A family of black belts

Tae Kwan Do is family activity for Jennens

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Having three of their six children attain Junior Black Belt Tae Kwan Do status is very rewarding for Nancy and Richard Jennen II who farm north of Elbow Lake. Even more rewarding is that this is an activity enjoyed by them, as well.

Andrew, 14, Stephanie, 13, Isabel 8, and a friend of Stephanie, 12-year-old Christina Kruize, encouraged each other to attain the various steps during Tae Kwan Do training the past four years.

Jennen family members train under the direction of Master Doug Rapp at the Tae Kwan Do gym in Elbow Lake, referred to as the dojang, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Monday and Thursday.

“We all started as a family four years ago,” Nancy said. “Richard and I need to take time off from Tae Kwan Do training, during the summer months, since we’re busy with farming. It also was fun for the children to have their friend, Christina, participate with them.”

Consistency, along with rigorous training, is a big part in going from one belt level (ie.. white to orange to yellow) and ending with the Junior Black Belt.

“We always have goals to reach,” Andrew said. “After attaining Black Belt, you move on to second degree, third degree and on up to 10th degree.”

Attaining Black Belt designation is no easy task.

“You learn no less than 50 kicking combinations,” Andrew said. “These are self defense moves, also referred to as kicking combinations.”

He said that in Tae Kwan Do a participant learns respect — and even some of the Korean language. Each participant refers to the instructor as “Sir” or “Ma’am” and they begin each session with a bow in respect to the instructor.

Being in good physical condition also is a must for Tai Kwan Do recipients, young and old alike. Each training session begins with warmups, stretching routines and running for endurance. Many participants start at age five.

“It’s really fun participating in Tae Kwan Do tournaments,” Stephanie said. “Getting a trophy or medal proves that hard work is well worth it. We’ve had some fun trips to tournaments in Fargo and other places.”

For the 16 and under participants, advancement tests (ie. from yellow to green to blue to Black Belt) are given every three months. Later on, however, testing is done at longer intervals when going from second degree to third degree etc. and on up to 10th degree.

“No matter what stage one is at, you learn focus and accuracy,” Andrew said.