MARYSVILLE — Down Syndrome can’t stop 13-year-old Scotty Grossman.
The second-degree blackbelt he trained for at the U.S. Taekwondo Academy in Marysville is proof of that.
Grossman earned his second degree in two parts, the first in October and the second on Dec. 3.
The first part of his test included a 20-step blocking sequence, two forms — or poomse — of defense and counterattack against multiple imaginary opponents, and a combination of boxing and traditional martial arts hand techniques.
The second part called for two additional poomse, a kicking combination that included some of the art’s most difficult kicks like multiple aerial kicks without touching the ground, 36 different nunchaku movements and 10 different board-breaking moves with the hands and feet. Grossman, in the words of Master Thad Ekle of the U.S. Taekwondo Academy in Marysville, annihilated the Soodo break, in which one breaks a stack of boards, on his first try, much to the delight of his spectators. It takes a student two-and-a-half years to earn a blackbelt, but Scotty took exactly two. He will test again in June 2012 for his third degree.
“It’s twice as hard for a kid with Down Syndrome,” said Lisa Grossman, Scotty’s mother. “The instructors’ patience has made a big difference. The sport is good for anyone with a disability as long as the instructor is patient. They have the same expectations for Scotty as for anyone.”
Scotty received his second-degree blackbelt at a graduation ceremony on Friday, Dec. 9, at Haller Middle School in Arlington.
“He’s a fun guy,” Ekle said. “He’ll always have a laugh and a joke. He’s mindful and he’s a joy to work with and he doesn’t give up.”
Taekwondo students receive a belt with every trophy and stripes for schoolwork. Scotty’s brother Shane is a ¡second-degree blackbelt as well. Scotty and Shane have grown up with Taekwondo and have attended a week of summer day camp for years.
“I’m glad Scotty and Shane are still interested,” Lisa said. “They have friends there.”
Lisa, a third-degree blackbelt and a judge during Scotty’s competitions, began Taekwondo in 2004 after winning a two-week trial through a silent auction. Scotty was 6 when he started Little Tiger, the youngest group, but started slowly because at the time he had no attention span, but Scotty learned by observing his partners and his muscles and memory improved with Taekwondo’s multitude of steps and nunchuk moves that he had to remember. Scotty used to need gross motor therapy in school, but not anymore.
Taekwondo teaches kids discipline and respect adults. It helps students to follow rules and allows for good exercise. Students are also taught when and when not to use their craft at twice-a-week training sessions in Marysville.
As a second-degree blackbelt Scotty learns to defend multiple attacks, but the routines take him through the motions. The only physical contact occurs during sparring. Scotty’s in seventh grade but competes against kids younger than 13 because he’s small for his age.
“We’ve never let his disability stop him,” Lisa said. “He swims, bowls and plays baseball and soccer. He was in the Special Olympics last summer, and not a lot of kids go for their third-degree black belt.”
