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As this is the first time I have attended Belt Exams at the Los Angeles school since changing hands and becoming the Anderson Pro Karate Center, I had expectations for what I was to see and judge. 

Aside from the obvious physical changes the school has undergone, I was impressed with the quality of training and the energy of the students.  Thank you you, Sensei Anderson for continuing what we began so  long ago, for the keeping the standards high and bringing APKC  to new levels!  I look forward to seeing the newest future developments. 

-Master Rifkin 

Essay Excerpts  

"......The Rifkin Professional Karate Center has impacted me greatly in more ways than one. I used to get annoyed when the different instructors would teach a technique slightly differently. I didn't understand why everyone did not teach the same way and would become frustrated by these aberrations. It wasn't until later that I realized that each instructor had modified their techniques to fit their situation, and that I too, found the need to alter my self-defense. I learned to respect the instructors for their hard work and teaching ability, and my fellow students for their support and dedication.  Through this I also began to respect myself.  My confidence increased and I noticed that I was generally in a better mood.  I stand up for myself and for what I think is right, whether I'm helping someone in need or just defending myself in an argument.  I learned that I should always try to excel and never sell myself short and, most importantly, to believe in myself.

...I understand that obtaining my Black Belt is a great accomplishment, but it is merely another step in my experience in martial arts.  I will continue to learn and to always try to better myself, as well as help others.  I have finally found something that I am truly passionate about and I know that this experience will be something I keep with me for the rest of my life.  Thank you Master Rifkin, Mr. Anderson, and all the other Black Belts and students at the Anderson Professional Karate Center for these last years.  Thank you to my friends and family for always supporting me in everything I do, including martial arts.  I cannot wait to continue my time here as a Black Belt."

-Mr. Jonah Green, 1st Dan  

"The question that has been on my mind for the past several months, has been What does it mean to be a Black Belt?  Many have talked about honor and discipline and respect and all these characteristics come into play but in my opinion a Black Belt is someone who chooses to go above and beyond not just to get better themselves but to help other people do the same.  It's a person who wants to make an impact for the better in society and the world. 

Eight years ago, this question was very non-existent and had you told me I would be as capable as I am today, perhaps I would have taken it a bit more seriously back then.  I remember the day pretty clearly back in the fall of 2005 this little chubby ten year old kid walking into such a large facility, or at least it seemed large back then, meeting Master Rifkin.  I had a small idea as to what his new center might hold, since I had been doing martial arts since I was 5.

I still remember being a white belt watching the red belts do form six and honestly thought it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen; from that point on, I knew that I wanted to learn that form and I wanted to get to that level.

Mr. Samuel Alon, 1st Dan   

See our R.P.M.A.A. Black Belt Honor Roll  

 

"Decisions make us who we are.  They dictate our place in life and help us in our journey through it.  Fifteen years ago, my husband and I made a life-changing decision of taking in six of my sister's children.  Along with the challenge of raising 6 children, dealing with their parents presented quite a task as well.  Over the years, one of the fathers started becoming increasingly threatening toward us, which made life at home uneasy.  I knew I had to do something and that's when my journey into martial arts began.

 

While browsing the internet, I found J.D Rifkin Professional Karate.  Being so close to my home and fitting with my work schedule, it was an answered prayer.  Master Rifkin was patient and possessed this gift of knowing when to push a student to their limit as well as understanding their limitations.

 

Discipline, commitment, perseverance, respect and the pursuit of excellence are all ingredients of becoming a Black Belt.  I have so much respect for all the Black Belts and instructors in this school.  For starters, I would like to thank Mr. Layton, Ms. Bickers, Ms. Balani, Ms. Evans and, of course, Sensei Anderson.  All of their patience, support, and endless encouragement along with my peers', have been a blessing to me and I feel honored to be a part of this school."

 

 

elf.  I realize that I was almost just like him and I wanted to change this.  I wanted a fresh start in my life.  This process took awhile to even erase half of what I was then.  By seventh grade, I was better with  people and I made more friends.  I respected them as they respected me.

I believe joining Rifkin Professional Karate Center was the best thing happened to me.  I learned to be respectful, confident, and to never give up.  As respectful as I am today, I still have more to erase from my old self."

-Anthony Nieto, Blue Belt    

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When I began my Martial Arts journey, I didn't know what to think about bowing in and out of the dojo, to every Black Belt or to my fellow classmates.  I thought this way partly because I never had to do it before and partly because of pride.  I quickly realized the deeper meaning behind the action, what it meant to  those that have strived for perfection before me, and what it now means to me.  I now bow happily to show understanding for the struggles that all of us have endured to be a part of this culture and lifestyle..."

-Glenn Kleiner, Blue Belt