 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Black Belt Certification: November 1987 Education: Bachelors Degree, University of Miami, 1990 Certified Recreational Consultant Palm Beach County Public Schools |
| Sufu Mark C. Hagen, 3rd Degree Black Belt, Chinese Boxing Mark C. Hagen’s experience in the martial arts began in 1979 under one of the most respected, well- known and accomplished Chinese martial arts masters in the state of Florida, Master C.J. Bledsoe. Sufu Hagen holds a rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in the Chinese martial art of KUOSHU. Sufu Hagen’s studies also include Okinawa-Te, Shotokan and Praying Mantis Styles. Sufu Hagen began competitive martial arts at the age of 11 and has competed nationally and internationally in hundreds of open martial arts tournament events. His abilities and knowledge as an experienced martial arts practitioner and instructor have been proven over this time. Other awards and acknowledgements from the South Florida martial arts community include the Mel Wise award in 1989 for best competitor and multiple years ranked 1st on the South Florida open black belt tournament circuit in forms, weapons and sparring divisions. Throughout the 1980’s Sufu Hagen was instrumental in helping Master Bledsoe establish, implement and conduct a series of instructional programs for multiple organizations in the South Florida area. He was the lead member of the Perrine YMCA Martial Arts Demonstration Team that performed for various events from 1979 through 1985. In 1987, Sufu Hagen was promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt by Master C.J Bledsoe, Grandmaster S.L. Martin, and the Executive Board of the International Federation of Chinese Martial Arts. Sufu Hagen’s test scores were among the highest in the history of the organization. In 1989, Sufu Hagen attained the rank of Senior Instructor placing him directly under Master C.J. Bledsoe thereby giving him the experience of independently teaching and being tutored by Master Bledsoe himself. Sufu Hagen then became the Senior Instructor at two of the school’s locations. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami Coral Gables, Florida in 1990, Sufu Hagen pioneered 2 additional branch schools in Miami, Florida that ran successfully throughout the 1990’s. During that time period, Sufu Hagen developed his leadership abilities, program management capabilities, and the resourcefulness required to effectively and responsibly operate and maintain a leading martial arts program. Additional accomplishments during this period included multiple martial arts demonstrations and seminars through several large Miami area employers. In 2000, Sufu Hagen in cooperation with Master C.J. Bledsoe and the Florida Federation of Chinese Martial Arts promoted his first black belt student. To date, Sufu Mark C. Hagen remains committed to the goals of instilling in students the positive values that the Martial Arts has to offer. |
