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BULLETIN BOARD
PARTICIPANT PROFILES
Click HERE to return to entry page
Click on a name to view profile:
Andrea Sarda
Daniel Perez
Jeanne
Rankin
Jeremy
Olson
John Dowding
John G
Jarret
John
Shaw
Jonny Black
Karen Cohn
Marvin
Pelaez
Mary Richards
Matt M
Matt Wallis
Matthew
Gibb
Michael B
Michael
Munyon
Patrick
Falvey
Patrick
Steele
Piotr Bernat
Robert
Martin
Rob Tyler
Sebastien
Temlett
Troy F White
Vance Case
Andrea Sarda 25
USA
Single, Work as an LPN, going
to University for BSN
Did Isshin Ryu Karate as a child, ITF TKD since age 15
Tested for first dan with GM Sereff, Tested for second dan with Master Nunez
Goals-
1) I think one of the most important things we can do in the martial arts is be a good example, an example of technique
and skill if we are able, and good moral examples for all of us.
2) To place at Nationals and go to a World Championship and to take advantage of the things I can do while still
young.
Pictures from my school- http://www.geocities.com/albuquerquetaekwon/pics.html
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Daniel Perez 38 Canberra
Australia
Married (1997), Thomas (5),
and one on the way!
Help Desk Analyst - IBM
Began some training in boxing at the local Police Boys Club when I was 15 (1980). I began Taekwon-do training in
June 1985 with the Rhee TKD School (With Patrick). This was the only TKD club in Canberra at the time. In 1987,
the chief instructor broke away from Rhee TKD and formed the Australian National School of Traditional Taekwon-do,
or National TKD for short.
1st degree black belt in TKD was achieved in September 1988.
Graded by Allen Byrne 4th degree.(National TKD)
I became an Assistant Instructor with National TKD in 1989 before my career in hospitality made it impossible to
continue to commit to this role. In October 1993, I attended an International Instructors Course taught by the
late General Choi Hong Hi. It was at this point that I joined the ITF headed by the General. On the 19th of October
1993, the very first ITF club was opened in the A.C.T.
In early 1994, I moved to Sydney to train with the Australian squad who were in preparation for the World Championships
to be held in Malaysia later that same year. After training 6 days a week for up to 4 hours a day, I competed in
the selection trials in North Sydney on the 14th of June in sparring to qualify for the Australian team to go to
the Worlds! In August, the team travelled to Malaysia to compete on the world stage. This experience brought home
much wisdom about competitive Taekwon-do.
2nd degree black belt in TKD was achieved in March 1995.
Graded by Mr Michael Daher 6th degree.(Il ShimTKD) (Now a Master)
In June of 1995, I attended my second 3-day International Instructors Course conducted by General Choi.
3rd degree black belt in TKD was achieved in January 1998.
Graded by Mr Robert Lai 6th degree (Lai TKD) (Now a Master)
Also in January 1998, I attended my third 3-day International Instructors Course conducted by General Choi.
In January 1999, the club took an elite team to the Oceanic Championship, which coincided with a Master Choi Jung
Hwa International Instructors Course. Both myself and one of my leading students (Phil Grove), performed exceedingly
well to make the Australian Squad for the World Championship to be held in Argentina later that year. Unfortunately,
we both had injuries in the preparation that prevented us from going to Argentina. Mine was a slipped disc in my
lower back.
In early 1999 I began driving to Sydney once a week to train with Master Geoff Booth in Hapkido (Lineage: Dojunim
Ji Han Jae). This was a regular 3-hour drive there and 3 hours back.
Red belt(2nd kup) was achieved in June 2000 in Hapkido after finishing a month long live-in course at the Hapkido
HQ. Graded by Master Geoff Booth 7th degree (International Hapkido Alliance)
4th degree black belt was achieved in December 2001.
