On June 2, 2017 Antonio Cruz successfully tested, and was promoted to 1st Poom Black Belt at American Taekwondo & Fitness. The test began with an oral presentation detailing his journey in the martial arts. Then began the physical portion of the examination. Antonio performed the poomsae: Koryo, Taegeuk Pal Jang, Taegeuk Oh Jang, and a mirrored Taegeuk Som Jang. His self-defense skills were tested next against 4 other black belts, using strikes, takedowns, joint locks, and submissions. The free-sparring portion of the test consisted of a 3-round tournament style match against 1st Poom Black Belt Hayden Kinstler. Board-breaking was the final event. Antonio smashed his way through his own routine that included a tornado kick, and a 360-turning-sidekick. Attending the testing was Grandmaster Henk Boese, Masters John McCrackin & Davin Ohms, and black belts: Mr. Drew Ohms, Mr. Hendrick (Henkster) Boese, and Mr. Hayden Kinstler.
Antonio began taekwondo at 3 years old in 2009 attending the Kid's Class taught by Mr. Drew Ohms. After transitioning to the all-ages/all belts classes he discovered a passion for the sport side of taekwondo, and actively participates in tournaments/seminars/camps all over Wisconsin and Minnesota. He has developed a fierce reputation in Olympic Style free-sparring, and has only lost 1 match to date. At 11 years old, Antonio has already received many accolades and gained the respect of his fellow TKD students. He has begun leading classes, and has aspirations to compete at a higher level now in the black belt divisions.
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| 2010 Testing |
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| 2013 Testing |
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| 2011 Testing |
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| 2016 with Stephen Lambdin |
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| 2015 Testing |
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| 2016 Rising Son Tournament |
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| 2017 Winter BSG Games |
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| 2017 Summer BSG Games |
April 6th, 2019
Poomsae - Gold
Antonio Cruz (Youth, Black Belt)
Henskter Boese (Junior, Black Belt)
