ST. PETERS--There where loud screams. The sound of breaking boards and concrete blocks emanated from the Gymnasium of the Christian Hillside School in St. Peters over the weekend. It sounded like a demolition crew was busy to knocking down the school. In reality it was just three young athletes of the King Yen Taekwondo School doing the final part of their examination for their Black Belt Dan exams under the watchful eyes of the recommender of the Kukkiwon and the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation, 9 Dan Grand Master Theo Liu.
The many family members and special guests were very astonish to experience this special function. “It is a proud moment for these students who had worked very hard over the years to attain the Dan level of Black Belt ,” said the school’s Grand Master Theo Liu.” The testing was in accordance with the rules and regulations of the of the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters) and the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation for black belt promotion tests.
The President of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation(GTTF) Grand Master Jun Lee 9 Dan blackbelt is supporting our Taekwondo in St.Maarten, said Grand Master Liu.
The new Black Belt Dan recipients for St. Maarten are: 1st Dan Junior Black Belt (Youth up to age 15) Jhavid, Ramcharan (13) student of the St, Maarten Academy; Rique-Lee Rosalia-Liu (13) student of the Milton Peters College (MPC) and 1st Dan Black Belt (over age 15) Ethan, Itwar. “All three passed their examination and will receive their diploma and TKD ID on a later date with special celebration and inauguration,” announced Master Liu. The examination not only included techniques but also Taekwondo Spir- it, accurate sequence of movements, expression, presentation and performance including four foundational elements: Poomsae (Forms) – cultivating precision and inner discipline; Gyeoroogi – applied sparring for realistic combat readiness; Hosinsool – practical self-defense tactics for everyday life and Kyukpa – board breaking as a symbol of mental-physical unity. Grand Master Liu explain, “Taekwondo is about developing character, ethics, and leadership – not just athletic skill.” 
He continued, “the principles of traditional Taekwondo promote humility,loyalty, perseverance, and respect, aiming to shape students into positive contributors within their communities.” Grand Master Liu emphasized, “Taekwondo should make you a better person, not just a better fighter.” Traditional Taekwondo, he added, goes beyond physical ability. It enhances mental focus, emotional strength, and peaceful living. “We train individuals who can lead – not just in dojangs, but in society,” he said.
