Rank:  5th Degree Black Belt

Date stated Martial Arts: Fall 1995

Birthday: October 1st, 1986
Where were you born: Syracuse, NY
What countries/states have you lived in: New York, California, Washington, Nebraska
What sports/hobbies do you have other than Taekwon-Do: Playing guitar, drawing, learning

Favorite part of class: All particularly the courtesy/etiquette demonstrated between all students and instructors.  Also, trying to master the difficult physical techniques (e.g. fade away reverse turning kicks, etc.)
Least favorite part of class: Not being able to do certain movements can be humbling, and forgetting the basics is sometimes embarrassing.  But on the positive side, this pushes you to become a better student/teacher of TKD in the long run (as long as you are motivated and willing to correct your mistakes)
What is your favorite food: Whatever I can afford.  But i usually try to steer away from fast food.

5th dan testing - 5 tile punch - Nov 2020

7 board side kick - Nov 2020

3rd Dan testing 4 tiles reverse knife hand - 2013

4 board turning kick - 2013

Older Profile Pic

Mr. Toppi is a black belt student at Axe Taekwon-Do.  

Highest level of education: Bachelor's degree, currently working on masters

Current profession: College Teacher

What did you want to be when you were a child: Pro wrestler or astronomer

What are your brother & sisters names: One brother - Joseph Toppi

Promotions:   

5th Degree, USTF-5-367, Nov 2020, Sr. Master Todd, Bellevue, NE

4th Degree, USTF-4-706, Nov 2016, Sr. Master Todd, Bellevue, NE

3rd Degree, USTF-3-1247, May 2013, Master Todd, Bellevue, NE

2nd Degree, USTF-2-3018, April 2011, Master Todd, Bellevue, NE

1st Degree, A-1-8923, Mr. Meek, Bellevue, NE

Certifications:

USTF Class B Instructor, November 2014 - #247

USTF Class C Instructor, Mar 27, 2011 #921

USTF Class A Referee, Feb 18, 2017

USTF Class B Referee, Mar 2, 2013

USTF Class C Referee, Jan 15, 2011

USTF Step Sparring Seminar, September 2019

USTF Basic Ho Sin Sul, July 2018

USTF Breaking Seminar, April 2014

USTF Knife & Weapons Course, July 2010

2023 Hours: 24 - USTF Breaking Seminar - MS

                           - USTF Breaking Seminar - WA

                           - USTF Referee Seminar - NE

2022 Hours: 16 - USTF Technical Seminar - CO

                           - Sereff TKD World Camp - CO

2020-2021 no requirements Covid

2019 Hours: 24 - USTF Technical Seminar - CO

                         - USTF Step Sparring - MO

                         - USTF Referee Seminar - NE

2018 Hours:  16 - USTF HSS Course - MO

                            - USTF Breaking Seminar - MI

2017 Hours:  24 - USTF Breaking Seminar - UT

                          - USTF Referee Course - CO

                          - USTF Technical Seminar- CO

2017 Internationals:

Bronze Medal Sparring

Bronze Medal Team Breaking

2011 Internationals

Bronze Medal Hvy BB Male Sparring

2 board suspended 180 reverse hook kick - Nov 20

3rd dan testing

2nd Dan testing - 2011

1. Why did you start to train in Taekwon-Do?
    A family activity, to learn self defense.

2. What made you interested enough to join?
   It seemed cool & interesting.

3. What did you think being a Black Belt meant before you  started training?
 Never really thought about it, I was young.

4. What do you think being a Black Belt means now?
    Taking your martial art seriously, striving to become an expert in it and exemplifying the tenets of TKD in all walks of life, and setting an example for others in the process.

5. What changed your opinion?
I've had 2 major changing points. The first was in the months before earning my black belt: I realized that being a black belt meant that some things would change. I would have more responsibility as far as teaching and set an example for others. Although I took on these tasks, I am not sure that I really took TKD seriously as a "way of life". As high school progressed and I found a job, I found myself having little free time, so I stopped attending TKD. The second turning point came about 8 years later (present day). I finally had free time and one day on a whim decided to check out the dojang and see if anybody was still there that I knew. Sure enough Master Todd, Mr. Bushor and Ms. Bowing were there, training just as I had been years ago. Their commitment inspired me, and I began to look at TKD with a more mature perspective. I started to understand that is a "way of life", and a good one at that. The tenets of TKD took on a new meaning in this new more mature perspective, as well as the purpose of training. I now realize that it is imperative for me to take care of both my mind and body and TKD helps with both of these tasks.

6. What do you like the most about Taekwon-Do?
 Learning to defend myself.  It's an excellent workout.  Spending time with genuinely courteous/kind people.  It provides an excellent teaching opportunity (as an added benefit, teaching often helps you identify and work on your own shortcomings)  Challenging myself to do better... and we can ALL do better (with the exceptions of the Masters, Grand Masters and Senior Grand Masters)

7. What do you want to accomplish now?
Keep my body in shape and strive to become better at my martial art, maybe win some tournaments.

I also realized being a black belt is a major responsibility; a black belt is a person who should strive to epitomize what TKD is about, both in terms of the aspects (tenets and student oath) and in knowledge of the art itself (movements, patterns). I am now striving to become an expert in my martial art, to encompass the tenets of TKD both inside and outside of class, and to set an example along the way. I feel that is what being a black belt is about, and its a perspective that took many years to reach