Scott Grossman (front center) recently earned his Black Belt in Taekwondo with the help of his instructor Ian Kern (left), head instructor Thad Ekle (center) and mother Lisa Grossman.

Scott Grossman was born with Down Syndrome, which creates mental and physical challenges in almost every endeavor. His parents have encouraged Scott to try anything he wants to do, and to do it with "typical" kids as much as possible.

When asked about Scott's training over the past 5 years, his mom Lisa chuckled. "He first started in Little Tigers which is for the younger kids. He had little focus and would not stay in class, or he would roll or spin around in class. But now he tries really hard and gives it his best. Taekwondo has really helped Scott with his coordination. It challenges him mentally and physically, and also helps with listening and following directions."

A typical youngster can usually remember ten things at one time, while a child with Down Syndrome may have a mental limit of four or five things. With his parents' support, his hard work, and Taekwondo training, Scott has increased the amount of material he can remember.

In order to earn his Black Belt, Scott had to perform eight forms, a set pattern of 20 to 40 movements used against imaginary attackers. He was held to the same standards as the other children, with the lone accommodation being the ability to perform his test in several stages instead of all at once. He also demonstrated various kicking, punching, and self-defense techniques, with a grand finale of breaking eight boards with different kicking and hand techniques.

His instructors, Thad Ekle and Ian Kern of U.S. Taekwondo Academy in Marysville, were extremely proud of his performance. "He has come a long way since he started, both in his physical ability and his mental focus," said Ekle. "He definitely deserves his Black Belt, doing the same thing as other students, when it is twice as hard for him to do. We couldn't be more proud."

What's next for Scott? More Taekwondo, for sure. He has already set his goal to earn his second degree Black Belt, and shows no sign of slowing down. And he will have his mom, Lisa, who tested for her third degree Black Belt the same day, to help guide him along the way.

For more information on Taekwondo training for all ages and abilities, contact Thad Ekle at U.S. Taekwondo Academy, (360) 651-1171.

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