SEVEN FIELDS - For 19 years, Michelle Shipton has been training, honing her mental and physical skills in the art of tae kwon do. This summer, she hopes to become a master in her discipline.

Shipton, who is a sixth-degree black belt in tae kwon do and an instructor at American Taekwondo Association Martial Arts Academy in Seven Fields, is one of a handful of candidates chosen to participate in the master program.

Shipton has been working out daily to prepare. Her training schedule consists of cardiovascular, weight, martial arts and weapons training. This is in addition to her already hectic schedule as an instructor, mother, and business owner.

The American Taekwondo Association in North American and its international branches oversee more than 1,500 schools and clubs and registers more than 300,000 members.

Shipton would become only the 12th female to earn the title of master in the ATA.

"The amount of commitment and personal sacrifice required to reach this level is intense," said Brian Shipton, owner of the Seven Fields ATA academy and Michelle's husband. "She is an extremely powerful martial artist, as well as a very focused martial artist. I believe that she will be further strengthened through this experience."

The word tae kwon do is made up of three Korean words: tae, meaning to kick or jump; kwon, meaning fist or hand; and do, which means "the way." Loosely, it can be thought of as "The Way of the Hand and Foot."

While famous for its wide range of kicks, tae kwon do also emphasizes breaking wood and bricks using only the bare hands and feet. Training involves a variety of techniques, which include punching, kicking, dodging, jumping, parrying and blocking. It also focuses on sparring and learning formal patterns of movements called forms.

Tae kwon do, which was officially recognized in Korea on April 11, 1955, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Michelle Shipton first traveled to Las Vegas from Feb. 2 to 7 in the Red Rock Canyon "to bond and be a part of nature." Then, she had an opportunity to go to South Korea and China in April.

She described the trip as "a life experience." In China, she visited the Great Wall, Tienanmen Square and many of the Ming Dynasty temples.

In South Korean, the 30 U.S. master candidates worked with Korean masters. "The Korean people were just awesome. They treated us like royalty," she said.

The final phase of the training will take Shipton to Little Rock

, Ark.,

from June 13 to 19 for the masters candidate program, which is held in conjunction with the ATA World Championships.

The championships include a two-week series of competitions, testing and demonstrations for members and schools.

Shipton will have to fast for nine days before performing a series of punches and kicks, as well as demonstrating weapons skills and additional mental training exercises. A nine-step ceremony will follow, which will be when she will learn if she has attained the title of master.