ST. Peters—Fifteen students from the King Yen Taekwondo school passed their examination to move up to the next coloured belt. The students underwent a battery of physical tests that involved the demonstration of martial arts forms (Taeguks), several defensive and offensive techniques and sparring. The testing concluded with the students having to break boards and do free sparring. “Testing helps students see the importance of setting and working towards goals, learn self-confidence, which is an important life skill we want them to learn,” said Grand Master Theo Liu. In accordance with the examination rules and regulations of the World Taekwondo and the Kukkiwon in Seoul South Korea and the St. Maarten Taekwondo Federation, the King Yen Taekwondo school held their Last Quarterly 2023 exams in the Gymnasium of the Helmich Snijiders Hillside Christian School in St. Peters. These exams were authorized and tested by their Kukkiwon recommender Grandmaster Theo Liu. “Most students have done very well again and Taekwondo in general took another development for our country,” said Grandmaster Liu. He continued to explain the King Yen School will send a team to compete in the 32nd Puerto Rico International Taekwondo championship in February 2024. Grand Master Liu was assisted by his SXM growth black belt holder Master Lee-Ann Liu (2nd Dan) and Master Jonathan Samuel (1st Dan) “Students maybe nervous about testing-that is natural because the next rank is something they really want –but we want them to learn to overcome their fears rather than to avoid everything in life that present them with a challenge. We don’t want them to quit every time things get a little tough,” explained the grandmaster. The scoring was based on proper order, beauty, grace, rhythm, accuracy, confidence, power, technique and attitude. The total points together with regular class attendance and good behavior determines if the student may advance to a higher rank. Grandmaster Liu added that he was happy to see so many parents and family members again during the examinations.
White Belt One Yellow Stripe
Receiving their first promotion to 10th kuye a white belt with one yellow stripe were Kevin de Weever, Jaldon Gitterson, Jessie Ramcharan, Yerachmiel Schaak, Methusael Schaak, Ah’Brielle Wigley, and Noriah Williams.
White Belt Two Yellow Stripes
Sherine Lalwani earned a 9th kuye white belt with two yellow stripes.
Yellow Belt
Advancing to 8th kuye, a yellow belt were Sherine Lalwani and Kallis Roomes,
Yellow Belt Green Stripe
Gunesh Natram and Kallis Roomes both earned their 7th kuye, yellow belt with a green stripe.
Blue Belt
A Blue belt, 4th kuye, was earned by Roeniel Sarabdjitsingh.
Blue Belt Red Stripe
A Red stripe has been added to the Blue Belt for Mickael Duzant moving up to 3rd kuye.
Red Belt
Moving up to a red belt. 2nd kuye was Jhavid Ramcharan.
