In the beginning of May 2016, I made the decision that I would be attending the Chuck Norris System International Training Conference and World Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 13-18. The martial arts has been a strong passion of mine since I started in 2009 and I am always looking for opportunities to learn more about our style of karate.

Last year, I attended the conference and championships as a first degree black belt. It was my first competition ever competing as a black belt and I placed second in my weapons division. I knew that once I made the decision to go to Vegas as a second degree black belt and as a competitor in the adult division, I wanted to train hard to become a World Champion and pave my way to compete for the Norris Cup. This was my goal and I was not going to let anything get in the way of achieving it.

When the day came for me to leave on a plane, it was the second time in my entire life that I had flown by myself. I traveled alone to Vegas this year with no parents and no family members coming along on my journey. I told them when I made the decision to go alone that I would be competing in honor of them, to thank them for standing by me and always supporting me in my martial arts. I also told them that I would be competing for my Aunt Helen, who is 98-years-old and is in failing condition.

When I landed in Vegas, I was so ecstatic. My five hour flight was behind me and now I could focus on what I came here to do; become a world champion and have a ton of fun! After all, this was my vacation too, right? When I got to the hotel that day, I was filled with two feelings. Part of me was so excited to be reunited with all of my awesome friends I only get the opportunity to see at this tournament. The other part of me was already nervous for the competition that was two days away.

Wednesday and Thursday were filled with so many fun filled memories. In two days, I traveled to Red Rock Canyon, shopped on the Strip, relaxed by the pool at the hotel and went to the UFAF Pool Party to kick off the tournament, where I danced the night away and reconnected with so many friends. Seeing so many familiar faces Thursday night was definitely one of the best parts of my trip overall. I love reconnecting with people and there is no better feeling than hearing someone scream your name and then you run to them and give them the biggest hug ever when you realize they are actually standing in front of you. For me, this tournament is the only time I get to see so many of my friends from all over.

Quick enough, Friday then came. We started off the day with three seminars on Krav Maga Force, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Active Shooter Situations. Then, we watched the Demo Team Competition, which is always one of my favorites to watch. All of these things were fun, but when they were all done, it was time to focus on what I came to Vegas to do. I put my headphones on and started getting ready for the competition that lied ahead. My first event would be Open Kata, which meant that I had to create an original karate form to present to the judges. This was my first time competing in the Open Kata division, and for my first time, I thought I did pretty well! I placed second in my division and I could not have been more proud of myself.

At this point, I realized something. I had one more division to go and one more chance to become a World Champion left. My last division was my weapons division, where I created an original form using double nunchucks. Before I went out to do my routine, I knew the scores that I needed to beat in order to win. I knew in my heart that I could do it. I told myself, "Britini, you need to leave it all on the floor. No regrets." So I went out there and gave the performance of my life and took first for my division. I was a World Champion! I could hardly believe it. This meant that on Sunday, I would compete for a chance to win the Norris Cup. What an honor!

Saturday came and I was so nervous throughout the entire day. Why you may ask? Well, for the second year in a row, I was nominated for the Most Inspirational Member of the Chuck Norris System Award. All day I waited to find out if my name was going to be called on stage at the banquet to receive the award. When the time finally came, and they announced that there were two winners instead of just one for the award, I was shaking so much. I wanted so badly for one of those names called to be mine. Then they announced the winners. "The winners of the Most Inspirational Award for the Chuck Norris System are...Ron Guptill and Britini D'Angelo!"

My heart skipped a beat, I couldn't believe it. I just won the Most Inspirational Award! Every hardship and every obstacle I have ever faced throughout my life led me to that moment. I have come so far along my journey and this award meant more than words could ever express. What meant even more was the fact that while on stage, Grand Master Chuck Norris brought me in for a hug and said to me, "Congratulations Britini. You are so incredibly inspiring and you deserve this award so much. I am so proud of you." I felt so incredibly blessed for the life that I have lived thus far.

After the amazing days Friday and Saturday, Sunday was just as awesome. I competed for the Norris Cup on Sunday and even though I did not win, I tried my best and that is all I could ever ask for of myself. I'm proud of how hard I worked to do as well as I did in the competition and I cannot wait to see what next year brings.

But, with every ending to an ITC comes some very hard goodbyes. Martial artists have this bond that can never be broken, no matter where you live. Saying goodbye to my friends this year was definitely hard. You're so excited that they're in the same place as you (finally), but then the time you have with them goes by way too quick. This year, I really appreciated the time I got to spend with my friends and I loved every single second of the ITC experience. See you all next year!