Congratulations to the following who passed their black belt exams or were elevated in rank at convention:

To the Rank of Shodan:

Penelope Klein,  a student of Professor Robert Hodgkin from Shin Budo Kai
Bobby Wen, a student of Sensei Jerold Kunzman from Kodai No Bushido
Seth Watkins, a student of Professor Nerissa Freeman from Wasenshi Kan
Benjamyn Rowe, a student of Professor Nerissa Freeman from Wasenshi Kan

To the rank of Nidan:

Dan Linder, a student of Professor Robert Hudson from Shin Wa Kai
Anke Abken, a student of Sensei Gregory Poretz from Kenshokan
Timur Mammadov, a student of Professor Donald Cross from Jujitsu-Do
Joshua Harrelson,  a student of Professor Nerissa Freeman from Wasenshi Kan
Michael Thompson, a student of Sensei Katie Murphy Stevens from Makoto Kai
Graham O’Brian Johnson, a student of Professor Donald Cross from Jujitsu-Do

To the rank of Sandan:

Thomas Meade, a student of Professor Robert Hudson from Halau O Ho’Omana

To the rank of Godan:

Patrick Hedgepath, a student of Professor Tom Ryan from Palmetto Jujitsu Academy

To the rank of Rokudan:

Keith Thompson, a student of Professor Robert Hudson from Yasei Mahi Jujitsu
Michael Wheeler, a student of Professor Tom Ryan from Palmetto Jujitsu Academy
Harry Burleson, a student of  Professor Geoffrey Lane from The Dojo

To the rank of Professor:

Professor Tim Merrill, a  student of Professor Robert Hudson from Chiku Shin Dojo
Professor Scott Redden, a student of Professor Jane Carr & Professor Sheryl Hager from Redding Jujitsu Academy
Professor Delina Fuchs, a student of Professor Jane Carr from Redding Jujitsu Academy
Professor Sohn Wehseler, a student of Professor Ward Melenich from Kuroinukan
Professor Ward Melenich, a student of Professor Pat Brown from Kuroinukan

To the rank of Shichidan:

Professor Kevin Colton, a student of Senior Professor Tom Ball from Santa Clarita Valley Jujitsu
Professor Troy Shehorn, a student of Professor Larry  Nolte from Medford Judo Academy

To the rank of Hachidan:

Professor Larry Nolte, a student of Senior Professor Tom Ball from Medford Judo Academy
Professor Sheryl Hager, a student of Professor Jane Carr from Redding Jujitsu Academy
Professor Tom Hill, a student of Professor Pat Browne from SoRyuKan  Dojo
Professor Robert Hodgkin, a student of Professor Dennis Estes from Shin Budo Kai

To the rank of Kudan:

Professor Geoffrey Lane, a student of Professor Lamar Fisher
Professor Donald Cross, a student of Professor Ray Law from Jujitsu-Do
Professor Tom Ryan, a student of Professor Ramon “Lono” Ancho from Palmetto Jujitsu Academy

Congratulations to each of you! Your achievements are well-deserved and hard-earned.

Sincerely,
Keith Thompson
AJJF Exam Chair