Gordon Martial Arts in Crestview, Florida Holds Annual Test and Awards

Around 250 attendees were at the Warriors Hall last December 12 to witness and participate in the promotional ceremony of Gordon Martial Arts. The youngest among the 80 students was just 4 years old, with others well into their 60s. They tested for new ranks in hapkido or taekwondo. The actual tests were held the previous Monday and Tuesday.

Taekwondo students were the first ones to take the floor for their tests. They were grouped into six to eight students with similar expertise and level of training. Students had to go through a series of prearranged movements. They were paired with a partner of similar size to show self-defense movements against grabs and common strikes.

Then the testing panel asked them to demonstrate techniques, as well as answer questions about the history of taekwondo, meaning of tenets, or curriculum specifics. Intermediate-level students of taekwondo did the same thing as beginners. They wore safety gear and sparred with one another to show a higher level of proficiency as they try to progress through the ranks. Aside from sparring, the advanced level students broke wooden boards to show power.

After stretching and warm ups, hapkido students did a 15 minute cardiovascular workout with the punching bags. Then they showed rolling and falling techniques. Students were partnered up to show various throws, takedowns, and joint locks.

Students were grouped according to their ranks and performed some of their stuff for the crowd last Friday. Then most of the attendees of the event stayed for pizza. Musical entertainment was provided by Tony Larkin.

There were four new black belts who were promoted during the event. They were Eddie Dettmer (first degree black belt in taekwondo), Matthew Wilkinson (second degree black belt in taekwondo), Heidi Anderson (second degree black belt in taekwondo), and Alberto Barbon (second degree black belt in hapkido).

Photo by El Comandante