Martial Arts experts from across the midwest gathered this weekend
in Dyersville for tournament and testing to advance in
rank. To be precise,
it was the Tang Soo Do style of martial arts, the kind taught
at the Dubuque Karate Club in Century Plaza. The Dubuque
Karate Club is headed by Masters David and Ron Schmitt,
America's only father/son Tang Soo Do Masters. We were in
attendance for the black belt testing Friday evening. These
were a mix of students, many Cho Dan Bo (translating to "first
degree candidate") who were making the long awaited elevation
to
Cho Dan, or black belt.
Others were testing to advance to higher ranks of black belt.
Grand Master Jae C. Shin of the World Tang Soo Do Association was
on hand in person to preside over the testing. Also on hand
was a big crowd of family, friends and fellow karate enthusiasts
supporting the candidates. It was a very impressive demonstration
of skill, training and
endurance.
Most of the video you see here is actually taken nearly two
hours into the testing. Long after you and I would be passed
out dead on the floor, they were going strong, demonstrating
karate forms with intense determination. Forms are predetermined
combinations
of skill maneuvers, done in an artistic presentation. There
are literally scores of forms utilizing what must be hundreds
of maneuvers.We believe all of the candidates advanced. At this
level, all candidates must be asked to test, they can't just
choose to. So their instructors believe them to be ready for
the next level.
Thus the high success rate. Color
us impressed. - Photos by Bryce Parks.
