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Master John Emmons
School Owner
Senior Certified Instructor
6th Degree Master Black Belt
Master Emmons started his Martial Arts Training in 1978 Training in Okinawa GoJu-Ryu, & Shotokan Karate before finding the greatest, and most devastating
Martial Art known to man, “TaeKwonDo” in 1985.
He opened his St. Cloud TaeKwonDo Training Center in Nov. of 1990 and his Kissimmee training center in Feb. 1995 and has been providing the best TaeKwonDo and Life skills training for the residences of Osceola county ever since.
He has trained under his instructor TaeKwonDo Master Ken Mann (of Orlando Fl.) for over 21 years.
Master Emmons has over 20 years experience as a Police Officer in which he is certified in numerous forms of self-defense, including the use of Asp Baton (short stick), Riot baton, Stun Gun, Chemical agent, 30cal. assault rifle, and several different kinds of calibers and handguns.
Master Emmons is State certified to teach TEAM (Tech. for Effective Aggression Management) training, Defensive Tactics (class taught to Law enforcement officers). He’s a State certified Fire Fighter, EMT., Police officer, and Nationally certified to teach TaeKwonDo.
A listing of awards and achievements
2-time Fire Fighter of the Year (1978, 1981)
4-time Police Officer of the Year (1983,1985,1986, & 1994)
Named “Man of the Year” by Osceola County OCH (1998)
Named Instructor of the Year (1996)
Named School Owner of the Year (1998)
Named Top-10 TaeKwonDo School in the U.S. since 1994
5-time Top-10 Black Belt in U.S. (1991 - 1994, & 2003)
3-time National Grand Champion in Forms (1991,1992, & 2003)
5-time National Grand Champion in Sparring (1991 - 1994, and 2003)
Vice President of TaeKwonDo America (2003, 2004)
Currently President of TaeKwonDo America (2004 - )
Mrs. Gloria Emmons
Senior Certified Instructor
4th Degree Decided Black Belt
Began Training: June 1995
Invited into the Demo Team in 1996
Became Senior Certified in 2001
Achieve the rank of 4th Degree in September of 2005
Reawarded M.V.B. in 1998 "Most Valuable Black Belt"
Florida State Champion in Forms in 1997, 1998 & 2000
Florida State Champion in Sparring 1997
2-time Grand Champion in Forms (2002 & 2003)
3-time Grand Champion in Sparring (1999, 2000 & 2005)
5-time Top-10 Black Belt
3-time Instructor of the Year (1991,1992, & 2003)
5-time National Grand Champion in Sparring (1999, 2000, and 2001)
My proudest moments would have to be when the Men & Women's division was combined in the 2003 Grand Champion and winning 1st place in Forms and 2nd place in Sparring.
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Ms. Erin Emmons
Senior Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Senior Black Belt
Age: 23
Began Training: 1990
Ms. Erin Emmons started TaeKwonDo at the age of 6 and currently holds the rank of Senior 3rd Degree Black Belt as well as Senior Certified Instructor. Through her years of training Ms. Emmons has held numerous national rankings and awards from both regional and national tournaments.
While training Ms. Emmons participated in activities both inside the TaeKwonDo school as well as out. She was ranked 2nd on the Girls Varsity Golf Team at St. Cloud High School all four years as well as a Point Guard on the Girls Basketball team her freshman year. After graduating Ms. Emmons was accepted to Florida Atlantic University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she studied both Architecture and Urban Planning. In December of 2006 she completed her Bachelors degree in Urban & Regional Planning with a Minor in Geography and is now pursuing a career in Transportation Planning.
Ms. Emmons is currently away at college.
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| Master John Emmons |
Mrs. Gloria Emmons |
Ms. Erin Emmons |
Mrs. Trishia Johnson
Senior Certified Instructor
4th Degree Decided Black Belt
Age: 21
Began Training: June 1994
Ms. Trishia Johnson recently achieved the rank of 4th Degree Decided Black Belt in September of 2006.
She started TaeKwonDo on her 9th Birthday and is still active in her training. She is a 5-time National Grand Champion in Forms. She is Nationally ranked in the Top-10 and
was ranked 2nd in TaeKwonDo America in 2005. She has been on the John Emmons' TaeKwonDo Academy Demo Team for 12 years.
She recieved her Trainee instructor status in August of 1996 and earn the status of Junior Certified Instructor in April of 1999. Her status changed to Senior Certified Instructor in 2001 after she turned 18.
She graduated High School in 2003, and has already recieved her AA Degree. She is now attending the University of Central Florida for a Bachaelor's Degree in Business Management. For 5 years she spent her extra time volunteering at Michigan Avenue Elementary.
