Dear Friend,

I'm sure that you've noticed that I have attached a "Million Dollar Bill" to the top of this letter. I've done this for two reasons.

Those reasons are:

1. I have something very exciting to tell you
and
2. I wanted to make sure that you were listening.

Here's the story:

Over the past nearly 30 years I've taken the time to ask my entire staff and my other Black Belts what their Black Belts mean to them. Not only have I asked them the question, but I've suggested an impossible situation.

Here's the situation:

I told them to imagine that I could write them a check for any dollar figure. In turn, I would be able to take away any and all knowledge that they ever gained by becoming a Black Belt.

What do you think happened?
Let me explain. I've suggested that we start the bidding at $10,000. I'll write a check for $10,000, but the person who accepts the check will automatically have all knowledge of their martial arts wiped clean from their memory and experience. All of their skills, knowledge, and friendships will be gone.

O.K. Let's make the stakes higher. Let's go to $25,000. We should surely have some takers here because this is quite a bit more than the person paid for their Black Belt education.

How about $50,000? That should certainly rattle a few cages.

You've got to be kidding right? How could this possibly mean this much to all of these Black Belts? I'm certain that the next number should work to get at least a few people to take my offer. Let's try $100,000. The line should begin forming to start writing checks now. Give me a moment to get out my checkbook. Wait a minute. No one is moving. Not one taker.

Even though $100,000 is certainly a significant number it appears we have to raise the stakes.

Let's step back for just one moment. At this point you might think that there must be something seriously wrong with anyone who wouldn't accept this amount of money to give up something that costs significantly less. We are after all talking about $1,000,000. It's obvious, the skills , knowledge, and confidence gained is extremely valuable to all of these people.

Once again, the question is asked. Once again the answer is NO.

So what does all of this mean? Let me tell you what I believe. I believe that anyone who has ever achieved their Black Belt in our program at Nicklaus' Martial Arts America has come to realize that it is impossible to put a price on the tremendous amount of:

• Focus
• Commitment
• Respect
• Self-discipline
• Confidence
• Pride

What about you? You might be wondering whether you could achieve this incredible goal. There are a few important ingredients to make you aware of.

#1. You'll be working with highly qualified Black Belts who are consistently upgrading their teaching techniques and martial arts knowledge. My staff knows how to train Black Belts. They also know how to check for the proper attitude and aptitude necessary to become a strong Black Belt candidate who has the ability to become a Black Belt and in all likelihood even a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th degree Black Belt.

#2. It's a trip worth taking. You might be wondering if it's worth the effort, time, and money.
I do know this- without commitment to a goal, there is no worthwhile outcome.
Ask anyone who has ever gotten their Black Belt at Nicklaus' Martial Arts America and continued with their training whether it's worth it. They all believe that it's a life changing experience that already has and will continue to give them benefits for a lifetime. It could do the same for you. You just have to make the decision and then take the journey.

Continue to work hard. Your instructors are evaluating your performance. When you pass the screening process you will be notified that you have done what it takes to be invited to train for your Black Belt.

Best of luck.

Sincerely,

Fred Nicklaus
6th Degree Black Belt
Owner/Master Instructor
Nicklaus' Martial Arts America