Martial artists from two local schools tested successfully
recently, earning new belt ranks, including seven for black belt levels. The event was greatly enhanced by the presence
of Dr. Dwight Stevens, the founder and long-time instructor of Stevens
Taekwondo Academy.
Carolyn Doerr, Kaleb Bicknase, Corinne Milovanovic and Isaac
Bacon all earned their first degree black belts in rigorous testing, including
the performance of advanced kick combinations, koryo and four taegeuk forms and
advanced sparring skills. The four then
answered wide-ranging questions from head instructor Mark Henkel on the
history, tenets and practice of taekwondo.
They each broke their boards with working step back spinning side kicks
and were awarded their new belts on the spot.
Jeffrey Ross, Marcus Studinski and Joseph Tomaszewski earned
the rank of deputy black belt (also known as bo dan) as they demonstrated
advanced kicking and sparring skills and
five taegeuk forms. Ross used an inside
crescent, back spinning side kick to smash his board. Studinski and Tomaszewski broke with back
spinning side kicks.
From the color belts, Jennifer Hanlon won the trophy for
testing excellence in her first testing as she slashed through her board on the
first try. The students train at Stevens
Taekwondo Academy YMCA and Stevens Taekwondo A New Way of Life. Master Mark Henkel headed the testing panel,
assisted by masters Hilde Henkel, Karen Johnson and Carol Landrath.2020 YMCA Class Schedule
