The United States Black Cat Kenpo Organization just celebrated its 32nd year of dedicated students, inspiring instructors, and motivating curriculum. Yet it would not be nearly as great without the family roots that were built so many years ago that were maintained through hard work, loyalty, and commitment. Through those long, but so very quick years, everyone who makes it a true family was able to experience the community it really is at this year’s past 13th Annual Black Cat Kenpo Tournament.
Our annual tournament is a direct example of the time and energy that is put into each and every school within our organization. Not only was this a groundbreaking year for one quickly developing school in particular, but it is also a continuing test of the student’s values and respect for one another. Our Green 2nd ideology, “attitude first, skill second,” is something to be admired. Each and every member of our federation should appreciate the values our instructors instill within our students. We instruct that patience, and one’s attitude, should always override skill and physical ability. To be a true martial artist you must first learn how to conduct yourself appropriately, then the skill will follow. Regardless of the emotions that may occur throughout our lives, or even simply in a point sparring match, we are martial artists and should behave as such. To maintain that title, we must always start with a bow and end with a sincere, firm-griped handshake. “I come to you with only Karate…empty hands.”
It was a great pleasure to see two very deserving, young men reach their goals of Grand Champion. Master Greg Hussey has been working extraordinarily hard to build the family of Evolution Martial Arts, and it truly is a new evolution. Seeing his performers with green hair and green sparkle makeup showed their true passion and the respect they have for their hard-working, head instructor. Sensei Jordan Weber represented Evolution Martial Arts and earned their first Adult Grand Champion title. It was such a pleasure to be able to witness this because I accompanied Jordan at his first tournament in 1997 at the PA Super Championships. This is where he took 1st place for Traditional Forms and 3rd place for Point Sparring, what a fantastic way to kick off his martial arts career! Currently, Jordan has maintained his title as Sensei Weber and continues to make his head instructor proud not only through his impeccable skill, but through his grace and kindness. I look forward to seeing all that Jordan is capable of, in addition to having him as a valued member of the Black Cat Kenpo Organization.
Another reason why this year’s past tournament was such an honor for me was being able to see another one of my own graciously accept Jr. Grand Champion and Overall Grand Champion, Sempai Nick Quattrock. I’ve really been able to have the pleasure of watching Nick grow. From being his Little Ranger instructor back in 2000 to now helping him become the detailed-oriented and energetic instructor he is today, he never ceases to amaze me. Unfortunate circumstances lead Nick to be the only one to represent Freehold in the Open Form division this year, but he sure did it honorably. One of our students approached Sempai before the tournament began and asked him to win us a trophy. Surprisingly that made Nick get emotional. He took all of that emotion and turned it into positive energy, which lead him to do great things. For an instructor to take his young student’s wishes into such consideration really shows how he was competing for all the right reasons. Once an instructor reaches a certain point within their competing and training, their reasons for continuing broaden. They do not just do it for themselves, but for the joy and excitement their success brings to their own students, allowing them to rise to the occasion. And boy did he do exactly that! Sempai Nick Quattrock, you continue to represent your title by working hard at being the best instructor you can be. You maintain healthy relationships with your students, friends, parents, grandfather, and especially being a great older brother to Victoria. You make me beyond proud to call you my student.
To put the icing on the cake to such a monumental day, Grandmaster Art Beins amiably accepted the title of 10th Degree Black Belt from his instructors Grandmaster Raymond Gay and Grandmaster Gene Perceval. For Master Beins to accept the rank of 10th Dan meant a great deal, but to be awarded that honor in front of all that he has accomplished was an even bigger reward. Master Beins has taught and shown me such a vast knowledge of worldly insight to the martial arts, how to conduct oneself, business skills, and the list can go on forever. He is firstly my accomplished instructor and secondly my noble companion. Knowing him personally, I can honestly say that although he of course humbly feels privileged to be awarded 10th Dan, he is first the epitome of the quote, “The belt doesn’t make the person, the person makes the belt,” and Grandmaster Art Beins is unquestionably a 10th Degree Black Belt.
To all of those who have competed and contributed through volunteer work at this year’s tournament, I commend you. I know I speak for many when I say we could not do it without all of you. I am grateful to be apart of such a tight-knit community and organization. Sensei Jordan Weber, Sempai Nick Quattrock, and of course Grandmaster Art Beins are all examples of, “If it’s going to be it’s up to ME! If I have a dream and want it to become a reality, the only person that can make it happen is ME!”
