Featured Black Belts!
It’s Black Belt Goal-Setting Season!
Hey students! Throughout the months of November-December, we are focused on setting fresh Black Belt Goals! Whether you are brand new to TM Martial Arts Academy or have been training with us for years… setting fresh goals is always a POWERFUL part of your journey. We invite you to check back here every week for an inspirational message from our featured Black Belts! Then, give us a call to set YOUR next GOAL-SETTING CONFERENCE with a TM Martial Arts Academy staff member!
“The best reason for learning karate is to develop character – to make a good man first and a strong man second.” Mas Oyama
WEEK ONE – Brooklyn Bieger
Hi, I’m Brooklyn Bieger. I started training at TM Martial Arts Academy when I was 6 years old. At my first class, I was so shy that I cried and refused to get onto the mat. But my parents wanted me to become more confident, so they kept bringing me to class. After awhile I started to love martial arts! The day I qualified to join the Black Belt training classes was so exciting. I wanted to join Black Belt training to learn self-defense and to become a great person. My parents wanted me to join Black Belt training to gain a better attitude, become more responsible, and to be helpful to others. Now that I am a 1st degree Black Belt, I think I have developed all of those things, and more! Now I am 11 years old and working toward my 2nd degree Black Belt. Watch my video story below!
STUDENT CHALLENGE: (Fill in the blank) “To me, Perseverance means ______________________” Write down the answer from this video, and submit it to your instructor at your next class to earn a 5-stripe!
WEEK TWO – Sam Murphy
Hi, my name is Sam Murphy, and I’m a 4th degree Black Belt at TM Martial Arts Academy. I began my martial arts journey when I was 24 years old, and I’ve been a student at TM Martial Arts Academy for nearly 20 years. Kids are not the only ones who benefit from martial arts training. Even as an adult, the lessons I’ve learned on and off the mat are priceless! I invite you to watch my video story to find out how!
STUDENT CHALLENGE: (Fill in the blank) On what date did Sam Murphy receive his 4th degree Black Belt? _____________________________ Write down the answer from this video, and submit it to your instructor at your next class to earn a 5-stripe!
WEEK THREE – Yurem Zarco
Hi, my name is Yurem Zarco. When I was 7 years old, I set my goal to earn my Black Belt at TM Martial Arts Academy. And at 10 years old I reached that goal! But before I could pass the Black Belt test, I had to learn a few lessons. These lessons have made me a better martial artist. Now I am 12 years old, and soon I’ll be preparing to test for my 2nd degree Black Belt. Check out my video story!
STUDENT CHALLENGE: (Fill in the blank) “It’s really fun to be a Black Belt. But, just know we always have to ___________ ___________ __________.” Write down the answer from this video, and submit it to your instructor at your next class to earn a 5-stripe!
WEEK FOUR – Layla Wenckowski
Hi, my name is Layla. I started training at TM Martial Arts Academy when I was 7 years old. As a kid, I was very shy and quiet. Martial arts training taught me how to use my voice and practice my skills with confidence. Now that I’m a 1st degree black belt, I love participating in sparring class. I also love helping younger students start their journey in martial arts. Check out my video story to see what carried me through to Black Belt!
STUDENT CHALLENGE: (Fill in the blank) “My advice is, just start with ___________ ___________ __________ to becoming a black belt.” Write down the answer from this video, and submit it to your instructor at your next class to earn a 5-stripe!
WEEK FIVE – Sam Salaiz
Hi, my name is Sam! I started training at TM Martial Arts Academy when I was 7 years old. It wasn’t long before I set my goal to become a Black Belt so that I could be like my favorite instructors. Fast forward to now, I am a 3rd degree Black Belt and a staff instructor at TM Martial Arts Academy. Watch my video to see how my martial arts skills are now equipping me to save lives every day!
STUDENT CHALLENGE: (Fill in the blank) “I realized that being a Black Belt is not just about having the belt and learning moves. It’s about what comes with it: the _____________, the _____________, and the _____________.” Write down the answer from this video, and submit it to your instructor at your next class to earn a 5-stripe!