Forster achieves 7th Dan black belt

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

Master Mike Forster joined a rather exclusive group in terms of the Unified TaeKwon-Do International Saturday when he was officially award his 7th Dan Black Belt.

The presentation was in front of Yeti Tae Kwon Do at the Yorkton Martial Arts Centre, family and friends officiated by Unified TaeKwonDo International’s President - 9th Dan, Grand Master Kopperud.

“It was really, really awesome to have all that support,” said Forster.

The moment was also special in terms of the federation Forster follows.

“It is a bit of a rarity,” admitted Forster. “The higher you go the less there are.”

While Forster noted there are a number of organizations which present belts, in the one he follows he said he is the third on the Prairies.

Earning the belt was certainly a journey of perseverance.

Forster, now 46, achieved his 6th Dan in 2015, making it a sevenyear journey. It was a journey interrupted by an ACL injury that required surgery, and a COVID pandemic, so the belt presentation at M.C. Knoll gym was highly gratifying.

In his acceptance speech Forster noted that the 7th Dan was not something which would make him a better teacher, and 99 per cent of people “have no idea what the difference is.”

But the process was one he wanted to pursue, stating he took up the challenge “because I’m able . . . Physically I’m still able to do it.”

Forster said there is also a desire to grow as an athlete.

“It’s not a good idea to stop and plateau,” he said.

So does that mean the journey now begins toward an 8th Dan?

Forster said he expects to continue learning as long as he still able into the future.

“You set the next goal,” he said.

It’s not that Forster ever exactly expected to be where he is today when he began in taekwondo back in 1992, but rather took his journey a step at a time.

It is difficult to imagine high level black belts when you start out, he said, adding it is at best a dream, but over time you improve your skills and it becomes a more realistic goal.

The event Saturday included a Chinese Lion Dance performed by International Mantis Canada, Master Forster and his demonstration team, self defence, sparring, forms, fourdirection kick drills, step sparring, and board breaking.

Forster also attempted to set a personal best in brick breaking – he had broken six –taking on seven, but only five gave way. “I watched the video. I struck it as hard as I could,” he said Sunday, adding he will make an attempt again.