The three boys bowed to their instructors and reached out to receive the symbol of their accomplishments — the coveted top-level white belt representing the highest achievement for their age group. Parents seated nearby took photos and videos of the momentous occasion.

After years of serious study of Tae Kwon Do, Wyatt Sallee, 5, J.J. Pohlot, 4 and Pierce Marchant, 4, passed their exams to earn the prestigious white belt, which is a white belt edged in yellow. The belt is considered to be the “black belt” for their ages.

For Iron Fist Martial Arts of Newhall, owned by Master Patrick Tatevossian, the three boys were the first students to earn the belts at his academy.

“They started all shy and timid, and now they are energetic, they have really good technique and they are very disciplined and respectful,” said Tatevossian.

As parents and friends watched the three boys perform their precision kicks and punches the examiners, Tatevossian, Chief Instructor Yves Marotta and the boys’ personal instructor Melissa Gregory, scored each youth on his ability.

In the end, each of the three applicants had performed well enough to earn his belt.

“The study of martial arts builds up their self confidence and teaches respect for their elders and their peers, in addition to self discipline,” said Tatevossian who has taught martial arts for 13 years. “They get in excellent physical shape.”

Iron Fist Martial Arts was opened by Tatevossian two and a half years ago in a studio on Lyons Avenue.

“This is our first group of little graduates from this class of the Kinder Kicks program,” said Tatevossian.

Marchant’s father, Captain Thomas Marchant of the Glendale Fire Department, said his son has learned more than just martial arts skills from the school.

“I can’t say enough about how the program has provided my son with courage to face obstacles in his world, along with discipline, honor and respect,” he said. “We are constantly able to use principles learned at the Iron Fist to help us encourage and guide him as he grows up to contribute in this society.”

Tatevossian said his school which has an enrollment of nearly 90 students, teaches not only Tae Kwon Do but a variety of martial arts styles including Karate, Hap Ki Do, Aikido, Judo/Jujitsu, Grappling, Muy Thai/Kickboxing.

“It helps the students to become well-rounded. We have students from age 2 1/2 to 60-plus — and one is a black belt,” he said.

“It’s a very family oriented school.”

Tatevossian, 27, has been a resident of the Santa Clarita Valley for more than 17 years and a student of martial arts for nearly 21 years.

He currently holds the rank of Master, 4th Degree Black Belt and has won three U.S. Regional Championships.

He has also trained a winning Junior Olympic Tae Kwon Do competition team.

In addition to his martial arts prowess, Tatevossian has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development.

Tatevossian said the instructors at Iron Fist Martial Arts use methods of encouragement and positive reinforcement to teach and train students. Instructors are encouraged to be not only role-models, but, also create strong friendships with students and their families.

Respect is an important part of the teaching at Iron Fist.

“Our students are taught to always be respectful and polite both inside and outside the Dojang,” said Tatevossian.
Tatevossian said this class of students is very accomplished.

“This preschool class of students — the way they perform — they are very mature for their age,” he said.

Iron Fist Martial Arts School, 24502 Lyons Ave., Newhall. (661) 799-8070.