It's been 37 years since Wayne Simon began training in taekwondo - and he's still learning and refining his skills.
Earlier this month, Wayne received his seventh degree black belt certificate from Grand Master Chong Lee at a taekwondo forum in Roddickton.
The grand master has been Wayne's original and sole master through his nearly four decades of training.
"I'm the third oldest student studying with Grand Master Lee," noted Wayne, who turns 59 in January.
Wayne began his taekwondo training in 1974 and started teaching the martial art three years later. He received his first level black belt in 1979.
"I'm the third oldest student studying with Grand Master Lee." - Wayne Simon
His roles with the sport have included directing the Taekwondo Association of Canada and coaching various national and provincial teams. He was inducted into the provincial taekwondo hall of fame in 1999.
Wayne also continues to teach students enrolled with the Stephenville Taekwondo Club, located at the West Coast Training Centre in Stephenville.
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Master Simon, Congratulations on receiving your certification. It is well deserved and long overdue! Thank you for all you have done for TKD in NL...National champions, holding the only National championships in NL, founding director of TKD NL and Taekwondo Canada...you have done it all. On a personal note, thank you for being a mentor and true friend. JENS