In the fall of 2004, a small group of students at Pinecrest Northridge set out on a journey.

A&G Martial Arts began offering a Tae-Kwon Do class after school at Pinecrest in Northridge. For a few of these students, that journey culminated in being awarded a black belt in Tae-Kwon Do.

They began by learning simple kicks, blocks and punches along with basic Tae Kwon Do forms known as Poomse. The importance of respect and discipline was a key ingredient in the class, as well.

Beginning as white belts, the students progressed through various levels of yellow, green, blue, red and danbo before they were eligible to test for black belt.

They also progressed through various Tae Kwon Do forms, each one more difficult than the last. Participation in a minimum of three tournaments, where they had to compete in both forms and sparring was a condition as well.

Their instructor, Mr. Taylor, gave them other tasks such as training newer students, writing an essay on what becoming a black belt meant to them and setting an example for other students to follow.

With their Kukiwon certificates from Korea in hand, recognizing them internationally as black belts in Tae Kwon Do, they can look back at the bruises, splintered boards and hours and hours of practice and know in their hearts that it was all worth it.

They may choose to move on to other things such as Hapkido, or a second-degree black belt, but they will now do it with a greater sense of confidence knowing what they have already been able to achieve.

They go, knowing they owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Taylor for guiding, pushing and inspiring them to become not only better at Tae Kwon Do, but to be better people as well.

So congratulations Natalie, Daniel, Amanda, Cristian and Sedona. May all your journeys end this well.