MARIAH MOORE, THE ESKRIMADORA: Bedard Black Belt Center, Tae Kwon Do

Friday, November 28, 2008

Bedard Black Belt Center, Tae Kwon Do

Flying Side in a very tight space!

Grand Master Marcel Bedard and I

A student taking a minute to read and enjoy her certificate.

Instructor Dennis Bedard with one of his youngest students

Me, Sonnie, Master Bedard, Instructor Dennis Bedard

POSITIVE, CARING, POSITIVE, CONFIDENCE, POSITIVE, RESPECT, POSITIVE, HONOR, POSITIVE, DEDICATION, POSITIVE, DISCIPLINE, POSITIVE, ENCOURAGEMENT, POSITIVE!
I think you can see where I'm headed with this!

On Tuesday, I had the honor of performing for and speaking to the students and martial arts family of Bedard Martial Arts Black Belt Center. It is a family owned and operated school. Grand Master Marcel Bedard, Mrs. Bedard, and 2nd Degree Black Belt Dennis Bedard are clearly dedicated to teaching all ages and especially children through positive interaction, reinforcement, and encouragement. I was invited to watch their very first belt testing in the new school and I was so impressed with the way in which each student was treated. Traditionally, proper technique is critical in early testing. Here, students are praised for their courage and confidence and for finishing what they started. Masters and teachers praise each individuals strong features and teach and direct without the pressure of unrealistic expectations. It is recognized when students do their very best and make the effort and try. Do not misinterpret what I'm trying to say. I think we can all agree that there are many "McDojo's" out there that turn out black belts like McDonald's does burgers because the focus is on quantity not quality. Bedard Black Belt Center is not one of them. With the wisdom of Grand Master Bedard to lead them, they are achieving something wonderful. They build amazing athletes with incredible skills (trust me! I saw for myself!) through positive and gentle instruction. Every student took something positive away from their belt testing. Every student felt more confident, more capable, and excited to learn more. A very strong sense of "Family" runs through the Bedard Martial Arts students, instructors, and their families. I wonder if the students and families know what a wonderful gift they have in the patient, gentle wisdom of Grand Master Marcel Bedard and his family. I can't wait to introduce Grand Master Bong Jornales and Grand Master Marcel. Different styles, same gentle yet powerful ways.

PS...I think I forgot to mention the young yellow belt students who jumped several people in a flying side kick to break a board held by Instructor Dennis Bedard all in a very confined space. I WAS STUNNED AND AMAZED at the skill level and control! I won't say "I can't do this...but I will say, I haven't learned this yet!"

Thank you to everyone at Bedards, for sharing your first testing and your martial arts family with me. I look forward to seeing you again in January!

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Endorsements

Today at my daughter's school, it was dress as your hero day. When I asked my 6yr old daughter who she wanted to dress like- she thought about it for a moment... and said "well, Mariah Moore of course!" I thought it was so cute and I asked her why she chose you- just to get her point of view, and she said "well how could you not choose her- she is a world champion!" Thank you Mariah for being such a fabulous role model for girls of all ages!!! You leave such an impact on little girls hearts giving them hope and dreams, teaching them that with practice and dedication anything is possible!

Kristine Rosinski Welch

Someone once told me that "can't" means "I don't want to."

As a former Marine, I noted how these words held fast to the values my enlistment taught me; courage, determination, fortitude, perseverance, and honor. As an instructor, I found that this one simple phrase succinctly outlined the core ethics that I strive to instill in the students who look to me for guidance. In fact, it within this one brief sentence is the outline to success in a free society. Imagine my surprise-these words were spoken to me by someone less than half my age. Her name: Mariah Moore.

You will never meet a more outstanding, charming, and inspirational young person than Mariah. At the age of fifteen she has accomplished more than most professional athletes will in their entire lifetime. A four time world champion in full contact stick-fighting and active competitor, she has trained with some of the world's best trainers and athletes both here in the United States, and abroad. Yet at no time does her success interfere with the reality of who she is. She is as genuine as she is appealing in her presentation, and she makes her success a message to others; that the only thing keeping you from reaching your dreams is you.

Mariah gives a dynamic performance, inspirational words, and a positive presence that appeals to all ages. When a fifteen year old can balance her family time, responsibilities at home, her schoolwork, spiritual life, community service, a social life, and still find time to be a four time world champion at anything, it puts a different perspective on success and failure. Mariah brings that message to her audience with conviction and a million dollar smile.

I cannot say enough about this dynamic young lady. Easily one of the most positive people I have ever met, Mariah does not disappoint. She is a true role model for people both young and not-so-young alike.

Respectfully,
Craig T. Marks
CTT Instructor, Homeland Security and Protective Services

Hey I just wanted to let u know that u were a huge hit at St. Patricks School. As soon as I walked in the building I was swarmed with kids who wanted to tell me that u had been there and what u had done. It especially amazed me that when u were walking down the hall all the kids started screaming ur name. I've never seen so many excited kids in my life. Even at one point a kid was crying because he did not get ur autograph. So I just wanted to say thanks for making all of their days and probably their year.

