The Chosun Taekwondo Academy Youth Black Belt Test.
The Chosun Taekwondo Academy Adult Black Belt Test. Provided photos.
Even in the face of a global pandemic, perseverance and spirit took precedence as the Chosun Taekwondo Academy hosted its 88th biannual Black Belt promotion test on Sunday, April 11, at its headquarters located at 60 Galloway Road in Warwick.
The wearing of masks, social-distancing and a limited amount of spectators was enforced.
With 23 students testing for the coveted black belt and degrees beyond, the event was overseen by Grandmaster Doug Cook, Master Terri Testa and Master Danielle Roche. Divided into two groups in order to safely accommodate children and adults, nine additional Master Instructors were on hand to assist with the event and ensure its disciplined operation.
The Chosun students, all from the Warwick location, were required to demonstrate proficiency in skills ranging from basic self-defense techniques and poomsae - the choreographed, dance-like formal exercises unique to taekwondo - to the breaking of wood with intense kicks and hand strikes, a dramatic component of the Korean martial art that expresses raw power and focus.
“We are fortunate beyond measure to retain such a loyal group of students, most of whom have been with our school for decades,” Cook said in the press release detailing the event. “I partially attribute this to the fact that we teach an authentic form of taekwondo that is certain to enhance one’s life at any age. I congratulate the students who tested so successfully and thank our teachers for their fine work.”
Unlike the majority of martial arts schools that cater mainly to children, the Chosun Taekwondo Academy boasts an unusually high percentage of adults due to a comprehensive, traditional curriculum that focuses on self-defense, martial arts philosophy, meditation and internal energy, or Ki, development.
For more information on the programs offered at the academy, call (845) 986-2288 or visit www.chosuntkd.com.