Graded by Mr Paul Cutler 7th degree (Bairui TKD at the time)
This grading was not recognised as official (except by me :-))
Tournament Victories
State:
1995 Illawarra Regional Sparring Champion - Wollongong NSW
1995 ACT Sparring Champion - Canberra ACT
1996 NSW State Sparring Champion - Sydney NSW
1996 NSW State Sparring Champion - Wollongong NSW
1997 VIC State Sparring Champion - Melton VIC
National:
1998 Australian Sparring Champion - Ballina NSW
1999 Oceanic Sparring Champion - Melbourne VIC
2001 Australasian Power-Breaking Champion - Melbourne VIC
2002 Australian Sparring Champion - Canberra ACT
International:
1994 Australian Representative - World Championships in Malaysia
1999 Australian Team Qualifier - World Championships in Argentina
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Jeanne Rankin, 39 Central Texas
USA
Single-divorced. Martial Arts
Background: After returning to college to finish my bachelor's degree, I discovered to my horror that I had to
take some sort of phys ed class. Not being the most athletic person in the world, I was not happy. My advisor suggested
Intro to Martial Arts. I told him that I didn't want to put up with any sort of macho attitudes by some instructor
on a testosterone high (sorry guys! That was my attitude at the time!). After much cajoling, I took the class,
loved tae kwon do, fell in love with the instructor (not something I recommend to everyone!), and began competing
in a tournament circuit here in Texas.
This past summer I test for 1st Dan. I teach the kids class at my school and found my passion in teaching! I love
it!
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Jeremy
Olson, 32 Latrobe, PA, USA
Location: Latrobe, PA (southwestern PA- we have the highest frequency of both Bigfoot sightings and multiple personality
disorder diagnoses in the Eastern US)
Occupation: Juvenile Probation Officer (until I can get the Do-Jang up full-time).
MA Background: Trained since 1981 with friends who were belted, no formal belt system. Began the ITF style of TKD
in 1987. After moving to and back from colleges, I earned I Dan in 1996, II in 1998 and III in 2002, all under
the same independent instructor (no affiliations). Opened my own Do-Jang in 2002 and currently continue to build
this. Affiliated with the ITU as an Instructor and Chartered School, no three way split there. I have read the
previous posts on this site RE: Master Merritt, and find him to be an excellent Martial Artist and very kind human
being.
Other Education: BS in Psychology, 1993, MS in Administration of Justice, 1997. Certified as a Senior Instructor
of Control Tactics with the Protective SAFETY Systems and as an NRA Law Enforcement Handgun/Shotgun Firearms Instructor.
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John Dowding,
40 South West England
Single, Formerly;
Purple Belt Wado Ryu
Black Belt English Contact Karate Association (Instructor Red Walcott)
Dabbled in Tai Chi and Wing Chun
Currently 2nd Degree UKITF (Instructors Mr M Ogbourne and Mr R Gayle) Assistant Instructor to them at Bath TKD
club.
Co-Instructor of Warminster TKD Club.
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John
G Jarrett 43 Western
Australia
Born: March 1960
Work: Wundowie Foundry (IT, metallurgical, administration, general fill in)
Kids: Two boys (23 & 18) One girl (21) One grandchild (Emily, who is 3, now I remember why we stopped having
kids)
Interests: Martial Arts, Fire & Rescue Service (20 yrs), Information Technologies (IT)
Master Instructor: Master Low, Ming Tuck. (Low Taekwon-Do Academy)
Instructors: Mr & Mrs Bret Finlay (Now retired from TKD)
1st Degree ITF November 2000 (Master Low)
2nd Degree ITF March 2003 (Master Low)
Seminars: IIC Perth 1999 (Master Choi Jung Hwa), 1 day Perth 2003 (Master Choi Jung Hwa)
Dabbled in Wing Chun (WWCKFA) under Sifu Peter Guy (Perth Wing Chun Academy) and travelled to Melbourne (The least
known side of Australia ;-) for seminars held by Grandmaster William Cheung. (It would be great to find the time
to get back into Wing Chun.)
Since August 2003 I currently run/own 3 clubs (Swan Martial Arts), Wundowie and Wooroloo (previously Mr Finlay’s)
and Warnbro YMCA.
