Eric Montalvo

Rank:
Sempai Belt in White Dragons of Bushido
Master Green Belt in White Dragons of Bushido

Member since:
April 1st, 2002

Martial Arts history:
I have only studied at White Dragons of Bushido

Awards/Accomplishments:
Tournament Team (2003);
2nd place Traditional Forms (All American Championships-9/21/02);
2nd place Traditional Forms; 4th place Contemporary Forms (Karate Showdown-11/02/02);
2nd place Contemporary Forms; 4th place Weapons; 4th place Traditional Forms (Winner’s Circle Championships- 4/12/03).

About me:
What can I say, “I just turned 6!” Some of my greatest accomplishments to date center around making it through “potty training” without major psychological damage and sleeping in my own bed by age 4 (Its dark at night… you try sleeping alone with an 800 pound Gorilla in your closet and two Anacondas under your bed…).

How did I come to White Dragons of Bushido, you ask? Well, my grandpa (the guy with the handle bar moustache and faded ball cap sitting in the bleachers) thought it would be a great idea if I developed a little discipline and self-confidence. Well, I was pretty disciplined for a 5 year old (at the time) to begin with, but “my family” thought a little direction would suit me well. So, my career at White Dragons began…

The master plan was to appease my parents and grandparents for a month or two and I’d be back to my Hot Wheels and Transformers by the Fall. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out that way. Let’s just say, I had a detour of sorts. My first month was a blur except that every sensei and sempai would usually address me by saying, “Eric stop talking…” Sheesh!! I’m only 5 you know. Don’t you guys realize that 5 year olds have the attention span of gnats?! Man, wait until they have kids! I could practically write a term paper on the mechanics of pushups, since that’s the only thing I ever seemed to do during my Karate classes.

Anyway, to make a long story short, the senseis and sempais spent a lot of quality time teaching me to become a better person and you know what? I think they did a “bang up” job. I still do a lot of pushups (What can I say? I like to talk!), but I work hard too. I have to give a lot of credit to Sensei Mike Tobin (my senior instructor) and Sensei Jeff Price (Team coach) for their patience and guidance. Sensei Manuel for teaching me Weapons and making me laugh. I also would like to give a special thanks to Shihan Ron Bennett and his really neat wife, Jaylene for always making me feel special and important. Without them, I’d probably still be testing for my yellow belt!

Favorite Food:
Macaroni and Cheese

Favorite Music:
Country Music (sorry guys, I just don’t understand that Alternative stuff you and my parents listen to - Country is more my speed…they have cuter girls!).

Other Favorite Sports:
Rock Climbing, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, and Soccer. Get real!! I’d rather play with my transformers and eat Cheetos!!