In over 30+ years, Koryo Do Martial Arts has only ever promoted 18 students to 1st Degree Blackbelt! That’s because at our school, we care about the quality and safety of our students over the quantity of Blackbelts that our school produces. Which is why Koryo Do will never be known as a “McDojo” or a “Blackbelt Factory”. Our students work hard at their skills and even harder to claim the title of Blackbelt. Keep scrolling to see the select few who beat all the odds and meet your future instructors!
Grand Master Jose I. Delgado
10th Dan, Tae Kwon Do
Founder & Owner of Koryo Do Martial Arts Studio
Grandmaster Jose I. Delgado is not merely a martial artist; he is a living legend whose life is a testament to dedication, mastery, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey in the martial arts began in the 1960s, where he first trained in Judo and Shorin Ryu, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually see him rise to the highest echelons of martial arts.
In 1974, he joined the International Tae Kwon Do Federation in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where his natural talent and commitment quickly set him apart. By 1978, he had achieved the rare privilege of teaching independently, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of his lifelong mission to share the art of Tae Kwon Do with others.
One of the rarest and most significant achievements in martial arts is earning a 10th-degree black belt—a rank so uncommon that only about 20–30 individuals in the world hold it in karate, and even fewer in disciplines like judo. Grandmaster Delgado reached this pinnacle, placing him among the elite few who have dedicated their lives to achieving the impossible.
But Grandmaster Delgado’s contributions extend far beyond personal accolades. He is the visionary behind Koryo Do, a martial arts style that skillfully blends traditional Tae Kwon Do with modern self-defense techniques. This innovative approach has not only empowered countless students but also enriched the broader martial arts community.
As the Founder and Director of… CLICK HERE to continue reading about Grand Master Delgado’s history & awards…
Master Jose A. Delgado
6th Dan, Tae Kwon Do
Nov. 2023: Awarded Tae Kwon Do Master of the Year, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Sept. 2019: Received the Diamond Award, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame for reaching 25+ years of Martial Arts Training
Dec. 2015: Promoted to 6th Degree Blackbelt
Jul. 2015: Became a Lifetime Member for the “Alliance”
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Sensei Curtis Romeo
4th Dan, Tae Kwon Do
Nov. 2023: Awarded Male Blackbelt of the Year
Nov. 2023: Inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Nov. 2015: Promoted to 4th Degree Blackbelt
Mar. 2005: Promoted to 3rd Degree Blackbelt
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Sensei Caitlin Bassett
3rd Dan, Tae Kwon Do
3rd Dan, Shorin Ryu Karate
Nov. 2023: Awarded The First Ever Valkyrie Award, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Dec. 2022: Promoted to 3rd Degree Blackbelt
Sept. 2019: Received the Martial Arts Dedication Award, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame after returning to her studies and teachings from having her 1st child
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Sensei David Haynes
3rd Dan, Tae Kwon Do
Dec. 2022: Promoted to 3rd Degree Blackbelt
Sept. 2019: Awarded Tae Kwon Do Teacher of the Year, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Dec. 2017: Promoted to 2nd Degree Blackbelt
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Sensei David Chris Andrews
3rd Dan, Tae Kwon Do
Dec. 2022: Promoted to 3rd Degree Blackbelt
Sept. 2019: Awarded Black Belt of the Year Award, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Sept. 2019: Inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Jun. 2010: Promoted to 1st Degree Blackbelt
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Sensei Ishmel Brown-Crawford
2nd Dan, Tae Kwon Do
1st Dan, Shorin Ryu Karate
Aug. 2012: KD Certified Instructor
Aug. 2012: Promoted to 2nd Degree Blackbelt
Aug. 2010: Promoted to 1st Degree Blackbelt
Sensei Larry Dillinger
2nd Dan, Tae Kwon Do
Nov. 2004: KD Certified Instructor
Nov. 2004: Promoted to 2nd Degree Blackbelt
Nov. 2001: Promoted to 1st Degree Blackbelt
Sensei Meanith Khol
1st Dan, Tae Kwon Do
Mar. 2009: KD Certified Instructor
Mar. 2008: Promoted to 1st Degree Blackbelt
Brandon Ricks
1st Dan – Dec. 2021
Andrew Schumaker
1st Dan – Jul. 2014
Joseph Connor
2nd Dan – Dec. 2013
Jun. 2010: Promoted to 1st Degree Blackbelt
Moriah Raymond
1st Dan – Sept. 2012
Melissa Aubrey
1st Dan – Mar. 2009
Emanuel Delgado
1st Dan – Jul. 2007
Jun. 1998: Promoted to Junior Blackbelt (awarded to those under the age of 16)
Joshua Connor
1st Dan – Jul. 2007
Dec. 2001: Promoted to Junior Blackbelt (awarded to those under the age of 16)
Richard Sanchez
1st Dan – Jul. 1998
Robert Boette
1st Dan – Dec. 1998
Emanuel Roman
1st Dan – Dec. 1998
Tyler Fieldhouse
Junior Blackbelt – Dec. 2001
Mary Sia
Junior Blackbelt – Dec. 1999
Johnathan Collins
Junior Blackbelt – Jul. 1999
Andrew Weaver
Junior Blackbelt – Jul. 1999
JP Boette
Junior Blackbelt – Dec. 1998
Xavier Dominici
Junior Blackbelt – Jul. 1998
Katie Monahan
Saxann Hinman