A Very Meaningful Day
Dario Franceschi, Dennis Lake, Glen Stires, and Lu Dam received thier Chang Moo Kwan 1st Dan (Degree) Black Belts. The four first receive Chang Moo Kwan letters of appreciation for their contributions to our traditional martial art. Chang Moo Kwanist Ray Ringleman received a letter of appreciation as well.
Two Chang Moo Kwan head instructors Grandmaster George Fullerton and Master David Johns were bestowed with certificates proclaiming "dedication to the spirit of Chang Moo Kwan over time." They were presented by Grandmaster Jon Wiedenman. Both have trained extensively by Supreme Grandmaster Nam Suk Lee beside Grandmaster Wiedenman, and continue to carry on his vision of traditional Chang Moo Kwan.
A final very touching presentation was given to Ian Thomas Wiedenman, Grandmaster Wiedenman's one and only son. He had asked when he was quite young if he could have his dad's 9th dan (Degree) black belt when his father passed away. When Grandmaster George Fullerton presented Grandmaster Wiedenman with a new 9th degree at a special presentation earlier in the year, Grandmaster Wiedenman decided to present his son with his old belt--the one he wanted. Interesting to note, in the photos of Ian, he is wearing his dad's original Chang Moo Kwan uniform, almost 35 years old. Now that is tradition.