GALT, CA (MPG) - It was a weekend to remember for the students and families of Robinson’s Taekwondo. Over two days in April, the school celebrated one of its proudest milestones – an inaugural Black Belt examination – before sending a select group of competitors to the Spring National Tournament, where they returned home with medals across multiple divisions.

Black Belt Testing: April 17

On Friday, April 17, Master Hilaman and Senior Master Robinson presided over Robinson’s Taekwondo’s inaugural Black Belt examination, a ceremony that marked years of dedication, sacrifice and growth for a group of students who had worked tirelessly to reach the sport’s most celebrated milestone. The examination was held before an assembly of Grandmasters, Masters, parents, grandparents and families who gathered to witness the moment these athletes earned their new ranks.

The students performed with distinction, demonstrating the technical skill, discipline and mental fortitude that the Black Belt demands. When the ceremony concluded, eight students walked away with new ranks: the result of years of devoted training and an unwavering commitment to the art of Taekwondo.

Earning their 1st Dan Black Belts were Ellie Nguyen, Kira Nguyen, Tristan Toledo, Gustavo Perez and Kaleb Smith. Fernanda Rivera was promoted to 2nd Dan, Jorge “Xavi” Ramos advanced to 3rd Dan, and Alexis Ortega achieved the rank of 4th Dan, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects years of elite-level dedication to the sport.

 

Alexis Ortiz takes the mic at the tea ceremony.

Adding to the significance of the evening, Ortega was given the distinct honor of delivering a speech at the Tea Ceremony before the assembled Grandmasters, Masters, and families: a recognition of her leadership and her standing within the Robinson’s Taekwondo community.

“Congratulations to all students on their new ranks,” the school said in announcing the results. “They have diligently devoted themselves over the past several years to attaining their Black Belts.”

Spring National Tournament: April 18

The very next morning, a select group of Robinson’s Taekwondo students made their way to American River College for the Spring National Tournament, where they faced some of the most competitive young martial artists in the region. The Black Belt division in particular featured highly skilled contestants, and the Robinsons’ athletes more than held their own, bringing home medals across multiple events and age groups.

Alexis Ortega picked up right where her testing ceremony left off, claiming first place in poomsae in the 18-30 years female division: a gold medal performance that capped a historic two-day stretch for the 4th Dan. Jorge “Xavi” Ramos delivered a standout double, earning second place in junior sparring in the 15-17 years Black Belt boys division and then winning first place in senior sparring in the 18-30 years Black Belt division: two podium finishes in a single tournament.

Ellie Nguyen, fresh off of earning her 1st Dan the night before, wasted no time making her mark as a Black Belt competitor, taking first place in board-breaking and third place in poomsae in the 11-12 years Black Belt girls division. Kira Nguyen, also a newly minted 1st Dan, claimed first place in the rapid kick event. Phoebe Ladrido earned second place in sparring and third place in poomsae in the 9-10 years Black Belt girls’ division. Victoria Rivera took second place in sparring in the 11-12 years Black Belt girls division.

 

The select group of students who participated in the Spring Nationals.

Landon Becker earned third place in poomsae, while Fernanda Rivera and Francisco Ramos –  who was not pictured with the group – both competed in their respective Black Belt divisions, with Rivera in the 9-10 years Black Belt girls division and Ramos in the 13-14 years Black Belt boys division. Jashen Dosanjh also represented Robinson’s Taekwondo on the tournament floor.

The performances across the two-day weekend speak to the culture that Senior Master Robinson and Master Hilaman have built at their school: one where students are pushed to achieve their personal best, where milestones are celebrated as a community and where the values of respect, perseverance and excellence are taught both on and off the mat.

Robinson’s Taekwondo is based in Galt and welcomes students of all ages and experience levels.

 

These students are working hard to advance their status.