Cuascut's Academy of Martial Arts recently announced the newest black belt class that earned this designation on Jan. 9.

Master Agustin Cuascut presided over the black belt test and belt ceremony at Cuascut's Academy of Martial Arts, located at 1361 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster. Grand Master Sung Bok Nam also oversaw the test via Zoom from his dojang in the Poconos. Family and friends were able to attend virtually over Zoom as well.

During the ceremony, Xavier Velez and Kylie Corradino earned their first-degree black belts. Timothy Flaiz and Jared Clark earned their third-degree black belts, and Rebecca Lauver, Joe Boufford and Andrew Bunty earned their second-degree black belts.

In the past year, Cuascut's Academy of Martial Arts and its students have overcome a number of obstacles related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the students in this black belt class and their peers demonstrated a strong commitment to their training, making the most of the available remote learning technologies like Facebook Live and Zoom.

Cuascut's Academy of Martial Arts was closed for in-person training for several months in the spring of 2020. During this time, students remained engaged through online training opportunities. Once the restrictions were lifted, in-person classes resumed at reduced capacity with strict cleaning and transmission mitigation measures in place. Remote learning opportunities remain available as well. Classes are now accepting a limited number of new students. All interested students qualify for a free monthlong trial period.

For additional information, readers may email info@cuascutsmartialarts.com or call 717-575-6137.