Sensang-Nim Chuck Edwards
Master Edwards was affiliated under the Pan Am American Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do Federation for over 25 years. He is the owner and founder of Edwards Tae Kwon Do Center. He educated hundreds of people in the tri-state area with traditional ITF style Tae Kwon Do, street self-defense and all around fitness. Master Edwards continues to keep an eye on his elite squad of instructors and we thank him for his tireless efforts and hard work that now allows our community to enjoy the multiple aspects of this beautiful art. In 1993, Master Edwards carried the U.S. flag to the first ever Russian-American martial arts tournament in St. Petersburg, entitled "The Martial Arts Olympics, East-West Open", established by the International Martial Arts Club (IMAC).
Sah Bum-Nim Dylan Baker
At the age of 4, Mr. Dylan Baker was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. In order to find a balance between focus, exercise and control- his parents signed him into Edwards Tae Kwon Do Center in 1986. Over the 35+ years of training and competing, Baker has won several Grand Championship titles, earned the title of Sah Bum Nim (3rd degree instructor) found the most value in the respect, dignity, pride and honor of he and his fellow teammates with the common goal of bettering oneself. His intention has always been to emulate Master Edwards teachings (from primal instincts to moral values) onto his students and always anticipates watching the new seeds root, sprout, blossom and bloom.
Kyo Sah Nim Mike Thomas
Mr. Mike Thomas has been training in tae kwon do for over 25 years, under the instruction of Master Edwards. Mr. Thomas quickly transcended from a quiet young man into an assertive assistant instructor at Edwards Tae Kwon Do Center. Mr. Thomas is now a proud USBA/WBA member, competitor and enthusiast specializing in board and block breaking. As a second degree black belt under Master Edwards, Mr. Thomas has achieved a world record for most 2" concrete patio blocks broken with hand strikes in 10 seconds with a total of 47, in 2020. His commitment to the art has been nothing short of inspirational.
Kyo Sah Nim Kirsten Haaland
Ms. Kirsten Haaland has been training with Baker's Team since it's inception in 2005. She has been the Girl-Power role model to Baker's elite squad of female martial artists from the beginning. She is the first student under Mr. Baker to receive her black belt.. Ms. Haaland's balance lies between her sweet, genuine compassion for others and a superb determination when confronted with a challenge. Her well rounded talent has made her a force while in competition. Ms. Haaland's ever-changing creative board breaking routines have been nothing short of artistic if not revolutionary, with an "outside of the box" approach.
Kyo Sah-Nim Katrina Bates
Mrs Katrina Bates is the longest tenured active black black belt under Master Edwards. Mrs. Bates has emerged as the protege of what Edwards TKDC is all about. Her conditioned traits of modesty, courtesy, fearlessness and attentiveness carry over into her superhero-like persona as an ER nurse, day and night. Compassionate and soft spoken... Perhaps. But don't let that fool you. She acquired the nickname "Killer" for a reason.
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Kyo Sah Nim James Murnane
Mr. James Murnane has over 25+ years of training, experience and guidance under Master Edwards. Mr. Murnane's strength training and body mechanic knowledge provide extremely beneficial teachings to everyone on the Team. A competitive athlete at heart, he learned from his many injuries over the years and has fought his way back into competition by making waves in the sparring, forms and board breaking divisions. Better than ever. His dedication, iron will, and attention to the human body are second to none.
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Kyo Sah Nim Mark Schmidt
Mr. Mark Schmidt has studied several different styles of martial arts, mainly because he hadn't discovered the right fit for him. When he joined Edwards Tae Kwon Do Center, nearly 30 years ago, he had stopped searching. He took pride in the teachings of Master Edwards, and found no other reason to change. Mr Schmidt takes pride in being such a stretching and sparring enthusiast. His sparring intuition is informative on all levels and his reputable stretches along with a dose of comic relief have always kept the students minds and bodies agile and nimble.
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