M Bowlan 2003 click to enlarge
Jeff Keefe, awarded 2nd Dan Black Belt

Rhonda, the kids and I, after taking in the "WinterTide" light ceremony in Charlottetown headed out to the Taekwondo PEI "10th Anniversary" Black Belt examinations. They were held at the Charlottetown Dojang at the Holland College Royalty Center. We went to catch a glimpse of my sister Leanne's boyfriend (now like part of our family), Jeff Keefe perform for his 2nd Dan Black Belt. This is the second level of Black Belt in Taekwondo. A new level in Taekwondo can invlove many months or even years of training, practice, tournaments, seminars and dedication. The testing was made of many different aspects including eight olympic techniques, advanced sparring, forms and other precision components of the sport. Taekwondo builds upon five qualities of spirit; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit, to not only build good physical fitness, but a well rounded life. All of which are part of Jeff's character.

We had the opportunity to see Jeff's sparring techniques a number of other sparring events and board breaking. It was very exciting. The boys were like big sponges, watching everything with great detail, and once the testing was over, they had a hand (and a leg) at kicking and punching up the practice pads. The pictures are worth the 1,000 words!

Earlier in the day, Chandler had many questions about this event he was going to be observing. Rhonda explained that Jeff was going to be tested for a new Taekwondo level. Chandler quickly replied, "So what's that mean... He's a Ninja?!". Rhonda thought she was going to die laughing as Chandler waited for the answer to his serious question!

We had left before the final testing results were finished, and while we were pulling out of the parking lot, Chandler exclaimed, "That was the best night of my life, I got to kick the Heck out of those things!". We all agreed we had a good time and headed for Dairy Queen for some treats!

As I had mentioned, we had left before the results were announced, but received a call later in the evening from Leanne letting us know that Jeff had passed and earned his 2nd Dan!  Congratulations Jeff, you deserve it!

Congratulations also go to the other participants who also acheived their goals: