SIMPSON BAY--Twelve athletes from the King Yen Tae kwon do School received their Black belts at a special ceremony at The Hideaway Restaurant in the La Vista Hotel Monday evening.
“It is with great pride and honour to present these students there black belt diplomas, said Grand Master Theo Liu of King Yen.
The following students received their diploma based on the recent examination held on St. Maarten. Grand Master Liu conducted the testing which included sparring, break tests and forms. The examinations were observed on behalf of the World Tae Kwon do Federation by Grand Master Chaco Cornelio from Aruba. Junior Black Belt
Earning their Junior Black belt were nine year old Justin Wilson and 13 year olds Yannick Patrick and Destiny Washington. Black belt 1st Dan
Earning their 1st Dan Black Belt are Shane Shamdeo, Shanon Shamdeo, Freya Knaggs, Lee – Ann Liu, Ivyanne Louisa and Tyrell PantophletBlack belt 1st Dan Seniors
Two adults passed the examination for their Black Belt. Making the grade were Carlo Talkami and Paul Djasmin. Black belt 2nd Dan
A black belt 2nd Dan went to Roberto Patrick. “This is the fifth time in the young World Tae kwon do Federation history of St. Maarten that the students of our island have move up to such a high rank,” said Liu.
The WTF Belt system starts with a beginner wearing a white belt. White stands for innocence. The student is a blank canvas waiting for the master to fill with knowledge.
Yellow is the next step. Yellow stands for the rising sun marking the beginning of the student’s journey.
Green symbolizes growth on the path to a blue belt which stands for the sky. The blue belt focuses on developing power and concentration.
Next the students reach for red which stands for blood and fire. The students must realize their training is not yet complete and they could be a danger to themselves and or others.
Finally the student reaches black which stands for rebirth as there is still more to learn and ladders to climb.
Between belts students earn a coloured stripe for their current belt of the next higher level signalling progress.
