Friday, April 12, 2013

Cool Things My Friends Do: Master Juarez Achieves 6th Degree Black Belt

Each Friday on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their work and professional lives.

My oldest daughter spent five years studying martial arts under the instruction of Master Nick Juarez (owner of Master Juarez Bushikan Martial Arts).  Jackie had a positive experience in her five years at the karate school.  Four years ago she earned her black belt. After that accomplishment she continued to participate on the school's XMA performance team for one more year.  

Her master is not one to advance students just for participation, and he made her earn every promotion from white belt all the way to achieving black belt. She learned to work hard, focus, and get up when knocked down. 

It has been a few years since we had been involved with the school, but this week "Master J" earned his 6th Degree Black Belt.  Many of his former students, including over a dozen black belts, came back to the school (now at a new location) to celebrate the accomplishment of his promotion to this prestigious level.

His master presented him with the honor, and reminded the audience (most of whom were current students and their families) that he is one of the top instructors in the state of Texas.  Few who study martial arts will ever attain this high rank.  His combination of experience and the deep caring he has for his students is always evident to those involved in his programs (both students and parents).

He now is "Senior Master Instructor Juarez". We were proud to be there for this event.

Jackie enjoyed being back at the dojo and seeing so many old friends.  She like seeing all the young kids who are just starting their martial arts journey, breaking their first boards, and moving up the ranks.  I think it meant a lot to her to revisit this part of her life, as these days she is more into dance and tennis..... but her study of marital arts gave her a clear foundation of discipline for all that he does. Master J gets a lot of credit for being a positive influence.

Congrats to Master Nick Juarez on this cool accomplishment!

Have A Great Day

thom singer

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