What started out as “something to do too get fit” in my late thirties, has ended up being something that consumes
most of my time and money.
Martial artists regardless of art or affiliation stand out as a community of people who for the most part are friendly
and considerate as they help others find ones inner strengths and qualities. This is the hook, this is what makes
being part of this community such a wonderful, challenging and sometime heart breaking experience.
It’s full of Life…
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John
Shaw 49 Ontario CANADA
Married with one son and a wife who likes
to claim a 4th degree white belt :- )
I had some experience with Judo and Ju-Jitsu prior to TKD - but at 6'5' I found the tumbling not well suited to
my body style (I still struggle with some of the tumbles in self-defence or when cross training).
For my first 8 months I trained at West Carleton TKD (a satellite club of Master Lu's) under Mr.Marin. I then moved
to Newmarket (north of Toronto, Canada) and I have been training for 7+ years at Woodbridge TKD under Master Cariati.
Many thanks to Mr. Plaga also who gave me many an extra hour training at his satellite club on Friday and Saturday's
for 6 months while 'cramming' 6 days a week for my first degree test in June of 2001 (with Mr. Cariati).
Unquestionably my favourite day was testing at the same time as my son for first Dan in a 9 hour marathon which
was such a perfect climax to an incredibly extended training period.
I recently tested for 2nd degree and this fall I set-up a community centre training program for kids 12 and under
in nearby Mount Albert where I teach with the assistance of my son Jamie. We train at the main dojang on the other
nights.
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Jonny
Black Exeter UK
Johnny Black has been involved in martial
arts for many years. It was way back in 1973 in Hong Kong that he started training under Master Lee Chung Ho (who
also instructed Bruce Lee) and he is now one of the top instructors in the Professional Unification of Martial
Arts. Johnny Black's talents are not just restricted to teaching and training, he is also a renowned and respected
umpire, coach and referee. He is a Sports Council approved National Coaching Foundation Qualified Coach, (N.C.F.)
as well as a Class 'A' Umpire and Class 'A' Referee. Since 1989 he has been an International Referee and was selected
to officiate at the 2000 World Championships where two of his students became World Champions. Maria Clark won
the junior heavyweight girls sparring, and Carl Lavis took the gold in the junior patterns. More recently in October
2004 John was selected to referee at the World Championships in Korea. Again John was proud to have two of his
students selected for the UK-ITF squad. In 1978 John became a Physical Training Instructor and Unarmed Combat Instructor
in the British Army, and has been a Self Defence Consultant for over 25 years. He was the Chief Instructor for
Devon and Cornwall T.A.G.B. and was responsible for setting up most of the schools in the area. Many of the the
higher grade instructors in the South West were at some time or other trained by Johnny Black. Click HERE for more.
