It is with pleasure that I announce that this past weekend’s trip to Nashville to attend the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame National Training Camp and Banquet was a rousing success. With Grandmaster Clarence Smith of California teaching several awesome seminars to the rest of the GrandMasters all that attended the camp I believe were very impressed and very tired after participating for three days straight.
There were also some field promotions that were issued at the banquet on behalf of the Executive Blackbelt council of the Tang Soo Do Karate Association. Those receiving on the spot promotions were to Master Gabriel Green to his 5th Dan ranking, Sam Dan Jimmie Samuel to his Master 4th Dan Ranking and to Ea Dan Joey DuPuis who was promoted to his Sam Dan 3rd Dan ranking. Say to the least they were very surprised and very humbled as they walked up the stage in front of 500 plus martial artists from around the world to witness this event. I believe their families and spouses were very impressed. So congratulations to them with their new found responsibilities and rank.
The following all received their induction into the Hall of Fame and or received an award. Some could be present others couldn’t but we all represented on their behalf. Your awards will be mailed to you.
Sam Dan Joey DuPuis was also picked up by the International Martial Arts Council to be a State Director for the Washington D.C. area which is an honor to represent.
Last, but not least I would like to commend Chodan Donald Peterson who was asked to do a demonstration on Friday night in front of the IMAC council with his staff. He did an excellent performance that had people thinking he was an Olympian. Everybody was impressed and I am sure his parents were as proud as we were to watch him in action this entire weekend. Light years ahead of all his peers with a great future ahead of him.
I hope I didn’t miss anybody, I certainly hope if people get the chance to attend one of these events next year they do so since so many good things happen and get bestowed that you have to be there in order to believe and feel the comradely in the room as martial artists from around the world share their knowledge and friendship.
Again, congratulations to all, I hope I didn’t leave anybody out, I hope that all the people that flew and drove got home safely and I appreciation along with GM. Smith and GM. Balmos all your continued support in the martial arts.
2008 TKA Inductees and Award Recipients
- Grandmaster Smith – Silver Life Award
- Master Gabe Green – 2008 Inductee
- Master Jesse Rodriguez – Blackbelt Award
- Master Jimmie Samuel – 2008 Inductee
- Sam Dan Mike Simpson – Absentia – 2008 Inductee
- Sam Dan Joey Dupuis – 2008 Inductee
- Ea Dan Gary Floyd – Absentia – 2008 inductee
- Ea Dan Stephanie DeLoach – Absentia – 2008 Inductee
- Ea Dan Heather Duty – Blackbelt Award
- Ea Dan Logan Duty – 2008 Inductee
- Chodan Donald Peterson – 2008 Inductee
- Chodan Diana Fiveash – Absentia – 2008 Inductee
- Gup Alyssa Rodriguez – Martial Arts Award