Martial artists take part in belt-testing event at J.K. Lee City Youth Martial Arts Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A group of martial artists leveled up at J.K. Lee City Youth Martial Arts in Milwaukee Thursday, Nov. 6. 

They held a belt-testing event as the group works on their journey up to a black belt. 

The martial artists ranged in age from as young as 5 years old to a man in his 40s. 

A number of community leaders were on hand to cheer on the kids. 

"A lot of these kids are not living in necessarily the best conditions, and that's what City Youth's goal is as a charity, to bring Taekwondo from the suburban neighborhoods to the rest of the city," said Charles Freeman-Merna, head instructor. "They're learning kindness, above all. Kindness is the first layer of self-defense, courtesy, integrity, perseverance."

Many of those who earned a belt will now go on to another martial arts studio to earn a black belt.