Submitted by John Himmelman, cofounder Green Hill Martial Arts.
On January 8, 2020 five Green Hill Martial Arts students received their 1st Dan (degree) Blackbelts in Chon Tu Kwan (Combat) Hapkido. While they tested at different times earlier in the year, they were awarded their certificates and belts at a jam-packed ceremony!
The following students earned their black belts:
- Kyle Neumann (14 years training)
- Kiefer Neumann (14 years training)
Blackbelt Kiefer Neumann showing one of his move - Brian Vecchitto (8 years training)
- Brian West (8 years training)
- Chloe Jackson (Our first female black belt! 5+ years training)
The test is over three grueling hours with the candidate having to show dozens of self-defense techniques for a myriad of situations, all while under pressure. In Chon Tu Kwan Hapkido, they learn striking, kicking, throwing, trapping, and a lot of joint locks. For the exam, they also need to display and teach ten self-defense techniques of their own creation. After receiving their belt and certificate at the ceremony, each new blackbelt taught the room one of those ten techniques.
Green Hill Martial Arts is located in Killingworth. They teach Hapkido, “The Science of Self Defense,” for kids and adults, and Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, “The Way of the Intercepting Fist,” for students 16 and over. You can try a whole month for free to see if it’s for you. More info can be found at www.greenhillmartialarts.org.
