Monroe Mann - Relaunching My Journey to Black Belt

Dive: Athlete - Fighter / Martial Arts (Krav Maga)
Description: Pursuing the Israeli Military Fighting System
Level: Level 1
Level Requirements: Has earned a first level belt in Krav Maga
Certified On: Apr 15, 2022

Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).

Name: Monroe Mann Break Diving Level: Level 1 Number of Certified Dives: 15 From: United States In: United States

1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?

I started martial arts back when I was a kid, in elementary school in NY. I got about halfway to black belt and then I moved to Maine.

While in Maine, I started martial arts again, in a different style, but moved away once again.

Later, in NY once again after serving in Iraq with the Army, I started studying at Tiger Schulmann Karate in Manhattan (which turned into Tiger Schulmann MMA). I got up to Green Belt (again halfway), and then... my plan expired, and it was too expensive to renew, and... eventually I again moved away. This last attempt was from 2006 to about 2009, but I moved to China in 2014.

Anyway, fast forward to 2019, and the pandemic hit us. I was feeling cooped up, and finally decided in 2021 to see if there was any possible way to learn martial arts online. Low and behold, I found many such schools, and the best by far turned out to be GMAU (Global Martial Arts University). Two things really appealed to me: 1) It was online, with rigorous tests with partners via video, so I could continue the program no matter where I ended up moving to, and 2) It was incredibly affordable.

They had many programs, but I decided to sign up for the Krav Maga one initially. And I'm glad I went with GMAU. About 6 months later, I moved again. To Florida. And... what a relief---my Krav Maga school moved with me.

2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?

Once I decided to enroll, it was a short time to reach white belt. Maybe 2 to 3 weeks. This is the easiest belt to earn requiring the least amount of training time.

3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

The hardest part initially was my body's lack of conditioning and my age. I was older than I was two decades before. It took a while for my body to get used to all of these strange movements again.

4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

The easiest part was the motivating format of the online program. The video instruction was amazing. The support from fellow GMAU students fantastic. The requirement of doing testing with an actual partner made me smile because I knew that I would really have to prove that I knew what I was doing.

5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?

It's a great idea to study at GMAU because if you move, your school moves with you. Yes, it's sometimes challenging to find practice partners, but I've already moved three times since I started, and each time, I eventually find new people to practice with. I just have to become their teacher and bring them up to speed.

6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.

I personally think studying online is the best, because it gives you flexibility. And at GMAU, it's affordable too, so you never have to worry about running out of course before you reach Black Belt. I honestly know that this time, I am 100% going to reach Black Belt, not only in Krav Maga, but also in Nunchucks, and Tae Kwon Do as well.

Check out these resources:

Resource 1: Break Diving Martial Arts - Come talk with other Break Divers pursuing fighting styles.

Resource 2: GMAU Krav Maga - This is the very same course that I am enrolled in. Take it! It's awesome.

Resource 3: -

Resource 4: -

Resource 5: -

7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).

I actually got my mom to enroll at the same time. For some reason, I thought my 73 year old mother would want to learn Krav Maga -- one of the most brutal martial arts out there. Ha ha.

Well, let's just say after being my practice partner twice, she decided Krav Maga was not for her.

But, she has just 4 more hours of training and she could earn her Krav Maga white belt. I'm not giving up on her yet! :D

8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?

Here is a YouTube Playlist of my Krav Maga Martial Arts Journey so far:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDN_nrMN8mc_uQquHzsDos55qE7CCYW0T

9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?

I actually just passed my Krav Maga mid-level Orange belt test! So I'm almost at Orange. The belts are: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Brown, Black. So as soon as I get my Orange belt, and pass my mid-level Green belt exam, I will be halfway to Black. Huzzah!

So yes, 100% pursuing the next level!

10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?

No Rules. No Excuses. No Regrets.

Certificate photo:

And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Monroe Mann is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Athlete - Fighter / Martial Arts (Krav Maga) - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Certificate number: 91

The author above wrote this WYSEguidance post as one of the certification requirements to become certified by Break Diving, Inc. for a dive completed. Would you also like to find greater success, happiness, and friendship, and make genuine supportive connections with others around the world pursuing your same dreams? Come join us at Break Diving and soon your story will be the next one you read about on this site!

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