Black Belt Outdoor Test | Hong Ik Martial Arts October 2026
HIMA BLACK BELT OUTDOOR TEST
OCTOBER 2026
The outdoor portion of the Fall 2026 Hong Ik Martial Arts Black Belt Test was conducted at Rockwood Trail in Sleepy Hollow, NY on October 4th. A total of fifty-eight candidates participated in two separate groups, testing for either 1st Dan, 2nd Dan, or 3rd Dan certification. Parents dropped off the candidates at the testing site during early morning hours for their designated test time of either 6:30 AM or 7:45 AM.
The test started with a backpack trail run featuring an uphill ascent. As outlined in an introductory address by Grandmaster Yoo, each candidate faced a fundamental decision: to embrace adversity and cultivate spiritual development or to yield to a negative mindset. Candidates were motivated to identify an improved version of themselves, rather than concentrating on surpassing their peers. There will always be another person with greater speed, and a horse can outrun any human. Spiritual advancement and maintaining focus on the big picture hold greater meaning. Each candidate, through their individual approach, successfully surmounted this challenge at varying intervals, while simultaneously encouraging fellow participants throughout subsequent test phases: mid-distance running, sprinting, and freestyle kicking.
The outdoor test concluded with a meditation session conducted on a wall with views of the Hudson River, with candidates seated upon their folded beach towels. We congratulate all candidates for their efforts and eagerly await their energetic performance at the indoor portion of the test, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Best of luck to all in this lifelong journey!
ð Please enjoy some footage of the Outdoor Test!
– written by: Chun Shim HyunSa (Master Carlos Stern)