Meet Bo Kyo Sa Mikko Bernardo
Mikko started his martial arts journey when he was just 6 years old. He has been with Summit Martial Arts since it’s inception in May 2014. He completed his Junior Instructor Team training in 2017 and has been assisting in our children’s classes for 2 years. To Mikko, martial arts is not just a sport, it’s a way of living. Mikko believes strongly in conducting his life according to the 5 Tenets of Taekwondo – Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control and Indomitable spirit. He works hard to apply these principles to his daily life. The Bernardo’s were featured on Global News as they prepared for their World Games. Check out their story. When Mikko is teaching, his greatest joy is seeing kids smile. That alone makes his day.
Mikko’s proudest accomplishment was earning his Black Belt in May 2017. He is the youngest SMA student to bestowed such an honour. When asked what it means to be a Black Belt for his essay, Mikko said:
“A Black Belt isn’t just a rank or a belt it is yourself, your life. A person with a Black Belt should bring good to our world. We all got our white belt, orange belt, yellow belt, so on so forth to reach a new beginning. The tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit are not only what a person with a black belt holds but also what a true martial artist holds. Master Morris has told us many things but the one thing that I can’t forget is that “A BLACK BELT IS A WHITE BELT WHO NEVER GAVE UP”. Discipline is also a big part of having a black belt because without discipline you will not be able to control yourself, you will just do whatever with the title of a person with a black belt. When Master Morris asked me what a black belt means to me and what I will do to give back to the community… I had to think… a lot.”
Mikko also competed in the 2014 TAFISA World Martial Arts bringing home Gold in Forms and Pt. Sparring, Silver for Continuous Sparring, and Bronze for Bo Staff for Team Canada and taking home Grand Champion from the 2018 Calgary City Championships. Mikko competes extensively throughout the year and is dedicated to continuing his own training. He was selected as a member of our Tournament Team in 2018/2019 and represented our school with pride. We are very proud to have him as an integral part of our school.
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