As she prepares to protect her self from an armed attacker, sophomore Annie Dillon proves that her black belt is well earned. Dillon does taekwondo in her free time to learn how to protect herself but also to have fun. Dillon attends Choon Lee Academy and has been practicing taekwondo for four years.

“One of my friends did it, so I watched a couple classes and got involved,” Dillon said.

Dillon practices three to four times a week for an hour and a half and enjoys it for more than just self-defense.

“All the people are really nice so there is good support,” Dillon said. “You learn how to protect yourself and it’s a really good workout.”

Dillon is a first level black belt.

“Once you get your black belt, you then have to go through the nine levels of the black belts,” Dillon said.

To earn a black belt, one must perfect their form which consists of multiple kicks and techniques, including defense against armed attackers.

“We have to learn the six knife defenses in case someone attacks you that has a knife,” Dillon said.

Another interesting thing Dillon does is help with testing people for their belts and she has the opportunity to take advanced classes.

“Once you are a black belt, you can help with testing people who have belts lower than yours,” Dillon said. “There is also an advanced class black belts can take every two months that teach you more advanced techniques.”

Dillon does not plan on getting a college scholarship for taekwondo, but wants to continue practicing.

“It is something to put on applications, but I don’t plan on going to college for it,” Dillon said. “But I want to do it for the rest of my life until I am too old to do it.”