SEQ Dan and Gup Grading 20th Dec 2009

For all aspiring Black Belts, this is an insight into what it takes.
You spend at least a year or more preparing for your next Dan Grading.  There are three new Tuls to learn and perfect to the same high standard as your previous Patterns.  You need to design your Practical Self Defence Routines against three Attackers, Step Sparring Routines, Board Breaks and Aerial Power Break.

Now realise that the day that you have been working towards is not far away but in order to get to that day you are undertaking an ITF Umpire Course the day before and a Black Belt Seminar the morning of your grading.

Therefore your focus must be on several things; all the material that you have prepared for your grading now has to take a back seat while you learn a completely new set of information and participate actively in the Umpire course to be successful.

That is exactly what was asked of Instructors Greg Santos and Regine Isautier when they successfully applied for their 3^rd Dan Black Belt on Sunday 20^th December 2009 at the Strathpine Community Centre.

Junior Black Belt Jaidyn was also faced with a challenge that would test any young person.  Having to wait until Sunday and not have the opportunity for last minute practice with your attackers/helpers on the Saturday, because they are participating in an ITF Umpire Course.  Jaidyn showed a high degree of maturity for his age in successfully gaining his Junior 2^nd Dan black belt.

There are always hurdles to be overcome on the path to success at Black Belt level, but all three of these applicants called upon their training, commitment to the Art and dedication to overcome it all.

With friends, family, fellow students and instructors present, Branch Instructors Greg and Regine and Junior Black Belt Jaidyn wowed the audience with their demonstration of skill, knowledge of Taekwon-Do and personal ability.  It is always inspiring to see fellow students of Taekwon-Do who have worked hard, achieve success.

Gup students all performed extremely well in their grading, taking motivation from the Black Belts.  The Gup grading was the last item for the weekend, taking place on Sunday afternoon and students are to be commended for their good result after a long wait.

Ben Hawthorn defence against hair grab

Perseverance and self control were definitely on display.  Well done everyone!

Instructor Alphegé Browne
2^nd Dan Black Belt