Our Other Black Belts

Jason Gillo 1st Dan

Jason Gillo was born in 1988. With two parents who worked at TI, he was destined to participate at something at the Texins Association.

Jason started Karate classes with Mr. Royce Young in 1994, just before his sixth birthday. He loved the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and thought that Karate was what he saw on the screen. Boy, was he surprised to find out that it was a lot of work and fun. His parents think he was a little scared of Mr. Young, but quickly learned to like and respect him. With a lot of hard work from Mr. Young, Mr. Wooten, Ms. Young, Mr. Kowalski, and the other Texins Karate instructors, Jason earned his Black belt on January 25, 2003 at the age of 15. Jason is now 18, ready to graduate Richardson High School this year with AP scholar honors.

Under Grandmaster Royce Young's tutelage, Jason grew and learned much more than the mechanics of Tae Kwon Do. As he worked his way up the belts, which he proudly displays as his "color wheel", he learned lessons that have helped him with his leadership and teaching skills and also instilled a deep respect for others. As a Cub Scout and Boy Scout, his leadership skills were evident. The lessons learned from Tae Kwon Do class were evident in how he gently handled the younger scouts that were entrusted to him. His teaching experience comes in handy for his summer job of swimming instructor for the Spring Creek Texins.

He has participated in Japanese studies for the last three years and wants to go to Japan, possibly to teach English while touring the country. Last year his team won accolades at the annual "Japan Bowl" which recognizes the knowledge and language skills of the state's top Japanese students. This year he made it to the regional finals of the Japanese speech contest that was held in Carrollton.

Jason attained third place in the district swimming competition and qualified for state regional's for his powerful breast stroke. He has won a trophy at every Karate tournament he has entered, and has started Kokusai Jujitsu training with Mr. Caplinger at the Spring Creek Texins.

Jason has impressed his teachers with his capacity to absorb knowledge, he has lettered three years in a row on the Richardson Swim Team, won numerous awards for his academics and athletics and has been accepted to the University of Texas at Dallas where he will start the next phase of his life after he graduates in May.

Mr. Gillo was promoted to 1st Dan in January 2003 upon nomination from Master Ottis Wooten, Grandmaster Royce Young and Grandmaster James Toney, and by vote of the High Dan Board.