News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting
Mostly Cloudy Night
76°
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting

Jersey Proud: 86-year-old earns second-degree black belt at Wayne martial arts school

Barbara Cunningham began taekwondo at age 75 and credits Grandmaster Chang Won Choi with helping her through a challenging period in her life.

News 12 Staff

Aug 17, 2026, 10:29 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Barbara Cunningham earned her second-degree black belt in taekwondo at the age of 86 - 11 years after picking up the sport at Summit Martial Arts in Wayne.

Cunningham credits Grandmaster Chang Won Choi with providing guidance and patience during a challenging period in her life, when she lost her husband and two brothers and experienced cardiac problems.

She persevered and even traveled to South Korea to compete.

"Many people come into our lives, but only a precious few inspire us forever," Cunningham said of Choi.

Cunningham and Choi are making Jersey Proud.

More Stories

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices