On Thursday, March 14, 2013, nine orange cotton belts lay folded ceremoniously across the table, awaiting their new owners. If students passed their form tests, Certificates of Rank would also be awarded, signed by Grand Master John Pellegrini, Founder/President of the ICHF–International Combat Hapkido Federation (American.)
In constant motion atop floor mats, eight Chung So Nyun Hapkido students patiently awaited the ninth. Warm-ups are a part of every Youth Hapkido class, allowing them to stretch and “burn some energy.” The classes are Monday and Wednesday through Friday. Each boy and girl was focused on practice routines. Andrew Wakeman, age 8, told Open Hand Self Defense instructor Christopher Morris, “I went over my belt [all nine forms], and now my butt hurts!”
“[We have been] going over their belt tests for the past two weeks,” stated Morris. “I’m sure they’ll all pass!”
He sets the stage for martial arts instruction that reflects the ancient Chinese theme: to protect the family and the city area, rather than to be the aggressor. In contrast to the physical energy in the room was the quiet relaxed atmosphere. Soft, calming, Asian-inspired music floated in the air, which was scented with vanilla and coconut candles. Asian artwork, inspirational quotes, and bamboo plants added to the effect. The latest motivational banner translated to “seven down, eight up.” That means for every knockdown, you must rise once more. Morris spoke quietly to students. Family members captured the serenity and spoke in hushed tones, if at all, while awaiting the final student.
Hapkido is a Korean form. Morris teaches Youth Hapkido–Chung So Nyun Hapkido; Combat Hapkido–Chon-Tu Kwan Hapkido; Situational Science–called “Little Koi”–Xiao jinli. His gym is at the Farm Bureau Building, at 100 E. Knox Street, Morrison, IL. Classes are available for those age six to adult. During May and June 2013, he offers a 20% discount on the sign-up fee for new students.
Additionally, for those aged 13 and above, he offers a one-time, two-hour group lesson for five or more people. The fee is $10 per person. Appointments must be arranged by calling 815-718-3994.
The test group included Andrew Wakeman, 8; nine-year-olds Zita Hunt, Noah May, Andrew Schipper, and Alex Wakeman; 11-year-olds Lillian Pruis and Brad Wiersema; 12-year-olds Grace Fishbach and Gabriel Hunt. The entire Chun So Nyun Hapkido class posed for a photo after the award ceremony.
There were nine strength, offensive, and defensive maneuvers to demonstrate, round-robin style.
- The Horse Dance pose to maintain for one minute
- Shoulder roll/somersault; counter Morris’s moves
- A series of light punches to Morris’s head, shoulders, and both torso sides
- A series of light punches to Morris’s chin, face, and trunk
- Break a series of wrist grabs, protecting the face; right and left lunges
- Stances, blocks, and switched positions
- High and low switches on one leg
- Back kick after Morris grabbed the child’s shirt
- Defensive stance; forward and side kicks.
Morris explained, “It’s a lot harder than it looks! [These are] great students [who] work hard. I’m very proud of every one of them.”
Below, the youngest student to demonstrate form testing, Andrew Wakeman, kicks a well-protected Morris.
Visitor young Fishbach throws a punch.
Noah May demonstrates his rapid defensive kck.
Lillian Pruis, below, is one of three girls who passed form testing and earned the next rank. One at a time, Morris unwrapped the lower-level yellow belts and folded them; students took them to Mary Nogowski to be secured with rubber bands. She returned to them to each child.
Nogowski, mother of students Gabe and Zita Hunt, was completing her third month as Assistant Instructor. In August, she will have been a student of Open Hand Self Defense for two years.
At last, students received their certificates of rank and were ceremoniously “wrapped” in orange belts by their proud instructor, Morris.
An Asian meal was served to celebrate. Getting kids to eat ethnic food also requires practice and courage.
