CRESTVIEW — Gordon Martial Arts recently recognized student achievements with its latest round of promotions.
The ceremony was held July 1 at the Crestview Community Center.
Promotions began with students going up on stage in groups of similar age and rank. They then demonstrated some of their new skills for attendees.
Additionally, GMA introduced its newest members to the crowd. First-degree black belts — student Ian Rodriguez and military fireman Jimmy Acol — have trained for over five years to achieve their current levels.
Fourth-degree taekwondo students Alberto Barbon, a pediatrician, and Jeremy Morgan, a Fort Walton Beach fireman, also joined GMA.
The session’s guest speaker, Okaloosa County Commissioner Wayne Harris, spoke of the importance of military and first responders such as firemen and police officers. Then he spoke about not giving up, and how some things take more effort to succeed when you’re not successful the first time.
After the promotions ceremony, former Crestview City Councilman Charles Baugh gave a short prayer and attendees enjoyed a meal and fellowship.
The next promotions ceremony is Sept. 30.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gordon Martial Arts holds promotions ceremony