OH WHAT A DAY!
Today was the culmination of a spectacular journey.. two years ago, a group of white belts joined Sparta in a hope of learning some self defense and getting in shape but ended up making a major impact on their own life, the lives of all the people around them, and improve the quality of life and training at CrossFit Sparta. It is always good to see a person achieve a goal, but that multiplies ten fold when a large group accomplishes their goal all at one time.
Today’s CrossFight testing saw a large group of students meet their goals and change the face of Sparta and its future training for decades to come. Sparta promoted to its ranks 12 new black belts and 1 Junior 1st Degree and an adult 1st Degree.
Congratulations are in order to all that successfully promoted to their new ranks, however, now the bar has been set and tomorrow is the day we train and prepare for the next battle, the next conflict, the next promotional testing…
LONG LIVE SPARTA AND HER WARRIORS!!
(professional picture DVDs will be available in the very near future!)
Journal
July 24th, 2010 | Author: Jess
Congrats to everyone. A big thank you to Master Diaz and Master Jess for all of their efforts planning a great test. It is easy as a participant or a spectator to forget how much planning and effort it takes to do a test. Every one has been different since I started and everyone was well thought out. We appreciate it and always look forward to the unexpected
but one thing I for sure if you haven’t watched one you are missing out….better yet start class on Monday and be part of the next one…. We are looking for the next big class will you be part of it????
Mr Adam, Mr Joey and Miss Amanda thank you for helping me with my demo. Awesome job on the demos everyone. See you Saturday
sooooo proud of everyone see all of u soon
CONGRATS TO OUR NEW BLACK BELTS! I KNOW AS YOU WAKE UP THIS MORNING THE AWESOME SENSE OF PRIDE AND ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU WILL BE FEELING. YOUR BODIES WILL ACHE BUT WILL BE A REMINDER OF THE EFFORT AND SACRIFICE THAT YOU HAVE MADE TO ACHIEVE THIS OUTSTANDING GOAL! IM HONORED TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF YOUR JOURNEY AND TO HAVE BEEN A POSITIVE FORCE IN HELPING YOU TO REACH THIS APEX. ENJOY THIS DAY , YOU HAVE EARNED IT! TO MS. EMMA, SO MANY YEARS AGO YOU AND I STARTED MARTIAL ARTS TOGETHER AND I HAVE WATCHED YOU GROW INTO AN AMAZING YOUNG LADY. YOUR AGOGE WAS INSPIRATIONAL! IF EVER I FEEL TIRED OR WEAK AND ARE STRUGGLING TO GET THROUGH A WOD . I WILL THINK OF YOU AND THE 3 HOURS OF DETERMINATION YOU WENT THROUGH. OUR STUDENTS ARE SO INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO HAVE YOU AS AN INSTRUCTOR! TO MY LITTLE MAN JHETT, I COULDNT BE MORE PROUD OF YOU BUDDY! YOU HAVE STAYED THE COURSE AND CONTINUED TO WORK HARD. I AM TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE A SON LIKE YOU ! SKY RAIN, YOU ARE MY ANGEL AND THE REASON I OPEN MY EYES EACH DAY. TO ALL OUR OTHER COLOR BELTS, DAMN! IM NOT EASILY IMPRESSED BUT YOU GUYS ARE BAD ASSES! THANKS TO ALL THE FAMILIES, FRIENDS ETC. THAT CAME OUT TO SUPPORT OUR CROSSFIGHTERS! ALSO, THANK YOU MASTER CHIEF AND MASTER JESS FOR ALL YOUR COUNTLESS HOURS OF PLANNING TO AGAIN MAKE THIS OUR BEST TESTING EVER! FINALLY , THANKS TOMS RENA MR JOE MR JOEY MR. ADAM, MS ASHTIN, MR JON FOR THE GREAT WORK IN CREATING THE DEMO. GOD BLESS CROSSFIT SPARTA!
Congratulations to every one who tested! I have never been more impressed or felt so honored to say that I train with all you guys! At this testing I saw every one of you pushed to the limit and succeed even when you thought you couldn’t go anymore.
Thank you all for your support. I couldn’t have done it without all of you! Master Chief and Master Jess the testing was outstanding! I know how much effort you put in to the testing to make them look as good as they do. Mr. Shawn, I remember where we started and I can’t believe where we stand now from where we came from, and how both have us have changed for the best! Thank you for the comment above it means a lot to me! Special thanks to all the instructors who stayed with me and supported me throughout the workout even though you had many other things you had to do that night, you all were the inspiration for me to finish!
