Why I Want to Be a Black Belt: By Ben Narvaez

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt: By Ben Narvaez

Ben Narvaez

12/16/15

         When I was young, I loved Power Rangers. Every time I watched that show I always wanted to do karate. My favorite color of  Power Ranger was the one that always did the right thing. When I asked my parents if I could do karate, they said "yes". In Frisco, where I started my first karate class I started out good until I fell on my face. I was doing a round kick and I slipped and fell. At least I did the kick right. Right when I got my yellow belt I had to move back to San Diego,California. I didn’t continue to do karate in San Diego. My mom had me try other sports but I always wanted to continue in karate.  I moved back to Texas in 2011 but did not start Stricklands until 2012. The moment I walked into Stricklands,  I was nervous and sweaty. I kinda felt like the new kid at school or at the  lunch table. Then slowly I started making progress. I always wanted to achieve reaching my black belt but back in 2012 it seemed like that would take forever. I have learned a lot from Stricklands . It has helped me look at things in a different way and has taught me to respect my elders. My experience here has been good and I hope to have a lot more experiences like that. I learned a lot more than that like a lot of forms and how to take some one down in control judo and learned how to control my partner in free spar. I have made a lot of friends at Stricklands  and I hope I get to meet more people. I have enjoyed all of the seminars that I have attended and believe they have helped me reach this point. I especially liked the nun chuck seminar.   In conclusion, my time at Stricklands  has helped me grow and become a better student. That is why I feel I should receive my black belt.

Why I want to be a black belt? By: Saikrishna Gujjarlapudi

Why I want to be a black belt? By: Saikrishna Gujjarlapudi      

 I, Saikrishna Gujjarlapudi, would like to become a black belt because it is one of my ambitions to become a black belt or first-degree black belt. The reason I had come this far without quitting or failing a single testing is because of this dream that I have with me. This gets me one step closer to reaching my goal of being a first-degree black belt. This essay takes me a step further to my hard and rigorous goal. This helps me in self-defense and helps me defend myself at any time, any place, and any moment of chaos. This also gives me physical exercise, skill, and flexibility to my arms and increases my growth since I am in the growing age of children. This increases my brainpower with more complicated forms then ever in my life, the only ever time I have completed such a mind-stressing task is in math. If I become a black belt, I will finally get to stop learning the basics that I have been learning for the past two years and finally become another master in martial arts. The form that I am now doing is known as, Chung Mu, it looks difficult when seen, but simple and fun when it is being shown or is done any form that may occur. Taekwondo will also go very far in my life. Taekwondo will be helping me in my future a lot. It will be put on my extensive resume .I enjoy taekwondo very much. It relieves me of any pressure I have outside of karate. 

The world of tae-kwon-doe is a way to improve myself and those are some reasons I want to become a black belt. I want to be a black belt because I want to improve in my only physical outside school activity, tae-kwon- doe, it is my only chance in my life to earn some reward in something other than academic learning. The way I became a black belt is because I worked very hard for the past two years. I had just wanted to do tae-kwon-doe but now I want to become a black belt because of my two years of determination from the brain and my heart. I always wanted to start tae-kwon-doe since I was six years old, and I finally got to start at the age of 8 years old. This is a very harsh way to become a black belt but still forces you to do the work to be worth to become a black belt. This also helps me because I have to get a bigger appetite, so more vigorous, more appetite I can grow. The reason I wrote this essay is because of my desire to become a black belt. There are many other reasons I want to become a black belt but I am not talking about them. Thank You for reading this essay about why I, Saikrishna Gujjarlapudi want to be a black belt.

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt: Rick Rizzo

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt: Rick Rizzo

My overall interest in Martial Arts began to develop in the early 1990’s as Royce Gracie began to gain exposure through the burgeoning UFC.  Royce is roughly my size and I watched him submit a much larger fighter via lapel choke while being held upside down.  What caught my attention was how knowing the right skills and how to apply them can neutralize and overcome disadvantages like size, strength and circumstance.  Now let’s fast forward 20 + years, now with two young children whom I steered to Taekwondo training beginning at age 4.  Watching them train, and more importantly watching the instructors re-lit the interest that was sparked back then.  The tipping point to my pursuit to become a Black Belt came when, as I have written before, our family decided to raise the level of training for our kids and came to Strickland’s Taekwondo.  After a short period of watching my son’s train with Mr. Strickland and the rest of the staff, I quickly decided to join in and now, almost three years, 157 classes, physical therapy, knee surgery and 14 belts later, I am on the verge of earning a probationary black belt.  But why go through all of this?  Why do I want to be a black belt?

