.SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Escobar Training Grounds had their black belt testing this past Friday, bringing four of their students together to showcase their training and dedication to the martial art of Tang Soo Do.

Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art that contains elements of several East Asian martial arts, including karate, Shotokan, taekkyeon, subak and kung fu. To get the first degree of black belt, students must train for anywhere between seven to 10 years.

“This is 3,000 year old tradition,” said Dory Escobar. “There’s something very special about being able to honor the same integrity that’s been passed down for generations.” Dory was trained by her husband Cory, and she highlighted how his father was trained by Chuck Norris.

Escobar Training Grounds tests forms and one steps, as well as the ability to break boards. They also incorporate practical training in sparing, grappling and self-defense as part of their testing process. The gym has done a little under 20 black belt trainings, since it takes a significant amount of time to prepare students for them.

The youngest tester of the day was J.T. Sizemore, who is 13 and has been training at Escobar since he was 4. He was testing for his first degree black belt and said he had improved his discipline, as well as his ability to kick and punch. “I’ve spent my whole life training, and this testing is an end to one journey and a beginning to another.”

Sizemore has also brought his self-defense skills to the middle school. Along with his friend Wesley, he created an anti-bullying group and says that he cares deeply about protecting his friends and family.

“Getting this black belt is something I’ve wanted for years,” said Sizemore. “Doing martial arts like this, it’s fun and every hit makes you stronger.”

Testing for their second degree black belts were a father and son duo, Terence and Brandon Wilson. Brandon began training at Escobar’s first location back in 2007, and his father ended up joining as well.

“I always thought about doing martial arts, and now I’m testing for this belt,” said Terence. “It’s been a long journey, you work hard to get here, and I feel confident about doing well.”

Terence and Brandon tested for their first degree black belts together before. Brandon says that it has been a rewarding journey. “Training has helped with my confidence, patience… it’s helped with my music and stage presence, along with performing,” he said. He and his father agreed that it’s strengthened their bond and that it’s been “awesome” to test together.

Staying persistent with their training is something Brandon is proud of. “People tend to quit after getting their first degree black belt, so getting the second one really shows that you can follow through,” he said.

“I mean, so few people even get a black belt. And getting that is really just showing that you’ve mastered the basics,” said Terence.

The most experienced student was Michael Beaudoin, who’s known Cory Escobar since college. Beaudoin teaches martial arts himself, and was working towards his third degree black belt.

“Martial arts has changed lives, I’ve seen it. It’s certainly changed mine,” said Beaudoin. “There’s something for everybody in it, whether that’s discipline, health, learning, all that.”

Beaudoin also praised Escobar Training Grounds caliber of training. “It’s top-notch up here, what Cory is bringing to people in Tahoe.”

Since Beaudoin is an instructor, getting a third degree black belt is a step forward in his career as well as a personal achievement. “The test is a pretty grueling task, but it’s worth it. It means a lot to me and I’m gonna just keep on training and getting more degrees of black belts.”

The crowd filled the room at Escobar Training Grounds, with people eager to see the skills of each student. “We choose these students to test because we know they’re capable,” said Dory. “We just want them to show you all what they can do.”

Eli Ramos is a reporter for Tahoe Daily Tribune. They are part of the 2024–26 cohort of California Local News Fellows through UC Berkeley.