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What is Songahm
Taekwondo?
“Martial Art” is a broad term encompassing the many
styles of physical discipline (fighting) arts that have been developed
over the centuries. To say that the style of Songahm Taekwondo is just
another “martial art” would be an uneducated evaluation of the “world’s
largest centrally administered martial art.” This system of teaching and
training, developed by [Eternal] Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee and his
staff of Master Instructors, is unequaled in the martial arts community.
The word “Songahm” has a very deep meaning in the
art of Taekwondo. Literally translated, Songahm means “pine tree and
rock.”
The symbol of the pine tree was for two reasons:
first, because of its place in the Korean culture as a symbol of
unchanging human loyalty; and second because of the parallelism between
the pine tree itself and the student of Taekwondo. As a student, your
growth throughout your advancement in Taekwondo is symbolized as a
seedling that grows into a mighty pine tree.
Songahm Taekwondo
focuses on personal development of the mind and
body. To say it
was just self-defense would be to lose most of the
valuable ideas and philosophy behind
this ancient art. Self-defense is really the fringe
benefit that is gained by dedicating one's
self to the values, philosophy, and training of
Songahm Taekwondo. Remember that you
are in a true, traditional taekwondo class. This is
not a movie in which a person can be hit
100 times without falling to the ground. In the
reality of taekwondo, a person that has been
hit by a powerful force or hand technique will fall
with one to three techniques.
At the beginner level, do not focus on being a
skilled martial artist within a month or two.
You are building your foundation in taekwondo.
Trying to advance beyond your level
without proper guidance would be like building a
house on a foundation of concrete that
had not dried. Though the house may still stand, the
foundation would not be as strong and
the appearance of the house may not be as
presentable.
Each class begins and ends with a bow. The white
belt of the beginner indicates he is
without knowledge of taekwondo and as one progresses
in knowledge, the student
progresses through the colors: orange, yellow,
camouflage, green, purple, blue, brown, red,
red/black, and finally black.
Meet Our Staff:
6th Degree Black Belt
Certified Instructor
mbeyer@atafargo.com
Master
Beyer began training in
the ATA in October 1985 in Minot, under the Instruction of Master Wayne Materi.
In 1987, he opened his first Taekwondo club in
Garrison, ND. In the next few years he opened Taekwondo clubs in Underwood, Washburn and Center
North Dakota. In 1993 he moved to Bismarck to build
the membership of Bismarck ATA. He moved to Fargo in August 2005,
where he currently resides with his wife, Linda, and two children.
6th Degree Black Belt
Certified Instructor
tim.mckay@atafargo.com
Master McKay
began training in the ATA in September of 1988 in Minot, with Master Wayne Materi. In 1992,
he opened a Taekwondo club in Bottineau, which was later moved to
Dunseith. He now works and resides in Fargo and assists with weekly
classes. Master McKay is a Regional Tournament Leader for Region
114.
Casselton Head Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt
Certified Instructor
joe.fodera@atafargo.com
4th Degree Black Belt
Certified Instructor
nathan.cvancara@atafargo.com
I began my taekwondo
training in 1988 in Minot, and
tested for my 1st Degree Black in 1992. After a short break,
I moved to Fargo in 1995 and resumed my training. I currently work full
time as a Resolution Team Specialist for Wells Fargo Bank . I enjoy watching Sioux Hockey and Football, spending time with my family and friends and sparring Mrs. Cvancara.
4th Degree Black Belt
Certified Instructor
sarah.cvancara@atafargo.com
At 11
years old I began taekwondo training in 1994. After my brown belt
testing, I took a short break for seven years of gymnastics. Upon
returning, I entered into the instructor trainee program and began
teaching in 2002. On the way to black belt camp for certification, I
met Mr. Cvancara. I am the second oldest with three brothers, ranked fifth degree, first degree, and orange belt. In 2005, I began working full time as an instructor. In
addition to taekwondo, I enjoy visiting family, reading, UNO
and other games, movies, and handstand contests.
4th Degree Black Belt
Certified Instructor
lindsey.hogue@atafargo.com
I started Taekwondo when
I was 7 years old. I received a Taekwondo Valentine's card in 1st grade
from a classmate and was interested and have stuck with it ever since.
I started in the junior leadership program when I got my first degree
black belt. I was shy at first but then after a while I got the
confidence to be in front of people and teach them Taekwondo. I tested
for my fourth degree in Orlando, FL my senior year of high school. I was
born and raised in Fargo, and I am an only child. I graduated from
Fargo South High in 2008. I teach during the week and on Saturday
mornings, and work for the YMCA: Americorps program. I currently attend
MSUM pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis
in Sociology. I will be graduating in May 2012, then headed to
Alexandria, MN for the Police Academy. I enjoy spending time with
friends and family, shopping, and outdoor activities!
4th Degree Black Belt
Certified Instructor
cullen.wells@atafargo.com
Mr. Wells started training in ATA at Minot, under Master Wayne Materi and Mr. Dan Merck in 1995. In the fall of 2004, he joined the Fargo ATA and started to help teach classes shortly after.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Wells is a control system engineer for Sweeney
Controls Company
in Fargo.
3rd Degree Black Belt
Kindred/
Hillsboro Head Instructor
Instructor Trainee
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Nathan Cvancara
Lindsey Hogue