As I looked internally, which I suppose is the purpose of this exercise, I came up with two main reasons for this pursuit.  Interestingly, neither has to do with what originally interested me…fighting.  My reasons can be classified as “internal” and “external.”  There are several reasons I am doing this for me and several reasons I am doing this for others.

I have three main internal reasons for why I want to become a black belt.  The first is finishing what I start, following through on my commitment.  This is somewhat oxymoronic as I have learned this is really just the very beginning which actually is exciting, challenging and motivating all at the same time!  Secondly, this is something I am hoping to do as long as I am physically able.  I really enjoy the fact that Taekwondo simultaneously provides high levels of both mental and physical challenge.  This is an excellent way for me to try to stay in shape while continuing to learn and grow in focus, discipline and execution.  Lastly, I really enjoy our environment and relationships I am developing at Strickland’s Taekwondo.  I am able to work with and learn from some really great people which is fun and rewarding as well!

Externally, my main driver for earning my black belt is to continue on in pursuit of my instructor collar.  I am excited about the prospect of working with children coming into the Taekwondo program.  I feel like I will be able to relate well to the challenge while transferring knowledge, tips and “tricks” that have been shared with me to help young students prepare, succeed, progress and stick with Taekwondo.  Additionally, I want to do this with and for my sons Trey and Trevor.  I hope to show them how to persist and push forward no matter the difficulty or challenges faced and the mental rewards that brings.  Lastly, I hold a thought of someday owning my own school with my sons.  I even have the name picked out already, “TNT TKD”.

Collin Thomas - Why I Want to Be a Black Belt

Collin Thomas - Why I Want to Be a Black Belt

I began taekwondo with Strickland’s Taekwondo at the age of 5. I do not really remember why I started, I guess because my mom signed me up.   It was one of the best decisions my mom made for me.  After I started and got a little older and knew what I was doing, I really enjoyed it because I felt I was getting stronger.  I also became more confident and was not afraid of kids. 

Getting to be a black belt would be a major accomplishment for me.   Learning self defense and how to fight is pretty cool.  Also, since Mr. Strickland makes class fun, I thought I would stick with taekwondo because it is a sport I really enjoy.  I like getting sweaty and I love playing around.  But most importantly, I want to be a black belt because I want to be a leader.  I never really lead anything or taught anyone anything and I see being a black belt as allowing me to do those things.   My ultimate goal is to become an instructor and I have to be a black belt in order to do that.

Throughout my 5 years at Strickland’s Teakwondo, I have earned many belts.  Each time I am very excited because it brings me a few steps closer to becoming a black belt. The forms are very challenging when you get down the line for the different belts.  The fact that I made it this far is incredible to me.  I can not stop now until I reach my goal and even then I will keep going.   I take testing very seriously.  Every time I prepare to test, I think about 3 things - forms, sparring, and board breaking.

Becoming a black belt would be a dream come true.  A black belt stands for the strongest belt ever.  It is the top belt for me.  I know that getting a black belt does not come easy and it takes a lot of hard work to get it.  It will be the hardest test for me because it is so important to me.  I would be so proud to become a black belt.  It would mean that I could tell everyone about my accomplishment and also let my little brother see that I made it to black belt.  My teachers would be proud of me and my parents.  I can also inspire my little brother to get his black belt one day.  

When I pass the black belt test, I will wear my black belt with pride.  I will jump for joy and thank God for allowing me to pass.  I would thank all the instructors when I go to shake their hands.  I will be so exited in the inside because it would mean that I never gave up in over 5 years and I stuck with something and accomplished my goal.  I would also thank Mr. Strickland because he always believed in me and he always encourage me.  He is a really nice man and if it was not for him I probably would have quit but he kept me motivated and I have to thank him for that.  Even if I do not pass my first try for black belt, I will test again and again until I get it.

