I continue to be impressed with John Pecoraro’s work and interactions with his students and the community at large. So out of curiosity, I recently asked him, “John, do you know how many students you have worked with over the years?” He replied that since 1992 the number is now over 13,500!
He continued, “To date, we have mentored 497 to 1st degree black belt or higher.” He added “28% are still actively training at our Academy.”
He also mentioned that this Sunday, January 8th, from 2-3 PM, there will be a special Black Belt Ceremony. This will be at Pecoraro’s Martial Arts located in Rohnert Park. Sara Baker will receive her 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. What is unusual about this is the Sara’s story.
Sara’s passed all the physical requirements to receive her promotion. All she had to do was pass her written exam and create a kata to demonstrate. Sara was then tragically in an accident that resulted in Sara becoming quadriplegic. Mastering a special computer, she was able to complete her written and oral questions with great effort.
And with assistance from one of the Academy’s senior students, she was able to create a personal kata. This senior student will demonstrate the kata she created this Sunday at her promotion.
I think it is so indicative of the extra mile-- or two or three that John, his wife Carol and son Adam (Adam Pecoraro was profiled here earlier) will walk with their students. The Academy's classes teach more than learning about kicks and punches. The classes stress core martial artist principles such as how to blend with others and how to work with stressful or emotional situations that one may find, whether at home, school or work.
The public is invited to Sara’s promotion this Sunday. Everyone is welcome. And if you can’t attend, please send Sara a message of congratulations via the link above on her Facebook page. And if you attend, you can also have an opportunity to meet, Sara, John and his family, and the Academy's students.
John Pecoraro, you are a martial artist continuing to make a difference. Thank you John!
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