Young martial artist earns black belt

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

A young Whitefish girl recently realized one of her lifelong dreams. Justine Dugdale was promoted to the rank of Cho Dan, first-degree black belt, in the art of Soo Bahk Do on May 29 at the Sawbuck Do Jang studio in Whitefish.

Soo Bahk Do is a Korean martial art that pre-dates Taekwondo. Two members of the testing board, Jeff Griggs and Jennifer Gibbons, traveled from Colorado to make this special presentation and to acknowledge Justine's achievement.

Dugdale, 14, started training in Soo Bahk Do in 1999 when she was only five years old.

"It was a challenging path for two primary reasons," her instructor, Andy Hamer, said. "One was the exacting standards, even for junior students, of the style that she chose. The other challenge was the many transitions that her studio was experiencing. Over her years of training, her original instructor retired and was replaced by a novice.

"The studio where she trained changed location three different times. All of this did not disrupt her tenacity. She had a goal and never lost sight of it."

Achieving recognition in the national and international Soo Bahk Do community might have been enough for some, but Justine took on more, Hamer said. During the most recent year of training, she also engaged in an assisting-instructor certification program. Another exacting part of her training, this program solidified her as a model-studio member.

"In Soo Bahk Do, the tradition of a Midnight Blue belt, instead of black, continues," Hamer said. "It symbolizes the end of a long day and the beginning of a new one. This achievement is an opportunity for continued personal growth. It has reinforced her commitment to The Sawbuck Do Jang, where she trains, and shows the virtues of her leadership skills. It continues to spill over into her school and community activities."

Dugdale will now be referred to as Miss Dugdale, Jo Kyo Nim, by her fellow students.

"I felt really relieved (after passing the test)," Dugdale said. " I was just relaxed and happy because I had been stressed out all week. I took a year and a half to prepare for it in general, so I had some worries."

Dugdale said the art of Soo Bahk Do is challenging and rewarding at the same time.

"It's kind of relaxing, it takes my mind of off other things," she said.

"She has a great commitment, and she is very enthusiastic in her training," Hamer said. "She puts in a lot of long hours."