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt - Gabby Rice

Why I Want to Be a Black Belt - Gabby Rice

My name is Gabrielle Rice and I want to be a black belt. I have been at Mr. Strickland’s taekwondo studio all my life! When I was small, I would watch my brother, CJ. CJ has been doing taekwondo since he was four. He has been at Mr. Strickland’s taekwondo studio since he was five. CJ will be 12 on December 20, 2015.  CJ is a black belt and an instructor. I love my brother. He and Mr. Strickland and the other instructors have taught me a lot of things. Watching them has made me want to be a black belt too. Being a black belt is a huge responsibility. You have to be ready to put in the work and be an example to others. Being a black belt is a privilege and honor. Not many people get the opportunity. It is a goal I set for myself when I started as a student. In class, I try to always give my all and be the best. I started breaking boards before I needed to because I want to be good at taekwondo. I try to always be prepared and know the name of my form.   The instructors have taught me sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. When you lose, you cannot cry. When you lose, you need to 
try harder and harder until you win. They have helped me to learn to control my emotions and to focus when I am in front of people. They have taught me to use my brain and common sense. They have taught me to never ever ever give up. I want to encourage and 
support kids this way. I want to be able to coach kids and show them all the things I have learned. When you are a black belt, you know defense skills to protect yourself. The tenets are like life lessons. They teach you how to use your skills. They teach you to never use your skills to do bad things. You should only use you skills to do good things. They teach you to be a leader. Being a black belt means being a leader in all that you do. This means being respectful to others, being kind to others and helping others. I know I am only 8, but I am ready to challenge myself and one day be an instructor. My brother has told me that being a black belt and an instructor is hard work, but I know I can do it. Being a black belt is also fun. You get to do cool things. You get to stand in front of the class. You get to help with the other belts. The coolest of all is getting a belt and jacket with your name on it.  The best part about being a black belt is that I will be able to teach and encourage my little brother Vaughn just like my big brother CJ did me.  

Gabrielle Rice

November 2015 Regional Ring Assignments

November 2015 Tiger Tracks

Halloween Party Success!!!!

We had an AMAZING Halloween Party

Our Fearless Leader......

Threw a Halloween Pizza Party!!

Costume Contest!!!!!

Games!!!

FUN FUN FUN!!!

Scary Story!!!!

Eats, Treats, And Face Painting!!

Even brought out the Dry Ice Just Before....

The BAD Guy Concluded our Scary Story...

Why do I want to be a Black Belt? Karunyah Nimallan

Why do I want to be a Black Belt?
My name is Karunyah Nimallan and I am 10 years old.
I am excited to get my promotional black belt and having a lot of thoughts in my mind on the path that I came all the way here and the reasons why it lead me to the next level.
Looking a few years back, I was three years old when my parents gave me different choices to explore my strength. I started off with Ballet dancing at the beginning for a few weeks but gladly I ended up in Taekwondo that I love to follow.  Well, it is all started with the friendly environment provided by Mr Strickland and Mr Drew. The Taekwondo forms prepared my brain to remember the steps and execute in sequence.  It was difficult at the beginning but with time, I got used to do this as routine. As an accomplishment, I never repeated a belt.The exercises that were given to me made me a stronger person. I could be able to break one-inch board when I was nine. Sparring sessions were really helped me to build my confident to the next level. I feel I can protect myself from others who may intend to hurt me physically. Of course the above mentioned facts show how my self-confident level is that I gained throughout this journey.
Then the disciplines come to my mind. The key words of curtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit influence me largely.
With all these experience that I gain, still the slogan “Discover the champion within” really motivates me to explore my strengths and beyond. As Taekwondo has become a significant part of my life, I wanted to achieve several goals. I am sure they will lead me to be a good citizen with excellent morale.
I learnt to be humble and show respect to elders and others.  I would like to continue be very helpful to my parents appreciating the effort they are making to build a good future for myself. Showing greater respect continually for them and other elders towards learning through their experiences.
I will continue to focus on this to be a leader and a good example for my little sister to follow me as a model character. She got interested in Taekwondo following my foot-steps. I feel I have more responsibility to guide and make her successful in her life.
I leant to be honest and to live with moral principles. I will continue this in my life believing that it will give me good friends around me. This will also make me a better person who is trustworthy. I see how my little sister builds her trust on me when I be honest.
I leant to deal with difficulties with perseverance without giving up. I couldn’t break the boards recently during the practice even after several tries. I tried and tried but later my dad figured out that perhaps the board got harden for some reasons. I was confident and tried the new boards where I managed to break them in one shot. This lessons is a good example on how I am committed to be a person with perseverance and to try harder and harder until I reach my goals.

