Gus Purcell II, 16, was awarded the rank of first-degree black belt in Taekwondo at the Laurinburg Karate Club’s promotion examination. Gus, who is a junior at Scotland Early College High School, is the son of Gus and Angela Purcell of Laurinburg. The club’s master instructor Mike Durkin evaluated Gus, who was required to correctly answer general knowledge questions on Taekwondo. He also successfully performed nine forms (patterns of movements), and demonstrated one step and three step sparring techniques, takedowns, empty-hand and knife defense, fighting ability against an advanced black belt and many board breaking techniques. Gus earned his junior black belt at age 13, and has been studying the art of Taekwondo for eight years. He plans to continue his training under Durkin, and will be eligible for his second-degree black belt at the age of 18.

Gus Purcell II, 16, was awarded the rank of first-degree black belt in Taekwondo at the Laurinburg Karate Club’s promotion examination. Gus, who is a junior at Scotland Early College High School, is the son of Gus and Angela Purcell of Laurinburg. The club’s master instructor Mike Durkin evaluated Gus, who was required to correctly answer general knowledge questions on Taekwondo. He also successfully performed nine forms (patterns of movements), and demonstrated one step and three step sparring techniques, takedowns, empty-hand and knife defense, fighting ability against an advanced black belt and many board breaking techniques. Gus earned his junior black belt at age 13, and has been studying the art of Taekwondo for eight years. He plans to continue his training under Durkin, and will be eligible for his second-degree black belt at the age of 18.
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Gus-and-TKD.jpgGus Purcell II, 16, was awarded the rank of first-degree black belt in Taekwondo at the Laurinburg Karate Club’s promotion examination. Gus, who is a junior at Scotland Early College High School, is the son of Gus and Angela Purcell of Laurinburg. The club’s master instructor Mike Durkin evaluated Gus, who was required to correctly answer general knowledge questions on Taekwondo. He also successfully performed nine forms (patterns of movements), and demonstrated one step and three step sparring techniques, takedowns, empty-hand and knife defense, fighting ability against an advanced black belt and many board breaking techniques. Gus earned his junior black belt at age 13, and has been studying the art of Taekwondo for eight years. He plans to continue his training under Durkin, and will be eligible for his second-degree black belt at the age of 18. Contributed photo