Three Bodystrong Taekwon-do students recently — and successfully — tested for their black belt.

Students initially completed a written theory test with a requirement to score greater then 70 percent; the practical test included patterns (set series of movements), technical ability for blocking and striking in combat and technical ability for joint locks, takedowns and throws.

The test culminated in a power test of breaking wood boards and concrete roof tiles. The examiner, Master David Mason of Battle Ground, tested the students at the Bodystrong Taekwon-do Academy on Feb. 2 in front of the student’s friends and family.

Those earning black belts included:

Larry Muckley, a father, business owner and a instructor at Bodystrong Taekwon-do, who was promoted to 2nd degree black belt;

Joe Ryan, a student training in Taekwon-do for 18 years, and has “found Taekwon-do very challenging,” instructors say, who earned his black belt, and, Marshall Phipps, the fourth member of his family to gain the rank of black belt at Bodystrong Taekwon-do, after six years as a student.

Bodystrong Taekwon-do Academy, at 459 W. Washington St., hosts classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Classes for 4- and 5-year-olds are at 4 p.m., for 6- to 11-year-olds at 5 p.m. and adults at 6 p.m. Call 360-582-0301 for more information.

Marshall Phipps breaks a wood board as part of his black belt testing in early February. Phipps became the fourth member of his family to earn a Taekwon-do black belt. Submitted photo

Joe Ryan breaks concrete tiles to display power during his black belt testing earlier this month. Ryan has been studying Taekwon-do for 18 years. Submitted photo

Larry Muckley breaks concrete tiles to display power during his black belt testing earlier this month. He earned his 2nd degree black belt. Submitted photo