On January 18^th, 2008, Brian McKee was named the 2007 Adult Student of the Year for United Studios of Self Defense in Livermore.  The Student of the Year awards are give annually to the youth and adult students who have displayed the greatest amount of growth not only as a martial artist, but also as an individual.

Brian had an excellent year on so many different levels that this was a fairly easy decision, even with other qualified candidates.  Brian not only earned his promotion to his black belt, but he matured as an individual, and as an instructor helping primarily with the four to eight year old beginner’s class.  Brian is only 15-years-old, but there is not a single adult in his class that sees him as anything less than the epitome of what a martial artist should strive for.

Brian primarily helps teach the four to eight year old beginners’ class, but also helps teach private lessons and other classes when asked.  During 2007, Brian matured from being a quiet young man who never really voiced his opinion, to the unequivocal leader of the Livermore school.  Any student in the Livermore school knows that if they have a question about a certain move, form, or anything related to the martial arts, they can ask Brian for a very thoughtful and helpful answer.

On November 17^th, 2007, being tested for his black belt surprised Brian.  The test was coincidentally on the same day of a scheduled lesson he was to take.  After his lesson, his instructor, Michael Delfino, simply told him to get in his car and drove Brian to the test location in Dublin.  Once Brian saw where they were going, he realized he had been tricked.  With only ten minutes of preparation time, Brian performed amazingly well during his test.  In a sparring match against a competitor who has won national competitions, Brian controlled much of the match, and impressed the senior instructors present.  Brian was a brown belt for three years prior to being tested for his black belt, showing the patience and dedication required for earning a black belt at United Studios.

Previous winners of this award are Kara Sweeney from 2005, and Louis Napolitano from 2006.

For more information about the student of the year awards and other special events at United Studios, please call 925-449-1746