Local Tae Kwon Do students tested for promotions Saturday, May 2. Courtesy photo

TAE KWON DO NEWS

Headmasters Ron Geoffrion and James Cahill, from New Jersey, tested local Tae Kwon Do students and officiated at a karate demonstration On Saturday, May 2.

The organization originated in the winter of 1969 at the Los Alamos YMCA. John Sopka was the head instructor until 1973 when he left Los Alamos to pursue work elsewhere. Homer Dick Lewis had been John’s top student and took over teaching responsibilities until he developed health issue and turned the organization over to Ron Geoffrion in 1978. Under Master Geoffrion’s leadership the organization grew to 8 classes in Northern New Mexico with a student population of over 100 students.

Thirteen students were promoted by Headmasters Geoffrion and Cahill. Of the black belt promotions Shad Wild and Kate Schreiber were promoted to First Degree Black Belt. Ethan Singell and Michelle Bane were promoted to Second Degree Black Belt. Six to ten years of study are required to go from white belt (beginner) to Second Degree. Pamela Scott was promoted to Third Degree and Hazuki Teshima was promoted to Fourth Degree Black Belt. Also promotions were granted to Terry Singell and Doug Rankin. Both achieved the rank of Sixth Degree Black Belt. These gentlemen have been students of Master Geoffrion since the mid-1990s. In addition to the black belt advancements, 2 students were promoted to green belt and 3 were promoted to purple belt.

USA Tae Kwon Do Masters Association, Los Alamos Schools.
Tae Kwon Do is an all-season, non-contact, self-defense martial art. Los Alamos Black Belts range in age from 16 to 80 years old. New students are welcome anytime. Information on class schedules can be obtained at Usatmanm.org or by calling the Los Alamos YMCA or Master Geoffrion at (505) 672-1119.