The owner of Little Falls
Taekwondo recently received his 5th degree black belt. At a
ceremony March 10, Bryan Schoenberger, 37, performed 20
different series of choreographed movements, called forms. He
also did weapon forms, self-defense scenarios, and showed his
skills with kicking and striking. There was also lots of board
and brick breaking.
To receive this black belt, Schoenberger was
also required to write a thesis. His subject centered
around the new curriculum he developed for the Northwest Black
Belt Association.
Schoenberger received his first black belt in
1994. It took him 12 years to advance to the fifth degree.
"It will be a minimum of five years before I
can be tested for the 6th degree belt," said Schoenberger.
"Each degree takes a little longer to achieve. I'll be about
67 years old when and if I get the 9th degree belt, the
highest one can go."
The Taekwondo teacher said he would be
surprised if there were 50 others with a 5th degree black belt
in Minnesota. He only knew of 20.
Schoenberger was abut 20 years old and living
in Detroit Lakes when he decided to get involved in Taekwondo.
He thought he needed to do something to stay more active and
to get into better shape. What he didn't figure on was
"getting hooked" on the sport. He began with the idea of
having some fun and getting exercise at the same time. He
never thought he would compete for belts.
"From the first day," Schoenberger said , "I
never took a break. It was definitely my thing. I thought it
was awesome."
Schoenberger loved moving up in belts,
competing in tournaments and the camaraderie he had with other
participants. What he didn't anticipate was the development of
the whole person-which included physical, mental, spiritual
and emotional growth.
The physical development is obvious. But
Schoenberger discovered an increase in focus and memory; his
brain became sharper. His spirituality became more alive. He
developed self-esteem and confidence while looking at his
inner self.
"Because of the amount of passion it takes to
be involved in Taekwondo," said Schoenberger, "my emotional
self became more alive. I have learned to express myself with
my body. It's an emotional experience to demonstrate my skills
in front of a crowd."
Schoenberger said that when one gets a black
belt, it's like graduating from high school. The rest is like
college. To advance, it's best to teach.
"When showing others techniques, one cannot help but
advance," said Schoenberger. "To make a difference in others'
lives, to watch their improvement-it's incredible. When I see
someone make a major transformation in their lives, that's
what it's all about."
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