Christopher Canning
Christopher James Canning
9/20/85 to 6/30/01
Chris excelled in all aspects of life and the martial arts. In school, he was an honor student, part of the choir, school band, and heavily involved in athletics playing for his school on the football, basketball and baseball teams as a starter and captain. He carried his energy into to the field of music playing classical piano, drums and guitar. As a citizen in his community, Chris helped the needy, elderly, and the homeless by collecting food and clothing. His love for animals was demonstrated by helping at his grandparents' animal shelter caring for and providing homes for abandoned animals. Friendship was sincere, he protected weaker kids from "bullies" and came to the aid of those feeling depressed. Humor was his vehicle to enrich the lives of those he was involved with each day. His greatest satisfaction came from being there when needed and making a difference.
As a martial artist, he was a nationally acclaimed 1st Dan in Taekwondo and competed for four years. During this time, he was a member of 11 different state teams, won 15 state titles and 3 national titles accumulating 15 gold, 6 silver, and 4 bronze at the state level and 3 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze in national competition. In addition, he was an AAU Taekwondo "All American", a member of the '99 U.S. Elite Team, invited to the '01
U.S. Gold Team Training Camp at the Olympic Training Center, 1999 Illinois USNTF "Athlete and Student of the Year", and 5 times "Athlete of the Week" in three different cities.
Because of his accomplishments in life and the martial arts, the martial arts community and those outside of it, have paid honor and tribute to Chris in numerous ways. Some are listed below:
* World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes honors at World Championships in Ireland
* W.O.M.A.A. adopts the "Chris Canning Outstanding International Competitor Award"
* Member of the U.S.& World Martial Art Halls of Fame and 4 International Halls of Fame
* Four National and Six International Awards have been given in his name and memory
* World Martial Arts Legend, Shihan Fumio Demura, pays tribute with recognition award
* Martial Arts World Games pay tribute with award given by Masters Jhoon Rhee & Choi
* World Black Belt's Bob Wall & Living Legends pay tribute to Chris with award of honor * Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame awards Chris "President's Medallion of Distinction" * UMAHOF honored Chris as the "Outstanding Junior Martial Artist of the Past Decade"
* International Kickboxing & Karate Hall of Fame announces induction at Midwest Open
* World Champion, Zara Phythian ofGBR, pays tribute to Chris and promotes his legacy
* Chris' legacy promoted by Martial Arts Community in Canada and the United Kingdom * World Ildokwan Federation of the UK promotes Chris to 2nd dan for achieved excellence
* US Legend & Founder lAMA, Gary Alexander, awards "Martial Arts Leadership Honor" * US Martial Arts International Hall of Fame inducts with Founder's Award for Excellence * US Legend 1 World Champion, Tokey Hill, honors Chris at Arnold Martial Arts Festival
* US Olympic Committee's CEO, Jim Scherr, honors at the USAT National Championship * US Olympic National Team Coach, Han Won Lee, writes extensive tribute in his memory * Taekwondo and Global Halls of Fame present special recognition awards honoring Chris
* World 1 National Champions have given their Gold Medals, to the family, in Chris' honor * Featured Articles published in Taekwondo Times, Black Belt, Taekwondo Today, MMA * U.S. President, George W Bush, sent personal letter of recognition & tribute to his family * U.S. Senator Dick Durbin honors Chris with speech on Senate Floor in Washington, D.C. * U.S. Congressman, Ray La Hood of Illinois, honors with a written tribute and recognition * U.S. Points of Light President's Award & U.S. President Bush's Gold Star Service Award * Midwest Championship awards Chris Canning Grand Champion Trophy & Scholarship * Illinois newspapers NBC, ABC TV do tributes, Truman College has exhibit honoring his life * Decatur Mayor declares 11/18/06 "Chris Canning Day" & awards Stephan Decatur Medal.