Dell Achieves First Degree Black Belt

Josh Dell, a student at Hoover Martial Arts Center in Martinsburg, recently tested for his 1st Degree Black Belt in Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo.

Dell has been training at Hoover Martial Arts Center for nearly 10 years having begun his study of the art at the age of 7. He completed a multi-day testing at the home school in Martinsburg consisting of not only physical technique requirements, but also a question-and-answer session, a written portion, and a thesis on the history of Okinawa Kenpo.

After successfully completing the testing requirements at Hoover Martial Arts Center, Mr. Dell then traveled to Reading, Pa., and the headquarters of the International Karate Kobudo Federation for their annual training event. This three-day training session included a second review of Dell's technique, which was overseen by a testing review board consisting of 4th degree and higher black belts. Upon successfully completing this test review, Dell was promoted to the rank of First Degree Black Belt in Okinawa Kenpo Karate and 1st Degree Black Belt in Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo (Okinawan weapons). The promotion was personally made to him by C. Bruce Heilman, 10th degree Black Belt and president of the International Karate Kobudo Federation.

Dell plans to continue his training as he heads to St. Francis University in the fall to major in chemistry.

Shown above are Instructor Douglas Hoover, Josh Dell, 9th Degree VP of the IKKF Ann-Marie Heilman, and 10th Degree President of the IKKF C. Bruce Heilman.