Fourteen martial artists from Purple Dragon dojos in Tortola and Virgin Gorda reached a significant milestone, earning black belts at the 150th grading event in Trinidad and Tobago on December 1.
The students returned home to a celebratory welcome at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on December 2, greeted by family and friends. Guided by Grand Master Professor Don Jacob, Shihan Bevon Baptiste, and Sensei Vern Turnbull, the candidates showcased dedication and skill during the event, held in honour of Grand Master Jacob’s 70th anniversary.
From Shihan Baptiste’s dojos, six students, including Delice James, Abbria Hodge, Trisson Mills, Asia Laurac, Sowmaya Faulkner, and Israel George, earned jet black belts, with Lavonda Jeffers advancing to black belt brown stripe.
Sensei Turnbull’s dojo also saw six students, including Nicholas Joseph, Errol Percival, Myles Penn, Samuel Penn, A’Nia Turnbull, and Lyannah Turnbull, achieve black belts. Myles Penn earned the prestigious Hall of Fame Young Martial Artist of the Year award, and Matthew Penn attained a third-degree black belt with the title Senpai.
Shihan Baptiste was also inducted into the Hall of Fame – “Overcoming Adversity”, which honours members who have triumphed over significant challenges, showcasing their resilience, determination and unwavering martial arts spirit.
Reflecting on the achievement, Shihan Baptiste emphasized the outstanding global participation and dedication demonstrated at the grading.