"I love TaeKwonDo and I love teaching it to the students."
Look for Mrs. Johnson in Class on Thursdays!
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Mr. Richard DeRoy
Senior Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Senior Black Belt
Age: 20
Began Training: December 1994
Mr. Richard DeRoy started Taekwondo at the age of 7 and currently holds the rank of 3rd Degree Senior Black Belt. He earned his trainee instructor status at age 9 and became a Junior Certified Instructor in 2000 at the age of 13. This status changed to Senior Certified Instructor in July 2005 when he turned 18. Throughout this time, he has dedicated himself to the art and the students, receiving several awards including Instructor of the Year and Most Valuable Black Belt.
After graduating High School in 2005 with an International Baccalaureate Diploma, he is attending college at Florida Institute of Technology where he majors in Aerospace Engineering. Having a strong interest in space flight, Mr. DeRoy hopes to work in the aerospace industry after graduation.
Taekwondo has been a life changing experience for Mr. DeRoy, making him the person that he is today. The things he has learned about himself and others through his journey in Taekwondo will forever have an impact. He hopes to continue his participation in this art and plans to test for Fourth Degree Black Belt in September 2008.
Mr. DeRoy is currently away at college.
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Ms. Jamie Jensen
Senior Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Decided Black Belt
Age: 18
Began Training:
Coming Soon
Look for Ms. Jensen in Class on Thursdays!
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| Mrs. Trishia Johnson |
Mr. Richard DeRoy |
Ms. Jamie Jensen |
Ms. Laura Padilla
Senior Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Decided Black Belt
Age: 21
Began Training: February 2002
My name is Laura Padilla, I have been doing Taekwondo since I was in middle school, and now I'm will soon become a college graduate. In all honesty I joined Taekwondo to be able to do all the cool tricks they do on the movies, but it quickly became a way of life. Today I'm a 3rd Degree Black Belt, a Senior Certified instructor, and a 2-time Grand Champion in the Women's Division.
Look for Ms. Padilla in Class on Wednesdays!
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Ms. Christina Fowinkle
Senior Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Age: 19
Began Training: August 2001
Ms. Fowinkle started training in the art of TaeKwonDo at the age of 13 in August of 2001. She had previously trained in a style of karate in grade school, but like most children that age, quickly became bored with it and quit. Over the years after that, her father tried to push her into every sport possible: softball, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, and volleyball. She finally ended up back into a martial art.
She and her brother, who was currently a green belt at the time, trained under Mrs. Emmons at a branched club of Mr. Emmons in Celebration. During her time at Celebration, Ms. Fowinkle recieved her Black Belt in 2003 and eventually joined the Instructing staff. After 4 years of training and teaching at Celebration, the club was closed down due to a slowing participation of students. As a result she became one of the few Celebration students to travel to the main Kissimmee school to train. She recieved her Senior Certified Instructor status in Spring of 2006.
Over her years of training, Ms. Fowinkle has participated in almost every regional and national event while earning herself numerious awards that range as low as spirit awards to as a high as first place trophies. These also gave her the chance to participate in the State Championships of 2005 & 2007.
Outside of TaeKwonDo she thoroughly enjoys creating art in every type of medium and genre. When she's not working on art projects for TaeKwonDo, she spends her time working on her own personal art projects as well as other commissions for other people. She recently graduated high school in May of 2006 and is now currently a sophomore in college. She plans to graduate with her AA Degree in the Arts in December of 2007 and continue toward her Bachelors at UCF.
Look for Ms. Fowinkle in Class on Tuesdays!
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| Ms. Laura Padilla |
Ms. Christina Fowinkle |
Mr. Jeremy Johnson |
Mr. Scott Schneider
Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Age: 44
Began Training: August 2001
I had been looking for some type of athletic outlet for my eldest son, when I stopped in to speak with Mr. Emmons, our Chief Instructor. During my conversation, Mr. Emmons impressed me as an instructor, and with his training curriculum. I have always believed that the martial arts is as much a mental journey as a physical one and as such, his sincere focus on the five tenants of Taekwondo fit very well with my expectations. I was sure this would be a good experience for my son. My son, however, was not as enthusiastic, and to help him get over his concerns, I signed us both up for an eight week introductory special. Needless to say, that was five years ago, and my son and I are now both 2nd degree black belts. Last year I also started my youngest son in the juniors program, he holds a Senior Brown belt.
I have been a Certified Instructor for almost 2 years, and enjoy helping to pass on the rich history of Taekwondo, and the fine traditions of our school. As an instructor and a student, I have had the opportunity to experience the instructing styles and methods of many of the best martial artists in the country, both right here on our own staff, and through our affiliation with TA. Taekwondo America (TA) is our national parent organization and sponsors our national and regional competitions. It is through these tournaments, where several hundred competitors meet, and our annual black belt camp, that we are provided a means to really put our training to the test.
