around, it shows that you dont care, and I care. It means that from now on its time to kick it up a notch and take things more seriously.
I want to make this journey the best experience of my life. I am so glad I go to classes almost every single day, because I like to learn new things. I like to work hard and practice so I could be a role model for lower belts. I want to take the lessons that I learn on the mat and take it out into the real world. I love to look at new white belts faces after their first class, because you know that they want to come back and have a great experience.
A black belt is more than just a black thing holding your gi closed. It is all the blood, sweat, and tears that you made through your journey. Its everything you have been through from white belt and how hard you worked to get this far. When I went to the Black Belt Spectacular, I was tearing up because you could feel a vibe that these people went through so much and they finally got this far and that I was going to be one of these people soon.
I love to help other people learn their curriculum. It makes me feel happy that I am teaching them something new and I am watching them succeed.

My Letters of Recommendations

Dear Mr Fariborz,
Im writing on behalf of Hailey Wills-Robinson who I have known since 2002. She has grown a lot mentally, physically, and emotionally and I have enjoyed watching her grow throughout these years. I couldnt ask for a better stepdaughter. Shes kind, sweet, and cares a lot about people and animals.
I feel shell make a very good Black Belt because when shes in Karate class she works hard, trains five times a week, and gets along with her teammates. Hailey has many friends inside and outside the studio. Shes been involved in Girl scouts, Tae Kwon Do, Big sister and little sister program at school, Shakespeare, Soccer, Basketball, Swim team, and dance team. Overall, shes very active and as one can see shes participated in a lot of activities. She makes a great team member and Im proud and happy that well be testing together for our Black Belts this year.
Proud Stepmom,
Jen Wills

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Hailey Wills-Robinson is my granddaughter. She has always lived near my residence so I probably see her much more often than would the usual grandfather.
She has gone on vacations and outings with me, and has stayed at my home often. I occasionally see her at her school and at her home. I see her at Christmas, other holidays and birthdays. She is intelligent, hard working, and athletic. On a number of occasions while she is at my home, I see her working on her Karate kicks and other drills, so I know she is motivated to progress in the martial arts.
Robert R. Wills

Dear Mr. Fariborz,
Hailey started the martial arts journey by taking the Tae Kwon Do at her elementary school. This is what led to the chain of events that brought Jen and I to Team Karate Centers. Hailey wanted to earn her black belt before she left her elementary school. She couldnt continue taking Tae Kwon Do once she left the school. So, Hailey worked really hard and just came a little short of achieving her black belt.
I believe that Hailey will make a great black belt candidate and a great future black belt. Hailey has a lot of raw natural ability and is working hard to develop that ability at a time when she could easily be distracted with other things. She already has specific goals and dreams that she is working towards in her future, which is pretty amazing for someone as young as her.
Hailey has been active in many organizations both inside and outside of school over the years. She likes to help out wherever she can. At the studio, I have had a number of parents and even some new adult students approach me with a nice word on how she assisted them or their kids, both on and off the mat.
She has made me a really proud father over the years. It is going to be exciting to watch Hailey grow as a person and as a young woman over the next 4 months. Hailey will make a great black belt and will be a great example of all the things that being a black belt embodies.
All the best,
Bob Wills

To Whom it May Concern:
As the Teacher of the Drill Team program at Hale Middle School, I have had the pleasure of knowing Hailey Wills-Robinson for the last year. She has been a tremendous asset to our team. I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Hailey to your black belt program.
I feel confident that she will continue to succeed in all her pursuits. Hailey is dedicated to the members of our squad. She challenges herself and is always willing to try new experiences with no complaint. She is quick to help when someone needs it and has always been very positive and self-confident.
She has successfully demonstrated leadership ability when asked to, but can also follow directions with no questions asked. She is willing to help anyone. She maintains excellent grades and has a great attendance record.
It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendations for Hailey without reservation.
Thank you for your consideration!!
Erin Coleman
Physical Education Teacher
Drill Team Coach