Wednesday, August 13, 1997 was pre-test date for many students at Cepeda-Abueg.  This particular pre-test focused on the efforts of Joe Jimenez (testing for Maestro), and Lee Malin and Jeff Martin (both testing for Black Belt).  Traditionally, Sifu Dan Cepeda reserved the hot summer months for any test into the ranks of black belt because he believed it was also an opportunity to showcase your stamina.  This pre-test was no different as temperatures the previous week soared to 100 degree plus levels.  

Cumulatively, the three martial artists represented over 20 years of Cepeda Brothers training.  The pre-test concept is an opportunity for all the students considered for testing to demonstrate their proficiency in all aspects of kenpo karate.  In many respects, the pre-test is more demanding than the actual Maestro or Black Belt test.  The studio has set a standard over the years that other successful Maestros or Black belts have achieved.  This day marked the efforts of these three individuals to reach this standard and perpetuate the legacy of the Cepeda Brothers studio. 

A sense of anticipation, and real anxiety, marked the start of the pre-test.  Each of the individuals demonstrated their skill level in the forms portion.  Both Lee and  Jeff displayed their talents in short form 1 up to long form 6 with poise and flair.  Also included was their talents with weapons as displayed in staff set.  Joe Jimenez showcased his skills in Arnis de Mano demonstrating Sinawali and Kinamutay to an energized and rhythmic beat of the congos provided by Sifus Rick Miyahara and Rudy Celaya.  

Also on the evening's agenda was promotion to upper belts for many of the black belts present.  Second degree artist Tony Orlina was seeking his third degree black belt.  Instructors Jacy Escoffier, Ira Fefferman, and Tony Ordas were seeking their second degree black belts.  The black belt martial artists being tested provided the standard as they showcased their skill levels in their quest for promotion.  Instructor Ira forever marked the day as he took the tip of his spear to the studio ceiling and carved out his initials to Sifu Fred's encouraging remark "Nice job, Ira."    

The techniques portion of the pre-test kicked off the real endurance test.  In many respects the contrast was similar to the annual iron man triathlon held each year on the Big Island of Hawaii.  The athletes in this venue must shift gears through three different rotations amidst extreme weather conditions.  By the same contrast, the three martial artists transitioned from forms to techniques by demonstrating their respective skills against wave after wave of fresh opponents.  The energy level definitely raised several notches.  Sifu Joe then called on the three candidates to dummy against the other black belts present.  After each set, the individuals would used the precious minutes to prepare themselves for the next rigorous set.  Finally, Sifu Joe announced the last set as a test of stamina.  Each of the martial artists reached down into whatever reserve they could muster and rose to the challenge.  

Just as triathlon athletes must mentally prepare for the third phase of the strenuous endurance test after cycling through lava fields - the sparring portion was next.  Instead of 26 miles of a grueling marathon, these martial artists faced the cumulative abilities of the current Cepeda black belts in mano-a-mano combat.  What transpired over the next 20 minutes defines the essence of a Cepeda-Abueg Black Belt.  Nothing is given, everything earned.  Each of the martial artists bear their souls and won the respect of everyone fortunate enough to witness the evening's events.  What other goal in a person's life involves years of intense mental and physical training only to be determined by the events of one evening?  

It is a Cepeda-Abueg tradition that each of the Sifus and black belts have a voice in determining the results of the pre-test.  Only each of these individuals can reflect on their own personal experience and approve the promotion of new black belts into their ranks.  The decision was made that Joe Jimenez, Lee Malin, and Jeff Martin had passed their pre-test!  Congratulations.  Surely they were all feeling the rush of emotion that Jeff Martin summed up, "I am so happy!"  To everyone fortunate enough to have witnessed the events of this evening will have come away with a better understanding of the human spirit and determination.  The next challenge in their quest lies ahead.  The maestro and black belt test on Saturday, August 30, 1997.