EATONTON, Ga. — Ray Saltamacchio, owner and Master Instructor of Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Karate School, is proud to announce the Rank Promotions of some of his dedicated students. 

In June 2020, the dedicated young men and women came together at Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Karate School in Eatonton & Global Tang Soo Do Association Headquarters in Atlanta to participate in the Semi-Annual Black Belt Rank Promotion Testing. These students have trained with Master Ray for many years learning how to become the best they can both Physically and Mentally. Not only have they learned how to protect themselves and others if need be, but the skills they learn have also helped them excel in all aspects of their life with most being “Honor Roll” students. 

A student must train between three to five years to earn the Rank of 1st Degree Black Belt, five to seven years to earn the Rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt, and eight to 10 years to earn the Rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt. To become a certified instructor a student must first hold the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt, have worked as an Assistant Instructor for three years and pass a “Instructor Certification Test” consisting of both Physical and Mental Elements. 

Students that recently tested and the rank they were promoted to include:

Ray Saltamacchio – 5th Degree Black Belt Master Instructor

Dillon Chambers – 3rd Degree Black Belt – 1st Recertification / Certified Instructor Luke McNeill – 2nd Dan — 4th Recertification

Hayden Roling – 2nd Dan – 1st Recertification

Jewell Morrison – 2nd Dan – 1st Recertification

Ridge Sardella – 2nd Dan – 1st Recertification

Walt Greene – 2nd Dan

Jordan Klevansky – 1st Dan – 1st Recertification

Thomas Smith – 1st Dan

Jake E. Miller – 1st Dan 

As a member of organizations such as Global Tang Soo Do Association (GTA), Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA), and Martial Arts Against Bullying (MAAB) Saltamacchio’s Tang Soo Do Karate strives for the highest standards of age-appropriate curriculum, leadership training, child safety and security, business integrity and professional ethics.