THE popular martial art Rhee Tae Kwon-Do looks set to continue growing in the Gladstone region after the recent opening of a new class and appointments of new instructors.
Regional instructor Ken Jones opened the Calliope classes after the promotion of new assistant instructors in the region.
Six students including Jodine Cragg, Paul Wilson, Jamie Morris and Tom Bishop were promoted to first degree black belts in December, a position which sees them act as assistant instructor.
Steven Cragg was also rewarded with promotion to Gladstone branch instructor and now oversees the teaching of the art to Gladstone participants.
Cragg has been training in the martial art since late 2000 and was promoted to first degree black belt in June 2002.
He said it was common for beginners to progress to black belt status in approximately three years. “I like the discipline and self-confidence it provides children and adults alike,” he said.
Rhee Tae Kwon-Do is a non-contact school to learn the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon-Do.
It is popular throughout Australia and New Zealand and was started in Adelaide by Master Chong Chul Rhee, an eighth degree black belt and world master.
Gladstone branch instructor Steven Cragg said the key objectives of the training were 'self defence, self-improvement and lifelong fitness and exercise.'
Classes in the Gladstone region are hosted in three locations, Gladstone, Boyne Island and Calliope with each centre holding two classes per week.
Approximately 80 active members are participating across the region's three locations.
People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the classes, and interested parties are able to take advantage of the offer for two free lessons.
The sport is relatively cheap to participate in, costing members $40 monthly fee which covers all three training locations.
For more information contact regional instructor Ken Jones on 4975 0258.
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