Thomas Morrison, Mike Hornung, Adam Miller, and Robert Gray.

Adam Miller of Potsdam was recently promoted to fifth degree black belt in Taekwondo by the Independent Taekwondo Association.

With this promotion, Miller also receives the title of “master instructor.”

Miller is a Marine Corps veteran who has studied martial arts for over 25 years, mostly under Senior Master Robert Gray and the late Master Phil Gray.

Miller's test was overseen by Gray, Master John Danis, and Master Thomas Morrison.

It consisted of patterns demonstration, self defense applications, freestyle sparring and board breaking.

The Independent Taekwondo Association is headed by Grandmaster John Pellegrini.

Miller was also promoted to third degree black belt in the art of Combat Hapkido by Pellegrini's International Combat Hapkido Federation.

Miller currently teaches Taekwondo and Combat Hapkido at Adirondack Martial Arts in Brasher Falls.

In front are Nick Hunter, Zane Gardner, Jesse Bleuer, and Nick Radar. In back are Mark Williams, Thomas Morrison, Adam Miller, Robert Gray, and Mike Hornung.

Also promoted at the ceremony were Mark Williams of Parishville, to fourth degree black belt in Combat Hapkido; Mike Hornung of Brasher Falls to second degree black belt in Combat Hapkido; Zane Gardner of Dekalb to second degree black belt in Taekwondo; and Nick Hunter of Canton to second degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Mark Wood of Rochester, who was unable to attend, was promoted to third degree black belt in Combat Hapkido.

Following the promotions, a color belt test was held for other students of the school.