The evening of April 2nd, black belt candidates Alicea Erickson, Eli Symons, and Micah Swanson donned their old white belts from when they first joined Tae Kwon Do and prepared for their black belt test. The tradition of wearing a white belt for the black belt test demonstrates the candidate’s humility.
Because they were over 16 years old, Micah Swanson and Eli Symons tested for their adult black belt, while Alicea Erickson tested for her junior black belt. She will take her adult black belt test once she turns 16. The black belt test consisted of six forms, or katas, one from each belt rank below black; sparring demonstrations, including two versus one sparring; and a weapons demonstration. Erickson chose kamas, traditional Japanese hand scythes, for her weapons demonstration, Symons chose Nunchucks, a traditional martial arts weapon from Okinawa, and Swanson chose two Sai, another Japanese weapon.
Besides Two Harbors Tae Kwon Do instructor Laura Erickson, three guest judges came to Two Harbors Tae Kwon Do for the belt test – Mr. Ryan Niesen and Mr. Juan Montez from Karate North, and Mr. Tommy Kishida from Twin Ports Martial Arts. Both Karate North and Twin Ports Martial Arts use the same kata and similar testing requirements as Two Harbors Tae Kwon Do.
There is a traditional waiting period between the belt test and the candidates receiving the results. On April 9, Eli Symons and Alicea Erickson received their passing results, and Micah Swanson will find out his results on April 23.
Alicea Erickson commented on her junior black belt test. “It was much more challenging than I expected.” Speaking of why she enjoys Tae Kwon Do, she said, “I can learn to defend myself and practice new and interesting techniques.”
Eli Symons said of his test, “The test was very challenging, but overall it went great. I was honored to make it to this level and test for my black belt.” He thanked Laura Erickson “for helping me get this far.” At Tae Kwon Do, he enjoys “helping to teach, being disciplined, practicing, and learning to stretch myself with new forms and skills.”
Congratulations to the candidates, and best wishes for your continued study of martial arts.
