United Taekwondo Promotes Eight
Jumping off walls, clobbering body blows and smashing stacked roof tiles were some of the highlights of eight successful United Taekwondo black belt applicants at Mt Annan high in Sydney’s West last night.
The Illawarra can be particularly proud of its Chief Instructor Rory Hogan who was successful in attaining the rank of third dan black belt.
The grading began with each applicant attempting their board breaks as the crowd marvelled at Instructor Rory’s three board front kick, a break not witnessed by some of the most senior members.
A sword routine and single side kick break off the wall helped set Rory’s display a level above the rest.
The grading took a gruelling two hours as each applicant was tested on their ability to spar, perform Kata (moves in a set pattern) and break boards and tiles with a range of hand and kicking techniques.
Master Paul Mitchell said he was happy with the standard of the applicants.
“It’s a credit to the hard work and dedication that they have applied to the art. They all deserved their accomplishments.”
Instructor Rory Hogan was pleased with his performance, the result of two years hard training. He was one of two instructors applying for third dan, an occasion unprecedented at a United Taekwondo grading.
“It was good grading with Mark [Chamberlain] … we have different strengths which meant the day was special for both of us,” said Mr Hogan.
Mark Chamberlain, the other third degree applicant, crashed through six boards with two kicks before breaking sixteen roof tiles with twin downward knife hands.
If this grading was something to remember, then the grading to be held in three months time is the second coming says instructor Rory.
“Master Paul Mitchell will be attempting his fifth degree and Chief Instructor John Tomic will be applying for his fourth degree.”
The grading is set to be held on August 14th. Visit the United Taekwondo website for more information.
by Keiran Deck
