PORT ANGELES — Grandmaster Robert Nicholls, owner of White Crane Martial Arts in downtown Port Angeles, attended special taekwondo black belt testing in Chicago on July 29.
The U.S. National Taekwondo Federation and its international affiliate, the World Taekwondo Council, tested nearly a 100 black belts from all over the country for certification from the world headquarters. About 40 tested for higher level black belts, about 20 were trying to get certified at the master level, and five masters were trying to test up to grand master.
Two former national champions, both with more than 50 years in taekwondo, were attempting to become the first Americans to ever achieve the ultimate level — ninth degree black belt. Jerry Kidd from Chicago and Robert Nicholls of Port Angeles.
To make the test extra difficult for the two, head technical director from the taekwondo world headquarters in South Korea, Jo Jae Oh, had them in from of the entire group for a three-hour test of every technique from white belt up to ninth degree black belt, with others following along. Each “Poomsae” — group of techniques choreographed for testing — was performed three times; first slowly, then half-speed, then quickly and forcefully. Neither Nicholls nor Kidd made any errors. Next, Nicholls sat with president Kwon Duk Gun and Jo at the judge table to test several of the higher rank applicants, and, finally, Nicholls refereed several matches between grandmaster test candidates.
Later that evening at a special banquet, promotions were officially given. A handful of honorary ninth dans were given to those who could not perform the required techniques but had a long history of supporting the organizations in different ways as well as some who were overcoming learning or physical disabilities.
Both Nicholls and Kidd were given the highest rank. Nicholls also received a special plaque from Kwon as the outstanding athlete of the event. Nicholls now has ninth dan from four of the world’s most prestigious martial arts organizations.
Illusion 18U tryouts
PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles Illusion 18U softball is now holding private tryouts for the 2022-2023 season.
The team has a strong core group of athletes are looking for a second experienced pitcher/utility player and two additional utility to round out the roster.
Port Angeles Illusion 18U recently won the Space Coast Cup Super Regional Championship in Florida.
To schedule a tryout, people can contact coach Warren Stevens at 360-460-4731 or fastpitch1961@gmail.com.
