Monday, September 23, 2002
Local martial artist Caleb Labarda (center) stands with Grand Master Jhoon Rhee (left) and Master Frances Pineda following his rigorous testing for his second-degree black belt.
The belt testing was held at America’s Best Karate in Chandler where Labarda studied with Master Frances Pineda of Phoenix. He spent his most recent time there working hard to perfect his required moves and then he performed them throughout the grueling two-week testing period that ended Sunday with the final test and graduation ceremony.
He performed so well during the final test, Top Honors were conferred upon him by the martial arts legend, Grand Master Jhoon Rhee. During the final testing, Labarda was asked by the Grand Master to perform several difficult kick sequences, as well as traditional tae kwon do forms and Jhoon Rhee "martial art ballet" forms to such musical selections as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and the Spanish-flared Grenata.
In addition to demonstrating his tae kwon do technique at the testing, Labarda endured intense physical tests, including long-distance running, timed push-ups and sit-ups, muscular stretching (to a full split position) and the like.
An instructor at Tae Kwon Do Unlimited in Cottonwood, a school that follows the curriculum of the Washington, DC-based Jhoon Rhee Institute of Tae Kwon Do, Labarda was honored to receive his belt directly from the 70-year-old Grand Master, who is a 10th degree black belt.
Grand Master Jhoon Rhee is a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and is famous for creating an international and American tradition of tae kwon do, as well as for his friendship to the late-great martial artist, Bruce Lee.
He met Bruce Lee at a national karate demonstration when Lee approached him and admired his kicks. Grand Master Rhee told Lee he admired his punches. The two became friends and he says, "Bruce Lee taught me how to punch, and I taught him how to kick."
As the honored speaker at the ceremony, Grand Master Rhee described his daily routine, which includes 1,000 push-ups everyday, and his drive to be a member of what he calls the ‘100-21 Club.’
"If you exercise daily and continue to express positive attitude and emotions, then you will achieve 100 years of wisdom in the body of a 21-year-young", said Rhee. He also urged the graduates to follow his ‘Lead By Example – Action Philosophy.’
"If everyone in our society takes action to make good things happen…and if we can live an honest life without violating our conscience and with a passion for humanity, then you’ll see a clear vision of Utopia," he said.
Labarda received his 1st degree black belt, after studying several days per week for over 2 years. He was only 11 years old, one of the youngest ever to receive a black belt at his school. He exemplified such talent and maturity, that he was promoted directly to black belt, skipping over his brown.
Along with many competitive awards and championships throughout the state of Arizona, this past summer, Labarda was selected to study in Florida with 4-time World Karate Champion Mike Chat.
At the week long camp, he trained in physical conditioning and martial art techniques, including weapons, sparring, and forms. While in Florida Labarda performed as part of a karate demonstration team that opened the World Champion Night of the U.S. Open Karate Championships. It was filmed and will air on ESPN this October. He was also given the opportunity to try-out for the National Martial Arts Team.
Labarda’s continued training serves his goal to compete in the martial arts on a national level, which he intends to begin this year. As an instructor at Tae Kwon Do Unlimited and the coach of their competition team, named Team Xtreme, young Labarda is already passing down his knowledge to the younger generation, where he has mentored several Arizona State Champions.
Tae Kwon Do Unlimited is located in Cottonwood at 820 W. Mingus Avenue, one block from Route 89A.
Friday, May 31, 2002