Lincoln Abbott, a sophomore at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas, was promoted Jan. 11 at the Boerne Paramount Taekwondo Center to a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

To advance to this rank, Abbott, passed a six-hour promotion test including a written examination and practical applications of self-defense techniques. As part of his test, he was required to break a set number of bricks stacked on top of one another to demonstrate the ability to use techniques with both power and control.

Abbott has been studying World Taekwondo Federation Olympic-style taekwondo since age four and serves as a certified Taekwondo instructor, official and coach.

The martial art focuses on mental and ethical discipline, etiquette, justice, respect and self-confidence and develops strength, speed, balance, flexibility and stamina.