Master Ron Tramontano

Master Ron Tramontano started his training in Newburgh, New York under the instruction of Master Don Southerton. Well known to the martial arts industry, Master Southerton is usually thought of by many as one of the people responsible for taking this industry into the twenty-first century. Master Southerton's instructor, the founder of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, is the renowned Grand Master Hwang Kee. Master Tramontano tested for his Black Belt at the 74th & 75th Dan Classings and was issued Dan Number 26029. Upon receiving his Black Belt under Grand Master Hwang Kee at the old school in Springfield, New Jersey, Master Tramontano moved to Florida in 1984 and has since been living in Boca Raton, Florida.

On June 5th of that same year, Master Tramontano and Master Southerton opened West Boca Karate Center in Boca Raton. The sole owner of West Boca Karate since 1986, Master Tramontano has taken West Boca Karate to new industry heights. Grown to be one of the largest schools in the country, a 5000 square foot facility with over 450 students. Master Tramontano is now in the process of starting a National Television Network. The Martial Arts Network will be dedicated to the youth of this country and to the martial arts industry. Master Tramontano is approximately one year away from realizing his goals. The business plan and video presentations are complete and "Trademarks" are in place. If anyone would like more information on this project, please call or write. North American Tang Soo Do Federation, 11435A Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton FL 33428 Master Tramontano's Hobbies are knife collecting, Flying, playing the piano and guitar, and SCUBA diving.

SETTING GOALS

Once upon a time there was a young boy who's only thought was to be the greatest Martial Artist that ever lived. One day, the boy packed up all of his belongings and began his journey in search of a very wise and famous Martial Arts Master. He was told the Master would teach him to be the best in all the land. When he arrived at the Masters home, he was greeted by the Master himself. "What do you wish from me boy?", the Master asked. "I wish to be your student and become the finest martial artist in the land. How long must I study, Master?" The Master laughed. "Ten years at the very least", the Master replied. "Ten years is a long time, what if I studied twice as hard?" "Twenty years then", replied the Master. "Twenty years! What if I practiced day and night with all my efforts?" The Master stopped to think, "thirty years then". "How is it that each time I say I will work harder, you tell me that it will take longer?" "The answer is clear", said the Master, "When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left in which to find the way."

SOMETIMES, WE ARE SO FIXED ON THE GOAL, WE LOSE TRACK OF THE STEPS THAT ARE NEEDED TO GET THERE.

A FUNNY STORY

I was up late one night when all of a sudden the book I was reading fell from my hand in a jerking motion and I knew it was time to go to bed. I was living in Fort Lauderdale at the time in a townhouse so I started to climb the stairs to the bedroom. I knew exactly where I wanted to be, and that was in my bed! Well, one eye was fixed on my bedroom, and one eye was fixed on the stairs, so I proceeded to climb and as I approached the seventh step, I slipped and did three cartwheels and two back flips down the staircase back into the living room. You want to talk about being awake?

To this day, I view a staircase as having taught me a great lesson in life. It is always great to know where we are going and where we want to be in life. However, it pays to slow down and use both eyes to take a good look at the steps we have chosen to see if they will, in reality, support us in the decisions we have made.

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