"A Black Belt is a White Belt that never Quit"

This I know to be true. After more than six years, hundreds of hours of training, thousands of burpees, kicks and punches, lots of sweat and some tears, I am a black belt. I am not an extraordinary athlete. I am not the strongest. I don’t have the best kicks or the hardest punches. What it takes to be a black belt is more than just being good at those things. A black belt has a desire to learn and change and grow. A black belt has a dedication to their instructors, school and to learning the material. A black belt has discipline to follow through when it gets harder than they ever thought it would be. 

I like the story about how a martial artist used to become a black belt. When a student would begin training, they were given a belt and they would train, day in and day out, year after year. And then one day they notice they have trained so long and so hard their belt is black. 

This story reminds me that underneath the black is the white. I am always first and foremost a student. I make it a point to learn something new everyday. It might be a skill I have never seen or improving on an old skill. Sometimes I learn from my instructor. Sometimes I learn from my students. It is so important to me that I train with the humility of a white belt and at the same time the perseverance of a black belt.

I wish I could tell you all the things I have learned over the years. How they have changed me and shaped my life. But those experiences were individually mine. Just as your experiences as a martial artist will be uniquely yours. I do know that you will face times in your training when you will feel uncertain of your ability. And that is okay. Trust that you will learn what you need to learn when it is time. There will also be times when you will wonder why you can’t learn more techniques and faster. These are the times you need to remember it is not a race. Slow down and enjoy what you are learning right now. There will be times when you don’t know how you are going to remember everything. You will remember. And you will forget. And then you will remember it again!

The most interesting aspect of training, testing and being promoted to black belt is the shift that my thinking took. In the beginning, it was all about the numbers. How many techniques I needed to get a purple belt, how much more I needed to know to get a brown belt. The numbers are important, yes, but for me it turned into being more about my mindset and growth.  

The black belt principles are a guide for me everyday. Being a martial artist is not something that I do, it is who I am. The student creeds are not just to be recited, but truly understood and lived on a daily basis. And this might be the most important part…. it is possible for everyone to live by the black belt principles, and live the student creeds. So it is possible for every one, whether you are a white belt or black belt, to have a black belt attitude.

My life is so full of blessings because of Sigung and Sifu. I have met so many people and made amazing friends. I have found a passion for teaching kids. I am also lucky enough to be able to share all of this with my husband and kids. I feel very honored to be a black belt and represent my school, my instructors, my students and my family. So to you I simply say, keep training. Leave the best you have on the mat everyday. Enjoy the great times. Fight through the tough times. And one day you too can be a black belt. I know this because if I can, you can!
- Ms Jessica B

Student of the Month - Beth

Favorite Color - Blue, it reminds me of the ocean

Favorite Food - Veggie & Chicken Marsala
Profession - Hair Stylist / Mom / Student

Tell us about your family and pets - 2 kids, Owen and Emily - I could not imagine my life without them! Omar, my husband and best friend, and I will be married 18 years in April. 4 dogs, but like kids, Slim, Romeo, Thor, Wookie

Besides Kaju, what other activities do you enjoy?
I play soccer Mondays, I enjoy CrossFit, I love to hike and be outdoors. I also like taking cruises (If that’s an activity)

What do you like most about Kaju AZ? It’s a love/hate because it’s such a challenge for me - I usually succeed at all things in one try. Kaju makes me have to push and it has taught me to be patient with myself and keep going through the struggles.


What are your goals for the next year? I want my bachelors degree. I would like to be able to do 5 pull-ups consecutively and advance in any capacity in kaju not just belts, but overall technique.

Character Counts!!!

At Kaju AZ, our students learn techniques to help keep them safe. Our kids work hard every day, they sweat a lot and have fun!

From the very first day of class, our students learn about the 6 Black Belt Principles - Courage, Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Self Control and Loyalty. What makes us the most proud as instructors is when we hear about the success our students have outside of the dojo, especially when it relates to their character.

"We would like to congratulate Mason for being nominated for the 2014 Gilbert's Community of Character - CHARACTER COUNTS! Awards. This nomination is quite an honor. This award was created to recognize and celebrate young people in our community whose lives and achievements
demonstrate an enduring commitment to the core ethical values known as the "Six Pillars of Character"-trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Mason has exemplified these character traits and has acted in a way that has been noted by others and deemed worthy of nomination for this award.      - Gilbert Community Action Network

Mason will be honored at a breakfast in April where Vice Mayor Eddie Cook and other dignitaries will be on hand to recognize all nominees. 

Mason is a caring young man with a true love for life and those around him. He has a great group of people that model exemplary character for him everyday; his family, friends and teachers. These positive influences are what help any young person become great leaders and role models in their community. 

Congratulations Mason! We are so proud of you! Keep up the great work!

Student of the Month - Roman

Favorite Color - Red

Favorite Food - Hot Wings

Favorite Subject in school - Math and Science

Tell us about your family - I have a mom and dad. I also have 3 sisters named Talia, Dana and Abbey. I also have 2 brothers named Damian and Julian.

Do you have any pets? Yes, I have a rabbit named Thorin.

Besides Kaju, what other activities do you enjoy? I enjoy playing basketball, watching movies and spending time with my family and listening to music.


What do you like most about training at Kaju AZ? I like the pinions and concentrations and sparring.

Student of the Month - Brooklin

Favorite Color - Red
Favorite Food - Grilled Cheese
Profession - Starbucks Barista

Tell us about your family and pets - I have two younger brothers, Ryder and Hunter. I live with my mom and dad, Tabitha and Rick, who I love and care about deeply.

Besides Kaju, what other activities do you enjoy? Listening to music, playing music, hiking and spending time with my family and friends.

What do you like most about training at Kaju AZ? The people mostly but learning how to defend myself and being self disciplined are other great factors.


What are your goals for the next year? In the dojo, to learn more material and move up in belts. Outside of the dojo, get a well-paying career.