Well the 2014 Black Belt grading is only a few days a way. We got 20 candidates testing for black belt, 1st degree black belt, and 3rd degree black belts. This is our largest black belt grading to date. The candidates have worked really hard to get to this point. Some of the things they had to accomplish besides attaining classes regularly are; 9,000 push ups, 9,000 squats, 9,000 sit ups, 40 hours of cardio, 1,000 repetitions of their forms/patterns, create a musical form, 100 rounds of sparring, inspirational project, a community project, a paper on respect, a paper on one of the tenets of taekwondo, learn korean terminology, spend a day with a challenge, and so much more.

Black Belt means so much more than just being a good fighter or a person with athletic martial arts skills. Or a person who can defend themselves and others physically. Yes we so look at these attributes and grading each individual based on high minimum standards but also the standards we hold each student on their own merits. We also believe we need to educate them in health, fitness, life skills, community involvement, leadership, team work, and etc,. The world does not need another kick or punch but rather a person who can help out their local and global community with passion and compassion.