Schwartz Promoted To Blackbelt

Porco’s Karate Academy recently promoted Newtown 25-year-old Amelia Schwartz to second degree black belt.

Schwartz has spent much of the last 16 years of her life dedicated to training in the art of Tang Soo Do, which, along with her tireless dedication, perseverance, and leadership has led her to achieving this martial arts milestone.

For the past seven years, Schwartz has been an instructor at Porco’s, teaching students ranging from ages three to 60-plus. 

Schwartz’s martial arts training began in 1996 as a white belt. Throughout the years, she has had various memorable accomplishments such as participating in dozens of regional and world championship events, leading the karate demo team to multiple first place wins, and instructing the week-long karate summer camps held at Porco’s.

Training for her second degree black belt began in 2010. It included amping up her weekly physical training with added conditioning, nightly workouts, and 6 am run through Newtown. Black belt testing varies from traditional karate tests from the three-hour physical test and parent/teacher recommendations there is also a 100-question written test, 2,000-word essay, studio project, and community service requirement that must be successfully completed. Schwartz accomplished all of this in early 2011, however her true test of dedication came during the last six months, which acted as her required probationary period before receiving final rank.