Taekwondo Belt Upgrade Examinations
Taekwondo is both an ancient Korean Martial Art and a modern International Olympic sport, which provides opportunities for members to develop themselves physically, mentally and psychologically. Taekwondo has been found to particularly improve fitness levels, teach respect, boost focus, self-confidence, self-esteem and eventually, help in the development of calm, disciplined and self-assured young people and, at the International School of Ahafo (ISA), we strive to partner with the sport for the inculcation of these crucial skills in our students.
It is interesting to note that the colour of the Taekwondo uniform belt is a key part of the journey. The first belt is white and there are often ten levels before the attainment of the 1st Dan Black Belt or ultimate Tae Kwon Do. Here are the Taekwondo belt colours and their meanings:
- White - Signifies innocence as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of the art of Tae Kwon Do.
- Yellow - Signifies earth, a plant sprouts and takes root as the Tae Kwon Do foundation is being laid.
- Green (Low and High) - Signifies the plant's growth as Tae Kwon Do skills begin to develop.
- Blue (Low and High)- Signifies the heaven towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as the training in Tae Kwon Do progresses.
- Red (Low and High) - Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
- Black (Low and High) - Opposite of white, therefore, signifying the maturity of proficiency in Tae Kwon Do. Also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.
On Saturday, 29th April 2017, the ISA Taekwondo Club witnessed its first Taekwondo belt upgrade examinations at the MKV Squash Court. A total of 11 “faithful” students took part and were joined by parents and a delegation from the Brong Ahafo Taekwondo Association.
The event began at 11.00am prompt with performances from three of the delegates and a group performance by the ISA Taekwondo Club after which candidates were tested in groups of three. It was a pleasure to see candidates display the various movements they have learnt and the audience was enthralled by the skills displayed and the constant shout of “hit”, whenever candidates attacked some imaginary opponent.To pass, candidates had to display accurate blocking, accurate punching, stances, and focus. In the end, all students passed; they received their Yellow Belts and certificates of participation. Two students, Selorm Sisi Ako and Agustina Valenzuela, were awarded for their exceptional performances.
The school is grateful to all parents for their unwavering loyalty to Taekwondo Club and for coming out in their numbers to watch the event. Special congratulations to our Taekwondo students and thank you to Mr. George Ablometi, the Taekwondo Club Coach, for his dedicated and professional service. Taekwondo will remain a key part of the school’s extra-curricular offering and we wish our students well as they make steady progress towards their Black Belt.