I am learning to control myself without getting emotional.  This is one hard thing for a small girl like me but I want to be really better at this with time.
Another area that I really wanted to focus as commitment to my back belt is speed. Not only in executing the form and sparring, but also in my daily activities I wanted to do things faster and with consistence performance.
I also take this opportunity to thank Mr. Strickland, Mr. Drew and other instructors who really helped and motivated me to sail thorough this exciting journey with a lot of fun.  Of course my gratitude goes to my parents and my little sister for their continued support.
Yes, I want to be a black belt that I dreamed about. It is not just a belt but I believe it is a part of my life emphasizing my priorities to reach in the future. I am certain that one of the success factors for me to be a good citizen would be my black belt in Taekwondo.

Why I Want To Be A Black Belt: By Victor Mitranca

Why I Want To Be A Black Belt

I  am testing  for my  First  Degree  Black  Belt.  This  is  how  my  story began. I was seven years old when I wanted to do a sport. I watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and told myself I wanted to be just  like them. I told my Mom  and Dad I wanted to  start taking  karate  or taekwondo.  We began to look for  a place where classes were offered. One day,  my Dad was taking my sister to her dance class, and a building caught his eyes. The name on the building was Strickland's  Taekwondo! My Dad talked to my Mom,  and they agreed to  let  me take  classes. At  my first  class, I  felt  a  little nervous,  but when  it  started  I  said,  "This  is  the  place  for  me!"  When  I  first  started taekwondo,  there  were many ups  and downs. I took  classes twice  a week, Monday and Wednesday.

One of the obstacles I faced was my first class. Learning my form was difficult  because  I  would  confuse  my  rights  and  lefts.  Eventually,  I  was ready for my first testing, but I was so nervous that I forgot my form. This made me very scared, but my family and instructors boosted my confidence. I  passed  my  first  testing  and  received  my  Yellow  Belt!  It  was  a  smoothjourney.  Starting  with  Orange Belt  I  had  to  begin  sparring. Right  away, I was very frightened!  Back then, I was not as strong. At first, I was kicked in the head a couple of times. Testing for my Senior Orange Belt was different. The testing involved sparring.
Once I became a Brown Belt, it was time to break plastic boards. The breaking technique was an elbow strike and a side kick. I broke the plastic boards and before I knew it, I had tested for my Senior Red Belt. The time finally came when I became a Probationary Black Belt.
During this testing, I had to break wooden boards. I stood up in front of the  board  nervously;  I  picked  up  my  foot  and  broke the  board  in half. SMASH! I had just broken my first wooden board as a Probationary Black Belt.  Next  came  Recommended Black  Belt.  Although  I  did  my  form  and sparring  excellently,  I  was  unable  to  break  my  boards.  It  took  me  four attempts to gain the right motivation and strength I needed to earn my First Degree  Black  Belt.  Not  being  able  to  pass  my  testing  has  taught  me perseverance and the importance of never giving up.  It made me a stronger person and gave me a good life lesson.
Through   Taekwondo,   I  was  able  to  learn  5  words  that  have  changed my  attitude.  Courtesy,  to  me,  means  to  respect  myself  and  the  others  around me.  Integrity  means  to  be  loyal  to  the  people  who  sacrifice  so much  for  me. Perseverance,   to me,  means  to never  stop  trying  no  matter  how  bard  it might get.  Self-control   means   to  have  discipline   and  take  control   of  my  actions. Indomitable   spirit,  to me,  means  to have  faith  in myself  along  with  all  of the above.

