Summit Academy Akron Middle School Sensei Josh Minnick began his martial arts journey 26 years ago, when he was just 9. Fast forward to November 2025, when Minnick participated in a seven-day test to become eligible for a master-level 5th degree black belt. Last week, he received the news that he passed the test. Minnick was one of only 13 martial artists nationwide invited to participate in the testing process, Ko Dan Ja Shim Sa, which took place in Baltimore.
During the rigorous, multifaceted examination Minnick, and other candidates who tested for 4th, 5th or 6th degree
black belts, demonstrated previously learned requirements. These included formal pattern (katas/hyungs), basic and advanced techniques, empty handed self-defense and also using weapons, and history and philosophy. At the end of the week, Minnick and the other candidates demonstrated a final presentation of techniques.
“The focus is on improvement and refinement throughout the week as well as creating harmony with the candidate testing groups,” explained Minnick, who described the process as an endurance test as well. “We all train over 75 hours throughout the week.”
To qualify for the testing, candidates must receive a recommendation from their personal trainer and application acceptance by the national Soo Bahk Do Federation. Minnick received his recommendation from Summit Academy Sensei Lisa Kozak, with whom he has trained for nearly three decades.
Minnick, who specializes in traditional Korean art called Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, underwent the same process in 2017 to earn his 4th degree black belt. He knew the rigors involved, including 14-hour days of training with only meal and hydration breaks.
“It takes a toll physically and psychologically,” said Minnick, admitting that the most difficult challenge he faced was separation from his family. “My main hesitation was being away from my wife, Elena, and our almost 3-year-old Sofia for seven days. This was the longest amount of time I’d been away from my little girl and, in all honesty, that was the hardest part.”
Minnick was eligible to test for his 5th degree black belt in 2022 but delayed due to the birth of his daughter at the time. Now, with the opportunity before him once again, he embraced every bit of it.
“Luckily, those of us honored enough to be able to participate in the event are all extremely passionate about what we do. All of us are extremely devoted to the art and the lifestyle – so even though it was a slog at times, we were all doing what we love and that helped a lot,” he said.
Minnick added that he was honored to be in the company of top-notch martial artists from around the world. “Being able to share the floor with them, learn from them and use their advanced knowledge and expertise to polish and hone my own art is humbling, inspiring and an honor,” he said.
Now in a six-month post-evaluation reflection period, Minnick describes how his advancements in martial arts impact his work as a Summit Academy therapeutic martial arts teacher.
“The learning opportunity granted to me by training with and under the close eyes of some of the best technical martial artists in the world has been invaluable,” he said. “It deepens my understanding of something I’ve done for over 25 years, and it opens new ideas for methods I can bring to our Summit students. I can pass on the insights and corrections I’ve been given to enrich and elevate the quality of martial arts I am able to provide for our students.”