On July 28th 2018, Dr. Odette Russell was invited to Shihan Ian Evans' Black Belt Ceremony.

​

"I was honored to be invited to attend Shihan Ian Evans’ Black Belt Ceremony yesterday. I sat on the dais beside my husband Sijo Abdul Mutakabbir, Soke Haisan Kaleak, Soke Runako Mashama with his beautiful wife, Sensei Keristos Semra Mashama, Professor Gerald McWilliams, and Shihan Joy Thornton. This event really touched my heart as they promoted their first female black belt (she trained for 9 years). What an impressive school Shihan Evans have, full of talented, skilled and very gifted students. You are doing a phenomenal job Shihan Evans."