Last month, seven dedicated local teens and young adults gathered on a Saturday for an intense three-hour examination that pushed their physical and mental limits. All seven successfully passed, joining the elite ranks of Black Belts at Seattle Taekwondo Academy.

For more than four decades, Master Instructors Scott Craig and Susan McCall have led the academy, instilling discipline and skill in generations of students. Since establishing their location in Normandy Park in 2004, the pair has guided more than 72 students to Black Belt status—a remarkable achievement given the demanding path required.

Earning a Black Belt through Seattle Taekwondo Academy typically takes 7 to 11 years of consistent, rigorous training. This timeline aligns closely with traditional standards in the martial arts world. Nationally, less than 1% of those who seriously pursue martial arts training go on to achieve Black Belt rank.

The academy maintains especially high standards, including quarterly tests of rigorous physical requirements and a “B’s or Better” academic policy for student-athletes to even qualify for Black Belt testing.

Master Instructor Susan McCall reflected on the comprehensive nature of the achievement:

“Being a martial artist doesn’t just start and stop when our students bow in for training. It’s a mindset, a lifelong commitment to always strive for excellence, no matter how difficult the journey. I am exceptionally proud of our new Black Belts!”

More than a dozen seasoned Black Belt alumni returned to assist Craig and McCall in judging the performances, underscoring the program’s strong sense of community and legacy.

Master Instructor Scott Craig expressed deep pride in the graduates:

“I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment for all of the Black Belt graduates. Each one had trained in our program for over 10 years since early childhood. I believe each one now recognizes it is the journey and not the goal that really matters. Additionally, I am grateful for our Black Belt Alumni who turned out to support and make this belt test a lifelong memory. I am also grateful to have Susan McCall as my training/business partner with these students who wouldn’t be half as accomplished if it weren’t for her dedication, kindness, strength, and loyalty to make each one better. Plus, I’m grateful to each of the parents who supported, motivated, and helped each one finish what they started to earn and graduate to receive their Black Belt. Each of our Black Belt Alumni has shared stories of how their taekwondo training has influenced and improved their lives. I look forward to the day when these new graduates use their training and experience to improve their lives of others around them as well.”

The new Black Belts shared insights into their long journeys and the impact of the program.

Luke Krussel, said:

“I was 5 or 6 years old when I started. I think it’s definitely guided my life in the right direction and established stable, healthy habits to my life. This (Taekwondo) could benefit you and prepare you for life in the future.”

Silvie Storbakken, who overcame initial shyness through the training, described her years of training as challenging but transformative:

“It was pretty hard because I mostly was very shy at first, and now I’m not really shy because I met new people.” She advised beginners: “Take it nice and slow at first, and then meet new people, and then have them help guide you.”

Kendrik Freeman, reflecting on a decade-long path that included navigating challenges like the COVID-19 lockdowns, praised the instructors:

“Well, it took a really long time, about 10 years. I learned a lot for sure. There were definitely a lot of challenges, especially during COVID. I have learned how to keep myself in shape. I learned how to defend myself. I learned how to stay disciplined. And it’s just been a great journey overall. I love these guys( Instructors Craig & McCall). They’re great. Scott, Mr. Craig, he’s a great guy. He’s tough. It’s tough love, though. He’s strict. He holds you accountable. And, he teaches you how to stay responsible and all that. And then Miss McCall, she’s very kind. She’s very patient. She’ll go through stuff with you, teach you step by step. And yeah, it’s just been a blast with these guys.”

Emily Berg highlighted the joy and personal growth amid setbacks:

“It’s been a long journey. We had some rough patches with COVID and stuff, but we got through it and it really brought me joy. And it helped me learn from other people. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s I’m a little shocked right now, but it’s how to deal with other people. If someone disrespects you, you know how to be calm, or defend, and just be strong.”

She added praise for her instructors:

“Ms. McCall, she really helps me. So does Mr. Craig. Ms. McCall is really strong, and she just knows all their stuff, and they’re super sharp. So does Mr. Craig he knows how to get kids in line, and it’s really helpful. It (Taekwondo) brought something to my life that, you know, you didn’t think you had.”

Hudson Harrison called the experience the biggest transformation of his life:

“Well, it was 10 years in the making. It’s pretty hard to sum up, you know. It’s the biggest transformation I’ve had in my life, because going from each belt, your mindset changes, the amount of effort you put into the sport changes, how you view the sport in general changes. Everything advances. It’s brought stability. It’s brought routine, you know, right now I’m doing Taekwondo and weightlifting and trying to stay in shape, partly because of Taekwondo and partly because I want to keep transforming and evolving. And I think that Taekwondo kind of instilled that in me at a young age.” Regarding Craig and McCall, he said: “They are my second parents, truly. My parents were just four years ahead. Mr. Craig and Ms. McCall have seen me from a Tiny Tiger to now, and they’ll see me go above, hopefully. They are some of the biggest role models and staples for maturity and strength in my life that I have had and have right now.”

Jack Berg emphasized the supportive community:

“It’s been a fun journey. It’s really helped me turn into the person I am now. It’s helped me continue on working hard. So it was just, it was a great experience learning how to overcome challenges. You can’t do this without the other people in class. They’re there to motivate you, help train you. It’s really just a team effort. Mr. Craig and Miss McCall have been amazing to me.. They’ve helped me get through hardships. I remember I’ve gotten bumps and bruises before, and they’re, you’re all right. I was all right. It’s helped me get through that difficulty, and it’s just great being around them.”

Mark Freeman credited perseverance for his success:

“This (earning his Black Belt) took a lot of hard work and dedication. There have been a lot of times where I’ve wanted to drop it, not go to a practice or something, but pushing through that was I think what got me here. Mr. Craig and Miss McCall, I think they’re both great. They have been with all of us through thick and thin and if you ever need help they’re ready to help.”

Though Taekwondo is often viewed as an individual pursuit, these students have formed a tight-knit team, training together three nights a week to elevate one another’s performance.

Seattle Taekwondo Academy continues to welcome new students and offers a free trial class. Interested parents or individuals can visit SeattleTaekwondoAcademy.com for more details.

Photos

Below are photos by Kristi Tamcsin showing these great students in action: