By Winter Warnicke

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be a real life ninja? Well, three eighth grade Lady Knights took that challenge. These students were myself, Olivia Kerbaugh, and Catherine Ross who have trained for years to earn our black belts.

By first grade, Olivia and I had started a journey to earn our black belts. “Taekwondo makes me feel strong and happy,” says Olivia. For me personally, Taekwondo is very freeing and gives me confidence. Both self-defense and self-control are taught and I believe that they are very important to thrive in this world.

Catherine was 8 years old when she walked into a Taekwondo studio and was introduced to the world of martial arts. Three years later, she already had her first black belt. In addition to Taekwondo making her feel stronger, she says, “It’s really fun and it taught me self-defense.” In 2016, when Olivia and I got our first-degree black belts, Catherine got her second which was a major accomplishment.

All three of us, who are women warriors, have different strengths. While Olivia excels at forms and Catherine specializes at forms and weapons, I take on the more physical side, preferring sparring and combat.

The trio of black belts have accomplished many things inside the sport and we can’t wait to move on to higher degrees. As Olivia says,“I love the community, discipline, and fun.”