I have competed in several of our national tournaments and many local and regional tournaments, seminars, workouts, and inter-school events.
I am 44 years old, married, and have two children, ages 11 and 19. I now hold a 2nd degree senior black belt and will be eligible to test for my 3rd degree black belt in March 2007.
Look for Mr. Schneider in Class on Thursdays!
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Mr. Will Vallejo
Sr. Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Began Training: August 2002 at the age of 39
It all began by first signing up my kids. I had always wanted to do TaeKwonDo but never had the chance before. Joining TaeKwonDo helped me 'kick' my smoking habit for good. It had also helped me stay more healthy and health concious.
During my career I have participated in numerous national and regional tournaments. It's through these tournaments you get to realize how much you have improved. These are also great events to meet new people and instructors from all over the United States.
I have so far reach my goal of becoming a 'Certified Instructor'. My next goal will be to become 'Senior Certified' and hopefully someday open a school of my own. What I like the most is to be able to pass on the knowledge of the art, as it has been passed on to me.
Look for Mr. Vallejo in Class on Fridays!
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| Mr. Scott Schneider |
Mr. Will Vallejo |

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Ms. Jenny Arzt
Junior Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Decided Black Belt
Age: 15
Began Training: May 2000
Ms. Jenny Arzt recently recieve her 3rd Degree Decided Black Belt in September of 2006. She has been a Jr. Certified Instructor since June of 2005. Both of her brothers (Mr. Kyle Arzt and Mr. Kurt Arzt) are black belts in TaeKwonDo as well. She rarely misses a regional or national event, so be sure to look for her there or in class!
She attends Gateway High School for the IB program. She is also actively involved wih school productions in which she loves to act and sing. Prior to her joining TaeKwonDo, she took dance class for 8 years.
At her house, her family owns almost every Kung Fu movie you can think of. Their particular favorites are Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li.
They also have two German Shepards in which they, on several occasions, have tried to teach TaeKwonDo moves to.
Look for Ms. Arzt in Class on Wednesdays!
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Mr. Austin Carnahan
Junior Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Decided Black Belt
Age: 16
Began Training: January 1997
Mr. Austin Carnahan began TaeKwonDo with Mr. Emmons when he was 6 years old. He has competed over the years in many tournaments that earned him awards ranging from spirit award to 1st place. He was an member of John Emmons' TaeKwonDo Academy Demo Team. He earned his Junior Certified Intructor status in February of 2006.
Mr. Carnahan enjoys many outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, kayaking, paintballing and biking. He is home schooled and is currently an owner and operator of a Lawn Care Business.
Look for Mr. Carnahan in Class on Tuesdays!
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Mr. Bradley O'Donahoe
Junior Certified Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Age: 16
Began Training: July 2001
I was eleven years old when I started my Tae Kwon Do training in the
summer of 2001. I received my First Decided black belt in June of 2003.
I became a trainee instructor in August of 2003. I have been a Junior
Certified instructor since August of 2005. Most recently, I received my
Third Degree Black Belt at the 2006 September National in Charlotte, North
Carolina. I am a junior at Harmony High School and I really like being
able to drive my car to school now. I enjoy watching Duke Basketball and
the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL. I am currently working towards
becoming an Eagle Scout.
Look for Mr. O'Donahoe in Class on Mondays!
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| Ms. Jenny Arzt |
Mr. Austin Carnahan |
Mr. Bradley O'Donahoe |
Mr. Joey Wendling
Assistant Instructor
3rd Degree Black Belt
Age: 13
Began Training: January 2002
My name is Joey Wendling. Outside of Taekwondo, I go to school at Narcoossee Community School. I am a 3rd Degree Black Belt and have been in Taekwondo for six years. I have been an Instructor Trainee for 2 ½ years. I received my Black Belt in October 2002. I have competed in 11 tournaments and have received a variety of awards, from a Spirit Award to a First Place in Forms. I have set many goals for 2007, two of which are to become a Junior Certified Instructor and to get my Third Degree (which I recently achieved at the 2007 Black Belt Camp High Rank Testing). I plan to continue being a Martial Artist and possibly open my own school when I grow up and earn a higher rank.
Look for Mr. Wendling in Class on Thursdays!
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Mr. Kyle Arzt
Assistant Instructor
2nd Degree Senior Black Belt
Age: 12
Began Training: May 2002
My name is Kyle Arzt. I am an instructor and a 2nd Degree Senior Black Belt. I started TaeKwonDo when I was 4, in the cub class which is now called the Lil' Dragons.
