Mandi Hoppa achieved fourth degree black belt and junior master level as she demonstrated block kick combinations and board breaking, using working step back spinning side kicks to break two boards. Hoppa and Meghan LaPoint performed the pyungwon form in close synchronization as LaPoint completed the first portion of her test for fourth degree.
Keith Iris, Jr. moved up to third degree black belt with sparring, kick combinations and the performance of the taebek form. Iris broke a board with a spinning hook kick.
Keisha Kavalauskas tested successfully for second degree black belt, using a back spinning side kick for her break and demonstrating sparring, kick combinations and the keumgang form.
Alison McLeod and Yingsu Her earned their full first degree black belts as they demonstrated koryo and four taegeuk forms, advanced sparring skills and advanced kick combinations. Both answered questions in an oral exam from other black belts. McLeod smashed two boards on first try with an explosive spinning side kick. Yingsu Her broke one board with a flying sidekick over five people and then another with a spinning flying side kick over two people.
More than seventy-five color belts earned promotion with three trophies awarded for excellence. Yellow belt Reuben Yamochi won first place, high blue belt Mark Regnitz took second place and high yellow belt Melissa Akright earned third place.
The testing was judged by Grandmaster Dwight Stevens, senior masters Mark Henkel and Bill Dragolovich and Master Jerry Hajewski of Milwaukee.
Other News
Indomitable Spirit: Recently Dr. Dwight Stevens suffered the loss of his grandson Christopher, who died suddenly in Colorado. Dr. Stevens led YMCA classes, presided over the October testing here and then led class and judged testing at his son Grandmaster Robert Stevens school at the Denver Athletic Club the night prior to the memorial services. This is a true demonstration of indomitable spirit. Our deepest sympathy to Dr. Stevens and the entire family for their loss.
Contributing Rightly: Assisting at the very large October testing were the following black belts: Karen Johnson, Carol Landrath, Hilde Henkel, Teri Jenkins, Jill Reed, Kim Buehler, Karrie Lane, Mandi Hoppa, Steve Decker, Keith Iris, Kim Regnitz, Meghan LaPointe, Alison McLeod, Keisha Kavalauskas, Bri Tarpey. The testing panel assisting Dr. Stevens included Bill Dragolovich, Mark Henkel and Jerry Hajewski.
Show Your School Spirit: Master Jill Reed is placing a se
cond order for the high quality T-shirts she designed. Note the characteristics of good taekwondo practitioners listed on the front. “Stevens Taekwondo” and red kickers (male and female) appear on the back. If you missed the first order and would like to have one or more of these great, at-cost shirts for $10, contact Master Jill Reed ASAP at 715-252-1521, jillreed@charter.net.A Sport for all Ages: Master Hilde Henkel recently led a demo/mini taekwondo class for the oldest group ever at Harmony Village, an assisted living facility in Stevens Point. Seniors with ages ranging upwards to 95 years old learned about blocking techniques and self-defense from a seated position.. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn something new was amazing and inspiring.
Tournament Results: High yellow belt Cody Olski placed second in 8 & 9 year-old sparring at his first tournament, the American Classic Taekwondo Championship, held in West Bend September 25. Cody trains at the Port Edwards YMCA under Stephen Decker.
