TINLEY PARK, Ill.—In a grand celebration of unity, skill, and cultural exchange, the International Training Conference 2024, themed “The Writing is on the Wall: Train to Improve, Empower and Survive,” concluded with a banquet at the Tinley Park Convention Center.
The social, emceed by Sister Carlette Seifullah and Brother Terence Muhammad, was attended by martial artists, trainers, and dignitaries. It marked the end of an inspiring three-day conference.
The annual event brings together practitioners of various martial arts disciplines to share techniques, philosophies, and traditions. This year, the event featured a diverse array of workshops, seminars, youth sessions, more than 40 vendors, and demonstrations led by renowned masters and experts.
“I feel awesome. I am so grateful to Allah (God) for blessing us with success. And success to me is the spirit of the believers. Everyone loved it and that’s what makes me to be happy, is them loving it,” said Grand Master Abdul Azziz Muhammad, who is also the Nation of Islam’s Student Assistant Supreme Captain.
“And then the next thing, though, is knowing that the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan loved what he saw. … So, this was a fantastic event. I had a fantastic time,” he added.
His wife, Sister Azziza Muhammad, martial artist and ITC organizer, stressed the importance of the experience, no matter one’s age. The plethora of information is something every attendee can apply to their lives, she noted.
The banquet was a night to remember. The ballroom of the Tinley Park Convention Center was transformed into a spectacular venue, adorned with beautiful bouquets of floral arrangements and decorations, inviting attendees. Guests were treated to scrumptious cuisine and entertainment, including a violinist, saxophonist and singer among other artists.
Participants were recognized with awards named after attributes of Allah (God) for their contributions and achievements in various categories:
- Student Supreme Captain Mustapha Farrakhan – “Al-Muhaymin” Award (“The Guardian, The Preserver, The Overseeing Protector”) – for continued efforts in guarding, preserving and protecting the Nation through the teaching and training of the men who belong to Islam.
- Student Minister Ishmael R. Muhammad – “Al-Mumin” Award (“The Affirmer of Truth”) for continued work in the ministry and his dedication in the spreading of truth by aiding Minister Farrakhan
- Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad – “Al-Jabbar” Award” (“The Restorer” and “Improver of Affairs”) for continued work and dedication in aiding and assisting Minister Farrakhan
- Student National M.G.T. and G.C.C. Captain Naeemah Muhammad – “Al-Mubdi’” Award, (“The Producer, Originator, and Initiator of All”) for continued work and dedication in helping Minister Farrakhan
- Student Minister Abdul Malik Sayyid Muhammad and Student Regional Captain Abdul Halim Muhammad, both of the Western Region, received the “Al-Muqaddim” Award (“Leader,” literally “The One in Front” and “The Expediter, The Promoter”) – for their leadership in inspiring the F.O.I. in their city and region to be out front in soldiering and propagating the faith.
- Bro. Akil Khalfani – Selfless Warrior Award – for efforts in opening doors of opportunity for others and for assistance in helping the training conference in its humble beginnings to always have a venue to host its annual event.
- Sis. Tamiko G. Muhammad – “Al-Walee” Award (“The Protecting Friend, Patron and Helper”) – for her many years of service, 22 years as a helper and aid in administration to the National Training Corps, the United Schools of Survival Federation, and her instructor Grandmaster Abdul Azziz Muhammad.
- Sis. Bercola C. X – the “An-Nafi’e” Award (“The Propitious, The Benefactor”) – for outstanding service as a member of the training conference staff.
“We come from very humble beginnings. I remember when it was just a gym in a high school, and we had little hot plates boiling turkey hot dogs in the lobby trying to sell them for a fundraiser,” said Sister Tamiko, with a hearty laugh. It was only a martial arts seminar in the beginning and then became the national training corp component.
She has witnessed the conference grow from registrations with 150-200 people to host participants in convention centers with about 1,200.
“It’s very, very beautiful to see the conference grow, our staff, the attendance grow over the years and it’s definitely a blessing.
And we know that the Minister is pleased with what we’re doing and we know if we please the Messenger of Allah, that we please Allah and that’s what helps us to continue to be successful,” added Sis. Tamiko.
Sensei Carolyn Howard had a wonderful time during the conference. She’s attended so many times, she couldn’t count, but it was her first time participating with Grandmaster Azziz. Being surrounded by so many wonderful people, great masters made her extremely grateful.
“It was the martial arts, having so many grandmasters come all in one spot and showcase their talents in front of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is always wonderful,” she said.
Bro. Leonard Muhammad of Mosque Maryam, who coordinated vending for the conference, said it was the best vending year yet, with approximately 45 vendors. Overall, he enjoyed the conference, especially because it provided something for everyone from youth to teenagers, to adults, men and women.
“Everybody was happy. All the events were crowded. All the vending was crowded. It was a beautiful time and then the Minister came and capped it off, so that goes without saying,” he stated.
Maajida Muhammad of Los Angeles attended the training conference for her first time. She was excited to see all the martial arts and the workshops, especially about agriculture.
“The fight is not always physical,” she said. “It’s spiritual, mental. That was a wakeup for me and to see the Messiah and Mother Khadijah, still standing strong after all this time, and to honor Grandmaster (Azziz) and his wife, and they just had an anniversary, and still worked for us! And this banquet, it was the icing on the cake.”
August 19, 2024
