GARBERVILLE, Calif. ” Amid the giant redwoods of Humboldt County, members of the Tahoe City Tang Soo Do performed in the WTSDA Region One Championship and Black Belt Testing over the Memorial Day Weekend.

Participants came from California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Patrick Cerceau, a third-degree Black Belt student and instructor at Tahoe City Tang Soo Do, won the Grand Championship Trophy after competing in weapons, forms and sparring. The feat marked the first time a Tahoe City resident became the Region One Grand Champion.

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“We are all extremely proud of his accomplish,” said Dr. Tim Schroeder, a longtime local chiropractor and the chief instructor of Tahoe City Tang Soo Do ” holding a fourth-degree Black Belt Master Level certification with the World Tang So Do Association.

“Patrick has been with our school for 20 years,” Schroeder continued. “He is an asset to the community as a top-notch martial artist and the director of our children’s program.

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“He fought hard for this achievement and came back from a near knockout to fight another round on the way to victory.”

Tahoe City local Glen Steinkopff tested for his first-degree Black Belt along with 10 other students from schools throughout the region. The test was difficult, challenging and energetic.

All candidates showed their spirit during the grueling evening event. The testing board consisted of Master Instructors ranging from fourth- to sixth-degree Black Belt.

Tang Soo Do is a traditional martial art with a 2,000-year history. This mysterious art has its roots in Korea. It utilizes hard style stances and techniques complemented by exceptional kicks and soft style, circular joint locks as well as throwing techniques.

The three purposes of Tang Soo Do are Health, Self-Enhancement and Self-Defense.

Tahoe City Tang Soo Do meets at the Rideout Community Center in Tahoe City. Classes are held in a family atmosphere for children and adults. For more information call 583-7477 or 583-3440.

Orange Belt: Kieran Fenton ” Gold-Forms

Green Belt: Aidan Fenton ” Silver-Sparring

Xander Kriston ” Silver-Forms, Silver-Sparring

Orange Belt: Jason Briedis ” Gold-Forms

Green Belt: Steven Forest ” Gold-Forms

Blue Belt: Glen Steinkopff ” Silver-Weapons, Bronze-Forms, Silver-Sparring

Black Belt: Patrick Cerceau ” Silver-Weapons, Gold-Forms, Silver-Sparring, Grand Champion