Spotlight on a Local: Holly Springs (NC) 10-Year-Old Prepares for Black Belt Test After Years of Discipline and Growth
Training at Master Chang’s Martial Arts, Levi Holder credits Taekwondo with building focus, discipline, and character as he prepares for his June black belt test.
Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 29, 2026 — In a community where youth sports often take center stage, one 10-year-old Holly Springs student is working toward a milestone that reflects more than athletic ability.
Levi Holder, who began training in 2022 at Master Chang’s Martial Arts, is preparing to test for his black belt this June. His journey is rooted not only in his own effort, but in a family where martial arts has long been a way of life.
Levi’s mother, Melanie, holds a third-degree black belt, and his father, Travis, holds a second-degree black belt in karate. Both have competed nationally and internationally. When the family moved to North Carolina from South Africa, continuing martial arts training remained a priority, something Levi describes as part of their family’s DNA.
That foundation led Levi and his brothers to begin their own martial arts journeys.
More Than Moves
While Levi studies Taekwondo, his parents’ background is in karate. He says the two disciplines differ in forms and movements, but share the same core values.
Karate emphasizes character, sincerity, effort, etiquette, and self-control. Taekwondo builds on those lessons, emphasizing courage, honesty, perseverance, focus, self-control, and respect.
For Levi, those lessons extend well beyond the mat.
“To me, that means becoming a better person, physically, emotionally, and mentally,” he said.
He describes becoming stronger and healthier, while also learning to stay calm and kind. The training has helped him improve his focus and push through challenges without giving up.
“These are not just lessons for class, they are ways to live every day,” he said.
Growth in and Out of Class
Levi trains under Master Seung Hyeon Hong, who teaches forms, self-defense, and technique, as well as discipline and respect in everyday life. Levi says his instructor treats all students equally and helps them improve in every class.
Students at the school also occasionally learn from visiting masters from Korea and other locations.
That training has carried into Levi’s life outside the studio.
At school, he says Taekwondo has helped improve his focus and discipline. He is part of the AIG math program and credits his training with helping him work harder and do his best.
At home, he has taken on more responsibility, including making his bed, cleaning his room, helping with dishes, taking out the trash, and helping care for his younger brothers.
Milestones Along the Way
Levi’s journey has included several key milestones. In 2024, while a blue belt, he rang the gong and entered the Masters Program. He says that step reflects his goal of becoming a leader and, one day, helping to teach other students.
He has also earned recognition for his efforts, including a Best Tester award and a trophy for reaching the blue stripe belt, which marks the halfway point to a black belt.
Now, as he prepares for his upcoming test, Levi has been assigned a Black Belt life skill of honesty. That assignment is what led him to share his story.
“These are my honest thoughts about how Taekwondo has helped me grow,” he said.
A Community Investment
Levi’s parents say the changes they have seen go far beyond physical skill.
“We have had the privilege of watching Levi grow not only in skill, but in character through his Taekwondo journey,” they said. “The discipline, focus, and respect he has developed have carried into every part of his life, from school to home.”
They also expressed appreciation for the instructors' guidance in that development.
“We are especially grateful to Master Hong and the team at Master Chang’s Martial Arts in Holly Springs for their commitment to developing confident, respectful, and resilient young individuals in our community.”
Looking Ahead
With his black belt test approaching in June, Levi is focused on the final stretch of preparation. His goal extends beyond earning the belt itself, with hopes of continuing to grow and eventually helping teach other students.
For now, he is asking for encouragement as he takes this next step.
He said he would appreciate support from the community and asks for “courage, perseverance, strength, and good luck” as he prepares for his black belt test.