08/14/2026
Last night, I had the honor and privilege of promoting David Andrade to 3rd Degree Black Belt.
David has been my student since March of 2005—more than 21 years of training, dedication, perseverance, and loyalty. When someone has been with you for that length of time, the relationship becomes about much more than martial arts. You watch them grow, overcome challenges, achieve milestones, and become an important part of the history of your school.
A third-degree black belt isn’t simply another rank. It represents years of commitment, knowledge, maturity, and the willingness to continue learning long after many others have stopped.
David has earned this rank through more than two decades of dedication, and I couldn’t be prouder to have been the one to place that belt around his waist.
Congratulations, David Andrade, on earning your 3rd Degree Black Belt. It has been a privilege to be your instructor for all these years, and an even greater privilege to call you a friend.
🥋 21+ years together—and the journey continues.