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Karen
Cohn 37 Colorado USA
Yom-Chi Colorado State Administrator
Head Instrucotr Guk-Gi Taekwon-Do
MA in Education, Special Education Teacher
1987 Started Taekwon-Do at the Denver Central YMCA Taekwon-Do club under II Dan Doug Arnold
1990 Attended ITF USA Camp
I Dan Black Belt A-1-5176
1993 Became Assistant Youth Instructor Denver Central YMCA
Became Assistant Youth Instructor Colorado Athletic Club
1994 Became Youth Instructor Denver Central YMCA, Denver, CO
ITF International Instructors' Course CS-3-97-97, Denver, CO
II Dan Black Belt A-2-1388
USTF Class C Referee
Received Teaching Certificate, endorsed in Special Education
1995 Became Head Instructor Guk-Gi Taekwon-Do
1999 Joined Yomchi Taekwon-Do Association
Attended YCTA Conference of Black Belts and Instructor's Course, Portales, New Mexico
2000 Guest Instructor at Yomchi Taekwon-Do Academy, Lafayette, CO
2001 Elected Colorado State Administrator
Attended YCTA Summer Camp
YCTA Summer Camp, Referee Seminar, Class "C" Referee
III Dan Black Belt A-3-873
2002 Yomchi Referee Seminar, January 19th, Class "B" Referee
Black Belt Testing, January 19th, Test Board Member, "Yomchi Taekwon Do Academy"
"Competing to Win" Seminar, YomChi TaeKwon-Do Academy, Lafayette, CO
Recieved formal diploma, Master's Degree in School Guidance Counseling (Graduation date, per diploma, October 31,
2002)
International Instructor's Seminar, Albuquerque, NM, with Master Lang, Master Steiner, and Master Griffin, May
24-26
Yomchi TKD Nationals, Ring Official, Center Referee, Patterns Judge, October 19th
Testing Partner (sparring), Mr. Jack Martin (IV Dan testing) Albuquerque, NM, September 28
2003 Attended seminar taught by Master Walt Lang, hosted by Master David Drysdale, in Trenton, MI, April 26
Yomchi Black Belt Assistant Testing Instructor, Skyline Taekwon-Do, Salt Lake City, Utah (USA), June 7th
Yom Chi Taekwon-Do Tournament Official, 4th Annual Skyline Utah Classic Invitational Tournament, Referee (corner
and center), Patterns Judge, Sparring Coach, Salt Lake City, Utah (USA), June 7th
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Marvin
Pelaez, 38 Bronx New York USA
Born in Queens, New York.
Hobbies: TKD/MA and Running.
Interests: Philosophy, Theology, and Statistics.
Competition experience - not much experience here, but I have competed and will endeavour to compete more often.
Favorite technique - Twisting Kick (bituro chagui)
TKD Background:
1984 - Started training TKD. International Institute of Taekwon-Do Oh Do Kwan (IITO); Head Instructor (now) Master
Andres Mencía. 8th degree, ITF.
1988 - Earned 1st degree Black belt (IITO).
1991 - Second school: joined the International Taekwon-Do Academy (ITA) under Mr. Rudy Carrera, 5th Degree ITF.
1992 - Earned 2nd degree black belt under Master Kwan Duk Chun, 8th degree. Master Chun, former ITF master, was
one of the three original founders of ITF in Argentina.
Comment:
From 1992 on, the ITA became an independent school for a while. Although we continued to practice ITF style, but
began to practice WTF style. We trained briefly under (now) Grand Master Suk Jun Kim (9th degree of the Kukkiwon),
a former ITF 7th degree. Grand Master Suk Jun Kim was on the ITF demonstration team in the 1970s.
2001 - Third School - United Taekwon-Do Institute (UTI); Head Instructor Mr. Miguel Reyes, 6th degree ITF (his
picture performing an awesome twisting kick is at this URL address: http://www.itf-katu.com/gallery/miguel.jpg.
This picture was signed by GM Choi himself; joined KATU-ITF (now USA-ITF).
2003 - Earned 3rd degree Black belt from Grand Master Hwang, 9th degree ITF.
There you have it. I'm on the slow track in TKD advancement, but I'm very happy where I am right now. I believe
quality TKD/MA and knowledge is like a good bottle of wine - it takes time to ferment fine stuff! But then again,
that could be my excuse!
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Mary Richards, 33 Johnson VT
married and childfree
living in Johnson VT, training in Hardwick VT
master instructors: Master Stanley Parsons (ITF), Master Alba Rosario (WTF background, now teaching ITF) at Pyramid
Black Belt Academy
started TKD as a college course during the spring of 1999 with my husband, Dennis, to see if we liked it. We did
and continued with our training at the school after the course finished.
Achieved 1st Dan October 11 of this year
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Matt M, 21 Shropshire UK
1st Dan Goju karate, 1st Dan
Chun Kuhn-do, 3rd Kup Taekwon-do (ITF), have dabbled in ju-jitsu, sport karate and Lau Gar kung fu
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Matt Wallis,
32 Central Florida USA
Married, Martial arts background: After a false start where I got to green belt in Hapkido and Tang Soo Do at a
local YMCA, I began studying TKD with Han Cha Kyo's group in Chicago around 1986 or 87. By 1990 I had gotten to
red/black stripe. Unfortunately I moved away to college before testing for 1st Dan. In college, I continued to
dabble in TKD, attending a few of the clubs for short periods of time and training on my own, but I did little
formal TKD training.
