Lethbridge man receives eighth-degree blackbelt in judo
LETHBRIDGE, AB – Joe Meli is the highest-ranking judoka in Alberta and has received a new honour.
He was awarded an eighth-degree black belt from Judo Canada during a ceremony in Montreal on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
He says it was great to be promoted to one of the sport’s top ranks, but it was something that should have happened a few years ago.
“I was eligible to get my eighth-degree black belt, actually, in February 2020. One thing lead to another and COVID and this-and-that. Here I am finally getting my eighth-degree, so I’m excited,” says Meli.