Martial Arts World News Magazine - Volume 22 | Special Edition

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
The Perfect Weapon Was Promoted to a
Perfect 10th Dan
Martial Arts World News Magazine would like to send congratulations
to Grandmaster Jeff Speakman on his promotion to 10th
dan black in American Kenpo on Thursday July 7th, 2022 in Las Vegas.
Most know of Grandmaster Speakman through the iconic martial
arts movie The Perfect Weapon, but many are unaware that over the
last 30 years he has been the leading figure in the further development
and promotion of Kenpo throughout the world.
At the event, not only was Grandmaster Speakman promoted to
10th dan, but was also knighted, given an honorary lifetime membership
to a special advisory board to Federation of Israeli Martial Arts,
and also received a hall of fame award. His tireless efforts and contributions
to the advancement of martial arts, in this case specifically
Kenpo, is truly worthy of these honors and recognition. Once again,
Martial Arts World Magazine Salutes Grandmaster Jeff Speakman.
Watch the Awards, Recognitions, & Promotions Ceremony here:
https://martialartsworldnews.com/martial-arts-events-and-tournaments/the-perfect-weapon-was-promoted-to-a-perfect-10th-dan/
Dave Kovar Promoted to 9th
Degree at ProMAC International
Conference
For the first time since
COVID hit 3 years ago,
a ProMAC International
Conference was held and
it was truly memorable.
Attendance was great,
speakers were world
class, and featured guests
were some of the top
Martial Arts industry leaders.
In addition, the event was highlighted by Hanshi Dave Kovar’s
promotion to 9th degree black belt, an honor well deserved.
While the event gave participants a renewed passion and new
tools to help take their schools to even higher levels, it was more
than the typical conference. On Friday night of the event, Hanshi
Kovar was presented with the promotion by Grandmaster Fred
Degerberg. That alone would be a great honor, but he was further
honored by it being witnessed by Grandmaster Ray Arquilla, Hanshi
Bruce Juchnik, Grandmaster Ernie Reyes Sr. and Shihan Mikio
Nishiuchi, along with 340 of his closest friends.
Martial Arts World News Magazine also extends our congratulations
to Hanshi Kovar.
Grandmaster Willie “The Bam”
Johnson Receives 9th Dan!
In June 2022, Grandmaster Willie “Bam” Johnson’s schools celebrated
its twenty-eighth year of service to his community. The
event was made even more special as Grandmaster Dennis Brown
presented Grandmaster Johnson with a Ninth Degree in Wu Shu
for his dedication and preparation mentally and physically in the
way and spirit of Wu Shu. The award and honor also recognized
Willie Johnson as a Senior Disciple of Dennis Brown system of Wu
Shu Martial Arts.
“Bam” responded with humility and great admiration for all that
Grandmaster Brown has done for him since he was 16. In receiving
his “new white belt of ninth degree”, he also expressed a heartfelt
thanks to his parents also. Martial Arts World News Magazine
would also like to send congratulate Grandmaster Johnson on this
major accomplishment.
16 MARTIAL ARTS WORLD NEWS VOLUME 22 | SPECIAL EDITION