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A black belt is a white belt that never gave up. It’s not about what’s waiting at the top of that mountain or what’s on the other side; it’s about the climb that got you there. Being a black belt means you never backed down, you took on every challenge that came your way, and you gave it 110% each time. It wasn’t easy getting here, and I know it never will be easy, because when you give it you all each time; there will be sweat, there will be tears, and there will be pain. But if you can withstand the hardships and the obstacles, you can overcome anything. Its mind over matter for me, if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. You can’t let your body tell you what your limits are. Make your own, and push past them.

It all started out as a dream, but turned into reality. From complete stubbornness to success, my father and brother have stuck with me. They tested my patience, pushed me beyond my limits, and raised their expectations, but never gave up on me. But without them, I would not be here. So thank you for everything. You guys are the ones who keep me smiling, and successful.

How do you get a Black Belt? You find a good school and you find a good teacher, and you start to train. It may take 3 years and it may take 10 years, it depends on how much effort you put into it and how hard you work.

Students who show a lack of respect, discipline, pick and choose when to show effort are the signs of students who have a long way to go to get to black belt. What you wear around your waist is just a piece of cloth. “The real black belt, held by a real black belt holder is the white belt of a beginner, turned black by the color of his blood and sweat.

Just knowing the katas and the techniques is not enough to get your black belt. It becomes your way of life. The way you conduct yourself in and out of class. To wear a black belt comes with a lot of responsibilities. Your attitude is a gauge on how close you are getting. Just putting in your time does not guarantee you a black belt.

My journey started in 2004, my kids were in Young Champions and I thought it looked fun. I had a friend, Dale Boies get me started with ASKA under Jose Ortiz. I was an awkward white belt, didn’t know how to throw a punch or what a front stance was. The weeks went by; duck waddles, push ups, and gallons of sweat later, my attitude began to change; I got serious. I would see the black belts line up in front of me and I wanted to be one of them. I would try to do everything with 100% effort. I started practicing at home and refining my technique.

Three years later, I was testing in front of a board of senior black belts and Grand Master Ralph Kraus. A six hour test of everything I had learned for three years and I had attained what I thought was my goal. I got my 1st Dan black belt.

Little did I know, it was just the beginning. Now I’m on a new journey. I want to help teach all of you to become black belts. But you guys have to want it. There is no greater feeling than knowing how to protect yourself, and that you worked hard and earned it.

I need to thank the people that helped get me here. First is Grand Master Ralph Kraus, without him there is no ASKA. Ralph started ASKA back in the 60’s, now it’s our turn to continue his dream. My friend Dale Boies for getting me started and keeping me motivated in the beginning. Chief Instructor. Jose Ortiz for training me to be a black belt. Jose’s skill and perfect technique was an inspiration. My wife for letting me go to class for 5 straight years…every Tuesday, Wed. and Sundays. I also want to thank the people I’ve been training with for the whole 5 years. I have been side by side with these people for all this time. Hien, Bryant, Kelly, Heather, Nicky. We spent 100’s of Sundays together. They are not only training partners but have become good friends too. Heather inspired me by never missing a class. Years would go by and she never ever missed. That kind of dedication is an inspiration. I want to thank Hien Pham for continuing ASKA. The work he has put in to make this all possible is appreciated by all of us. After Ralphs passing He transferd authority as a founder and CEO/President of ASKA and Sport Karate to Mr Hien Pham, he rebuilt ASKA into what it is today. Coming to class is fun and we are learning new techniques every week. Ralph would be proud. Adding reality based self defense to our training is really fun and practical. I’d like to thank Bryant. The amount of talent, skill, and ability to teach at his young age is truly amazing. He helps all of us, and is a great leader.

And I’d like to say thanks to all of you for coming to class to begin your journey and to hopefully stand up here with us as black belts.

Sep 27-2009

Van Sperry, 2nd Dan Black Belt

Kelly Pham 2nd DAN Black belt

March, 15 2009

Well, I remember standing at my black belt test ready to pass out. But if I did, I knew I would fail. my heart was out on the floor in front of me, my hands were trembling uncontrollably, my legs were shaking, , and I was gasping for air. I stood there for what seemed like countless hours waiting for the end. As the judges announced I passed, I walked down the line of hands, and at the end waiting for me was my belt. I held it in my hands, smiled for a few pictures then looked down at it. Then the question popped in my head “So I worked my butt of for the past year for a piece of cloth? Wow. That's great.” But then I realized that my ranking wasn’t embroidered within the belt, it was within the person who held it. Being a black belt means a lot more than the fabric around your waist.

Sep 27-2009

Nickcole Knabenbauer, 3rd Dan Black belt

When I first started Tae Kwon Do I thought maybe I would get my black belt I never dreamed that I would make it to my third degree and become an instructor. Which I find that I thoroughly enjoy; helping other learn a new skill.

With each level of a black belt it is like getting another degree from college. To become a master it takes a lot of time, patience and dedication. Most people who start Tae Kwon Do don’t make it to their first degree black belt. One in One thousand will make their first degree black belt and the numbers of people making it beyond first get smaller with each degree. But making it to whatever level you choose is up to you and how much you want it. Nothing is impossible.

I want to thank my family; friends, fellow instructors and my chief instructor for helping me obtain my third degree black belt. Success is much sweeter knowing that I earned this belt with my sweat and tears.