LANSING, Ill. — The air inside Universal Martial Arts Ministry (UMAM) was filled with anticipation on Saturday, Nov. 8, as students, families and community members gathered for the annual American Chun Kuhn Do Black Belt Promotion Ceremony.
Under the guidance of Master Mike Adams, also known to his students as Master El, the event celebrated not only physical skill but also perseverance, humility and the deep sense of community that defines the Lansing school.
A Celebration of Discipline and Growth
For Master El, the ceremony represented more than an annual milestone — it was a testament to years of training, character building and self-discipline.
“This is our annual black belt testing and promotion,” he said. “Within that exam, there are students who are testing for their first black belt, as well as others advancing to second and third degrees.”
Testing began after an opening demonstration that featured synchronized team forms, weapons performances and board breaking. Students ranging from first-degree candidates like Elijah Cross and LaKeisha Poole to advanced practitioners like Isaiah Poole, Zoe Guevara and Liz Morelos performed with focus, precision and pride.
The ceremony included weapon and kicking combinations to self-defense routines and ground fighting — all leading up to the final round of board breaking. Each section highlighted the discipline, endurance and mental strength that UMAM instills in its students.
The Student Perspective: Perseverance and Family
Among the testing candidates was student James Mangerson, who described the experience as challenging but deeply rewarding.
“It’s a really tiring experience, but in the end, it’s very rewarding,” he said. “It teaches you discipline and to never give up even when life gets hard.”
For LaKeisha Faye Poole, taekwondo became a family journey shared with her son, Isaiah.
“I actually started off as a parent,” she said. “My son Isaiah was working toward his black belt and they told me if I wanted to help him, I had to become one myself. After that, I was hooked. Through all the time and injuries, I can honestly say this is the best thing I’ve ever done. My body feels good, and I get to do this with my son — it’s something we’ll never forget.”
Parent Jessica Steele echoed that same pride as she watched her daughter, De’Janae, test for her first-degree black belt.
“I’m proud of all the kids,” Steele said. “They’ve worked so hard, and they all deserve to be here.”
The Master’s Legacy and Lansing’s Pride
Master El has trained in taekwondo for more than 27 years and studied under martial arts pioneer Kim Bok Man. He described his school as a “pedigree program,” noting that he is one of only five students directly trained by Master Kim. “That’s something I’m proud to continue here in Lansing,” he said.
Under his leadership, UMAM has become nationally recognized, with students like Zoe, Liz and Isaiah earning championship titles in both forms and weapons competitions. “We’ve swept every tournament category for the past five years,” Adams said. “We’re one of the top schools in the country. But more important than that, this is about the community. It’s about showing Lansing what’s possible when discipline and purpose come together.”
Community and Connection
The event was open to the public and featured free food and refreshments — a simple but meaningful way to bring Lansing residents together.
“We want people to come, watch, and see what’s available right here in their neighborhood,” Master El said.
The turnout was even better than expected. “I had 100 chairs set up, and we had 130 people in attendance,” Master El said. “I think the students did an amazing job, and many spectators said they enjoyed the experience and how it brought the community together.”
All 18 students who tested passed their exams, marking the event as not just a success in numbers but in spirit. For those who attended, the message was clear: taekwondo at UMAM is about more than earning a belt — it’s about family, respect and the lifelong lessons that come from dedication.
