Congratulations to soccer star Cael “McLegs” McCabe on earning his first black stripe.

After demonstrating red belt level kicking techniques with legs made like rubber bamboo,

and Hwa-Rang,

he broke 2 boards with each leg using back kicks.

Finally, he sparred with his cousin Finn.

We hope Cael has a successful fall soccer season and look forward to his return to the black belt path in winter.

Congratulations to our new Black Belts!

After training long and hard Kristian Frye, John Buck and Priscilla McCabe have earned their first Dan.

Master Kelly, a friend of Mr. Mannion’s was supposed to attend and administer the test, but due to vehicular issues was sadly, unable to attend.

The black belt test was long and tested their strength. The test started at 3:30 pm yesterday with a 2 mile run that all three completed under 18 minutes. Afterwards, the three took a written exam to test their knowledge of Taekwon-Do. At the promotion test that evening, the three demonstrated four different three kick combinations followed by four different forms that the three had learned in their training. The four patterns that John, Priscilla and Kristian showed were Choong-Moo, Hwa-Rang, Joong-Gun, and Won-Hyo.

The three showed the outcome of their hard work, with strong and percise forms. After multiple rounds of free fighting amongst the participants, They each had to perform three different breaks, as can be seen in the embedded video(s).

The three performed excellently and we are very proud to welcome Mr. Buck, Mrs. McCabe and Mr. Frye as black belts.

John Buck, Priscilla McCabe, Ray Mannion, Kristian Frye

Oneonta Taekwon-Do School picture July 2010

John Buck, Priscilla McCabe, and Kristian Frye earned their black belts on July 22, 2010

I stumbled upon this page and thought the man in the pictures looked awfully familiar.
In fact, it is Grandmaster Kim demonstrating the pattern Hwa-Rang.  I’m sure the pictures are taken from one of the editions of General Choi’s Encyclopedia.

Give it a look and bookmark it!

Priscilla, Kris, John, and Ken all earn black stripes at their promotion test in January, 2010.

John and Kris perform the pattern Hwa-Rang.

Now, it’s Ken and Priscilla’s turn:

Congratulations to Matt Goodrich on successfully earning his 1st degree black belt. Matt is now certified by Taekwon-Do International to be a black belt in good standing.

For his promotion test, Matt traveled to NYC with his family and fellow Oneonta Taekwon-Do schoolmate John Buck. He completed a written exam, an endurance test, and then gave a demonstration including 3 patterns, basic combinations, sparring, and 3 different board breaks.

In addition to the physical requirements, Taekwon-Do International requires proven examples of living up to the Tenets of Taekwon-Do.

Congratulations to Matt on this significant milestone. Please enjoy the video highlights below and offer Matt your congratulations next time you see him.

Hwa Rang is a 29 movement pattern named after a youth group in early 7th century Silla Dynasty. This is one of the many patterns that Matt and Owen have had to achieve in order to demonstrate their next step…. becoming a 1st Degree Black Belt. Obtaining the Black Belt is an honorary achievement for any martial art.

There are many qualities that must be achieved for any belt, whether it be yellow or black. Each belt signifies an advancement of learning. The higher the belt the more the student has increased their awareness and personal growth.

The 1st degree Black Belt means that the student is now ready to learn some of the more advanced techniques in martial arts.

To become a black belt, a student must show many qualities other than techniques learned in self defense. Some of those qualities include self-control, self-discipline, respect, humility, confidence, passion, helpfulness, patience, and gratitude. Many more qualities are expected as one advances in martial arts.

The belt color should be an honor for all members of any martial art whether it be Taekwon-do, Aikido, Judo or Sumo. Achieving these qualities and techniques are no easy task and takes years of practice. Ask any member who has hung in there during the sweating and injuries caused by an incorrect kick or punch. This along with the inner improvement of our body and mind have made us strong outside, as well as inside and will stay with us for an eternity.

Matt demonstrates board breaking and performs Hwa Rang at his interim Red belt test.

Sorry again for the poor editing – I’ll try to fix this later…. There are a few seconds of blank screen in the beginning and then it just continues on and on… However, great job by Fred despite the cameraman being in the way.