Term 1 Grading 01-2014 10 Mar 2014

Well to my surprise, I was promoted! Only a little surprised as I really thought I had some major points of improvement. Then, not long after grading I was improving; techniques were making sense. Everything was coming together. Sabumnims, Adeline and Paul saw my potential as I graded for green tip. It was a tough grading though; Instructor Adeline likes to keep you on your toes mentally and physically and Instructor Paul doesn’t miss a beat.

Teresa and I were grading together for green tip which is a pivotal level in Taekwon-Do as your skills are advancing and there are many new techniques to learn. Our new pattern, Do San has more moves to remember than our yellow belt pattern: Dan Gun and new moves like Sun Sonkut Tulgi, Nopunde Dung Joomuk Taerigi and Do San is our first pattern that includes a kicking move (ap chagi while performing a wedging block).

So I was a little nervous learning so many new blocking moves but Adeline and Paul are supportive and amazing teachers so I was more excited than nervous, even after I saw the two kicking pads laid out specially for Teresa and I. With green tip comes new moves and invitations to new classes. Next step… the Platinum TKD Open Sparring and Pattern Circuit!

Topaz Betuel, 7th Gup

The first grading for 2014 was held at the Cannington dojang. 11 students from the Cannington, Claremont, Dalkeith and Manning dojangs, ranging from 10th to 7th grade were tested and a number of others including students from the Maylands dojang clocked up their pre-requisite grading. The Black Belts in attendance along with the examiners coincidentally made for a unique photo opportunity with exactly one of each rank from I Dan to V Dan!