11/02/2021
Prof. L. C. Collins continues to make history. East Tenn. School of Taekwondo/Karate, founder and chief instructor. USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Awards and a Promotion.
Sept. 18, 2021, Prof. Collins was inducted for the 2nd time into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as "Multi-Disciplined Man of the Year". In 1969, Prof. Collins combined Taekwondo and Kempo Karate and with this system continuing to evolve over the years, it's an excellent form of self defense and still serves us well today.
Oct. 1, 2021, Prof. Collins was promoted by the USA Martial Arts Alliance Board of Directors to the rank of "Sokeship 10th Degree Black Belt". Officially, he is the Grandmaster and Head of his organization. This is the highest rank that a Black Belt can receive in the Martial Arts.
Prof. Collins has been active in the Martial Arts for 56 years (53 of those years teaching in Kingsport). He has held the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt since May 1995, under the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Prof. Collins is honored to receive these awards and feels very blessed. He thanks his wife, Delilah, for her love and support over the years. She has always been there for him. She is the love of his life.
He also thanks God for all the trials he has brought him through. Especially for being a COVID survivor. On Oct. 15, 2020, "I got COVID and almost died. My wife took care of me 24/7 for weeks. This virus was the worst experience I have ever had in my life. It damaged my lungs permanently. I use oxygen 24 hours a day. Thank the Lord, I am still able to teach every class with the help of my oxygen and my Black Belts. God is good to me."
"I am a very blessed man. Lord willing, I will continue to teach, as long as students want to learn and work form what they want. We are here to make each student successful in life through the practice of Martial Arts. I am grateful for all the students I have taught over the years and glad to have been a part of their life."
- Prof. L. C. Collins