Rhoades Tests

For Black Belt

A special testing for nine martial arts students in the Blue Wave TaeKwonDo Association, was held Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Dartmouth Alumni Gym in Hanover, N.H. The dojang in Randolph is taught by Master Peter Chase and Master Tom Chase. Milly Rhoades was tested and awarded her 5^th degree black belt. Rhoades has trained for 18 years to get to this level.

After testing for a 1^st degree black belt, a person trains for two years before testing for 2^nd, then three years before 3^rd degree black belt testing, etc. Testing consisted of writing a Masters paper outlining accomplishments and projects. Teaching is required and Rhoades has assisted teaching at a private school, and after school kids’ program and on a regular basis at the dojang where she trains.

She also did required referee certifications, attended self-defense seminars, competed in tournaments in poomse and sparring, and assisted with kids’ tournaments, to name a few things required prior to testing for Masters. Rhoades wrote two-page biographies on the other eight testing candidates, and made a 72 page memory/scrapbook album that she submitted to the testing board. Testing consisted of verbal questions, high rank poomses, (forms) One Steps, Board Breaking and Sparring.

Rhoades turns 68 this month and said, "This is my birthday present to me. "

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