Master Sell Earns his 7th Degree Black Belt

On Friday, August 17th, 2007, Sr. Master Ron Sell was awarded his 7th Degree Black Belt after a rigerous 2 day exam.

"I have never trained this hard for any other test. This was by far the most exciting of all my tests."

Sr. Master Sell has been training in martial arts since 1981 at the age of 7. He has dedicated his life's work to help "give strength to the weak, and confidense to the timid."

Photos from the 7th Dan Test

Forty-seven people traveled from as far as Texas, California, British Columbia Canada, Michigan and Tennessee to test in front of the Grandmaster's Council. All of which were certified Black Belt instructors. The testing was held in Lakeland, Florida at Family Martial Arts Center on South Florida Avenue. The testing candidates had prepared for this day for years, honing their martial arts technique.

It is 8am - I am the first testing candidate to arrive. Test starts at 10am.
I am PUMPED, and FOCUSED - Ready to give it my best.

Warming up for the test.

47 People are Testing for 2nd degree Black Belt and Above. All Instructors!

We have informally begun. Master Melanie Wyatt (North Carolina) is leading the candidates in stretching.

Grandmasters have arrived. We have officially begun.

Basic Fundamentals portion of the test has begun, this is where the candidates demonstrate every kick, block and strike in the system!

Side kick! I was real worried during this portion because we were on a waxed wooden floor, i felt like i was on Ice, it was so slippery, I just knew I would fall (right in front of the masters and Grandmasters), However, I was able to keep my balance despite the floor.

Forms Portion has begun! This is the first form, TaeGeuk Il Chong (T1)

T2

From left to right: Grand Master Edward Sell, Master Ron Sell, Grand Master Brenda Sell, Grand Master Covinsky

Master Sell's Official Certification

Wow! Look at all those high ranking promotions!

Grandmasters Jim Covenski, Frank Loureda, Al Smith

Grandmaster Brenda J. Sell

Officially Awarding Master Sell his 7th Degree Black Belt

Grandmaster Sell congratulates Master Ron Sell

Grandmaster Al Smith

Grandmaster Brenda Sell pins Master Sell as a "3 Star" Master

My biggest Supporters! Stephen Flannery, Simon Edginton

Dr. Simon Edginton awards Master Sell with a gift.
Left: Indomitable Spirit
Right: Humility
"Master Sell showed these two qualities during the last 5 months of training. Both of these qualities have significant meaning to both myself and Master Sell." - Dr. Edginton

Master Sell with the Grandmasters (mom and dad)