My favorite kick is a 360 round kick. I received my instructor trainee stripe in 2003 along with my sister. I am 12 years old and I still enjoy TaeKwonDo, especially sparring. I like kicking people head.
In 2004, I was the National Champion in 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt Division. Teaching is fun because you get to show the students what you know and what you're good at. TaeKwonDo has not only gotten me in better shape, it also has made me a better person.
Look for Mr. Arzt in Class on Tuesdays!
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Mr. Ryan Benoit
Junior Certified Instructor
2nd Degree Senior Black Belt
Age: 13
Began Training: April 2002
I am a second degree senior black belt and a Junior Certified instructor. I started taking Taekwondo when I was 7 years old. I have been doing Taekwondo for almost 5 years. My days to assist are Tuesday's and Saturday's. I received the Taekwondo America "Top 10 Award" for Traditional Forms and Sparring. This achievement gave me the opportunity to participate in the Florida State Championship Tournament where I finished 1st in forms and 2nd in sparring for both 2003 and 2004. I also participated in 5 National Tournaments and 8 Regional Tournaments which I placed in forms, sparring, and board breaking. My goal is to become a third degree black belt which I hope to achieve in 2008.
I am in seventh grade and attend Neptune Middle School. Outside of Taekwondo I enjoy skateboarding and playing paintball.
Look for Mr. Benoit in Class on Tuesdays and Saturdays!
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| Mr. Joey Wendling |
Mr. Kyle Arzt |
Mr. Ryan Benoit |
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| Ms. Danielle Novak |
Mr. John Durinick |
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Ms. Karlee Gales
Assistant Instructor
2nd Degree Decided Senior Black Belt
Age: 12
Began Training: December 2001
Ms. Gales earned the State Championship in Free design forms in 2003
She became a probationary Black Belt in 2003 and her second decided in 2006
She earned her instructor trainee status in October of 2004 and joined
the demo team in 2005.
Ms. Gales is not a natural talent. She has had to work hard for her
belts. Her talent lies in her determination. She never quits, never
says no, and always gets up when she's knocked down.
When not participating in TKD, Ms. Gales enjoys singing. She achieved
all County in Choir, and is the first alternate for the all-state
competition. She attends St Cloud Middle School where she is
currently on the A-B Honor Roll.
Look for Ms. Gales in Class on Mondays!
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Mr. Kurt Arzt
Assistant Instructor
2nd Degree Decided Black Belt
Age: 11
Began Training: March 2004
Coming Soon
Look for Mr. Arzt in Class on Wednesdays!
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Ms. Sydney Vanderlaan
Assistant Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt
Age: 11
Began Training: March 2004
I recieved a spirit award in the North Carolina Grand National Tournament. I then recieved my Black Belt on June 3, 2006. I began doing the S.T.O.R.M. team that year in the month of October.
My brother is also in TaeKwonDo and is about to test for his Black Belt.
The school I go to is Lakeview Elementary.
Look for Ms. Vanderlaan in Class on Mondays!
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| Ms. Karlee Gales |
Mr. Kurt Arzt |
Ms. Sydney Vanderlaan |
Ms. Brandi Gift
Assistant Instructor
1st Degree Senior Black Belt
Age: 12
Began Training: December 2001
Coming Soon
Look for Ms. Gift in Class on Tuesdays!
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Mr. Tyler Cox
Assistant Instructor
1st Degree Senior Black Belt
Age: 9
Began Training: March 2004
Coming Soon
Look for Ms. Vanderlaan in Class on Mondays!
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Mr. Austin Szelengiewicz
Assistant Instructor
1st Degree Decided Black Belt
Age: 11
Began Training: December 2001
Hi my name is Austin Szelengiewicz, I was born in 11-02-95 and I'm 11 years old. I have trained in this art for 3 years. In those 3 years I have recieved three 4th place trophies, one 3rd place plaque, two 2nd place trophies, and one 1st place trophy at our National and Regional Tournaments. Right now I am a 1st Degree Decided Black Belt and I attend St. Cloud Middle School.
Outside of TaeKwonDo and school, I like to skaeboard, play Basket Ball, and read. When I grow up, I want to own my own TaeKwonDo school.
Look for Mr. Szelengiewicz in Class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!
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| Ms. Brandi Gift |
Mr. Tyler Cox |
Mr. Austin Szelengiewicz |
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| Ms. Erica DeChavez |

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| Mr. Lee Dourrieu |
Ms. Jannet Rodriguez |
Mr. Julian Minzt |

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09.12 - Registration Forms are now available online in 'Printable Forms'
02.21 - New TKD Videos and Photos
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