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After more than 20 years of combined experience in the martial art, six members of Kang's Tae Kwan Do Academy will be kicking their way to a black belt. Out of the six heading to Winnipeg tomorrow, three will be competing for their first degree in black belt. Master Christie Jedele, with her fourth degree in black belt, says a lot of work goes into getting this far in Tae Kwan Do. "It all depends on the person and how much they are willing to put into it," she says, adding that "you can be on your way for a black belt in three years." Which, she says, is pretty common for most people. "You have to work hard, but that comes with anything you do," she says. Ten-year-old Kari Rutherford, who has been participating in the sport for the last two years, is the youngest member of Kang's going for the test. "I will be going for my first degree poom belt, which is a black belt for kids under the age of 15," says Kari. With a test like this comes emotion, and Kari says she's "very excited." But she also says, "I'm kind of nervous about being in front of the Grand Master." "It was my goal when I started out to get my poom belt," she says. But Kari hopes to continue on even further. "I'd like to help out with the kids' classes sometime and maybe even be an instructor someday," says the future veterinarian. After Kari completes the poom belt test, she will be able to take part in light contact. "It's where you get to do kicks to the head," she explains, adding that "it's like full contact, but only light." Along with Kari, Rauni Berezitsky will be making her way to Winnipeg for her first degree black belt as well. "I'm feeling nervous but confident at the same time," says Berezitsky. Berezitsky has been doing Tae Kwan Do for the past two years, and she says "we do testing every two months, so it's not something new to us." As far as the test goes, she says that "Master (Andy) Jedele wouldn't let us go if he didn't think we were ready." Crystal Suderman is also making the trek south for her first degree in black belt. "I try not to think about it, but the confidence is there," she says. When it comes to the sport, Suderman says you need to be loyal about going to classes. "If you miss a week, you're really hurting. It's really good discipline and cardio," she adds. While Tae Kwan Do can be seen as a violent sport, both Suderman and Berezitsky say "the school is strict about making sure everyone knows this (Tae Kwan Do) is not for fighting, it's for self defense." And Suderman adds, "if it was found out a kid was using what they have learned in class at school, I don't think they would be allowed to come back." Tae Kwan Do is for all ages, and Rutherford says some students are as young as seven or eight when they go for their poom belt.
