Black Belt Training at Joon Lee's Tae Kwon Do

​Black belt training happens every year twice, once in May and once in November. For about three months leading up to the day of the test, students eligible to test for their first black belt or for the next degree will train every Friday night at Orland Park for a rigorous two hours (much longer than their usual class time). This training time can be when students show the most improvement out of their whole Tae Kwon Do career.

At the end of the training period, black belt testing takes place on a Saturday morning at Orland Park and lasts for a few hours. This is a chance for students to demonstrate everything they have learned over the course of their entire Tae Kwon Do journey. Students demonstrate every form they have ever learned, from Yellow or Orange belt, all the way to Deputy Black or Black Belt Forms. Students also perform self defense, sparring, and board breaking demonstrations. The entire testing process is completed with friends and family present, as well as a panel of judges made up entirely of current black belts. 

Successful participants will receive their new belt, a black belt exclusive uniform, a trophy, and a certificate at the end of the test. In this most recent black belt testing, participating instructors included Master Jared, Master Myers, Instructor Tyler and Master David and of course, Grandmaster Lee himself. 

Students who complete the black belt achievement have a lot to say about their experience! In this recent test, each student was asked their thoughts about the process.

Words from our black belt students...

“During my 7 years in Taekwondo, I developed the skills of becoming a responsible and dedicated person who understood the meaning of helping others.”
George, 15, 3rd degree black belt

“I learned that with hard work, I can do anything!”
Yacoub, 6, 1st degree black belt

“Taekwondo taught me to be disciplined and never give up on my goals.”
Jad, 8, 1st degree black belt

“I joined with my sisters when I was 6 years old. I was worried if I was going to like taekwondo. Now, I’m 8 years old and I love taekwondo.”
Aya, 8, 1st degree black belt

“Receiving my second degree black belt is a very big step forward and I’m just grateful I can be here.”
Dunya, 14, 2nd degree black belt

“[With taekwondo] you are learning an art and [at the] same time you are keeping your body fit and healthy [and] it will boost your confidence level. I am 52 years old and it shows age is not a bar to achieve something, if you have dedication and a good team to support like Joon Lee you also can be a black belt.”
John, 52, 1st degree black belt

“Grandmaster Lee, thank you so much for giving us a strong foundation in taekwondo, and for encouraging us at every phase of this journey.”
Sharon, 19, 1st degree black belt

“To my esteemed instructor, Master Jared, I offer my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support and mentorship. Your patience, encouragement, dedication, and profound wisdom have guided me along this transformative path. Our growth as martial artists has been truly inspiring.”
Isabella, 11, 1st degree black belt

“Grandmaster Lee, your teachings have been incredibly inspiring, and I am grateful for all the wisdom and guidance you’ve shared with me.”
David, 9, 1st degree black belt

“One thing that taekwondo advocates for is using your voice. If you’re like me, you use your voice to stand against social inequalities, loud and proud. Preaching from the chest and not just the vocal cords, [the way we are taught in taekwondo].”
Shareen, 17, 1st degree black belt

“Taekwondo gave me self confidence and helped me believe in myself. I will use taekwondo to help people achieve their goals and help them grow.”
Timothy, 7, 1st degree black belt

“I want to thank my parents and especially my grandfather. Mom and Dad, thank you for always supporting me and driving me to every class. And grandpa, thank you for believing in me. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
Thomas, 7, 1st degree black belt

“This year I learned what it means to be a blackbelt. For me it means that I am strong and hardworking. I can set a goal for myself and work hard to reach it.”
Julia, 7, 2nd degree black belt

“You know what’s super cool? Taekwondo! It’s not just about throwing kicks and punches, it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Thank you Master Lee and all my instructors for helping me become a real-life superhero!”
Adam, 10, 3rd degree black belt

“Taekwondo requires a great deal of discipline in order to master the techniques and movements. This discipline can translate into other areas of my life, helping me stay focused and driven in all aspects of my life.”
Jenna, 12, 1st degree black belt

“Thank you Master Jared and Grandmaster Lee for everything.”
Rayan, 8, 1st degree black belt 

“I would like to thank my sisters for taking this journey with me, and the instructors who helped me out. There are so many more chapters for me to go through taekwondo.”
Laila, 10, 1st degree black belt 

“Why do I love taekwondo? Because it’s like going on the coolest adventure ever! I learn new stuff, get stronger, and have fun too! And the best part? I get to do it all with my awesome taekwondo friends!”
Ameer, 10, 1st degree black belt 

“I want to thank Grandmaster Lee and Master Jared for helping me get here [and receive my black belt] today.”
Mohammad, 12, 1st degree black belt 

“I am very thankful for the stuff I [learned] at taekwondo.”
Qusai, 11, 2nd degree black belt

“I really like taekwondo and it’s helped me grow as not just a fighter, but also a person. I have become more disciplined. I strongly encourage taekwondo as a sport. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Morgan, 12, 2nd degree black belt

“I am truly blessed and grateful for all the memories this dojang has offered and always reminding us of the importance of respect, humility, and patience.”
Ruth, 23, 1st degree black belt 

Black belt students are an accomplished group!
​We are proud of their success and looking forward to their next accomplishments!