Xichen Cheng, Benjamin Strojny, Ginny Neufeld, Peter Clark and Reed Kolby Davis earned first degree black belts with their demonstrations of koryo and four taegeuk forms, advanced kick combinations and advanced sparring techniques. All five faced oral examination on the details of taekwondo tenets and history. Strojny smashed his board
with a back spinning side kick on the first attempt. Cheng, Neufeld and Clark also used back spinning sidekicks on their board breaks. Davis broke a board with a flying side kick.Julie Shutter achieved deputy black belt with her performance of five taegeuk forms, kick combinations and sparring. She broke a board with a jumping back spinning side kick.
Trophies for excellence in testing went to green belt Lloyd Graff, first place, blue belt Stephanie Tank, second place, and high green belt Kasen Davis, third place. The testing was judged by grandmaster Dwight Stevens, assisted by senior masters Mark Henkel and Bill Dragolovich.
Black Belt News
Black belts Benjamin Nummelin and Kimberly Richardson were married today, October 15, at Powers Bluff Park in a lovely outdoor setting. The weather was cool, windy and sunny for a beautiful background. Ben and Kimberly met through taekwondo.
Reminder: The December testing is scheduled for December 11, preceded by the black belt Christmas party on December 10. Volunteers for organization or gift suggestions are always welcome.
