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…