Jhett, I have seen you change over the years and I am proud to say that I tested alongside of you. I remember when you were so little you couldn’t tie your own belt and now your a junior first degree! I couldn’t imagine testing with anyone else when that time comes again. I am so proud of you!
See everyone Monday!
Congratulations to all the new Deputy Blackbelts. What an impressive performance. I think I can speak for all the colorbelts when I say how proud we are of all of you. Great job. And thank you to all the instructors for risking their fingers holding the boards for us to smash. And to Master Diaz and Master Jess, another outstanding testing for all of us, so thank you as well.
Bobby
“A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.”
Napoleon Bonaparte
I am very proud OF what we have accomplished not just for the performance yesterday, although that was awesome, but I have seen where we have come from…..
Jon Ruiz, never thru a good back kick, did yesterday!
Dorion always forgets his forms, didnt yesterday!
Ironhead has an awful jump spin kick, Not yesterday!
Paul and Big Rob conditioning is awful they will never make it thru testing, did yesterday!
Iain will not be able to focus and pass, did yesterday!
Those are just a few things that the crowd did not see that I know that makes me so much prouder of what we have accomplished.
Then Lets Talk about Toughness….
Sparta’s injury log:
)
Ernie (hurt neck)
Angie (ankle)
Bobby (Side)
Ashtin (Foot)
Big Rob (Feets
Wolverine (Knee)
Joey B. (Neck)
Elliot (back)
Grandpa Ferguson (Osteoporosis)
Mr. Joey (knee)
Mr. Adam (toes)
Master Jess (Foot and thigh)
Mr. Shawn (Shoulder, wrist, ankle, foot, toe, knee, hair……)
But you would never have known any of that by their performance yesterday!
What you should know about the demo….
Never practiced it completely from start to finish, did yesterday!
Ms Ashtin never hit everyone with the ball, did yesterday!
Never saw Ms Michelle’s demo, did yesterday!
Mr. Adam or Ms Emma never broke boards during practice, did yesterday!
Mr. Joey never made his jump, did yesterday!
Mr. Shawn struggled with his speed breaks, didn’t yesterday!
Ms. Emma never got a bottle broke on her head, did yesterday! (seem to be enjoyed a little too much by Master Jess
)
And Master Jess!!!!! Did the lift that the KOS struggled with, after she never completely did the lift in any practice without a spot, did yesterday!
Ms Sugar struggles in WOD’s but yesterday would have slayed the KOS in her agoge WOD, she was incredible both physically and mentally!
Mr. Jhett’s emotions get the best of him and he breaks down so he can not finish, not yesterday!
Ms Rena and Mr. Joe behind the scenes pulling all the levers and doing all the other jobs that keeps Sparta running but are rarely noticed or appreciated by other people, I speak for everyone when I say IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED! But they have done that yesterday, the day before and will do it tomorrow also!
I was so impressed on what we accomplished!
However, all that was done YESTERDAY….
It is time to start training to make tomorrow better than yesterday!!!!!
Long Live Sparta and all her Warriors!!!!!
Congrats to everyone who tested, including all the colored belts. What an awesome group! It’s so great to see the Crossfight class growing all the time.
There were two things that were apparent with all the blackbelts, complete exhaustion and pure determination. Not to mention everyone looked like they had lost a few pounds. I’m sure Master Diaz and Master Jess challenged everyone of you to your limit. You were all impressive to the end. I can’t imagine what your bodies feel like right now, but I hope you are getting some much deserved rest.
testing was tough i will always remember this testing because during my breaking i slipped and did a split in lake ernie! great job to all the new blackbelts only 4 more months till my agoge ! im scared and excited to put all my skills to the test to see my acomplishments i have acheived while training at sparta!
see everyone monday!
Wow, what an incredible 48 hours! Thank you so much to everyone for their part in making my Agoge and Deputy Black Belt testing the most incredible experience of my life…
Thank you to my family that came to testing. They were beyond impressed with the school and everyone’s performance.
To my fellow black belts – you are all an inspiration. Every time I felt like giving up, I’d see one of you ‘sucking it up’ or hear words of encouragement. Couldn’t have asked for a better group to test with.
Ms. Emily and Mr. Jhett – it was an honor to do our agoge together and to test with you. You are both so very dedicated and driven. Jhett, you rocked your agoge workout with more energy than I could have mustered in my wildest dreams…and Miss Emma, what can I say? Wow! Just when I thought we had it tough, we saw what ‘tough’ really is. Thank you for being an inspiration ALWAYS!
To all the colored belts – your energy and focus always brings our testing to a new level. Every one of you gives it your all, and then some!
