Sunday, December 2, 2018
Donnie Hamele was a black belt - a longtime martial arts student who trained hard and worked his way up the ranks. Due to an accident that left with limited usage of his arms and legs, Don had to work a lot harder to succeed. He chose to train with us because we pushed even harder and cut him no slack.
He started with us back in the mid-1990s and studied Taekwondo under Master Robert Gray, working his way up to advanced blue belt. Studying the patterns was very difficult for him, as were many of the advanced sparring combinations, so we transitioned him into the more 'self defense' heavy Combat Hapkido.
In Combat Hapkido, Don worked a modified curriculum built around what he needed (strengthening and breakfalls) and techniques to protect himself (strikes, locks, and weapons). As a Combat Hapkido student, he earned 1st and 2nd level ground survival certification as well as his 1st and 2nd dan Combat Hapkido rank.
Don could be grumpy, but given that he was in pain most of the time, it was understandable. He was also technically sound and a very tough fighter. People who underestimated him learned the hard way to take him seriously.
Donnie Hamele personified the 'never give up' attitude that is symbolized by the black belt. Donnie didn't just earn his black belt, he was a black belt.
He was also a good friend and one tough dude. He'll be missed.
Rest in Peace Donnie - you earned it.
