By Carter Melrose
Tae-Kwon-Do, a Korean martial art, combines two elements of fighting: self defense and 1v1 showdowns. This Korean martial art has been a part of Kyle Trebbien’s life for the last decade. “I am now a second degree black-belt.” Kyle admitted. The progression of tae-kwon-do is white belt, to orange, to yellow, and so on all the way to black belt. At that point, you can only achieve higher degrees of black belts leading up to the tenth degree of black belt. “My goal was to get second degree black belt, and I reached that. The skys the limit now.” Kyle explained.
Kyle has developed his skills at the Dojang, Rice Tae-Kwon-Do for the last decade. His master is Ron Rice. Their sessions are Monday and Thursday from 6-7 pm. “ Typically we start off with some stretches and running. Then, we work on hand techniques for the first 20 or so minutes. These are anything from blocks to punches and other strikes. Of course the higher in rank you are, the more combinations of these things you do. After that of course we do kicking techniques for the next 20 minutes or so. These moves can be basic, spinning, jumping, or a combination of all of these things. Finally, we end our session with 1v1 sparing.”
As a black-belt, Kyle has many responsibilities ranging from demonstrations during sessions to being a judge for Tae-Kwon-Do competitions. “People from all over Iowa will come and can compete in either forms or sparring. In forms, they have to present a form of their choice while they are judged on their technique and execution of that form by about four judges. Sparring is the same as free-sparring. There are four judges in each corner of the ring while the two contestants spar. We as judges award points.” Kyle explained.
“I love the environment, meeting new people and just the welcoming friendly place it is. Otherwise I'd have to say doing all the jumping, flying, and spinning kicks would be my favorite.” Kyle declared smiling hairline to hairline.
Kyle has developed his skills at the Dojang, Rice Tae-Kwon-Do for the last decade. His master is Ron Rice. Their sessions are Monday and Thursday from 6-7 pm. “ Typically we start off with some stretches and running. Then, we work on hand techniques for the first 20 or so minutes. These are anything from blocks to punches and other strikes. Of course the higher in rank you are, the more combinations of these things you do. After that of course we do kicking techniques for the next 20 minutes or so. These moves can be basic, spinning, jumping, or a combination of all of these things. Finally, we end our session with 1v1 sparing.”
As a black-belt, Kyle has many responsibilities ranging from demonstrations during sessions to being a judge for Tae-Kwon-Do competitions. “People from all over Iowa will come and can compete in either forms or sparring. In forms, they have to present a form of their choice while they are judged on their technique and execution of that form by about four judges. Sparring is the same as free-sparring. There are four judges in each corner of the ring while the two contestants spar. We as judges award points.” Kyle explained.
“I love the environment, meeting new people and just the welcoming friendly place it is. Otherwise I'd have to say doing all the jumping, flying, and spinning kicks would be my favorite.” Kyle declared smiling hairline to hairline.