Congratulations to nine new black belts at the Woo Kim Taekwondo school who tested recently at the Lewis Centre in Courtenay.
Teiya Legere, Daniel Mailhiot, Izabella Smerchanski, Rowan Apps, Jack Boan, Chaz Bernard, Benjamin Hoffman, Griffin Ure and Max Nelson all successfully completed each requirement in front of grand master Kil Woo Kim, a Kukkiwon certified ninth degree black belt who presided over the testing. All together, over 100 students from six to 60 received belt promotions.
The club has enjoyed a busy end of season. More than 40 students competed at the Island Open Championships in Parksville April 22. Athletes proudly represented the TKD school, achieving a high level of success overall.
“Testing and competitions challenge our students, putting them outside of their comfort zone and exposing them to new situations and new challenges,” said Richard Dobbs, a fourth degree black belt and head instructor. “I get to see firsthand the learning and character development that occurs in these conditions. It’s fantastic to watch and be a part of.”
Traditional taekwondo teaches the core values of respect, integrity, perseverance and self-control while developing flexibility, co-ordination, balance and strength.
Over the summer, Woo Kim Taekwondo will offer week-long day camps through the Courtenay Rec Center. Camps run July 10-14, July 31-Aug. 4 and Aug. 21-25.
For more information, contact Dobbs at (250) 897-2452.
The club is sanctioned by the BC and Canadian Taekwondo federations.