Leo Shakhbazyan

In His Own Words

What Being a Black Belt Means to Me

Hello, I am Leo Shakhbazyan and I am going for my 1st degree black belt. I have been at Burbank Krav Maga (BKM) for 6 years. I have always dreamt of myself having a black belt. My role models, Coach Chris and Ms. Nat, have been supportive and guiding me through my journey to black belt.

I can remember that first day I stepped on the mat and how I felt scared and confused. There were a lot of hiccups on the way, many thoughts of failing and many thoughts of giving up. Receiving a black belt means so much more than just martial arts. It represents my confidence, my experience, my strength and my responsibilities. This is the goal that I always looked up to when I just wanted to quit. However, during those tough times, my parents' and my coaches' encouragement and push made me look towards my goal and push through. There have been moments when I would sit in the car and refuse to go to Krav Maga practice, but I was able to overcome those moments with encouraging words and a little push. It has truly become a rollercoaster ride with moments of happiness and then moments that you just want to give up. From one belt to another, there were times I didn't get a technique or my instructors, Coach Chris and Ms. Nat, thought I wasn't ready to get promoted. I cried and had thoughts of giving up. However, my parents encouraged me, taught me not to give up, and made sure that I would practice and achieve what I started.

I am thankful for my parents, who, regardless of how tired they are from their busy lives, always found a way to take me to practices, and for the nights when my dad would come home from work and hold pads so I could practice my techniques. This accomplishment will be a way to give back to my parents for all their sacrifices for me.

This in turn has helped me in my school studies to not give up, try harder, and achieve what I want. My school goal in my sixth grade year was to get straight A's in all classes. At times I felt like giving up, but I pushed harder and at the end of the year achieved my goal.

Training has taught me discipline and respect. It has taught me how to handle conflicts and carry myself in difficult situations. I treat everybody with respect regardless of age. You must treat people how you want to be treated. In middle school I encountered lots of fights and arguments. I have never once tried to prove someone wrong by using my strength. Instead, I have carried myself calmly and tried to calm the situation down. However, in the back of my head I know that I have the strength and knowledge to protect myself when there is a need. During Krav Maga I try to make sure my peers are doing the techniques correctly. When they practice with me, I make sure I am guiding them and there if they need me. At times at home I practice with my younger brothers and encourage them to not give up, making sure they do the correct techniques.

I have come to realize that earning this belt is not the end of my goals. Instead, it is the beginning of a new chapter and a new set of goals that I will push myself to achieve. Earning this belt proves to myself that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, regardless of the difficulties and challenges along the way. Once I achieve this, my journey will continue. My goal is to keep improving my techniques and also be supportive of my brothers and my peers in achieving their goals.

Krav Maga has a special place in my heart that I will forever keep. It is a special place where we kids come together to laugh, share memories and have fun. I have made many friends, some younger, some my age and some older than me. I enjoy being there four days a week, from being with the muppets in basic to advanced. I am thankful to Coach Chris and Ms. Nat for their support. To Coach Chris, who has been my biggest role model, from carrying me out of my mom's car to making sure I stay focused during training. It is because of Coach Chris and Ms. Nat that I feel so comfortable coming to practice daily and building my passion.

The People Who Got Me Here

I have been waiting for so long for the day when I will be promoted to junior black belt. The people who got me to this point are my parents, for driving me and signing me up for Krav Maga, and my instructors, Coach Chris and Ms. Nat, who have been helping me improve and motivating me throughout my 6 years at Burbank Krav Maga. I always wanted to become an instructor just like them.

It has been a long journey that sometimes seemed so far and sometimes just impossible, but there is nothing impossible with the parents that I have, who push me to become the best version of myself. My dad also motivated me to keep on going and be able to protect myself, my family and my fellow peers. When it was hard, my mom pushed me by making me come to Krav every day and keep on getting better at it. My dad helped me practice at home by holding pads and spending time with me teaching the right technique, even though he was tired after work. Someone who didn't let me quit even though I wanted to was my instructor Coach Chris, because when I wasn't understanding a technique, he would break down all the details for me step by step. Ms. Nat was there ensuring I had every technique down. My mom, even though she was tired, would drive me to Krav Maga so I could get better and work with my peers, even my brothers!

Their support means a lot to me, because if I did not have the support that I needed, I wouldn't be here. It has been a rollercoaster ride with mixed emotions and feelings. There were always days with their ups and downs. Without my parents, this moment of getting my black belt would never happen. They put in the effort every day, taking me to Krav Maga to train. My uncle would come over and push me to spar with him and fight with him, teaching me what he was taught. Honestly, if it weren't for them, I think I would be sitting at home watching a movie, eating ice cream and being lazy.

Krav Maga has taught me an important lesson to never give up, and while it gave me confidence, it made me push harder and harder for what I wanted to achieve. The Burbank Krav Maga community is a safe place, and a place where I can safely say it's a home. Now that I have reached this milestone in my life, I can help my peers and other students get that mindset that you can do anything as long as you put your heart into it and enjoy it, not just go because your parents force you to. There is always room to improve, from the basics to the more advanced things. Sometimes repeating and practicing makes it better. It promotes both self confidence and also helps you master things that you didn't think you could succeed in. Every practice counts. You just go there, put all your effort into one hour of training, and you can go do anything you want.

My brothers always look up to me. I always try to encourage them and let them know to never give up. My motivation will always be my parents and my instructors. These are lifelong lessons where you learn discipline, skills and self defense. You are taught that anything in life can be achieved if you strive for it. Part of this journey has been my peers in Krav class. We learn from each other and help one another to make sure the correct techniques are being used. I will take what I have been taught and make sure I can be there for someone else who is striving to get their black belt.

How to Give Back to Other Students on the Mat

I was only 5 years old when I stepped on the mat at Burbank Krav Maga for the first time. I was very excited but nervous, not knowing what to expect. Coach Chris, along with all the coaches, took me in and worked hard to help me achieve my goals. It has been 6 years since that day and I am closer to achieving all my goals. I feel very proud of the accomplishments I have made thus far, but there are more goals I need to accomplish.

It is important that new students who come to Krav Maga are welcomed and guided. Going into a higher rank means being more responsible and helping all the students. It is my job to set a good example for the other students. It starts with me coming to class on time and prepared to train. I will be more focused not only on my achievements, but also on the achievements of my peers. I am ready to take on all the challenges and responsibilities that come with my promotion. It is my job to set a good example for the other students on the mat. This includes making sure they line up, have their belts on correctly, and helping them when needed.

In conclusion, going to Burbank Krav Maga has made me more confident, strong, fearless and responsible. It has given me strength and made me alert to my surroundings. As a higher belt, I will give back to other students by making sure they achieve their goals, helping and guiding them through their journey in Krav Maga. This is a moment that I take pride in, and I would love to help my fellow peers.

Come Watch His Test

Saturday, November 7 · 11:00 AM
116 W Elm Ct, Burbank

Students from all programs and families are welcome. Fill the room and cheer loud.