I did, however, get involved in a medieval re-enactment group. That sparked a new interest, and I eventually left
the group to pursue a more serious study of European Medieval MA. Eventually I got involved with groups like The
Historical Armed Combat Assoc. (HACA), which was later renamed to The ARMA (see www.thearma.org for an idea what
it's all about). I still keep that training up about once a week, though it's very informal. We train in medieval
longsword, with some dagger and stand up grappling.
Around 1996 I returned to formal TKD study in St. Louis under a GM Yong Yun Cho. I earned my 1st dan there in 1998.
However, shortly after that the school ended up closing when Cho moved back to Korea.
Around 2002 (after another move) I began to develop an interest in grappling and sport fighting, particularly Brazilian
Jiujitsu. In the summer of 2003 I was finally able to start BJJ, though only for the 2 summer months I had off
from work. Until I'm able to return to BJJ I have been practicing wrestling (currently Folkstyle, but we'll be
switching to Freestyle and Greco in January) at a community club since Sept. I plan on wrestling in my first comp
soon.
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Matthew
Gibb 36, California
USA
matthew gibb 36, sales analyst, married
11 years. i started training in 1995 as a new year's resolution and have been a zealot ever since. i made my 1st
dan in may of 2000. my teachers are rene quinones 4th dan and don partch 6th dan. our school has rather an eclectic
mix of training. at the core we practice traditional itf tae kwon-do, but mr.partch, being a police officer, has
introduced pressure points, wrist locks, judo throws and falling as well as some elements of stick and knife fighting
from the philipino disciplines. mr. partch has also implemented some brazilian ju-jitsu and there are several classes
dedicated to only that during the week. overall i would say we are exposed to the rudiments of most popular martial
arts by the time we make 1st dan. we are based in san diego, california. i wouldn't trade our school for the world.
it has always held my interest to know there are so many different approaches and levels to combat and knowing
a little something about everything makes defending against it a little easier.
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Michael
B 24, SouthEastern USA
Occupation: Event Manager / Head of Security
Interests: God, Family, Martial Arts, Urban Culture (street gangs)
I am a student of Taekwon-Do/OhDoKwan, and have studied Muay Thai (within my local Thai and Laotion community)
as well as Kodokan Judo!
My Sabumnim/Father is a RoK certified OhDoKwan instructor as well as an International Instructor (no longer affiliated)
of the International Taekwon-Do Federation!
I am currently using my first hand knowledge of American Street Gangs to assist the local authorities in their
fight against a growing problem in our community! This knowledge along side my training in the martial sciences
allows me to help insure the safety of local entertainment venues and the patrons thereof!
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Michael
Munyon USA
Mr. Michael Munyon started the martial arts
in 1978. He has trained in numerous martial arts such as Tang Soo Do, Shotokan, Wing Chun, Chinese/American Kenpo,
Kali Escrima, and ITF Tae Kwon Do.
Publications:
Mr. Munyon has been in numerous newspapers in Kuwait, South Korea, Montana, Michigan, Nevada, and California for
his contributions to the martial arts and his community. Also, Mr. Munyon has been in Sports Karate International
Magazine (Issue 51in 1995) and January 2002 issue of Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine. Due to his expertise in Tae Kwon
Do, Mr. Munyon has also been on Armed Forces Radio/Television Network (AFRN).
Certifications:
In 1996, Mr. Munyon received his 'A' rated Instructor and Umpire/Referee certification from the USA-Korean Karate
Association. Was also selected to be the Michigan State Representative for the USA-KKA in 1996-1997. Selected once
again as the Nevada State Representative in 1998-1999. While stationed at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, Mr. Munyon
was appointed by Master Robert Wheatley, President of the United States International Tae Kwon Do Federation as
the Armed Forces Representative. Due to his affiliation and training, Mr. Munyon can issue world wide recognized
rank through the United States International Tae Kwon Do Federation/International Tae Kwon Do Federation.
