Students Earn Tae Kwan Do Honors

Thomas Forbes and Evan Synder were recently awarded second degree black belts in Korean Tae Kwon Do by their Master Lee Shin at the USA Martial Arts School in La Cañada.

Both Forbes and Synder are recent high school graduates who have outstanding academic records and have demonstrated a remarkable dedication to training in the martial arts.

“These two students are the role models of the USA Martial Arts School,” said Master Shin.

The two also received presidential fitness awards signed by President George Bush.

The honors came after hours of practice and dedication to martial arts instruction and competition as well as strict academic standards.

Forbes and Synder have performed very well in competition and have advanced through the program to become young leaders in the school.

USA Martial Arts follows the Korean tradition of academic excellence by having their school-age students submit report cards before each belt test to make certain that they are maintaining and improving their grades.

The emphasis on academics and personal self-discipline is well appreciated by parents and teachers.

“A black belt is a white belt who never gave up,” said Master Shin.