This week was Nate’s last week in Taekwondo at the Gresham/Sandy West Coast Taekwondo Studios that he has been a part of the last year.  It has been a great year for Nate and he has done very well.  Tonight they had a going away celebration for Nate and he was given a very special gift from his teacher, Mr. Barker.  Mr. Barker gave Nate his personal “Black Belt”.

It was the first Black Belt that Mr. Barker received and has his name embroidered on it.  Mr. Barker told Nate that in his opinion Nate was a black belt student even though we did not have enough time to officially let him test for that belt level.  Officially Nate is a brown belt.  It was a special gift that Nate will always treasure and a proud moment for me.

I have been impressed and pleased with how Master Sam and Mr. Barker run their schools.  They place a great emphasis on honor, integrity, humility and manners as they teach the students the disciplines of Taekwondo.  Nate has grown much this year and it has been easy to see the influence these great men have had in his life.  Jonna and I are glad we were able to provide the opportunity for Nate to participate and are proud of the hard work and dedication that Nate has put into this.

For that last several months Nate has been in the “Masters Club” that allowed him to spend additional time at the Dojang and received additional training.  In addition he spent upwards of 5 hours a day working and/or training at the Dojang.   Nate really loved his time there and he really likes his instructors.

Nate with his Taekwondo instructors

Mr. Barker said that he only has one “first black belt” to give away and he did not believe he would ever have a better student than Nate to give it to.  I’m biased but I believe he’s right.  I know that Nate has a tremendous respect and admiration for Mr. Barker and it touched him (and me) deeply to receive that very special gift.

To Master Sam and Mr. Barker:

In my 40+ years I have had the privilege of having just a few great men in my life that invested in me and cared deeply for me.  They have been an incredible blessing to me and are men that I will never forget as long as I live.  I want to thank you two for being that kind of men to my son.  I know that he will never forget the personal investment you have made into his life and he is blessed because of it.  Thank You Both!!

Michael