The sounds of Tae Kwon-Do will soon be echoing through the Penhold Regional Multiplex gymnasium.
Advantage Tae Kwon-Do's 2014-15 training season will be starting Sept. 8 and holding classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for students from Olds to Red Deer.
“We usually have between 45 and 50 students,” said Master Darryl Witcher of the 24-year-old club. “Our students range from age six to their late 50s, and I have trained with people into their 70s, although they are more cautious with their training.”
Classes are taught in a non-contact environment with emphasis placed on proper technique rather than fighting in the dojang (training gym), with different skill levels separated out and taught in small groups.
Witcher has a strict set of rules that govern his dojang, requiring students to wear their dobok (fighting uniform), to be on time, to be free of jewelry and dangerous nails, and to obey all dojang rules.
“Our mix of students, other than age, includes green and yellow belts all the way up to black belt,” said Witcher. “We do testing twice a year on November 28 and February 27, black belt inclusive, for our students.”
His assistant instructor, 25-year-old Keiland Stiglitz, who has a black belt, particularly enjoys the testing nights.
“I love watching the students when they go from green to yellow or brown,” said Stiglitz. “When I was a young student, I felt what they feel when they move up. I understand the feeling of pride they have in their accomplishments, and it makes every hour of practice worth it.”
Stiglitz has studied the Korean art of Tae Kwon-Do since she was nine years old, but took about four years off.
“It's around 13 years that I have been in Tae Kwon-Do,” said Stiglitz. “I have learned so much in the dojang about discipline and patience. Tae Kwon-Do is so much about attitude, it becomes part of you.”
Witcher is a 28-year practitioner of Tae Kwon-Do who discovered the martial art when he lived in the Crowsnest Pass.
“Originally, I took it with my son. He stopped, I kept on going,” added Witcher. “In 1990, I started Advantage Tae Kwon-Do and we have had very good students over the years.”
The club founder noted that students study the Korean martial art for fitness, for self-defence, for socialization, self-control and confidence, and a variety of other reasons.
“At close to 60 years of age, I find personal satisfaction and have seen emotional, physical and mental benefits through Tae Kwon-Do,” said Witcher. “When you become a Master, you are almost compelled to teach others. I enjoy instructing my students, and will do so as long as I can.”
Advantage Tae Kwon-Do is part of United Tae Kwon-Do Canada and registration costs $65 per month for either four- or eight-month periods. More information on the club can be found at www.advantagetkd.ca.