During   these  past  years,   I  have  learned  that  Taekwondo   is  for  self• defense  only.  Taekwondo   has  taught  me  self-discipline  and  what  it means  to have  an  indomitable   spirit.  There  have  been  fin  games  and  activities   added in order  to teach  technique.


Throughout   this journey,   my  family  has  been  supporting  me,  each  and every   step  of  the  way.   They  have  taught   me  that   in  order  to  achieve   my dream  I  need  to  go  out  and  strive  to  be  the  best.  My  instructors   have  also played  an  important  role  in this journey   for me.  Mr.  Strickland  and  Mr.  Cain have  taught  me  valuable  lessons  that  I  can  use  for  the  rest  of my  life.  They have  taught   me  everything   I  needed   to  know   from  kicks   and  combos   to sparring    and    breaking    boards.    I   will    always    remember    my   time    at Strickland's   Taekwondo   as an important  part  of my  life.

Why I want to be a Black Belt - By: Ethan Contreras

Why I want to be a Black Belt

I want to be a black belt so I can get a good job.  Participating in taekwondo will help me get a good job because it shows I can stick to a program and finish it. Taekwondo will help me get into a good college so I will have a good education and give me a wider selection of choices of my job. Also, I can defend myself and others if they are getting hurt so I won't come home with a black eye or a broken collarbone. Taekwondo also helps me stay in good shape because

Work out 2 times a week. I can use what I have learned to teach my brother the black belt form when he becomes a black belt.  By learning the forms, he can defend himself so he won't get hurt. Taekwondo also I can use what  I learned lets me get my energy out so I won't be hyper when I get home and my parents won't yell at me. My dad says you never forget the moves so it could help me a lot in the future plus I can teach my son how to defend himself and others. I could also teach Nick because he wants to learn the forms and more so he could protect

Himself and others. As well tell my family and relatives about it I can use my form to entertain them and show them the moves I learned. My family likes to hear about my sparring and tournaments.  I don't want to fight with  my friend  but if he joins  then  I could spar against  him and see who wins then I could finally stop arguing with  him and move on past that. Jack and I spar at home sometimes when we don’t go to taekwondo class. I could eventually do the weapons class when my schedule isn't so crowded with soccer and track. If I decide to work at a dangerous job, like a repo man, my taekwondo skills will get me out of tough times. I might consider being a security guard; if the robbers are trying to steal a sixty inch TV I could knock them out. Working hard at taekwondo helps me with my technique and makes my kicks and punches more powerful to help me break through a board. I sort of want to become an instructor so I can make a living off of it. It seems fun teaching kids to teach their form and watch them test for free.  Hopefully I can keep doing this for a long time.  I am excited to

Continue with my taekwondo experience and to learn new things along the way especially good

Manners because you want us to say the tenants of taekwondo like courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. For all these reasons and even more this is why I want to be a black belt. Thank you Mr. Strickland, Mr. Drew and all of the other instructors.

By: Ethan Contreras

Why I Want to be a Black Belt and What it Means to Me By:Mahi Athota

Why I Want to be a Black Belt and What it Means to Me

                 By:Mahi Athota

October 2015

   We all have that one sport that makes us happy.On the worst days it brightens your world.Some days you feel like no one can beat you.I have tried many sports when I was younger but finally I knew I found the one. Taekwondo! Before Stricklands Taekwondo I went to another dojo.There something was not right but when I changed to Stricklands Taekwondo I knew this is were I wanted to get my black belt.I've been going to Stricklands for about two years.It never gets boring here there is always something new to learn in every class.I have also made great friends there.

   You may say anyone can get a black belt. That is not true only those who truly love taekwondo reach their black belt.Many people drop out before getting there.A black belt is not just a thing you put on your waist.It is a symbol of what you have learned and mastered.It also shows you are not only physically but mentally  strong.Most people doing taekwondo have had a no change while getting their black belt.If you made it to black belt it  shows you are passionate about taekwondo and you never gave up.It may take a couple of years but once you get it you know you earned it.A black belt is not something you buy,it is something that shows the challenges you have faced and overcame.You are also carrying history with you because all the forms you know have been passed down generation to generation.You are continuing that tradition.

