Mr. Sean Toppi
Axe Taekwon-Do · 6th Degree Black Belt
About Mr. Toppi
Black Belt
Mr. Sean Toppi
6th Degree Black Belt · USTF-6-245
USTF Ho-Sin-Sul Instructor
Mr. Toppi is a Grand Champion in Taekwon-Do tournaments.
Mr. Toppi is a black belt student at Axe Taekwon-Do.
Mr. Toppi began martial arts in fall 1995 and teaches college courses.
Promotions
- 6th Degree, USTF-6-245, Dec 2025, Grand Master Todd, Bellevue, NE
- 5th Degree, USTF-5-367, Nov 2020, Sr. Master Todd, Bellevue, NE
- 4th Degree, USTF-4-706, Nov 2016, Sr. Master Todd, Bellevue, NE
- 3rd Degree, USTF-3-1247, May 2013, Master Todd, Bellevue, NE
- 2nd Degree, USTF-2-3018, April 2011, Master Todd, Bellevue, NE
- 1st Degree, A-1-8923, Mr. Meek, Bellevue, NE
Certifications
- USTF Class B Instructor, November 2014 - #247
- USTF Class C Instructor, Mar 27, 2011 #921
- USTF Class A Referee, Feb 18, 2017
- USTF Class B Referee, Mar 2, 2013
- USTF Class C Referee, Jan 15, 2011
- USTF Step Sparring Seminar, September 2019
- USTF Basic Ho Sin Sul, July 2018
- USTF Breaking Seminar, April 2014
- USTF Knife & Weapons Course, July 2010
Competition highlights
Grand Champion
- Casper Taekwon-Do Tournament - 2025
2017 Internationals
- Bronze Medal Sparring
- Bronze Medal Team Breaking
2011 Internationals
- Bronze Medal Hvy BB Male Sparring
Seminars and continuing education
- 2023 Hours: 24 - USTF Breaking Seminar - MS
- - USTF Breaking Seminar - WA
- - USTF Referee Seminar - NE
- 2022 Hours: 16 - USTF Technical Seminar - CO
- - Sereff TKD World Camp - CO
- 2020-2021 no requirements Covid
- 2019 Hours: 24 - USTF Technical Seminar - CO
- - USTF Step Sparring - MO
- - USTF Referee Seminar - NE
- 2018 Hours: 16 - USTF HSS Course - MO
- - USTF Breaking Seminar - MI
- 2017 Hours: 24 - USTF Breaking Seminar - UT
- - USTF Referee Course - CO
- - USTF Technical Seminar- CO
Personal profile
- Date stated Martial Arts: Fall 1995
- Birthday: October 1st, 1986 Where were you born: Syracuse, NY What countries/states have you lived in: New York, California, Washington, Nebraska What sports/hobbies do you have other than Taekwon-Do: Playing guitar, drawing, learning
- Favorite part of class: All particularly the courtesy/etiquette demonstrated between all students and instructors. Also, trying to master the difficult physical techniques (e.g. fade away reverse turning kicks, etc.) Least favorite part of class: Not being able to do certain movements can be humbling, and forgetting the basics is sometimes embarrassing. But on the positive side, this pushes you to become a better student/teacher of TKD in the long run (as long as you are motivated and willing to correct your mistakes) What is your favorite food: Whatever I can afford. But i usually try to steer away from fast food.
- 6th dan testing - 4 tile reverse knife hand - Dec 2025
- Highest level of education: Bachelor's degree, currently working on masters
- Current profession: College Teacher
- What did you want to be when you were a child: Pro wrestler or astronomer
- What are your brother & sisters names: One brother - Joseph Toppi
Taekwon-Do interview
- Why did you start to train in Taekwon-Do?
- A family activity, to learn self defense.
- What made you interested enough to join?
- It seemed cool & interesting.
- What did you think being a Black Belt meant before you started training?
- Never really thought about it, I was young.
- What do you think being a Black Belt means now?
- Taking your martial art seriously, striving to become an expert in it and exemplifying the tenets of TKD in all walks of life, and setting an example for others in the process.
- What changed your opinion?
- I've had 2 major changing points. The first was in the months before earning my black belt: I realized that being a black belt meant that some things would change. I would have more responsibility as far as teaching and set an example for others. Although I took on these tasks, I am not sure that I really took TKD seriously as a "way of life". As high school progressed and I found a job, I found myself having little free time, so I stopped attending TKD. The second turning point came about 8 years later (present day). I finally had free time and one day on a whim decided to check out the dojang and see if anybody was still there that I knew. Sure enough Master Todd, Mr. Bushor and Ms. Bowing were there, training just as I had been years ago. Their commitment inspired me, and I began to look at TKD with a more mature perspective. I started to understand that is a "way of life", and a good one at that. The tenets of TKD took on a new meaning in this new more mature perspective, as well as the purpose of training. I now realize that it is imperative for me to take care of both my mind and body and TKD helps with both of these tasks.
- What do you like the most about Taekwon-Do?
- Learning to defend myself. It's an excellent workout. Spending time with genuinely courteous/kind people. It provides an excellent teaching opportunity (as an added benefit, teaching often helps you identify and work on your own shortcomings) Challenging myself to do better... and we can ALL do better (with the exceptions of the Masters, Grand Masters and Senior Grand Masters)
- What do you want to accomplish now?
- Keep my body in shape and strive to become better at my martial art, maybe win some tournaments.
I also realized being a black belt is a major responsibility; a black belt is a person who should strive to epitomize what TKD is about, both in terms of the aspects (tenets and student oath) and in knowledge of the art itself (movements, patterns). I am now striving to become an expert in my martial art, to encompass the tenets of TKD both inside and outside of class, and to set an example along the way. I feel that is what being a black belt is about, and its a perspective that took many years to reach
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