Martial arts masters honored

Hurricane Martial Arts Tae Kwon Do school owner and headmaster, Master Gina Tatum and head instructor Master Scott Haskell have both been inducted into what is considered one of the first and oldest international martial arts halls of honor.
The U.S. Head of Family Martial Arts Association, made up of grandmasters from around the U.S. and as far away as Europe and Trinidad, awarded Tatum the prestigious "Diamond Elite Warrior of Honor Award," for excellence in the martial arts over the past 36 years.
In addition, Tatum was elected to the association's head council, which oversees a variety of martial arts related operations, including black belt promotions and certifications. A 5th degree black belt, she is only one of two female martial arts masters to serve on this prestigious council.
Haskell was inducted into the hall of honors in recognition of his contribution to the martial arts as well, reflected by the success of the students who attend Hurricane Martial Arts, located in Locust Grove, Va.
"I'm pleased to recognize Masters Tatum and Haskell. Hurricane Martial Arts is a school that prides itself in excellence in the martial arts, consistently turning out students who are true champions and exceptional martial artists," said association founder Dr. Joe Parrish, a 10th degree black belt Grandmaster.
Tatum's school was specifically recognized for maintaining a high level of training standards, promoting students only when they meet those strict standards and having students who regularly win first place in regional competitions.
This is not Tatum's first time being inducted into this particular Hall of Honor. In past years, she has won the prestigious Female Master Warrior of the Year award. In 2005, she was the first woman ever to be named Master Instructor of the Year in Tae Kwon Do by the U.S. Head of Family Martial Arts Assn.
In fact, this is the sixth time this year alone Tatum has been inducted into a hall of fame or honor, and will be inducted again to another this January. She's also slated to be featured in an upcoming issue of Tae Kwon Do Times magazine, the leading publication for that martial art.
At this point in her martial arts career though, there is nothing more rewarding for Tatum than working with youngsters.
"I appreciate the honors I am humbled to receive. But the real reward for me is seeing my students succeed at everything they try," said Tatum. "Teaching children martial arts is my passion. I explain to them that everything they do, they must do from their heart. When they do things from their heart, they begin to experience understanding and joy."
Haskell, who serves as Tatum's chief instructor, echoes those same thoughts.
"It's not about how many awards we as teachers receive. It's about the students, helping them set and achieve goals. It's about teaching them martial arts techniques along with coping skills for life," said Haskell. "Our students are the reason our school has been recognized at the international level."
In accepting her numerous awards this year, Tatum acknowledges teachers she's had, including Grand Master Byung-Chul Yu, who trained directly under Gen. Choi Hong Hi, the founder of Tae Kwon Do, for encouraging her to open Hurricane Martial Arts.
Hurricane Martial Arts students who were also nominated for induction into the Hall of Honor include: 1st Degree Black belt Augustino Ruotolo for Outstanding Assistant Tae Kwon Do Instructor of Honor and 13-year-old Brown belt Sierra Stockton for Outstanding Youth Martial Arts Leadership Award of Honor. Both are from Orange.