Grandmaster Joel Waldron of Manchester Earns Sixth-Degree Black Belt in Hapkido

The Leadership Team of the Academy of Martial Arts and Personal Development, Manchester, CT, is proud to announce that Grandmaster Joel Waldron has been promoted to Sixth-Degree Black Belt (6th Dan) in the martial art of Hapkido. On December 10, 2016, Grandmaster Hosoo Hwang, of Hamden, CT, recognized the significant ongoing contributions and dedication of Grandmaster Waldron to the legacy of Hapkido, to the martial arts in general, and to the greater community. This promotion marks a milestone, making Grandmaster Waldron one of the highest ranked Hapkido practitioners in the state of CT.

Grandmaster Waldron's 36-year journey in the martial arts began when he started training under Grandmaster Moo Yong Lee, of East Hartford, CT, at age 18, earning his First-Degree Black Belt in 1983. In 1985, Grandmaster Waldron began training in Hapkido under Grandmaster Hwang. In 1997, he also had the honor of being promoted by Grandmaster Lee to a Master, 5th Dan in Taekwondo under the World Taekwondo Federation.

In September 1995, he opened the Academy of Martial Arts and Personal Development. In the vision of Grandmaster Hwang, Dae Han Moo Do (“Great Martial Arts of Korea”) was created in 2000 to bring together the arts of Taekwondo, Hapkido, Yudo, and Tang Soo Do. Over the course of the 21 years the Academy has been open, more than 6,000 students from age 2 to 80 have come through its doors. Grandmaster Waldron has promoted more than 100 students to black belt, including three to the level of Master. As his students, we are incredibly proud to have Grandmaster Waldron recognized for the ways that he has mentored us, the quality of his instruction, and the deep community that he's built.

Congratulations Grandmaster Joel Waldron!