|
Black Belt Promotions - June 9,
2007
 Master
James Ogle was promoted to Ku-Dan (9th degree black belt).
This is a Grandmaster rank and comes with it a solid red belt.
Grandmaster Mills, founder of the Universal Isshin-ryu Karate
Association, is the only other red belt in our organization.
Everyone stood to their feet when he was presented with the rank
from Grandmaster Mills. Master Ogle has been an inspiration to
many martial artists lives he has touched since the early
70's. His abilities never cease to amaze even the most
seasoned martial artist. Master Ogles mastery of stand-up as
well as ground fighting has made him a sought-after coach in the
world of mixed martial arts. He is currently working with
several fighters who actively compete in mixed martial events.
 Sensei
Rick Breeden was promoted to the rank of Roku-Dan (6th degree
black belt). Roku-Dan is the first level of the Master ranks.
Master Breeden has been a fierce tournament competitor for many
years. He has trained many and only promoted a handful to the
coveted rank of black belt. Master Breeden is most deserving
of this rank. He epitomizes what a true martial artist should
be. He is a blessing to know and work with.
 Sensei
Mike Allan was promoted to the rank of Go-Dan (5th degree black
belt). Don't let the grey hairs fool you, he is a tough as
they come. Mike has been in the martial for over thirty years
and has done a little bit of everything. It is said that
Sensei Mike is like a sponge. Soaking up everything thing he
possibly can all the way down to the smallest part.
Sensei Evan Bowers was promoted to Yon-Dan (4th degree
black belt). Evan has been training with Grandmaster Mills
since before the first rooster crowed. He has been a blessing
to many of us over the years. For the last several years Evan
has concentrated on Arnis (stick fighting). He is a real treat
to watch as he works his craft.
 Sensei
Devan Pleseance was promoted to Yon-Dan (4th degree black belt).
Devan began training with Grandmaster Mills as a young child.
Now in his early twenties Devan is a fierce tournament competitor in
both point fighting and full-contact mixed martial arts. Devan
has been a fighter since he was small. He has competed all
over the state of Tennessee, as well as, in many other states.
 Sensei
Chris Hawkins was promoted to San-Dan (3rd degree black belt).
Chris is the head instructor of the Halls dojo and has been training
with Grandmaster Mills for over 15 years.
Chris is a joy to be around and has a way of bringing out the
best of everyone he is around. The Halls dojo is lucky to have
a man the caliber of Sensei Hawkins.
 Sensei
Chuck Beal was promoted to San-Dan (3rd degree black belt).
Chuck is a true American hero. Chuck has proudly served his
country in Iraq and the Mexican Border. He has been training
for almost 20 years and he is definitely one of a kind. Chuck
has a flair for teaching children. He has a unique way of
mentally getting down on their level and finding out what makes each
child tick. From there he teaches them according to how they
learn best.
 Terry
and Ron Chesney were promoted to Yon-Dan (4th) and San-Dan (3rd)
respectively. They also received their Instructor's
Certificates. Terry and Ron are both a handful to spar with
even in the lightest of conditions. They both have a
tremendous heart and are a pleasure to know.
 
Sensei Brian Thompson was promoted to San-Dan (3rd degree black
belt). His son Derek Thompson was promoted to Ni-Dan
(2nd degree black belt).
Daniel Johnson (right) was promoted to Ni-Dan (2nd degree
black belt). Daniel has been a student of Master Breeden's for
11 years. He feels privileged to train with Master Breeden and
considers him not only an instructor but a friend as well.
William McKeehan (left) was also promoted to Ni-Dan.
William has been studying with Master Breeden for just over 7 years.
He is a devoted student and a skilled instructor. It is
obvious when studying with William that he is very conscious of
everything being taught and discussed.
Jason Gunter was promoted to Ni-Dan(2nd degree black belt).
He has trained with Master James Ogle for many years. As a
ku-rank, Jason was undefeated in kumite and won many 1st places in
kata and weapons. In 2006, he fought the Light Heavyweight
Champion in a full contact fight at the Ring of Fire and won.
 Mike and Carol Swaggerty
were promoted to Sho-Dan (1st degree black
belt). Mike and Carol are an inspiration to anyone that thinks
this is a young-man's way of life. They both have shown
tremendous heart and determination over the years.
This is not a complete list of those promoted on June 9th, 2007.
This only represents those who went up in rank as a black belt.
If I have missed anyone please let me know by
EMAIL. |
