TaeKwon-Do master earns 7th degree

  • Published
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The U. S. TaeKwon-Do Federation's AXE Taekwon-Do school in Bellevue hosted an event to remember April 19 where Ricky Todd, 6th degree black belt and head instructor, tested and was promoted to 7th degree black belt master instructor in the USTF. 

In order to qualify for this honor, Master Todd, a retired Air Force member, devoted more than 25 years to active training and teaching in TKD and demonstrated his proficiency in physical (24 patterns, breaking, self-defense and sparring) and mental knowledge (philosophy, history, meaning and purpose). 

With the tradition, spirit and honor vested by General Choi Hong-Hi, the founding father of TaeKwon-Do, AXE TKD welcomed the testing board and other distinguished guests from USTF ­- Grand Master C. E. (Chuck) Sereff, 9th degree black belt and president of the USTF, and Master Paul De Baca, 8th degree black belt, vice president of the USTF, from the national headquarters in Colorado; and Master Gary Meek, 8th degree black belt, from North Carolina. 

Also in attendance were masters from neighboring Missouri Master Tom Cope 7th degree black belt and Master Kristy Rees 7th degree black belt.
With AXE TKD's close ties to Offutt, Maj. Patrick Finan, 2nd degree black belt, coordinated a tour of the base for Grand Master Sereff and Master De Baca. Accompanying them on the tour were Mr. Todd, Kevin Bushor 5th degree black belt, and April Bowing, 3rd Dan. 

Master Todd's testing was held at the Offutt Youth Center. In addition to Master Todd, several other black belt students tested for promotion. Michael Ranger tested for 4th degree; Jackie Brumbaugh, Nicki Brumbaugh and Kyle Glover tested for 2nd degree; and Ian Smith tested for 1st degree. 

The promotion testing was a successful and enjoyable event for all with 100 percent successful testing. Congratulations to Master Todd and all the other candidates on their promotions. 

On the evening of the testing, AXE TKD hosted a celebratory banquet with Grand Master Sereff in attendance as Master Todd's guest of honor. Many of Master Todd's current and former students, family, and friends joined in the celebration. 

AXE TKD is located at the Offutt Youth Center. Master Todd, 7th degree black belt, is the head instructor and Mr. Bushor, 5th degree black belt is his partner. Both are internationally certified under the USTF Taekwon-Do Federation and have more than 40 years of combined experience in TaeKwon-Do. 
Furthermore, their black belt students provide skilled assistance whenever needed. AXE TKD offers seven classes every week and accepts new students at all times. For more information about AXE TaeKwon-Do, visit www.axetkd.com on the Web. 

(Maj. Patrick Finan 2nd degree black belt and Lynne MacCaffrey 1st gup red stripe contributed to this report.)