CRESTVIEW — A number of Gordon Martial Arts students have earned promotions in taekwondo and hapkido.
Roughly 120 students as young as 4 years old, and others into their 50s, celebrated their achievements April 8 at the Crestview Community Center.
Belts and certificates were presented, with congratulations to the two newest black belts — Kurtis Lynch, who successfully tested for first degree, and Jeffery Lovretich, who tested for second degree.
During the March 30-31 testing period, taekwondo students in groups of six to eight demonstrated a prearranged set of movements. They later joined a partner to display self-defense moves against common strikes and grabs.
Students also answered questions about taekwondo history, curriculum specifics and the meaning of martial arts tenets. Tenets of taekwondo are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
Intermediate level taekwondo students also wore red padded safety gear and sparred with classmates, demonstrating a higher level of proficiency as they've progressed through the belt system.
In addition to sparring, advanced level students broke boards to demonstrate power.
Hapkido students paired off with students of similar size and ability to demonstrate joint locks, takedowns and throws.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gordon Martial Arts students earn promotions, celebrate achievements