Teaching Experience:
1988 Appointed as an Assistant Instructor at Wurtsmith AFB Pre-Teen Center, Oscoda, Michigan
1992 Appointed Assistant Instructor at Malmstrom AFB Youth Center, Great Falls, Montana
1995 Senior Instructor at the Jade Dragon Karate Academy, Great Falls, Montana
1996 USA-Korean Karate Association State Representative and Examiner for the State of Michigan
1997 USA-Korean Karate Association Chief Instructor/State Representative at the Munyon's Tae Kwon Do Academy, Carson
City, Nevada
1999 Chief Instructor Martin's Tae Kwon Do Academy, Lompoc, California
2000 Senior Instructor at the Wheatley's Tae Kwon Do Academy, Lompoc, California
2001 Started the first Tae Kwon Do Academy at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kingdom of Kuwait
2002 Chief Instructor at the Munyon's Tae Kwon Do Academy, Gunsan City, South Korea, Kunsan Air Base and now lives
in Mississippi.
Current Affiliations:
United States International Tae Kwon Do Federation
International Tae Kwon Do Federation
Past Affiliations:
USA-Korean Karate Association
World Tang Soo Do Federation
Hae San Martial Arts Association
Montana Kenpo/Kung Fu Society
Kenpo 2000 Family
United States Tae Kwon Do Federation
Current Instructor of Mr. Munyon
Master Robert Wheatley, 7th Degree Black Belt, President of the United States International Tae Kwon Do Federation.
Master Wheatley is an Irish and all European Champion, a Hall of Fame Inductee, a listed member in the 'Who's Who'
in the martial arts, and has trained under the founder of Tae Kwon Do General Choi Hong Hi.
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Patrick
Falvey 26 Irish now living in Nova Scotia Canada
(brrr)
3rd Dan TKD
Trained under Mr. Don Dalton in the south west of Ireland since early 1991. Never a terribly ferocious competitor,
picked up a few medals along the way in patterns - the odd sparing trophy.
Opened club in my University at the age of 18(1995), taught there for 7 yrs, As new people took over opened another
club for alumni and teenagers, ran smallish(100-150) comps for the association(now one of,if not the biggest in
Ireland) such as Intervarsities, Regional champs.
ATtended a few seminars in Ju Jutsui amongst others, will probably get around to doing it more seriously in the
next year or so.
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Patrick
Steele 38 Canberra Australia
Married . I started TKD in Canberra in June 1985, joining the local Rhee TKD school
with my friend Danny Perez (who will no doubt post something about himself in due course). Rhee Chong-chul had
trained with GM Choi in South Korea and left the ITF around the time Choi went into exile. So, Rhee TKD in the
80s looked very much like the ITF of the 60s - although, of course, we didn't know that at the time.
I received my 1st degree black belt in June 1988, a year or so after our school had broken away from the Rhee organisation
(so, now 3rd generation ITF 'style'). The trouble with our school, National TKD, was that if you didn't become
an instructor, you didn't get promoted any further. And you only became an instructor if you demonstrated the right
sort of 'politics', shall we say. I wasn't that sort of person, so I left them to it and drifted out of TKD for
awhile (which conveniently coincided with fatherhood, so I had plenty to do).
I joined the ITF in October 1993, when Danny returned from a GM Choi seminar in Sydney, ranting and raving about
the things he'd seen. It was all so different, apparently, and yet it was TKD. We formed our own organisation and
affiliated with an instructor in Sydney, but now it becomes Danny's story so I hope he'll fill in the next bit.
I taught/trained on and off through the 90s, but my domestic situation went a bit pear-shaped and TKD took a back
seat - it might've been the other way round, I can't remember. In any event, I learnt a few lessons during those
years about how and where to place certain values. 'Nuff said.
