SIMPSON BAY--There where loud screams. The sound of breaking boards and concrete blocks emanated from the conference room of Simpson Bay Resort over the weekend. It sounded like a demolition crew had been given order to knock down the building.
Many tourists run to the room. They discovered History was made. For the first time St. Maarten Athletes took their World Taekwondo Federation Black Belt examinations before a local Grandmaster.
Six members of the King Yen Taekwondo School were taking the final part of their examination for their Black Belt Dan exams under the watchful eyes of the school’s Grand Master Theo Liu.
After years of work and training Grandmaster Liu has been elevated to recommender of the Kukkiwon, the WTF Headquarters, in Seoul, South Korea,
Prior to Saturday an approved WTF official had to be flown in to observe black belt examinations.
Earning higher level black belts were: Lee-Ann Liu (19) and Destiny Washington (15) 2nd Dan Black Belt – Youth: Alexander Adoptie and Jason Juliet 2nd Dan Black Belt – Adults and Paul Djasmin and Angela Heyliger earned their 2nd Dan Black Belt – Seniors.
“It is a proud moment for these students who had worked very hard over the years to attain the next Dan level of Black Belt ,” said Grand Master Liu.
All six that took the final examination met the World Taekwondo Black Belt requirements which include correct execution of each technique, Taekwondo spirit, Accurate sequence of movements, presentation and performance.
“They will receive their diploma and certificate from Korea on a later date, “ announced Grand Master Liu.
While proud of all the students the Grand Master had high praise for Lee Ann who had trained hard with him for 16 years. Lee – Ann has travelled with the St. Maarten Team to numerous international tournaments as have all the students and won many medals and even a trophy for Best International fighter.
All other recipients had more than 10 years of training with Grand Master Liu.
Jason Juliet scored as the Best, followed by Lee-Ann Liu and third was Destiny Washington.
The next Black Belt testing will take place in November 2018.
