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ALGONQUIN – At only 18 years old, Ethan Loh already can call himself a master.
More specifically, the Dundee-Crown High School graduate recently earned his fourth-degree master-level black belt in tae kwon do after about 15 years of training and practice. To earn the status, he was tested before a panel of judges at a recent event during which he knocked an apple off the end of a knife while doing a 540-degree spinning kick.
Not only is it a matter of getting a fourth stripe on his uniform, but his new master-level status also means he’s able to independently teach classes at Tiger Koo’s Martial Arts in both Algonquin and Hoffman Estates.
Loh recently met reporter Allison Goodrich, who took one tae kwon do class by accident as a child (she thought it was a type of dance), and gave her a little insight into martial arts and the lessons it has taught him.
Goodrich: Now you’re a master. What does that mean, both in the broad sense and to you, personally?
Loh: Well, I’m teaching now. I’m taking more responsibilities for the class and the students. I’ve become an official teacher at Tiger Koo’s. To me, being a master is a very big accomplishment. I’ve gotten to a point where I look back at my 15 years of training and I now have this title – it’s a big thing.
Goodrich: You’ve hit a certain level of black belt. Can you explain how that works?
Loh: To get the master title, first you have to go through the four dans (levels) of black belt. Each time you’re tested, you receive one stripe. As you can see, I have four, which means I’ve finished off four.
Goodrich: What keeps you interested in this? What about it do you really enjoy?
Loh: It evolved for me. At first, you know, it was something I was just doing, following my brother. And then there were times when I got bored – this is when I was younger. But I kept going. I didn’t stay with other things like swimming lessons, piano lessons, but this one kept going. Once I got older, I started to realize now I’m making more of an influence, more of a difference. When I became part of Tiger Koo’s, I saw it even more in terms of teaching.
Goodrich: What about how you feel while you’re doing martial arts?
Loh: I like the power that comes with it; the technique of moving and the speed … and also I think it looks cool (laughs).
But really, the key to a lot of success – well, I like to believe that our bodies are physically able to do what we want them to, but most of the time it’s the mind that blocks us.
Goodrich: That’s interesting. Do you think that mindset has helped you in other aspects of your life?
Loh: Yes, martial arts gives you a positive mind. But it also disciplines, like what you see in the military. You learn respect. We have five tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. So we train spiritually as well as physically.
Goodrich: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Loh: I guess I would say the reason I prefer martial arts over other sports like football or soccer is you can be an athlete through all sports … but I’m also learning self-defense, so that’s a bonus.
We’re learning a whole bunch of things: culture, self-defense, discipline, teamwork.
Goodrich: I hope you’ve never had to use your skills in self-defense.
Loh: No, I’ve never used it on someone else other than for a show or practice. That’s the other thing – in martial arts, I’m learning to avoid conflicts.
Goodrich: But if you ever were in that situation?
Loh: Yeah, I’d be ready (laughs).
The Ethan Loh Lowdown
Who is he? 18-year-old who earned his fourth-degree master-level black belt in tae kwon do
Hometown: Algonquin
Family: Mom, Heidi; Dad, Jia; brother, Adam
Favorite book: “The Kite Runner”
Favorite music genre: Pop