03/10/2026
Congratulations to the newest members of our Black Belt family, 1st Dans: Mr. Alex He, Jr. Black belt Mr. Noah Nguyen, and Jr. Black belt Mr. Dezmond Schaut, who promoted March 7th at the testing in Renton, WA, led by GM Henkel.
Now 17, Mr. He joined us at the age of 13 and has been a serious student of Taekwon-Do. His commitment has been stellar, and he is the only student to have completed a full year with perfect attendance. In 2023, Mr. He was voted Student of the Year by his peers and has won the Best Kia award twice, in 2022 and 2025. As a high achiever, Mr. He has also been awarded numerous academic achievement certificates. He possesses strong leadership attributes; we look forward to the contributions Mr. He will make to Taekwon-Do as a Black Belt. Outside of Taekwon-Do, he is active in his high school’s API (Asian Pacific Islander) Club, where he serves as a club officer, and is in the school choir. He is an avid reader as well as writer, enjoys making music and, in true Taekwon-Do character, Mr. He eagerly volunteers his services to others.
Mr. Schaut joined us at the age of 9 and is now 13 years old. Abundant joy and a determination to persevere through challenges are qualities that have earned this young man much admiration. Mr. Schaut has a strong, energetic spirit–giving all to his workouts–and is a humble and respectful student, two of the most valued qualities of Taekwondoists. Winning the Best Kia award in 2022, Mr. Schaut has also earned several academic achievement awards. In addition to Taekwon-Do, he enjoys soccer, quad racing, his friendships and, most of all, traveling and spending time with his parents.
Mr. Nguyen also joined Taekwon-Do at the age of 9. He is now 12 years old and says, “Earning my black belt is one of the biggest achievements of my life.” Mr. Nguyen started out as a cautious and shy young man. The growth in his self-confidence has been amazing! Watching him now accept leadership responsibilities without hesitation, boldly enter the sparring ring for matches, deliver power with intent, and interact with his peers with self-assurance, speaks to the tremendous changes that have taken place in Mr. Nguyen. Respectful and kind to all, he is an excellent Taekwon-Do ambassador. He also has always done well academically, earning him many achievement awards. As a 7th grader, he loves history and plays clarinet in the school band.