Fridays After 5 Featuring Jennifer HinkleyKarnishky, CDFA

SDA’s member spotlight Fridays After 5 showcases the varied creative, fun, adventurous, or interesting achievements our members accomplish after business hours.

Today, we are delighted to feature Jennifer HinkleyKarnisky, CDFA. Jennifer is the Administrative Operations Manager and an Associate of TreanorHL, a national architectural/engineering firm. A 25-year member of the firm, in addition to managing the administrative staff, she acts as an assistant project manager on several projects in the firm’s Health Studio.  Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and earned her MBA from Regis University. 

But TreanorHL isn’t the only place where Jennifer kicks some ---. During the week, you can find this 3rd-degree black belt training at her local dojo where she trains in the martial art form Tang Soo Do. 

Tang Soo Do is not a new kid on the martial arts block. This form of martial arts can be traced back over 2,000 years. Close in style to Tae Kwan Do, it focuses on unarmed techniques and self-defense. 

Fun fact: Tang Soo Do is also the martial art in which Chuck Norris earned his first black belt. Chuck practiced between 1958 and 1961 while stationed in South Korea on Osan Air Base as an air policeman in the US Air Force. After returning to the US there were no Tang Soo Do schools, so after his discharge from the military in 1962, he opened a Tang Soo Do school in Torrance, California. Jennifer’s master instructor has trained with Chuck Norris.

Back to Jennifer:

How did you get started in martial arts?

I joined with my eldest daughter about 13 years ago, when she was 4 ½ years old. We have been doing it ever since. 

The art we practice is Tang Soo Do (it is closest to Tae Kwan Do). We are both currently 3rd-degree black belts and instructors at our school. My nephews on both sides of the family along with my sister-in-law practice Tae Kwan Do.

Jennifer taking her 3rd-degree black belt test in October, 2020

Is this something middle-aged folks like me could try? 

I believe anyone could try it. Technically, I am a Gen-Xer, but up until about a year ago, we had a 2nd-degree black belt who was 78. It is great exercise and is really good to focus your thoughts, battle stress, and find relaxation, just to name a few.

What’s your favorite thing about it? Is there something that surprises you?

It is very surprising how easy it is to break three boards with the palm of your hand. Yes, I have done it. Also, I broke a board with my head.

How often do you practice?

Three to four times per week.

What is the progression of the belts? 

White

Gold

Orange

Green

Purple

Blue

High Blue

Red

High Red

Low Brown

Brown

High Brown

Unconditional Black

1st Degree Black 

Conditional 2nd Degree Black

2nd Degree Black

3rd Degree Black

4th Degree Black

How long does it typically take to reach black belt? 

The average time is about 5-6 years if you have nothing to slow you down. I was pregnant with my second child while I was a green belt. That set me back a couple of months, but I did practice up until I was 7 months pregnant, and then resumed about 3 months after birth.

What’s after achieving the black belt?

After achieving a black belt is Kyo Sa (Instructor), then Master and Grandmaster. Kyo Sas are typically 2nd-degree and up. We are tested once per year to maintain our Kyo Sa rank. Black belt certificates have an expiration date. If you quit, you might have to retest.

Jennifer and daughter are all smiles after successfully completing their 3rd-degree black belt test

Are there lessons from karate that translate to work? 

I would say confidence, focus, and leadership skills are the greatest takeaways from my martial arts practice that apply to work. 

What advice would you give another SDA member if they were considering this?

Just do it.