CRESTVIEW — Scurvy dogs of various degrees of proficiency had to learn their taekwondo forms Thursday or face their saber-wielding masters’ wrath.
At the urging of Mary Valdez of Gordon Martial Arts, students and instructors donned pirate garb over their gis, or uniforms, to observe International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
During Mini "Marrrtial" class for children, Valdez said, Master Gregory Bledsoe waved his sword and commanded students to answer his commands with "arrrr" — or they would walk the plank.
Eye patches were required on deck — rather, on the mats — for the day, along with headscarves and even a stuffed parrot.
"I get into it every year and lots of the students just follow along," Valdez said, wearing a brocaded coat, lacy cuffs and cockaded hat.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: International Talk Like a Pirate Day invades martial arts studio