Master Yun awarded a third degree black belt in Hapkido to James Thompson during a belt ceremony on June 9.

James is the first student at Be Ryong to receive a third degree black belt. This is quite the accomplishment. James has been a student at Be Ryong for over ten years. For his belt test, James had to execute all the techniques, kicks and jumps from the first and second degree curricula, over a thousand push-ups and sit-ups, fight against (yusul) against four black belts, and break 2 concrete blocks with his bare hand. To say the test was grueling is an understatement.

In addition to being a student at Be Ryong, James is a HapKiDo instructor at Be Ryong. He is also a second degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Congratulations to James!