|
|
||
|
 |
|
My Taekwondo experience starts back in 1988, and I studied for five years before receiving my first Dan in 1993 in ITF at the age of fifteen. The next year I was made an assistant instructor, and when I started college in 1996 my Master passed the school on to me completely. I was the chief instructor, and in charge of all financial and advertising programs. I owned this school until the fall of 2002 when I started in the grad program here at Umass. I received my 6th Dan in WTF in September 2002, and became chief instructor at American Hapkido and World TKD in Agawam, MA when my Master passed away later that year. I currently have three black belts teaching five days a week at that location. I have been a black belt for 12 years now, and have been involved in teaching for 11 of those. I have written several curricula, and have sat on numerous examination boards. In addition to this teaching experience, I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
In Hapkido, which is a Korean art of self-defense, I hold a 2nd Dan. I am hoping to bring guests to the UMASS campus, to provide seminars open to the entire martial arts community both on and off campus. I have contacts in New England that include a TKD grandmaster, who has trained international level fighters, as well as Hapkido Masters who could visit to teach such seminars.
Taekwondo can be a very difficult art to teach. There are two different types of TKD that are commonly seen, the traditional approach and the modern fighting schools. Both are important, and both have a large following. Unfortunately different schools of both methods rarely agree on much. It’s almost as bad as the separation between WTF and ITF back in the 1970’s. We here at Umass have the rare opportunity to easily combine both aspects of TKD in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Each of us who have studied previously, have different backgrounds, different techniques, and different styles of doing things. This variety can only lead us to becoming stronger martial artists. The struggle will be to combine this variety into a manageable curriculum, and someone with an extensive background in TKD is required for this. I would like to see us as a group put this vast experience together for the growth of all, because no matter what our respective ranks, we are constantly learning and growing as martial artists. For me, as an instructor, there is no greater feeling then seeing people grow as they move up through the ranks of TKD.
When teaching I strive for two things in all of my students; have fun and learn something new each and every class. This applies as much to myself as to every student. I like to run classes in a relaxed atmosphere, but one that is focused and dedicated to continual growth. If you ever have any questions on TKD please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Master Hans Mentzen
| Contact webmaster: tshb@acm.org |
Last Modified
October 28, 2006 9:33 AM
, Site Hits:
|
Master Hans