In 2000, I returned to TKD with a purpose: to help build a better ITF structure in Canberra and to get my 2nd degree
(it had been 12 years since I last graded). We had about four dojangs between us by the end of 2002 (and I had
finally got that second stripe) when things started going awry in our group. Cue, Danny.
2003 has been a very busy year for me personally. I graded to third degree in March and assumed sole responsibility
for teaching ITF in my area. My club is growing steadily and I have had to find a new dojang to accommodate the
larger numbers (now about 20). I'm planning to promote the club solidly over the coming summer months and, in fact,
we are putting on a demo this evening at our local youth centre.
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Piotr Bernat 31 Swidnik Poland
I started TKD WTF back in
1986 just as I began attending High School. The school closed in late 1989. I switched to ITF under Mr. Krzysztof
Pawlik (then 2nd Dan) and Janusz Sokol (then 1st Dan). There was a split around 1993 and J. Sokol left the ITF
with his students (I was one of them, then). In 1994 I opened my own school. We're fairly independent co-operating
with several association. My students compete in WTF, Polish Taekwondo Union (independent ITF style group) and
different open events. I did some competing in patterns, winning some medals in my younger years in both ITF &
WTF style. My present ranking in TKD is 4th Dan awarded by Euro TKD Federation, an independent group from Germany.
I also hold 3rd Dan Kukkiwon/WTF. Besides of TKD, I also did some Filipino MA and hapkido. My school's website
is www.taekwondo.prv.pl
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Robert
Martin 47 Denver Colorado USA
two children and one grandchild.
I work for a printing and publishing company as IT, scheduling, and purchasing manager.
I'm an avid reader, especially sci fi and fantasy. I love the outdoors -- hiking, camping and the like.
I began martial arts training in 1983. I started with an independent school using the Jhoon Rhee system. I dinked
around with it - even running a school for a while - before getting a brown belt.
I changed to my current school in 1988. I am a 5th dan. I tested for the following ranks:
1st Dan ITF A-1-5435 Sept 14, 1991
2nd Dan ITF A-2-1281 June 12, 1993
3rd Dan ITF A-3-591 June 15, 1996
4th Dan ITF A-4-336 June 5, 1999
5th Dan STF-5-228 May 18, 2003
For my 1st to 4th Dan I tested in front of Grand Master Charles Sereff. For my 5th Dan I tested in front of my
instructor, Master Ron Maestas.
I am a USTF and international class A referee. I have acted as score keeper, time keeper, corner judge, center
referee, and patterns judge at local, national and international events. In addition, I have been Tournament Director
and Chief Referee at various events.
USTF & ITF class A Umpire number 721 March 1, 1999.
ITF International Instructor number 1150 April 8, 2002.
ITF International Instructor Courses:
April 2002
April 2001
March 1999
April 1997
Also various other seminars related to patterns, sparring, Ho Sin Sul, weapons self defense, and pressure point/police
control tactics.
I have competed at various local and national events with the highlight being USTF Nationals in the spring of 1999.
I took 2nd place in sparring getting my b**t kicked in the process. I ended up taking 3rd in patterns after making
a bigger mistake than one of my fellow Maestas instructors. In the summer of 1999 I retired from competitve sparring.
Instead, I focused on officiating, tournament operation and coaching.
I began teaching for Master Maestas (than Mr. Maestas) in the fall of 1991. In the fall of 2000, Master Maestas
asked me and a few others to take over the day to day operations of the school. We formed a non-profit corporation
of which I am president. I am senior instructor under Master Maestas.
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Rob Tyler 27 Nottingham
UK
Living with partner (she's
also a 2nd Dan, 2.5hrs my senior)
I did a little Judo when I was a kid but not seriously.
I took up TKD in my late teens with the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain (TAGB), and have trained continuously
since. I trained in the Evesham (Worcestershire) school up to 2nd Degree, then around a year ago moved to the Selston
(Nottinghamshire) club when I moved house.