To our instructors and Black Belts who not only gave their time and energy during the agoge but also during testing. I am forever in your debt. The lessons you teach us every day are as important, of course, but seeing your stamina and dedication on Friday night into Saturday was nothing short of awe inspiring. It is an honor to be taking this journey with you. I look forward to helping future students of Sparta the way you’ve helped me…selflessly and without hesitation. Thank you.
Special thanks to Miss Lynn – who is always by my side in Fight (and Fit) whether she’s able to be physically there or not! Mamma – I heard every word of encouragement you gave me, and can’t thank you enough. That ‘Way to Go, Annie Bananie’ kept me from dropping many times on Saturday afternoon.
And to Mr. Joey, who kept us all going during the agoge with reminders of what we were testing for! Thank you sir.
Always, always, always…thank you so much to Mrs. Rena and Papa Joe for keeping everything running smooth. To go home and make breakfast for us after the long day you had was just another example. You are generous in ways that words can’t describe.
Last, but never even close to least, Master Chief and Master Jessica. Wow! In my wildest dreams, or nightmares? :0, I couldn’t have imagined that experience. It was single-handedly the most exhausting yet exhilarating experience of my not-so-young life. Mr. Shawn, you were 100% correct. My body is sore, yes, but I woke up with a sense of accomplishment that isn’t easy to put into words. But as Master Chief has said many times…this is something that can never be taken from me. I’ll cherish this experience as one of the highlights of my life for years to come, all the while preparing for the next step on my journey. Thank you, sir and ma’am, for your patience, support, and dedication. Each day you teach us more about focus and preparation, strength and endurance, and even heart and attitude. If we all did things the ‘right’ way yesterday, it was because we wanted to make you proud. And of course, so we didn’t embarrass our tired a$$es. hehehe!
Okay, I better stop at some point before a certain Master Chief calls me out!
Long Live Sparta!
Oh what the heck. I’m already in the ‘lovefest dog house’ so why stop now…
KatieBug – it’s always a pleasure to be partnered with you. For someone so ‘girly’ and cute, you sure pack a mean punch! Fritzie and Wolverine – you never stop! Love working with you gals! Fritzie – extra thanks for the trash bag for all my ‘used’ clothes! Wow, glad I packed as many outfits as I did!
Little Rob – great job during our agoge. You were fantastic, little man! And your fighting and kicking during testing were incredible! Great work! Your dad did pretty darn good too!
Long Live Sparta (round 2)
2 years already?!! It doesn’t seem so! I guess their right when they “Time flies when your having fun!”.
Congrats 2 everyone! I love you all so much and only feel blessed enough 2 call you all family! As soon as I was pushed 2 my limit and wanted 2 quit, I would hear a voice telling me 2 “keep going” or “come on Noelle you can do it!”
Thank you 2 everyone! I thank you Ryan and Lorrie for even getting started here and letting me b able 2 meet these crazy people!!
Master Diaz and Master Jessica, I thank you for helping me and pushing me toward and sometimes over the edge! Mr.Adam, thank you for letting me punch you once! Mr. Shawn, thank you for being one of the voices I was talking about telling and letting me know when I did a good job!Ms.Lynn you, as well as Ms.Michelle and Ms.Emily I thank you for the same you guys are so supportive!! Mr.Joey,thank you…for your feet!…no I thank you for everything you have done for me as well!You all have been their for me and I only hope I can give it all back to you one day!!!
Color Belts: You all kicked but! I am so proud of all of you, Joey B. Great front kick, I have watched you over and over try and break that practice board with a front kick speed break! John Ruiz. Great back kick!Beautiful! Thats only a few great things that were accomplished that day. Everyone did great and everyone earned their next ranks!!!
Black Belts. Like Master Diaz has said time and time again, “When the spotlight of life hits ya, you gotta dance!”.. and that “this is only the beginning!!”How right he is! We did it tho and I couldn’t have pick a better group of people to be with me 2 receive my black belt, thank you all and I love you guys!
