Korean martial arts kick into high gear in Amenia

AMENIA — Loud sounds of enthusiasts practicing the martial arts resonated through the second floor of the Amenia Town Hall on Monday, March 14, as Tang Soo Do students demonstrated their moves in order to receive their orange belts.

The class, taught by instructor Mark Davis, has worked toward this day for 20 weeks since it first began in October of 2015.

Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art. Like many other forms of martial arts, Tang Soo Do teaches self-defense and discipline to students of all ages.

“Classes are going great,” Davis said, as his class reached its first important milestone.

“We just started our new session,” he said, while adding that new students are welcomed to join at any time.

The class grading was honored with the presence of Master Doug Wilke, Davis’s Tang Soo Do instructor since 1998, and Grand Master Robert Cheezic — the man responsible for founding the Tang Soo Do Federation in Waterbury, Conn.

“This is a very strong group of martial artists who came a long way in only 20 weeks,” Wilke said. “They will make great black belts at some point.

“Tang Soo Do can be a challenging art, encompassing much of the Korean kicks and hand strikes that are used by noted martial artists such as Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee,” Wilke added.

Wilke, who teaches this Korean martial art in Roxbury, Conn., acknowledged Davis for being “one of the most talented fighters at the club,” who dedicating himself to teaching Tang Soo Do and expanding the federation’s horizons into New York.

“Our club, USA Martial Arts, is based in Woodbury and has 12 locations,” Wilke said. “Amenia is the first one in New York.”

“We are part of an International organization called Cheezic Tang Soo Do, which has 70 locations in four countries,” the martial arts master added.

Davis said he was pleased to hear the grand master speak. He said his instructor was impressed with his students’ talent, as were others.

Amenia Councilman Mike DeLango said he was impressed with the classes as he watch his children showcase their new moves.

“The town is lucky to have a program like this available,” DeLango said. “The teacher works very well with the children. The whole program is a class act.”

These students are now looking forward to the next level — achieving the blue belt — which means they will be able to get sparing equipment for contact practices.

All classes are held on Monday evenings. Ages 5 to 6 meet at 5:45 p.m., and the mixed class starts at 6:45 p.m., in the Amenia Town Hall recreation room on the second floor.

Lessons are held in 10-week sessions and cost $80 for the first family member and $60 for any additional family member. Prospective participants may join at any time. The 10-week cost will get re-evaluated accordingly.

Contact Davis at 203-525-1058 for more information.