Westfield Area Y Gedman's Black Belt Academy Achieves Remarkable Ranks
Christian Thorne, instructor of Gedman's Black Belt Academy at the Westfield Area YMCA, has earned the title of Songahm Taekwondo Master Instructor and has earned a national award from ATA International. Mr. Thorne became eligible for the title of Songahm Master upon achieving his 6th degree black belt, which typically requires approximately 20 years of dedicated training and serving as either a school owner or lead instructor. The year-long journey to achieve Songahm Master Level includes physical testing, demonstrated leadership and service within the organization, and completion of advanced education requirements. Candidates progress from a Master Candidate to a Master Nominee and ultimately earning the title of Master.
The Westfield Area YMCA is proud to announce that Christian Delmar, instructor at Gedman’s Black Belt Academy at the Westfield Area YMCA, has been named the 2025 World Champion in Forms in the Men’s 60-69 year old division! In addition, Donna Carr, a student of Gedman’s Black Belt Academy earned the title of 2025 World Champion in Forms for Women’s 60-69 year old division!
Over the summer of 2025, Master Pamela Gedman, leader of Gedman’s Black Belt Academy at the Westfield Area YMCA, earned her 7th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Achieving a 7th Degree Black Belt is a profound testament to a lifetime of discipline, perseverance, extraordinary technical mastery, unwavering commitment, leadership, and service to the art and community. This rank reflects decades of personal growth and honors countless hours of training, teaching, and self-reflection, as well as the resilience to continue learning long after mastery was first achieved. A 7th Degree Black Belt stands as a symbol of respect, humility, and responsibility, embodying the true spirit of Tae Kwon Do and inspiring generations to pursue excellence both on and off the mat.
Gedman’s Black Belt Academy is located at the Robert and Virginia Bauer Family Branch (422 East Broad St., Westfield) of the Westfield Area YMCA and offers programs for adults, teens and children beginning at age 4. Classes are taught by a team of certified black belt instructors. Classes for beginners through 5th degree black belts are available. Beginner students are required to attend the Intro class (no uniform required) before beginning rank-specific training. There is no annual commitment or contract required to participate. Rank advancement ceremonies are held on-site at the Bauer Branch four times a year.
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial assistance for YMCA programs and memberships is available for those who qualify.