Conor Barr

Your demonstration Saturday in Grand Rapids(Meijer Michigan State Games) was phenominal! A true inspiration for all martial artists and especially women (in my opinion). Keep up the hard work and great attitude Mariah!
Gretchen Fitzenrider

"She's a martial arts prodigy and her age and gender make her exceptionally rare. Mariah's gifts actually border on physical genius. We're only seeing the beginning here, not the end result. You almost can't imagine what she'll be like in 10 or 15 years."
Mushtaq Ali Al Ansari, Senior Instructor of Silat Zulfikari

Dear Mariah,
MLE Family Links would like to thank you for your willingness to work with us and for making "Jared's Day" a huge success! You did a fabulous assembly for our school. Your martial arts presentation was superb, but your words were even more impressive. You touched not only our students but also the parents and staff at MLE. Well Done! You truly have a way that motivates all of us. With your help MLE was able to collect $2,151.64 in change that has been sent to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. Thank you Mariah!
Sincerely,
Murray Lake Elementary Family Links Council

Mariah,
I was compelled to write this letter after I had the pleasure of witnessing your strong presentation. Your performance at the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center was full of inspiration and motivation. The 270 students and 20 or more staff members that sat as your audience were right to have given you a standing ovation. As the director of the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center, I would like to thank you for a seemingly flawless performance and sharing your wisdom with us. You are a remarkable young woman, and I wish you only the best in y our future endeavors.
Best Regards,
Cato W. Howard, Jr.
Center Director

Mariah is precious, dangerous and talented!! A real show-stopper!!
Renshi Master Ronald Manes, Richmond VA

Mariah embodies the best of the warrior spirit. She is very dedicated to her art and her community. She's a delight to work with and is as sweet and humble as she is skilled. Watch for her in feature films in the coming years, as I believe that it's inevitable that she will "be discovered" soon.

Will Buddha Weatherby

I have had the honor and privilige to be asked to sit on the board fo one of Mariah's belt tests. what impressed me most was not her physical skills, which are, indeed, impressive....but her passion, drive, and love of the arts. It comes thru in everything she tackles, whether its competing in stickfighting or forms, teaching self defense classes for women and young girls, fund raising for charity, or any number of other community functions she cares about.
she is passionate, dedicated, and driven...and this, I believe, will carry her to succeed in anything she chooses to pursue. I look forward to watching her grow and shine in her pursuit of excellence.
Go Mariah!!!!
- Sensei Chuck Pippin

Mariah,
I want to thank you for coming out on Friday and performing on "Jared's Day". Your performance was phenomenal. However, what impressed me most were your words of wisdom for our entire school, including the adults. You are certainly wise beyond your years. What you shared were words for all of us to live by.

You truly made Jared's Day one to remember. Thank you for all you did! You made an impact on our entire building!

Sincerely,

Brent Noskey,
Principal
Murray Lake Elementary School

My Daughter Tailor absolutely loved the demonstration by Mariah at the AIM Tournament this past Saturday.
She got an autographed photo from Mariah and plans on framing it and hanging it in her room.
She says the demonstration is the coolest thing she's ever seen, and would like to be able to do it one day.
This is the first time Tailor has ever taken a real interest in anything physical.
I am excited that she has choosen an interest that may help her build confiendence.

Please thank your niece for her hard work and dedication.
She has inspired my Tailor in many ways than one.
Which means the world to me.

Sincerely,
Elissa Little
P.S. Mariah is a VERY talented young lady. It was a great pleasure to meet her. Tailor hopes to be able to see her demonstrate again someday.

Ms. Moore,

Thank you so much for taking the time to come to Paks karate

yesterday and sharing your talents and time. What a great inspiration

for the kids. We loved all of it,especially your strong faith in God. It was

very refreshing to hear. Stay strong and keep the faith.

Tim Miedema

ESKRIMADORA is a TROLL FREE site!

My blog, "Eskrimadora" is created and intended to keep everyone who believes in me, supports me, sponsors me or is interested in my work up to date on my competitions, training, performances, speaking engagements, and accomplishments. I am dedicated to making the world a better place by helping others, teaching, and learning all that I can. I believe that those who love, support, and encourage me in any way deserve and expect to know what I am doing to make good on my committment to them. Like any human being, I will make mistakes along the way and constructive criticsm is always welcome. BUT if you came here to make trouble, save it for the ring. I don't have time.

MARIAH MOORE, THE ESKRIMADORA

Mariah Moore, Onaway High School Onaway Michigan Filipino Weapons Demo

PLEASE READ MY OLDER POSTS

Friday, November 28, 2008

Bedard Black Belt Center, Tae Kwon Do

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Fight Tunes!

North American International Karate Championships, Detroit Michigan Competition for Grand Champion

Kent County Youth Fair Talent Show 1st Place Performance - Mariah and Noel Loveless "Boom Boom POW!"

Detroit D'Lux Charity Challenge Martial Arts Tournament