Lone Wolf Martial Arts is one of many businesses that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus shut down the studio’s taekwondo and yongmudo classes during the months of April and May.

But master Chris Ivanoff found a way to have his students return to their crafts sooner than later.

During the summer months, Ivanoff held classes in Washington Park as a way to ensure social distancing while still exercising. And on Thursday, Lone Wolf hosted its first promotional examination test in the park since the beginning of the pandemic.

The event was a success, according to Ivanoff.

“The promotional examination test went better than expected by a long shot,” Ivanoff said. “I’m extremely proud of everyone’s amazing resilience to change and testing in the outdoor setting with all the obstacles.”

Students showcased a variety of kicking, blocking, hand-strike techniques and prearranged forms at the test. They displayed these actions and the taekwondo fundamentals taught in the weeks leading up to the test.

The unconventional setting of hosting the test outdoors makes this strong showing even more impressive.

“Testing outdoors is considerably more difficult in that the students must focus on their acquired skills and techniques with the many distractions there are around them as well as the moving on the uneven surface,” Ivanoff said.

Angela Frank, 41, advanced to the red belt, the level just below black belt. Not only did she have to perform the physical test, Frank also had to write a six-page book report “associated with furthering her martial arts learning and understanding” for the promotion.

In addition to Frank, all other 11 students who participated on Thursday advanced to their respective next belt color.

“This test was very unusual in nature,” Ivanoff said. “Therefore, students made up for it with higher expectations of completing more advanced flying and kicking techniques and focused board-breaking routines. This was the finest test ever.”