A big step up

Anne Neumann surpassed another obstacle in her pursuit of the Korean martial art of taekwondo. She tested for and received the rank of fourth dan (fourth-degree black belt) in December.

Anne is the owner and instructor of Neu-Fit and West Iowa Martial Arts, located in the old masonic lodge on 1st Avenue North in Denison.

Fourth dan means that now Anne is a master. She was a junior master at her previous rank of third dan.

Anne applied to be tested a year ago. Testing for third dan on up is done only once a year.

The testing involved exhibiting hand and foot techniques and a demonstration of poomsae consistent to what was then her rank of third dan.

Poomsae is a series of attack and defense forms in simulated combat.

Anne also had to break eight boards consecutively.

In addition, she had to submit an essay that spoke to her journey in taekwondo, which, she wrote, involved overcoming many obstacles.

“Through dedicated practice and discipline, I believe we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. By fostering a supportive and empowering environment, I aim to guide my students in developing not only their physical skills but also their mental resilience. Together, we embrace challenges and stepping stones toward becoming stronger, more confident individuals who can triumph over adversity both on and off the mat,” she wrote.

Although she has been doing taekwondo for 20 years, Anne found the testing to be stressful as she had 30 black belts of fifth and sixth degree judging her.

“It had been 13 years since I last tested,” she said. A friend was getting tested, and she talked me into it.”

Anne said she would have eventually tested but the friend pushed her, for which she is thankful.

Anne studies at the Martial Arts Club at Iowa State University under Grandmaster Yong Chin Pak and Master Matt Hamann.

“Being part of a club is like being in a family,” said Anne.

To test, a person has to be active in the club, conduct seminars when asked and help with judging when asked.

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Anne’s involvement in taekwondo started indirectly through her son, Hans. At the time, two of her sons were involved in dance and gymnastics. Hans was taking dance classes, but Anne could see he wasn’t really interested. After time passed, she asked him if he wanted to try something else. Hans, then age seven, enrolled in Master Steve Englehardt’s taekwondo classes that were conducted on the lower level of the old masonic temple at the time.

“I was sitting and watching him, and decided I should take the classes as well,” said Anne.

She was 40 at the time, and wrote in her essay, “Most people would consider martial arts for the youth. My story is an example of the fact that age is just a number, and the spirit of martial arts has no limit or boundaries.”

Hans, by the way, has kept up with taekwondo. He is a second-degree black belt. He is now also doing ju jitsu and lives in Colorado.

Achieving the rank of fourth dan means accepting more responsibility within the club and martial art.

“It’s a huge accomplishment for me. Taekwondo is a lifelong pursuit,” Anne said. “It (the fourth dan) will help me connect with senior black belts and learn more so I can bring it back here to the club at West Iowa Martial Arts.”

Anne also received her first Kukkiwon certification. Kukkiwon, in Seoul, South Korea, sets the official curriculum for those who wish to become Kukkiwon certified instructors.

In her essay, Anne reflected back on her journey in taekwondo. She wrote, “Taekwondo has not only honed my physical prowess but has also cultivated my mental and emotional strength. The focus required to execute intricate forms, the patience needed to perfect a technique and the camaraderie shared with fellow practitioners have enriched my life in ways words cannot express.”

She added, “As I reflect upon my journey, I am reminded that taekwondo is not just about kicks and punches; it's about the journey within. It's about discovering the limitless potential that resides within all of us, regardless of age. I am reminded that the path of mastery is one that is never truly complete, and it's the journey itself that holds the most value.”

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