History was in the making on July 1, 1999, as Grand Master Choon Mo Yang held a promotion test for Rebecca Gray for the rank of 1st degree black belt. Gray is the first woman in Ohio to break a red brick with a knife hand during this test, which includes demonstration of forms, board-breaking, self-defense/sparring and knowledge about Tae Kwon Do. Her training consists of weekly practice at the Choon Mo Yang Tae Kwon Do Institute on West Broad St. She also attends a challenging outdoor camp several times a year which follows a traditional way of training dating back to Sun Bae and Hwarang Do Warriors over 2,000 years ago in Korea. Upon arriving in Columbus from Korea in 1970, Grand Master Yang began teaching this unique style of rigorous outdoor martial arts training which subjects students to the elements of nature including practice on uneven ground in water, snow, rain and darkness.Another historical event at this studio is the airing of a documentary film “Master and the Mountain,” which depicts the history of Tae Kwon Do as well as the life and career of Grand Master Yang. It airs at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at 3:30 p.m. and at 1:00p.m. Sept. 19 p.m on Educable.Gray, 36, has practiced Tae Kwon Do since February 1997. She lives in Sunbury and is employed as a supervisor of Imaging Technology Services at OSU College of Medicine and Public Health in the Department of Anatomy and Medical Education. She teaches Tae Kwon Do classes for adults at the Grandview Senior Citizens Center through the Grandview Parks and Recreation Department.Respectfully,
Craig MooreColumbus