At age 78, Lis Borring from Bornholm has reached an extraordinary milestone in Danish martial arts by earning her 7th dan black belt in Taekwondo—a level rarely achieved and one that makes her the oldest woman in Denmark to do so.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Taekwondo
This past weekend in Køge, Lis Borring completed a demanding test known as a “graduation” in Taekwondo, officially becoming a 7th dan black belt. In the hierarchy of belts, practitioners move from white to yellow, orange, green, blue, and red before reaching black. After that, new degrees—known as “dans”—replace additional belts, with 10th dan being the highest possible rank.
Achieving such a level requires more than strong kicks and punches. For her 7th dan, Borring had to prepare an extensive written paper, defend it before a panel, and demonstrate practical fighting skills under realistic conditions. The written portion spanned 12 to 15 pages and needed to be approved months in advance, adding a layer of academic rigor to the physical challenge.
Setbacks and Recovery
Preparation for this milestone took nearly a year and a half. Interestingly, Borring was supposed to take the test several months earlier but was sidelined by an unexpected injury. She dislocated her hip after stepping awkwardly out of a car, ending up in a hospital instead of the training hall. After six months of painful rehabilitation, she gradually regained her strength and flexibility. Only when her hip was strong enough to perform all required kicks did she proceed with the final examination.
Her resilience highlights the determination that defines many senior athletes in Denmark. Given that sports participation in the country has been reaching record levels, it is no surprise that individuals like Borring continue to push boundaries well into their later years. You can read more about this national trend in Danish sports membership statistics showing historical highs.
The Significance of Rank and Tradition
Taekwondo, Korea’s national martial art, resembles karate but emphasizes high, swift kicks and body control. Practitioners wear protective gear around the head and torso, and the sport blends mental focus with physical agility. Its global footprint grew after the Korean War, and the World Taekwondo Federation was established in 1973. Taekwondo became an Olympic discipline in 2000, and Denmark has remained part of the sport’s competitive elite since the 1970s.
In Denmark, the discipline is governed by the Danish Taekwondo Federation (DTaF). Historically the organization has thousands of active members, reflecting the country’s broader interest in structured physical activity and community-based training. Many local clubs also cater to newcomers and international residents exploring fitness in Denmark through martial arts and similar activities.
Six-Year Wait Between Degrees
Progressing from one dan to another takes both time and endorsement. According to regulations, at least six years must pass before one can apply for the next level, and promotion requires nomination by a higher-ranking master—someone who holds 8th, 9th, or 10th dan.
During the recent weekend event, twelve high-ranking candidates underwent rigorous evaluation, but only two were attempting the 7th dan. Among them, Borring stood out not only for her age but also for her longevity in the sport. Out of roughly 5,500 black belts in Denmark, she is now recognized as the oldest active woman to achieve this level.
Coaching the Next Generation
Today, Borring devotes much of her time to coaching. She was recently appointed as a coach for Denmark’s national youth development team, helping to train and inspire upcoming athletes destined for international competitions. For her, the role is both an honor and a natural extension of decades spent promoting discipline, respect, and mental resilience through Taekwondo.
Despite her age, she has no thoughts of retiring. If she continues at her current pace, she could be eligible to apply for the 8th dan at age 85. Yet for now, she is taking time to enjoy her success and celebrate modestly with family at a local restaurant on Bornholm.
A Role Model for Lifelong Movement
Borring embodies a broader cultural truth about Denmark’s active lifestyle. Physical training and lifelong commitment to health are deeply integrated into Danish society. Her achievement not only demonstrates personal strength but also mirrors the enthusiasm for well-being that continues to shape contemporary Danish culture.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Sports Membership Hits Record High in 2024
The Danish Dream: Fitness in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: 78-årig kvinde opnår mestergrad i Taekwondo: Det er mit liv