-Noelle <3
It is always a great day at Sparta when goals are accomplished and no one gets (badly) hurt!! Watching what is to come for myself in the next 16 weeks is exhilariting. Everyone rocked from beginning to end and everywhere in between. I’m honored to know such a great group of people. You all motivate me to never give up despite how bad I’m hurting. I could go on and on and on about how proud I am of everyone but I have to get back to packing for my EARLLLLY flight in a few hours. You all know I love you and am most of all, thankful to have found a place at Sparta. Sad to miss the first week of classes with all the new ranks, but I’ll see you all next Monday =] =] =]
When I was presented my Sparta Tags, it was the most humbling day of my SPARTA life … such a small object that means so much. The second, just being associated with the the newly recognized Black Belt group. I’ve known you guys from the start and have envied every step you’ve taken toward your goal, knowing that strength and heart was the driving force. Only someone that is part of SPARTA and has seen the scarifice that you have made can understand, that’s what makes it so special. At times I have wished that I could muster that kind of inner spirit that each of you have to ‘finish’. But that takes a very unique person. I am honored and proud to know each and everyone of you and the opprotunity to say you are my friends. “Vaya con Dios” SPARTANS and congratulations ‘E’
I HAVE GOT TO SAY THAT I’M SO SAD THAT I WAS NOT ABLE TO BE APART OF THE DREAM COME TRUE FOR ALL OF YOU LIKE I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE BEEN BUT, SITTING BACK AND WATCHING THE PERFORMANCE DONE BY ALL WAS THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL VIEW OF DEDICATION, PRIDE, STRENGTH AND HONOR I’VE SEEN WITH SUCH A LARGE GROUP OF ADULTS. MASTER CHIEF AND MASTER JESS I KNOW OF NO ONE WHO COULD HAVE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL IN COMPLETING THIS TASKS OF TRAINING SO MANY WITH SO VERY DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES. EVERYONE OF THEIR SKILLS SHINED BRIGHT ON SATURDAY. THE SKITS WERE AWSOME. I KNOW SHAWN GOT AN A+ IN DRAMA 101 IN HIS YOUNGER DAYS BUT TO SEE HIM, ADAM, AND JOEY “HAM IT UP” WAS WAIT!!! THAT IS WHAT THEY DO EVERYDAY, NEVER MIND.
EMILY, YOU ARE JUST THE MOST INCREDIBLE YOUNG LADY. I’M SO HONORED TO HAVE THE PLEASURE OF TRAINING AND LEARNING FROM YOU. YOUR HEART, SPIRIT, AND TALENT PROVED TO ALL OF US ONCE AGAIN THAT EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE. YOU ARE SO SPECIAL TO ME.
JHETT, YOU ARE MY FIRST BORN. MY FIRST HOPE FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE’S FUTURE SPARTA AND #1 WITH YOUR KICKS IN OUR HOUSE. YOU WILL SOMEDAY BE A GREAT MARTIAL ARTIST IF YOU CONTINUE TO TRAIN HARD AND FOCUS. I’M SO VERY PROUD OF YOU! SKYE IS THE ONE WITH THE LEAST INJURIES. WAY TO GO MY BLOODY BLUEBERRY BELT.
ANNIE, YOUR CONTINUOUS DEDICATION TO SUCCEED PAID OFF SATURDAY. I BOW TO YOU AND TIP MY RED HAT. ” YOU ARE NOW THE LEADER OF OUR RED HAT PACK.”
AS FAR AS THE REST OF MY RED HAT GALS KATIE-BUG, WOLVERINE, CARRIE, AND SOMETIMES ERNIE. WHAT I SAW SATURDAY WAS THE BEST YET FROM YOU GUYS. I HAVE TO SAY I WAS JEALOUS.
GRANDPA BILL AND GRANDMA MARTHA, UNBELIEVEABLE THAT PEOPLE YOUR AGE CAN COMPETE WITH THE REST OF US YOUNGINS. CONGRADULATIONS, YOUR BELT NOW MATCHES YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE CANDLES.
ASHTIN, YOUR PERFORMANCE YESTERDAY IS WHY I LOOK SO FORWARD TO YOUR BIG DAY. YOU ARE TRUELY A HOLLYWOOD STAR.
MASTER CHIEF, MASTER JESS, SHAWN, RENA, AND PAPA-JOE WHAT CAN I SAY BUT YOU ONCE AGAIN YOUR HARD-WORK AND SACRAFRICE HAS CHANGED THE LIFE OF SO MANY. LONG LIVE SPARTA
Congratulations to everyone who tested. You all did an outstanding job. To all the new black belts….what can I really say…you all earned every inch of your new belts. Everyone pushed there hardest and never gave up and that’s a big part of that new color you all are wearing. See you all in class!
SPARTA makes me feel like a million bucks!!! Despite the brusing, fluid on the knee…. I can’t think of a better place to be. I’m so very happy and proud to say I’m apart of such a wonderful group of people, who’s dedication, determination and willingness to continue to excel make me a better person/athlete. BIG PROPS again to all the Black Belts, even when you were tired, drained… you all were able to tap deep down inside and really bringing to the next level. To the rest os SPARTA CrossFight… you all inspired your team mates to push it and excel… CONGRATS to all… hope to get back in this week sooner than later (see, work just gets in the way!) Have an excellent week everyone