Melbert Lee, Jr. was formally presented with his Godan 
certificate at the banquet. Instructor Lee's certificate 
was signed by 5 Grandmasters, one of which was the 
noted Grandmaster Gary Alexander. Grandmaster Gary
Alexander stated " normally I don't sign certificates,
but knowing the quality of this man's teachers, I am
happy to put my name on his certificate."  

The signees were:

Grandmaster Gary Alexander   -   Combat Isshinryu
Grandmaster Maurice Msarsa   -  Isshinryu
Grandmaster Willie G. Wilson    -  Mixed Martial Arts
Grandmaster Lisa McManus     -  Military Arnis
Grandmaster Jeffrey Delaney   -  Modern Arnis
Master Melbert Lee, Sr.             -   Isshinryu
Master William Mason                -  Isshinryu
Master Frank Tasetano             -  Shorinryu
Sensei Daryl Cox                        -  Isshinryu
Sensei Jon Whitehead              -  Isshinryu

Melbert Lee, Jr. was also inducted into the World Karate Union
Hall of Fame as Instructor of the year for 2007. Master Frank Tasetano
presented him with the award.

By virtue of its expertise in cross training, 
Karate 5 received this award:

Outstanding Achievement of the Year,
Crosstraining, Mixed Martial Arts.