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| Saturday, May 03, 2008 Local Youths pass pretest and get ready for Black Belt Testing Click Link below for web site:
On April 18-19 Tae Kwon Do Unlimited pre-tested 14 Black Belt candidates, eleven 1st degree candidates and three 2nd degree candidates. Mr. Carmichael Simon, 3rd Dan and head TKD instructor Caleb Labarda, 3rd Dan conducted the grueling two day event.
The students have been together in the Tae Kwon Do program for the last five to six years. Several of them began in the Lil Dragon program and then progressed through the regular colored belt program. The Lil Dragon program is designed for children five to eight-years-old. When asked what their experience has done for them, this is how they answered:
"I've worked very hard over the past six years to get to the level I am at, and it has been a journey to remember," said Sarah Ortiz.
"TKD taught me to respect myself and others. I am grateful for the friendships I've made," said Ricky Hernandez.
"TKD has helped me become a better person, I've become stronger in body and mind," said Kenny Gagliano.
"Since I've been in TKD I've learned a lot about who I am. I've learned how to focus and be patient with others and myself," said Dillion Lightfoot.
Physical training began January of 2008. I consisted of intense body conditioning, running, martial arts forms and sparring. The four-months black belt curriculum required a five-day a week commitment and some weekends. Perfecting their skills, the martial arts studio became a second home to these students.
"TKD has been physically challenging. It has gotten me into shape and kept me healthy, though my legs are often sore," said Paul Gagliano.
"The hardest part was telling myself I could do it," said Thekla Hutyrova.
School grades are a very important part of Tae Kwon Do Unlimited. Every student needed to kept above a 3.0 GPA, most of the students maintained straight A's.
In order to hone their own skills, each candidate was required to teach 100 classes. This is their way of giving back.
"I've discovered that becoming a Black Belt is not about the color of the belt, but about the person I am," said Braiden Campbell.
On every level these excellent youngsters have to earn their right to test.
Mr. Carmichael Simon will be in Cottonwood May 10 to see if these students have earned that right.
With over 25 years of martial arts experience, Simon has been one of the leading innovators of "Jhoon Rhee's Martial Arts Ballet". He has been very instrumental to the sport by being an ambassador to the American sport martial arts system and traveling globally, performing and evangelizing the philosophies and methods to "Jhoon Rhee's Martial Arts Ballet". Being a prize student and one of the last "Living Legends" taught by Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee (www.jhoonrhee.com), he was able to apply the wisdom and define the standards to sport martial arts as he defied gravity by innovating AcroKicking (92-93) and incorporated the fusion of soft/hard style performances ('90). He was the first to land a 720 degree hook kick ('94) and Stunting Combinations-tricking/acrokicking ('95). He is a 5-Time International Forms Champion and 3-Time winner of the NASKA Triple Crown Award (www.NASKA.com). He is a member of the Jhoon Rhee Institute, Metro All Stars Karate Team, and Team John Paul Mitchell. A few of his greatest style(s) have been depicted through media as he starred as "KID Carmichael" on the FOX TV show "WMAC Master", "LIU KANG" on the "Mortal Kombat Live Tour", "Tommy Base" on "The Untouchables" video game series, and he was the 1st Sport Martial Arts Athlete on an "Affinity Master Card".
Through his personal freedom of expression, Simon has expanded his skills as an artist/athlete by fusing martial arts to modern day freestyle dance. He continues to perform with the world renowned hip hop dance crews "Housin' Authority/The Architeckz (www.thearchiteckz.com) whose credentials have been leading the hip hop dance community through choreography presented through artists such as Michael Jackson, Usher Raymond, Jennifer Lopez, and Justin Timberlake to name a few. Having studied a variety of styles, he has paved a way for a generation to express themselves through the "XiaolinGruv" (www.XiaolinGruv.com). Being a unique choreographer within the dance and martial arts arena, he continues to give back to the inner-city communities by educating and performing his style(s) throughout the Bay Area (California - Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose).
Technical scrutiny was particularly exacting. Each hand and foot position was judged. Power, focus and flexibility were also major factors. Mental toughness was tested as well, which is the ability to 'push trough' despite complete exhaustion and nerves. Students prepared and presented a speech entitled, "What My Martial Arts Experience has Done for Me". This may have been the most difficult part of the training for some students.
"Public speaking is hard for me. Memorizing and delivering my speech was not easy for me," said -Juan Wells.
"I wasn't ready and really had to push myself. Memorizing my speech was hard," said Andy Kuntz.
"I have learned to take control of my attitude and behavior. The most gratifying thing for me was working as a team, being synchronized," said Ray Lansing.
"This is the hardest thing I've ever done. Nothing than less than 110-percent will get you through. I'm glad I'm learning at a young age what the real meaning of earning something really means," said Michael Luna.
"I now know that if I set a goal, and work hard at it, I can reach it," said Kaitlynn Lewis.
At the end of the second day all 14 students passed and have earned the right to test for their Black Belts on May 10. Several plan on working towards achieving the next rank and teaching.
Mr. Nate Hetrick, assistant instructor and 2nd degree candidate said "It's not about me any more. It's a privilege to work with these youngsters. I've learned how to make the curriculum interesting, even for the Lil Dragons. I have come a long way in understanding what make a good teacher."
Mrs. Chemin Alldredge owner, instructor and manager of Tae Kwon Do said "Martial Arts is not just about 'martial arts' its making a difference in the lives of others. Watching these students grow is so many different aspects, and knowing they are making a difference in the world is a great reward."
Mr. Caleb Labarda is owner and Head Instructor of Tae Kwon Do Unlimited.
Mr. Labarda is owner and head instructor of Tae Kwon Do Unlimited. Starting Tae Kwon Do at the age of eight. Mr. Labarda immediately started competing and performing, placing 1st in the state until he was a Black Belt. Skipping his 1st degree Brown Belt and earned his 1st degree Black Belt with Honors from Master Lopez in 1996 and his 2nd Degree with Honors from Grand Master Rhee in 2002. In 2003 he had the honor to do a opening performance for the World Championship in Walt Disney World that aired on ESPN2. In 2006. Mr. Labarda received his 3rd degree Black Belt passing with Honors from Grand Master Rhee. He is a certified teacher through Jhoon Rhee International. Mr. Labarda has trained under several different World Champions and Masters of the Martial Arts. Performing on ESPN2, he has placed 5th in the world along with hundreds of performances. Once he led a team that he trained and performed along side, to Washington D.C. and won a National Championship. Teaching is one of Mr. Labarda's greatest passions.
"Teaching and making a difference in people's lives is one of the greatest rewards for me. There is no better feeling knowing that I help put a positive influence on kids, teens, adults and families. I am very proud of all of these candidates. Their hard work and dedication will pay off in the end."
"... Tae Kwon Do is a life changing sport, and I feel extremely lucky to have been able to have this great experience," said Gavin Furrey.
On Saturday May 10 these students will be testing for their Black Belts. This opportunity only comes around every two years. This is one of the largest events TKD has ever hosted.
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