On April 7, Shin's Tae Kwon Do in Hicksville hosted its Second Annual Black Belt Extravaganza. Proceeds from the event, which took place at Levittown Hall, went to the St. Ignatius Human Resource Community Outreach program to assist Hicksville's less fortunate.

A total of 19 black belts were honored in a traditional Fire and Water Black Belt Ceremony. The parents and spouses of the new black belts were part of the ceremony as well. The extravaganza was a showcase for all the black belts to demonstrate their proficiency in various aspects of their training, along with over 150 other students of the school graduating to their next belt level from age four through 64. There were over 400 spectators on hand to see the event.

Special guest U.S. Forms, Sparring and Weapons Champion Sensei Daniel Sterling from Massachusetts gave a stunning, high powered performance, dazzling all attendees with his rapid fire weapons techniques and phenomenal aerial abilities. Sensei Sterling, a member of the world renowned Team Paul Mitchell, worked with Shin's Tae Kwon Do junior black belts to create a unique demonstration especially for the extravaganza.

"They worked so hard. It was great to see that pay off in a big way. They were all so good. I'm just so proud!" said the mother of a black belt student.

Master Ralph Estrada, New York representative of the World Haidong Gumdo Federation (Korean Sword), gave a spectacular performance of their traditional art form. Mark Dumas from Georgia, board member from Black Belt Schools International - which has over 900 schools across the country and the UK, presented Shin's Tae Kwon Do senior instructor Michael Donohue with a special award for his dedication to student service and outstanding leadership. Shin's Tae Kwon Do was recognized as one of the top 50 schools in the nation.

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Rose Walker was on hand to present a Certificate of Merit and New York State Assemblyman Rob Walker presented certificates to all the new black belts for their hard work and dedication to achieving their goal.

Prior to the extravaganza, the candidates, who ranged in age from 8 to 16 years old, underwent an eight-week intensive training cycle where they were required to track and log acts of kindness, righting wrongs and mending relationships, list personal victories, empathy training and physical training including 1000 reps push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks and running just to name a few, ending with a written exam and final test with Grandmaster Shin and the Black Belt review board of the United Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do Association.

"I'm so proud of the progress my students have made," said Donohue, who is also northeast director of Black Belt Schools International. "Regardless of what the future has in store for them, I know the martial arts have made a positive impact on their lives. On a subconscious level, it affects everything they do, from making the right choices in life to maintaining the focus to complete tasks successfully, diffusing conflict, and taking proper care of themselves by eating right and staying fit and healthy."

Said one proud black belt's father, "It was an amazing night from the opening demo to the World Champions performing to the kids getting up to strut their stuff and the beautiful Black Belt Ceremony... I had never seen that before, it was so moving ... I don't know how they're going to top this next year! But I tell you, I won't miss it!"

To find out more about the upcoming summer camp or evening classes, call Shin's Tae Kwon Do at 932-5275 or visit www.shins-karate.com.