Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 19 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
photo by Steve VanGunda
Recently awarded first-degree black belts Jacob Hamilton and Tyler Williams practice kicks during class at the Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts and Fitness center Tuesday afternoon.
Hamilton, Williams earn black belts
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2008
NATCHEZ — Don’t mess with Tyler Williams and Jacob Hamilton.
June 21 and 22, both traveled to Murphysboro, Ill. and earned their first-degree black belts in Tae Kwon Do.
For both Hamilton and Williams, earning their black belts was the culmination of years of hard work.
“It means a lot,” Hamilton, 11, said. “It means I’ve worked hard, I’ve come to a lot of practices and I’ve tried as hard as I can.”
Williams said earning his first-degree black belt was six years in the making.
“It’s been a major goal of mine ever since I was young,” Williams said. “I’ve wanted to do this ever since I was young. It’s really made me respect myself even more.”
Ken Rogers, who is Hamilton and Williams’ instructor at the Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts and Fitness Center, said Hamilton is the youngest black belt he’s ever had. He went onto say that only one out of ever 10,000 get their black belts, in part because of a high drop-out rate, but also because of the dedication required to earn belts.
“It’s not easy,” Rogers said. “It takes a lot of practice.”
While the first few belts take several months to earn, the further along you progress, the longer the training period is to earn the next belt.
In order to earn their belts, the two self-proclaimed best friends had to pass a series of tests that included basic skills, 11 required combos, 26 one-step sparring techniques and free-sparring.
Tyler said Jacob may be young, but his skills are precise beyond his years.
“He basically can kick very hard like me, but he’s very sharp,” Williams said. “He may be young, but he’s very sharp on his form and technique.
“Every time he kicks you’ll hear a snap. He’s sharper than me.”
To Jacob, Tyler’s strength is what stands out most.
Although karate may seem like it’s all about fighting, that’s not the case.
Williams said not only do you have to be tough while practicing Moo Sul Kwan, you also must have discipline in all aspects of your life.
“You have to practice your discipline both here and at home,” Williams said. “If you have trouble with grades (instructor Ken Rogers) will know.”
Last summer, both Williams and Hamilton participated in the Moo Sul Kwan Summer Invitational in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Hamilton placed first in form and second in sparing, while Hamilton placed second in both categories.
“We had to do sparing and form,” Williams said. “Form is practicing your strength and kicking — something to help you with your fighting skills.”
While in Natchez, both Williams and Hamilton hone their skills at the Moo Sul Kwan Martial Arts and Fitness Center under the direction Rogers.
Comments
Posted by eaglebe (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so very proud of these boys
Thank you ND for this article, these boys deserve the recognition and their families also, as their moms and dads have supported them in this endeavor, and are so proud of these boys.
Posted by sentas (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Krogers," June 27, 2;44 PM:
"Stand up for what is decent and good and let's take back our streets and city. Beat up a punk today, just ask him to behave and when he wants to fight, give it to him and then have him put in jail for every charge you can think of that will stick. Beat him good."
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/users/Kro...
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
that's right sentas
don't let the street punks push you around, be prepared to stand up for what is right
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
and give them what they deserve if they want trouble
I'm so glad to see boys like Tyler and Jacob preparing themselves; with self-discipline, fitness, and self-defense skills; to aid them in their pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.
You will not see these boys out running the streets getting in trouble
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats to the boys and to Krogers for his patience in teaching classes to young people! It can be very frustrating!
Posted by DocHoliday (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm real proud of both boys i remember both of them when i was there and they worked real hard to get where they are at i know they're parents are really proud.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey DocHoliday
come on back to class
adult classes are Mon & Thur, 7pm
youth classes are Tues & Thur, 4pm
everyone commenting is welcome to a free class
that includes sentas, I would be glad to give sentas a good lesson
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If she takes you up on it, please let me know. I want to see that! LOL
Posted by cstorm365 (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am very proud of both of these young men. They have worked very hard to get to this point. Tyler is strong and his kicks are out of this world. Jacob is quick and precise. Krogers seems to be just as proud as us moms. He has worked hard also to get them to this point. Great job, guys (Krogers, Tyler, and Jacob) Love Proud Mom #1
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kroger what is the youngest age you take? My granddaughter is 3 and full of energy. we have been talking about putting her in classes for the self-discipline if nothing else..
Posted by DocHoliday (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cstorm365- I'm a man and it won't be so easy as me walking into the door for me to come back to class
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
fire39212 - generally 5-6 yr is the minimum for kids class
DocHoliday - don't worry we have adult class and have some old guys in there so you shouldn't be alone
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ty krogers....
Posted by DocHoliday (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i'm not worried i helped you at the other two schools and i made to brown belt age is not the issue.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DocHoliday
I know who you are
I want honorable students. If you will act right you are welcome to return to class. If not, don't bother me.
Posted by DocHoliday (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Same can be said of you,Dear Friend
Posted by sentas (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Krogers (Ken Rogers) on March 29 at 4:51 p.m.:
"I don't see anything wrong with a little weed for home use
Now I do draw the line on hard drugs and a lot of perscription pills. Although I like my wife's pain killers and antidepressants occasionally."
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/users/Kro...
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 4, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sentas you're a typical liberal - personal attacks by taking excerpts out of context to try and make someone look bad.
All athlete's have sore muscles and joints or injuries from time to time.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)