KIPLING - The Moose Mountain WT Tae Kwon Do Club held their testing on May 29 at the Kipling School gymnasium.
Each student works hard throughout the year. One night is set aside for testing on their kicks and punches to see if they achieved the next level in belt colour.
Dawn Manns’ daughter Sara is one of master Brett Ferch’s students, and she just completed her first-degree black belt, alongside her grandpa Brian Manns.
At the early age of seven, Sara wanted to try taekwondo, but was shy to start this venture alone. It was then that her grandpa Brian stepped up to the plate and joined her.
After eight years of challenging work, the pair has moved through all the colours to achieve the first-degree black belt.
“Sara plans to continue as long as she can,” said Manns. The young woman also helps with teaching the art.
Taekwondo is not only about the physical aspect, but it helps to enhance the spirit and life through training of the body and mind.
Manns feels that Ferch is a great instructor, and his achievements show it.
Ferch is a local farmer by Kipling, but an instructor at night.
His taekwondo passion began at an early age when Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris movies were big hits at the box office.
By 1984 he was an instructor but continued with his own competitions. In 1997, Ferch stepped back from competing and focused on the teaching aspect.
Ferch is a sixth-degree black belt and is considered an international master. There are only four others in Saskatchewan with these credentials.
His two sons are also in taekwondo and have received their third-degree black belt.
Fourteen other students also advanced in belt colours. White is the first belt colour which signifies beginnings. The ultimate goal is to reach the black belt.
