Three students at Stevens Taekwondo Academy spent an unusual Valentine's Day, earning black belts at the YMCA.
Katelyn Faulks and Sam Smith earned full black belt ranking follow demonstration of koryo and four taegeuk forms, sparring, kick combinations, and an oral examination on the history, techniques, symbolism and significance of taekwondo. Both cleanly snapped boards with spinning side kicks.
Allison McLeod joined the black belt ranks as a deputy black belt with her performance of five taegeuk forms, kick combinations, sparring and a board break using a roundhouse spining side kick.
Three of the sixty other martial artists who tested successfully for higher color belts earned trophies for excellence in testing. High green belt Hannah Butzen won first place, blue belt Jeff Ross earned second place and green belt Caleb Harris was awarded third place.
Students participating train at the UW-Stevens Point Taekwondo program and Stevens Taekwondo Academy schools in Stevens Point, the Stevens Point YMCA and South Wood County YMCA. Grandmaster Dwight Stevens judged, assisted by senior masters Mark Henkel and Bill Dragolovich.
BLACK BELT NEWS
Third dan black belt Haley Sankey has established a facebook group as a forum for past and present students of Stevens Taekwondo Academy to interact, share photos and discussions. All STA students are welcome to join the group.
