When Statesboro’s Eddie Lott opened the envelop this summer, he was completely surprised.
The letter inside brought good news — Lott had been nominated into the USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame and was named Master Instructor of the Year. The accolade was especially meaningful to Lott, whose previous awards came from a different group, the American Taekwondo Association (ATA).
“It’s an honor because this award is from an organization not exclusive to the ATA but includes all styles of martial arts,” said Lott, who was officially inducted last month during a ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Lott was nominated for the award by Dr. Phillip Davis, a member of the board of directors for the USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame. Davis, a St. Simons Island resident and sixth-degree black belt, said he recognized Lott’s talents and wanted to honor him. Davis’ grandson, Nash, is a student at Lott’s taekwondo school, the ATA Black Belt Academy in Statesboro.
“I’ve observed Eddie for years, and he’s a great martial artist,” said Davis.
Since he began practicing taekwondo nearly two decades ago, Lott has won numerous awards, including the 2005 World Championship in Traditional Forms and the silver medal in Forms at the ATA 2006 World Championships. He is also a fifth-degree black belt.
The USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame is an international organization represented in over 50 countries. The association is dedicated to serving its members and “recognizing individuals for their outstanding importance, achievements, contributions and positive influence resulting from their years of experience and efforts in the martial arts.”
While in Pittsburgh, Lott attended demonstrations and seminars given by martial artists from around the world.
“It was a good experience and a chance to meet interesting people from different areas of martial arts,” Lott said.
Alex Pellegrino can be reached at (912) 489-9413.
The letter inside brought good news — Lott had been nominated into the USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame and was named Master Instructor of the Year. The accolade was especially meaningful to Lott, whose previous awards came from a different group, the American Taekwondo Association (ATA).
“It’s an honor because this award is from an organization not exclusive to the ATA but includes all styles of martial arts,” said Lott, who was officially inducted last month during a ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Lott was nominated for the award by Dr. Phillip Davis, a member of the board of directors for the USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame. Davis, a St. Simons Island resident and sixth-degree black belt, said he recognized Lott’s talents and wanted to honor him. Davis’ grandson, Nash, is a student at Lott’s taekwondo school, the ATA Black Belt Academy in Statesboro.
“I’ve observed Eddie for years, and he’s a great martial artist,” said Davis.
Since he began practicing taekwondo nearly two decades ago, Lott has won numerous awards, including the 2005 World Championship in Traditional Forms and the silver medal in Forms at the ATA 2006 World Championships. He is also a fifth-degree black belt.
The USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame is an international organization represented in over 50 countries. The association is dedicated to serving its members and “recognizing individuals for their outstanding importance, achievements, contributions and positive influence resulting from their years of experience and efforts in the martial arts.”
While in Pittsburgh, Lott attended demonstrations and seminars given by martial artists from around the world.
“It was a good experience and a chance to meet interesting people from different areas of martial arts,” Lott said.
Alex Pellegrino can be reached at (912) 489-9413.
