The Crawfords will test for their third-degree belts in front of tae kwon do legend.
By VEE MATISKO
VALLEY NEWS
DISPATCH
The Crawford family of Brackenridge will attempt to earn their third-degree black belts under the watchful eye of one of tae kwon do's most recognizable men.
The Crawfords will have the honor to display their skills before world-renowned martial artist Grand Master Hee Il Cho, who is visiting Master Phillip Ameris' Cho's Tae Kwon Do in New Kensington this weekend to conduct black-belt testing and present martial arts seminars.
Ameris has studied with Cho, of Hawaii, who is the founder of the Action International Martial Arts Association, for more than 25 years.
Cho, 65, a ninth-degree black belt, has graced the covers of more than 80 magazines, written 17 books and produced 70 martial arts videotapes. He travels around the world presenting his seminars.
"He is the best of the best," said Mary Crawford, a mother of three. "It is kind of scary, but it is an honor. He emulates what martial arts is all about."
This could be the last time the Crawfords - Mary, and children Julie (19), Adam (17) and Anna (13) - will be able to test together because of the rules for testing.
BOB FRITZ/VALLEY NEWS
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The Crawfords - Julie, Mary, Anna and Adam - of Brackenridge are preparing to test for their third-degree black belt with (second row) Master Phillip Ameris, world-renown martial artist Grand Master Hee II Cho, Master John Darcy, and (third row) Lance McDiffett and Michael Tippett and Sean Farrell.
Anna Crawford said she used to be really shy before taking up martial arts, but she doesn't have that problem anymore. She said it has also helped her to be more focused and disciplined.
Ameris said the black belt test is a challenge. He would know. He is a seventh-degree black belt.
"It's a grueling test and physically demanding," Ameris said.
Students must display forms and techniques, and they must also break boards and bricks.
In addition to the physical part of the test, students must also write a thesis on their philosophy of martial arts, prepare a book report on one of Cho books and answer questions on martial arts.
Students in 12th grade and younger must also get a letter from a school teacher describing their good character, Ameris said.
Master John Darcy, a sixth degree black belt and European Director of the Action International Martial Arts Association, is also in town to train with Cho. Darcy is from Ireland.
Martial artists from Ireland, Arizona and New Mexico are here for this weekend's event. Ameris said more than 200 people will be attending the seminars and classes.
Mary Crawford hopes to make her instructor proud. You want to do a good job," Crawford said. "The Grand Master has been Master Ameris' teacher for more than 25 years. I want to do my best so I don't let him down."
One can only test for their black belt the number of years between belts, Mary Crawford said. For example, the wait between third-degree and fourth degree black belt testing is four years.
Mary Crawford said she began taking tae kwon do nine years ago after her youngest daughter Anna, who was 5 years old at the time, wanted to start taking classes.
"Master Ameris kept telling me that I should take the classes too," Mary Crawford said. "After six months, I gave in and here I am."
Mary Crawford said she is nervous, but feels honored to test in front of Cho.
Crawford said she is in awe of Cho when he teaches.
"It's amazing for a 65-year-old man what he can do," Crawford said.
Cho started taking martial arts at age 12 and is still going strong, Ameris said. He added that this is a great opportunity for his students because most of the time people travel to Hawaii or Europe to train with him.
For Anna Crawford, a seventh-grader at Highlands, testing with Cho is making her a little more nervous than usual. "It's cool that he is here, but it makes me nervous," Anna said. "Truthfully, I can't wait until it is over."