05/26/2020
Dear Students, Parents, and Families of BTB,
With a very heavy heart Michele and I have come to the sad and very difficult decision to close Beyond the Belt Martial Arts Center.
The worldwide virus has disrupted all our lives in so many ways. We are truly sorry that it has caused another unfortunate change to your lives and ours.
We would like to thank you for helping us to grow and thrive over the years, and for your patience, understanding, and support over the past couple months.
The students, their families, and the staff at BTB have been the greater part of my life for the last ten years. I would not have anything in my life if it was not for the support of all of you.
I want to express my deep gratitude for all you have done for me and the entire community as a whole. Every minute you spent supporting us had a direct effect on many young lives in our town. BTB was a haven for many children and a platform to build strong confidence through positive reinforcement and a safe place with like-minded warriors to navigate this tricky world we live in.
I would like to express my deep admiration and endless thanks to all of the staff who lead BTB. You know what the dojo has meant to me. While students came in to learn the art of mixed martial arts and to deepen their understanding of their own character, they in return gave back to us on levels they will never understand. Their attitudes towards life strengthened our resolve into becoming the change we wanted to see in the world. What was meant to be a place of learning and knowledge being passed from instructors to students ended up being a community of warriors where we learned and grew from each other.
The last ten years have truly been the best in my life. Because of the BTB family, I have grown as a person and turned into the warrior I am today.
Over the years we all have grown beyond a team and into a family. I will forever miss my time on the mats next to all of you. I will miss the positive interactions with the parents and the tears shed at Black Belt ceremonies. No matter how bad a day might have seemed, it was quickly changed by the smiling families that greeted all of us as we entered our space. Please know how grateful we truly are for your years of total support.
I know this will be very difficult for many young warriors as BTB was such a staple of their everyday lives. I never expected this nor wanted this for any of our students. However, this is a very important time for all of us to put our lessons to use, though it feels so difficult to do so. I hope that we can remain positive and optimistic that all will be well.
This change will be particularly tough on Sensei Beth, who has dedicated the last 9+ years of her life to teaching members of our community at BTB. Sensei Beth arrived at BTB as a student, but moved up the ranks to become the instructor you see today. With the closing of Beyond the Belt, Sensei Beth plans to continue instructing. She wants to give the opportunity for students to still receive their black belt and to continue training in a new way. I encourage you to contact her for more information about her new mission and to continue your journey to Black Belt if at all possible.
Sensei Beth and I have watched all of you grow into incredibly resilient martial artists and leaders. I know that whatever you choose to do moving forward you will do it with the same work ethic you brought into the dojo each week. The friendships that we made will still be there. Sensei Beth and I are incredibly proud of each one of you and if you ever need anything we will always be here for you.
With the deepest gratitude and thanks,
Sensei Carl Young
**Black Belt testers, please stay tuned in regards to how your training will continue for Black Belt. There WILL be a 2020 Black Belt testing and promotions WILL be on, regardless. A letter will be sent to the BTB 2020 Black Belt Facebook group shortly.**
