Tae Kwon Do

Article and Photos by Lois Karel-Barr

A family-oriented Martial Arts School committed to providing a healthy space for men, women & children of all ages to enjoy quality time and growth together.

Title:	Self-Defense School
Instructor:	BOB MARLATT
Phone:	983-8262
Class Schedule:	Beginners: Monday and Wednesday Advanced Classes: Tuesday and Thursday 6:00-7:30 PM Saturdays Ð 3:00-5:00 PM
Location:	Headquarters Dojang - Covelo Business Park, Second Floor Through the generosity of Ronald Hoehne, owner of the Covelo Business Park, who has donated a 2,200 square foot space to the school, there is now a headquarters Dojang where classes are held.
Tuition:	Tuition: $15.00 Per Month For Three Classes per Week
Uniform Costs:	$15.00 ChildrenÕs Sizes; $25.00 Adult Sizes )
Enrollment now exceeds 70 students, and consists of members of all ages. The only requirement for membership is a willingness to show up, participate and have fun. Licensed U.S. Olympic Tae Kwon Do Training Center

BOB MARLATT, INSTRUCTOR

At the age of 16, Bob began studying Tae Kwon Do, and is a 5th Degree Black belt, holding the title of Kwan Jang Nim, which in Korean means, "Master Instructor." In 1978, he won the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) National Championship followed by winning the AAU World Championship in 1979.

During this period, Bob traveled to many countries in the world to compete in AAU Tae Kwon Do tournaments. Bob joined the Covelo community in June of 1994, moving here with his family from San Francisco. Prior to an early retirement and moving to the Bay Area, (when not traveling for Tae Kwon Do tournaments), he worked in a management capacity as a Systems Engineer in New York City for 20 years. With a personal yen to continue in the art of Tae Kwon Do, and sensing a community need for such an activity, Bob began teaching classes in December of 1998, as a travelling instructor within the Covelo School District. The popularity of his classes became so overwhelming that the need for a community headquarters became apparent. The Marlatt Tae Kwon Do Self-Defense School is a non-profit organization. Bob is personally committed to both his chosen art form, and to providing a service to the Covelo Community which will enable quality time in a safe and healthy environment for the entire family.

ABOUT TAE KWON DO

Tae Kwon Do is a martial arts activity, which can help relieve tension and stress while improving balance, discipline and coordination. It can be an excellent confidence builder in enabling the idea that you can defend yourself if needed. Tae Kwon Do was developed in Korea more than 2,000 years ago. Though similar to karate, this martial art focuses on using the feet and kick-fighting instead of using the hands.

Like most martial arts, Tae Kwon Do is meant to be employed for self-defense, not aggressive attacks. It is believed to have been brought to the United States by American soldiers returning from the Korean War. Experience and skill in the art of Tae Kwon Do is measured by the color of the belt worn by each participant in the sport, beginning with a white belt. Within approximately 3-4 months, a student may progress to a yellow belt, in one year to a green belt, in two years to a blue belt, in three years to a red belt, and in four years to a black belt.

Tae Kwon Do has recently been admitted by the Olympic Committee as an official Olympic sport, the first martial arts form to be accepted. Qualified individuals under the age of 18 with a green belt or above may be eligible to participate in the Junior Olympics. To be eligible to compete in the regular Olympics, an individual must be over the age of 18 and have a black belt.

Why Study the Martial Arts?

To learn self-defense. To improve physical fitness or lose weight. To have fun and make friends. Spend quality time with your family.

Participating in Tae Kwon Do classes can help both children and adults in a number of ways. Within a few months of training you can expect: Reduced stress and anxiety Improved coordination and balance Increased flexibility More energy Increased awareness Sense of inner peace Greater self-confidence Better personal relationships.

Three Covelo TKD Students Become Olympic Medal Winners and State Champions!!

On March 17th & 18th, 2000, Master Marlatt took three of his students to the San Jose Civic Center Auditorium to compete in the 2000 Northern California State Jr. Olympic Championships. When the scores were totaled, Master Marlatt's students came back to Covelo with four State Championships, 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medals. All 3 students became Olympic medal winners and state champions. In addition, David Short was nominated by the State Olympic Committee to be on the National TKD Olympic Team. He will compete for California at San Antonio, Texas, in July. There were over 1500 competitors entered in the championships under the fighting and forms categories. Final results of the March competition for Marlatt's three Covelo TKD students: David Short: Gold in Fighting, Silver in Forms Spencer East: Silver in Fighting Matt O'Ferrall: Bronze in Forms Covelo and its 3 TKD athletes will be honored this summer in Sydney Australia with all the other Olympians from around the world!!

More Photos on the Way

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