BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
THE Yuns Taekwondo Academy Solomon Islands (YTASI) proudly hosted its grading ceremony and annual cultural event last week at the Honiara City Council (HCC) Multipurpose Hall. The occasion was a significant milestone for the academy and its students.
Leading the ceremony was YTASI Master Instructor and Owner, Master Joses Duddley, who himself achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Solomon Islander to earn the 4th Dan Black Belt Kukiwon, enhancing his status as a Master of Taekwondo.
“I am thrilled to have achieved this milestone alongside my students,” Master Duddley said. “A total of eight of my red belts achieved their black belt promotion test for the 1st Dan black belt, and one of my 2nd Dan Black Belt students successfully tested for their 3rd Dan.”
Among the students who underwent the grading was a young female practitioner who demonstrated her skills and earned her First Dan Black Belt promotion test under the guidance of Grand Master Sang Hyun Ra, an 8th Dan Black Belt Kukiwon certified Grand Master.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to my seven new First Dan Black Belt students,” Master Duddley added. “It is a pleasure to witness their progress and dedication to Taekwondo. We are also deeply grateful to Grand Master Sang Hyun Ra for conducting the promotion tests and being a part of this special occasion.”
The presentation of belts took place during the cultural event hosted at the same venue the following day. The event was a celebration of the students’ achievements and a showcase of the rich cultural heritage that Taekwondo embodies.
Grand Master Sang Hyun Ra, who is the Taekwondo Coach for the Fiji Taekwondo team competing in the upcoming Paris Summer Olympic Games, flew in specifically for the grading ceremony. His presence added a prestigious element to the event, and he returned to Fiji the following day.
The YUNS Taekwondo Academy Solomon Islands continues to foster a community of dedicated practitioners, and the recent grading ceremony and cultural event served as a testament to the academy’s commitment to excellence in the martial art of Taekwondo.
