Alyssa Pederson, age 13, recently demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in Taekwondo, earning the promotion to her new rank of 1st poom junior black belt. The first day of her test, she demonstrated her knowledge about Taekwondo history, traditions, gym rules, and Korean terms. She also completed a 90 minute physical test to push her to the limits with exercises like sit ups, pushups, running, as well as tests showing her balance and flexibility. The second day she demonstrated proficiency in 8 poomsae patterns, 18 hand combinations, 12 kicking combinations, and a nunchuck form that she created. She demonstrated perseverance during some tough sparring matches against 1st poom, Josiah Arevalo, and red belt, Jeff Pederson. The final skill demonstrated was board breaking. She broke 1″ boards with various hand and foot techniques. Her exceptionally strong kicks broke some boards stacked two at a time. Alyssa joined the family Taekwondo class with her mom and brother in 2021. Even while competing in speech and dance, she kept working on the same goal for three years. Minnewaska Taekwondo classes at Central Square are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and other times by appointment.