The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Several members of the Flin Flon Taekwondo club travelled to Winnipeg, August 14 for the 64th Dan Degree Black Belt promotion test. Among those testing were Master Christie Jedele, assistant instructor of the Flin Flon Academy, for her fifth WITT and Changmookwon Black Belt level, and Master Tannis Stephasson, Denare Beach instructor, for her fifth WITT and Changmookwon Black Belt level. To achieve the fifth degree black belt level, members must write an essay, answer questions from Grand Master and the testing committee, and perform their best at physical test. During the test, among the 50 members, testing Master Christie Jedele received a Best Mannered Award. Also testing that day were Kari Rutherford who tested for her third Degree WITT Poom Belt, and Devon Puchailo who tested for his first Degree Poom. Students under the age of 15 receive Poom belts, and when they become of age they will retest for their black belts. For their test, they must also perform their best at a physical test, which includes memorizing their forms. Forms, or Poomses, are a series of defending and attacking movements performed against imaginary opponents in a set pattern. Through the practice of forms, students come to learn the applications of various techniques of Taekwondo. Forms serve a multifaceted role, aiding in development and refinement of coordination, balance, timing, breath control and rhythm, all of which are essential skills to the Taekwondo student. Following the August Black Belt test is an anniversary dinner and ceremony in which members of Kang's Academy throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario are nominated for awards. One of the highlights of the day is when Doug Dubray, of Cranberry Portage, received an Academy award for Role Model of the year. Master Andy Jedele, chief instructor of the Flin Flon region, is extremely proud that Flin Flon has so many high degree black belt members within our community. Classes in Flin Flon will resumed last week as scheduled as students prepare for the October tournament in Dauphin.
