Amherst resident awarded third-degree black belt

Kathie Falletta of Amherst was recently awarded her third-degree black belt by Master Gorino's Pil-Sung Tae Kwon-Do in Amherst.

Master Gorino awarded black belts to 11 other students following an intensive demonstration of their tae kwon-do learning and abilities.

Other area students included Craig Gadley Sr. of Snyder, who received his second-degree black belt; Brian Kubant of Amherst, who was awarded a first-degree black belt; and Devon Rogers of Amherst, who earned a child black belt.

Candidates are required to precisely complete tae kwon-do forms, weapon demonstration, musical form, self-defense and wood breaking to the appropriate belt level.

Upper-level belt candidates must also include an impromptu "gang attack" self-defense strategy as a test requirement. In the "gang attack," the candidate must identify the best self-defense strategies to ward off multiple attackers.

For more information or questions regarding the tournament or tae kwon-do, contact Master Gorino at 836-KICK or stop by the school at 839 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst.