United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Class of 2018 – Inductee List Sponsored by the International Martial Arts Council of America YOUTH CATEGORY Zion Bannerman – Youth Competitor of the Year At the age of 11, Mr. Bannerman is a 4’ 1” giant when it comes to competing in Texas and Oklahoma. He is a Junior Leader in his school, run by Shihan Sandra Larwood and currently holds the rank of 6th Kyu. He started competing at the ripe old age of 8 and has already garnered victories that would normally take years to achieve. He is an “A” Student and also excels in Violin. Mr. Bannerman is a glowing example of hard work and dedication and a “Can Do” attitude. Chloe Goetz – Outstanding Junior Red Belt of the Year A “straight-A” student who plays soccer, basketball and volleyball, Ms. Goetz is an all-around athlete. She enjoys kayaking, biking, running and singing – and has a great passion for all animals. Training at the TCB Academy in Branson MO, Ms. Goetz is considered a model student who comes ready to train and serves as an inspiration to other students in class. She is pursuing her black belt with excellence, and is an outstanding example of leadership in training. Lucas Wayne Heaton – Teen Black Belt of the Year Holding a 1st Dan black belt in Isshinryu/Jiu-Jitsu under GM Pete Mills, Mr. Heaton continues to pursue black belt excellence as he works toward his 2nd Dan ranking. His plans are to study Political Science after graduating high school, then serving his nation by joining the U.S. Navy upon college graduation. After his military service is over, he intends to continue to serve our country by running for political office. He’s currently a study-at-home student enrolled with the Christian Academy in Oak Ridge, TN. Nikolas Rogers – Youth Competitor of the Year Sensei Rogers holds a 2nd Dan in Shorin-Ryu, and at the age of 16 is an active and accomplished tournament competitor. Training under GM Anthony Ferguson, he has won several tournaments – taking top honors in forms, fighting and weapons. He also assists GM Ferguson Page 1 of 37 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Class of 2018 – Inductee List Sponsored by the International Martial Arts Council of America with the students in the school as he learns how to effectively teach the art he is learning and pass it on to others. GM Ferguson says, “A student in high school, this young man has shown good character and leadership qualities.” He has been training for 8 years in Shorin Ryu. BRONZE Billy Adkisson – Instructor of the Year A student of GM David Little Sun, Master Adkisson has been training for 22 years and is a Chinese Kenpo stylist who has also trained in Small Circle Ju-Jitsu and Ryu-Kyu Kenpo. He is a member of Senshi Ruy and teaches at “The Cage” in Cushing OK. Robert “Buddy” Allen – Outstanding Martial Artist of the Year Starting his training at Tracy’s Karate in St. Louis in the 1970s, Sensei Allen has pursued a passion for the martial arts. In 1983, he earned his black belt in TKD. After 33 years touring in the music industry, Sensei Allen began training with GM Wayne Carman at TCB Martial Arts. A cancer survivor who has endured multiple surgeries, his desire to continue training and use his past physical issues to teach students they can overcome any obstacles in their way. Jeanne Lynn Beck – Outstanding Woman of the Year A 5th Dan in Ju-Jitsu, Sensei Beck struggled as a child to find a school that would accept girls. After finding her martial arts home, her passion for the martial arts quickly became apparent. Sensei Beck was the first female to represent the United States in the 1988 World Championships. She later won the Bronze Medal in the World Championships in Argentina in 1992. A member of the American Jiu-Jitsu Association, Sensei Beck is also certified as an American Combat Ju-Jitsu Instructor. In 2001, she became a member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame, receiving their coveted Humanitarian Award. Brad Bezoni – Tae Kwon Do Master of the Year For over 20 years, Master Bezoni has studied and taught martial arts. He was just promoted to 5th Dan in TKD by the International Martial Arts Council of America, having tested before the Page 2 of 37 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Class of 2018 – Inductee List Sponsored by the International Martial Arts Council of America IMAC Grandmasters Council at this year’s Camp. Master Bezoni has also studied Hapkido, kickboxing, ground fighting, pressure point control tactics and spontaneous knife defense and is currently studying Kuk Sool Wan to expand his knowledge further. In 2000 and 2001, he was ranked in the ATA World Top Ten. He has been teaching since 1993 and is committed to taking what he has learned and passing it on to his students, so they in turn can teach others. Thomas Cater – Instructor of the Year Sensei Cater holds a 2nd degree black belt in Pai Lum Kung Fu and is known for working with, encouraging and mentoring young people of all ages and diversities in his local community. He is also ranked in Clawfist Gung Fu, White Crane Kung Fu, Chinese Boxing and JKD. Sensei Cater is the founder of Inner Strength Martial Arts Academy and a former martial arts instructor for the Boston Area Health and Hospitals Education Center. Christian Tae Kwon Do League – Faith-Based School of the Year Led by Chief Instructor Jose Ramirez II, the Christian Tae Kwon Do League blends fitness, self- defense and faith into a robust, family-friendly atmosphere that fosters learning and encourages character. Teaching the art of Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do and Escrima, students are challenged and inspired to pursue excellence and to become leaders in life, and that character matters. CTL was recognized by the Texas Karate Association as School of the Year in 2016-2017. Andrew Collins – Kempo Instructor of the Year A teaching instructor at GM Michael Peterson’s Inner Circle / Tri-State IMB Academy, Sensei Collins holds a 1st Dan in Attauuten-Ryu Kempo-Jutsu, and also holds rank in Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do, EDP Eskirma and Combative Ju-Jitsu. Sensei Collins is being recognized by his Chief Instructor for his excellence in teaching and training. Page 3 of 37 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Class of 2018 – Inductee List Sponsored by the International Martial Arts Council of America Calvin Couch – International Competitor of the Year Holding a 4th Dan in the art of Tae Kwon Do, Master Couch is truly a class act. Competing on the international circuit, he took the Gold at an international tournament in Scotland. His school, Horizon Tae Kwon Do, won the “School of the Year” award from the United Tae Kwon Do Association in 2017, a credit to the quality of instruction being taught by Master Couch. Jonathan Couch – Competitor of the Year Starting as a young man, Sensei Couch was “hooked” after his first TKD class and never looked back. A natural competitor, he has amassed countless awards at the state and national level. Sensei Couch is now part of the USA Team, going into his fifth year as a Team member. He is known by his peers as a solid Christian who just wants to give back any way he can. Sensei Couch is engaged, and will start earning his “black belt” as a husband next year. Richard Cumbridge – Martial Artist of the Year Sensei Cumbridge began his martial arts career at the age of 15 only to have to drop out 6 months later. But those 6 months started him on a course where he would later begin training again, earning his black belt in Shotokan in 2014, and being promoted to 2nd Dan in 2016. A Boy Scout from youth, Sensei Cumbridge continues to help raise young men serving on the District Council as an advisor to the Order of the Arrow. He is also a volunteer EMT, Firefighter, First Responder and Safety Officer, and proud owner of Cumbridge Family Martial Arts where they work with high risk and low-income students. Ron Flake – Man of the Year Sensei Flake is a 2nd Degree black belt in GoSoKu Ryu at Berryville Community Center Karate Club under Chief Instructor Fred Anderson. He has served as an instructor in the school for the past 5 years where he has earned the respect of the students. Sensei Flake served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force and volunteers with numerous organizations, including the local hospital, community center and has served in local government. He continues to be an inspiration to others. Page 4 of 37 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame Class of 2018 – Inductee List Sponsored by the International Martial Arts Council of America Byron Davis – Kempo Karate Instructor of the Year Byron Davis entered the world of martial arts initially as a Tae Kwon Do practitioner. Over a span of three and half decades, he has gained knowledge and experience in various martial arts disciplines. He excelled and achieved black belt ranking in 3 disciplines. He currently holds a 4th Dan ranking in Shaolin Kempo Karate. He currently owns and operates Black Viper Kempo Karate in Midwest City, Oklahoma. His recent accomplishments include retiring from Law Enforcement, earning his Associates Instructor’s Level I Certification in Krav Maga under KMA and is actively instructing under Professor Cale’s Krav Maga Program.