Two Karate Masters receive higher degrees

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Two local men were honored for gaining another degree in their black belts.
Cozacks Karate Club honored Grand Master Jeff Hardwick for receiving his 8th degree in black belt and Master Butch Morgan for receiving his 6th degree.

“This is like a dream come true when I first started I never imagined being the head of the school, head of the club, and at this rank,” said Morgan.
“It was just an awesome experience and quite an honor and again a blessing for me even to be around and still training and teaching,” said Hardwick

After the first degree of being a black belt the person cannot raise to the next degree until they wait the amount of years each degree requires. Master Morgan is a 6th degree Rokudan and has been an active member for about 33 years. Where as Grand Master Hardwick is an 8th degree Hachidan and has been an active member for about 45 years.

“I’m blessed and fortunate to have taught three generations of students,” said Hardwick. “I thought I was pretty old when I had a student come in and say you taught my dad. Now I have students come in and say you taught my grandpa.”

Cozacks Karate Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at the community center located on Jackson street.