I am a qualified Umpire and am due to complete my Referee's training in early Feb.
I practiced Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do under Master Tony Johnson for around 3.5 years grading to 1st Gup Red Belt,
then my local school closed.
I took up Ju Jutsu with the Tai Jutsu Kai and trained for around 4 years grading to Brown II Belt, before moving
house.
I have attended as many seminars as possible including:
Master Willie Lim (several times),
Master Dave Oliver,
Henk Meijer (WTF),
Soke Fumon Tanaka (Ju Jutsu & KoBudo),
Carley Gracie (BJJ)
Sensei Ross Iannoccaro (Ju Jutsu)
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Sebastien
Temlett, Zambia AFRICA
Taekwon!!!
Hey I know I'm probably going to be the youngest entry here but anyway...
I live in Kitwe, Zambia Africa. I moved here from Zimbabwe when I was twelve and I'm now 15. I started TKD here
in Zambia with a Zimbabwean instructor Mr. Tonderai Mutasa who moved here the same time as me and it completely
changed my life. I don't think I would have stayed here as long as I have if I hadn't been doing TKD.
Well I'm Currently 4th gup hoping to get my 2nd gup soon.. Nd then start training to get my black...Hopefully...
Probably by the end of this year...
Anyway... thanks Mr.Mutasa and all the Masters and Instructors out there
;)
Troy F White Oshawa ON Canada
I started my formal martial
arts training in about ’74 in Judo.
In Taekwon-do, I’m blessed to be a student of (the Late) GM Park J. T. and his Top students, Rim S.H. & Rim
S. Y. I was able to be a founding member of the GTF and help in the development of the GTF Tul. I’ve had the pleasure
to train under and give a demonstration for Taekwon-do’s founder, Gen. Choi. Over the years I’ve met and/or trained
with many I.T.F. Instructors, Masters and Grand Masters, as well as, W.T.F. & Independent TKD Instructors,
Masters and Grand Masters and I couldn’t do any justice trying to mention all of them and their influence here.
I’ve had extensive exposure to competition and fared well in Patterns, Sparring and Breaking. (Regional, Provincial,
National, International and World Medals.)
Cross training in martial arts is a passion of mine. I’ve been able to experience other arts with Masters like:
V. Vasiliev, M. Ryabko, Guru Dan Inosanto, Rigan & Carlos Machado, Frank Cucci, Benny Urquidez, Nimir Hassan,
Oleg Taktaroff, Bill Wallice, Gene LeBelle, and many others. And train in such arts as Russian MA (Combat Sambo
Spetsnaz), Kali, BJJ, Boxing, Catch, Kempo, Mauy Thai, Kick-Boxing and lots of others.
I’m a constant STUDENT of Martial Arts and read whatever I can get my hands on, and watch whatever tape/DVD I can
get. I try to keep and open mind to everything and I don’t just look or watch, I STUDY! I study everything as related
to martial arts. My main focus at this time are Reality Based systems (actually started back in ’86) and how to
better train the average person, not the ‘Supermen and Superwomen’, for their own personal knowledge and safety.
Founder/Creator of D.I.R.E.C.T. Defense (Reality Based Self Defense/Martial Art System)
Certified P.P.C.T. Instructor (Defense Tactics, Cuffing and Expandable Baton)
Certified Instructor - Russian Martial Art / Systema. (One of the First in North America)
International Instructor/Examiner TKD.
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Vance
Case, 53 Pennsylvania USA
Married (2 children, 2 grandchildren),
Veterinarian, III dan ChinMuKwan TKD
Had my first lesson in Vietnam in 1970 from 1st Lt ROK officer
Started TKD classes in Denver in 1972 instructor was (at that time 1st dan Walter Lang).
Stopped training in 1974 - marriage, job, etc.
Restarted training in 1988 under David Burns Selinsgrove PA
1997 tested for 3rd dan injured at test one year off due to surgery on knee
Interests - TKD, mythology, golf.
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