Black Belt Test Graduate Gary Engels Tells Someone About The Ultimate Black Belt Test

Ultimate Black Belt Test Team Member Gary Engels had someone ask him about the value of the UBBT --and this is Gary's Response:

Hello sir,

I can't say enough about the ultimate black belt test. It was worth every penny that I spent on tuition (and I started the UBBT at the same time I started my school with zero students and just enough money to open the doors - it was a BIG stretch for me).

From my experience here's what I've gained by completing the UBBT...
1) networked with an incredible group of martial arts who apply the integrity and principles of their training to every day life
2) the training helped me to inspire and gain the respect of not only my students (who followed along with the test) but my community and people I've never met.
3) an understanding of leadership and honor and integrity that has shaped who I am today
4) online technology to help me run my school more effectively and have a greater impact on others who come in
5) a chance to show my students that I am a student - to show them how a black belt trains - to lead by example and inspire incredible action in them
6) My school's income has grown from zero students and zero dollars to 110 students and $15k/mo in a town of just 4000 members. This would have never happened without the training and support of the UBBT
7) I learned how to journal about my struggles and successes which helped me develop as a writer and an instructor.
8) I had the opportunity to travel around to the different UBBT events in Alabama, Hawaii, California...etc.
9) These trips helped me connect with the team and spend time with other people who are taking incredible action with a true black belt attitude - no complaining - no bad attitudes - just a "what's next" attitude and a "how can I serve" attitude.
10) As a part of UBBT alumni, I continue my training with the UBBT team to this day - because I can.

By the way, when I first started, I called up Mike Valentine (UBBT1) and he shared with me a story just like this. I was skeptical, but I knew that I wanted to take on a new challenge. I knew that If I did it, I would play full out and failure was not an option. When you approach the UBBT with that attitude, it can be the most powerful experience of your life (and your students lives)

Oh - and I'll be retaking the test with UBBT 7 for 2010. See you there?

Mr. Gary Engels
- Leadership Academy Martial Arts
- National Leadership Team
Direct BlackBerry Phone # and Email
715-892-3839 and garyengels at g mail dot com

Comments

[Sensei J. Richard Kirkham B.Sc.]

Anytime you can network with other martial artists you have an opportunity to learn a lot

Rick