Students awarded Black Belt of Peace
19 May 2014
West Auckland students Zane Taylor and Taiyang Tipene have been the first recipients of the prestigious Black Belt of
Peace. The two have been studying Master Arts, a form of self mastery and conflict resolution, in Ranui under founder
Master Tim Tipene.
'Master Arts is the study of the art of peace,' says Tim. 'It is winning without the use of violence, and winning
without causing defeat.'
Tim created the Black Belt of Peace in 2013 to award students who have achieved in the study of Master Arts, and who are
committed to cultivating peace in their lives and communities.
'Around the world people are training to be effective fighters in a multitude of martial arts, gaining belt grades and
status,' says Tim. 'Yet where are the arts of peace? Where are the peaceful strategies and techniques for dealing with
conflict? And where are the grades and status for peace? I couldn't find a school teaching these things so I developed
my own.' Tim started Master Arts in 1994.
Taiyang, 8, has been a member of Warrior Kids, the children's Master Arts class since he was four. Taiyang enjoys the
training, he says it is fun. He also likes the self protection. 'I like that it teaches me how to deal with my problems
in a peaceful way which helps at school.' Taiyang is now assisting other children in Warrior Kids.
Zane, 45, has been involved in Master Arts since 2010. Now that he has his Black Belt of Peace he is looking forward to
teaching his own Master Arts and Warrior Kids classes.
'Master Arts has made me a better man, a better member of my family, and the
community,' says Zane. 'Master Arts has offered me freedom, freedom to be myself and freedom from negative influences. I
look forward to sharing my knowledge in the future on my journey towards self mastery and personal improvement with
others.'
Master Arts and Warrior Kids classes are being run in the community and in schools.
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