We would like to congratulate our latest group of new 1st Dan Black Belts!   Please feel free to post a comment to any of them here.

Fenny Chang

After getting my black belt, I feel I have to work harder in order to further improve my Tae Kwon Do techniques and performance. I think black belts are role models to lower rank students, and have more responsibility to help them improve Tae Kwon Do skills. I’ve gained more confidence over the 3 years of training especially after accomplished getting my black belt. I want to thank all my instructors: Mr. Kim, Mr. Kang, Ms. Shim, Mr. Yang, and everyone who encouraged and helped me better my TKD skills for the past 3 years! I feel very fortunate to be part of such professional and friendly martial art environment.

Arnav Gupta

I am happy to receive my black belt because I worked hard for it. It is good that 4 years of hard work have paid off. I want to thank Ms Shim Mr Kang Ilya and all the black belts that helped me. I want to thank my parents for signing me up and taking me regularly. Lastly, I want to thank Haley Surya Aidan And Fenny because they taught me a lot when we practiced before the test.

Haley Kelley

Having my Black Belt means to me that I am able to do more because as a Black Belt I am able to help others and teach them their forms. Also I feel proud of my self because I made it through three years without quitting and staying strong. I feel that now that I’m a Black Belt I can be more complex with new kicks and combinations. So I will stand out to lower belts and the’ll know that i’m powerful and precise because i’m a Black Belt. Being a Black Belt is my biggest accomplishment it shows me that I stuck with it for three years and got my Black Belt. Knowing how big of an accomplishment i’ve made it was worth it. Also it encourages me to stick with it. To go above and beyond to get up to a different Dan Black Belt.

When Haley began the Black Belt Program more than three years ago, I was more than a little skeptical about whether or not she would be able to commit to something for such a length of time. After all, she was only seven when she started. However, she stuck with it and persevered. Watching her progress was truly amazing. When she began she seemed to just go through the motions, but throughout her training her forms became crisp and precise. What is even more impressive is the way she embraced the art of Tae Kwon Do. She learned self-discipline and to take pride in her behaviors and actions. I could not be more pleased that she has completed the program. I am so proud of Haley for this accomplishment.   – Kelly Marino

Aidan Broderick

Earning a black belt is an honor for me. It has motivated me to try even harder during class so that I can work toward earning my second dan belt. I would like to thank my family, Mr. Kim, Ms. Shim and all of the instructors who have helped me over the past three years. I could not have earned this belt without their help and encouragement. I look forward to being a role model just like other Black Belts have been for me.

We are very proud of all that Aidan has accomplished over the past three and one half years. The black belt represents all of that hard work. We appreciate all of the encouragement and support his instructors have provided. Congratulations, Aidan.               -Aidan’s Parents

Surya Arjun Muthukumar

I’m feeling great to be a black belt holder in TaekWon-do martial art.  3 years of training from Miss Shim , Mr. Kang, Mr. Rob, Mr.Ilya  and  our GrandMaster Mr. Kim and suggestions from teen leaders William and Jennie got me the black belt.  As always, my parents were there for me, this time too.

Apart from the happiness of seeing our son getting his black belt, we are seeing improvements in Self-control, Sincerity & Concentration. Thanks to all masters of the TaekWon-do school in Ashland.

                                                                     Surya Arjun’s Parents