    I have learned many things in taekwondo. Whether it is how to defend myself or be a good person.I want a black belt to know that I have proven myself in taekwondo. With a black belt I know for sure I can defend myself and others.It will prove all my years of hard work were worth it.After I get my black belt I’m not going to stop but continue.To me first degree and after show I have completed the bacics and other levels of diffculties. With my black belt I can learn how to teach others.With a black belt I will have even more confidence in my self.I will know I succeeded a hard goal.When I get my black belt it will show I’m not the scared little girl I was when I started.

      There is no way to describe how bad I want a black belt. Sure many people may say they want to get a black belt.The difference is I will get a black belt.A black belt means many things to me.Mainly to me it is a symbol of accomplishment and success. a symbol of what you have accomplished and how far you have came.I’m never going to forget how hard it is to get one.I cannot wait for the moment I get my black belt at the belt ceremony.

Why I want to be a Black Belt – Megan Chionh

Why I want to be a Black Belt – Megan Chionh

I started Tae Kwon Do about 2 years ago because I watched my brother Cooper Chionh since he was five and a half, and it looked pretty cool.  I didn’t stay in very long because my parents pulled me out of Tae Kwon Do shortly after I started, because they felt that I wasn’t mature enough to take it seriously.  I couldn’t stop bugging my brother when we were in the same class, which was almost always.

I kept doing gymnastics, and other activities.  About six month later, they let me start again and this time, I stayed in.  It’s an important detail though, that I still bug my brother because it’s too much fun not too. 

There were times that I did complain too.  Like school days when I would tell my Dad I didn’t want to go, or I was too tired for Tae Kwon Do.  As soon as I got there, I had fun, and forgot how tired I was.  Cooper and I even joined the Demo Team last year, and we got to compete in Greensboro, and go to the beach after.

I want to be a black belt because I want to move up the ranks to be an instructor trainee like my brother Cooper.  I have a passion for teaching kids.  Make that “younger” kids.  I’ve been waiting for this moment since I started Tae Kwon Do all those years ago.

I’ve met so many friends on my journey, and there are just too many of you so I’m NOT GOING TO NAME ANY NAMES (Noah Kent, Natalie Campbell, Maddx, Roy, the Seastroms, and all the rest of you, I’m sure you all know who you are…).  You all made it so fun.

I believe it’s important for everyone to know martial arts or self-defense, especially for women. It’s a nice feeling to know that even when I’m alone out there, that if there’s anyone there that tries to hurt me, I CAN KICK THEIR STTUB! (Parent Note here:  She had me spell it backwards so it would be younger kid friendly.  Her idea totally.)

Training to be a black belt helped me have confidence in myself, and to know that I can do anything.  Nowadays, when I watch movies and I see the actors perform martial arts, it reminds me that I can do that one day too!

Tae Kwon Do helps keep my body healthy and strong.  I try to live the tenets of Tae Kwon Do, which are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit.  I don’t always make it, especially self-control, but I try.

I want to thank Mr. Strickland, especially for working with me this testing week, to help me get my last stripe, and prepare for testing.  Thanks to Mr. Strickland, Mr. Cain, Mrs. Dick, and all the other instructors and instructor trainees who have helped me get where I am today.

Becoming a black belt isn’t easy, but it’s fun.  My journey will not end with becoming a black belt this Saturday.  It will only have started again.  That’s why I want to be a black belt.

Bakers Branch HOA Anti Bully and Women's Self Defense Workshop was a Great Success!!

 We took our Anti Bully and Women's Self Defense to the Bakers Branch Block Party this weekend. Children and Adults participated in Learning some basic Self Defense. They now wish to follow up and schedule to bring their group into the school for a more focused community experience. We offer Complimentary group Anti Bully and Womens Self Defense Classes to the Community when needed. Had a great time and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Night of the Ninja

Friday November 20th 7-11 PM

Ages 4+

BRING A FRIEND!!

You do not have to be a student to Attend!

First Child $25

Each Additional Child +$15

Bring Your Friends!!

You do not have to be a student to Attend!!

Ninja Dodge Ball!

Ninja Pizza!

Ninja Obstacles