Martial Arts Academy of Billings Instructors

		Our Philosophy Martial Arts Academy of Billings exists to build the mind, body and spirit of each student. It is our hope that each individual martial artist achieves his or her ultimate potential in confidence and leadership and that the professionalism of our staff positively influences our community as a whole. In striving toward these goals, we study and practice the following tenets of the International Dae Myung Moodo Federation - respect, etiquette, loyalty, modesty and patience. The symbolism of Martial Arts Academy of Billings Certificates In Western cultures, dragons are generally considered evil and are associated with fire and destruction. While in the East, dragons are considered auspicious or good luck and are associated with water and fruitfulness. The dragon in Asian mythology is a symbol of the emperor --full of power and vitality. Tigers in Asian mythology generally represent martial ability and power. Primarily consigned to the general of the army, the tiger denotes physical power rather than the spiritual power represented by the dragon. The Yin Yang symbol is a recognizable symbol in many cultures. Yin is the dark side of the symbol which connotes the negative outcome of events; whereas, Yang is the bright side, depicting the positive outcome of events. The modicum of dark or light in either side reveals the seed of the very element that will produce the other’s demise. Thus, the seed of dark eventually dispels the light, and the seed of light dispels the dark. They are complementary opposites. As in the universe, positive and negative both exist to create a balance. The Korean characters which represent Chun Ji mean “Heaven and Earth” and refer to the creation of the world or the beginning of human history. The Martial Arts Academy of Billings certificate embodies the yin yang concept, using Asian mythological creatures to complete the visual reference. The dragon’s spiritual power balances out the military power of the tiger. Just as on our certificate, the visual representation of both elements balances out on the sheet of paper. Thus, receiving this certificate is symbolic of the beginning, or birth, of balance in the individual practitioner, spiritually, mentally and physically, and signifies the individual’s growth toward ultimate unity or serenity. Martial Arts Academy of Billings Instructors Very seldom in the Martial Arts World do you find such a high ranking and cohesive partnership with result oriented instructors who all have the same goal in mind; to create a modern high quality, energetic school while encouraging traditional values with emphasis on personal development for the students. Here is a very brief description of our Owners and Instructors. There are ten advanced black belt instructors, most with more than 20 years of experience in the martial arts.

		Dave Allen 4th Dan Taekwondo 3rd Dan Judo Owner/Instructor Mr. Allen began his Martial Arts Career in 1994 in Taekwondo and expanded into Judo and Hapkido soon after joining with Grand Master Karlo Fujiwara. He is our Head Judo Instructor and travels as a National Judo Referee. He is also the Tournament Announcer for Major USA Judo events including the US Open, the Junior Scholastic Championships, the US Olympic Trials and local tournaments. Dave has owned the Auto Brokers of Montana Auto Dealership and AA&A Auto Rental companies for over 22 years. He is co-commissioner of the Big Sky State Games Taekwondo/Judo competition. Specialties: National Judo Referee Certified Junior Olympic coach

		Eve Allen 4th Dan Taekwondo 2nd Dan Judo Owner/Instructor Mrs. Allen began her Martial Arts training in 1994 in the art of Taekwondo. Her training under Grand Master Fujiwara expanded to include the art of judo and hapkido. She instructs in both Taekwondo and judo and enjoys attending workshops to broaden her knowledge of these arts. She has worked in the legal field for many years as a secretary and paralegal, and is currently employed as a Judicial Assistant for U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull. Eve heads up the Woman's Self Defense curriculum at the school and serves as co-commissioner for the Big Sky State Games for Taekwondo and Judo competitions. Specialties: Certified Junior Olympic coach Women's Self Defense

		Mr. Brice Cady 3rd Dan Taekwondo Mr. Cady started Martial Arts in 1983 when he was10 years old under Sam Damon. He competed in 1988 at the Junior Olymics in Tampa Florida and again in 1989 in Rochester Minnesota. Brice has been teaching since 2003. He is an MTA referee representative on the board of directors and a B-2 certified referee.He is also a local 40 under 40 award winner. Brice has owned Brice's Masterclean since 2004 and has won the Billings Gazette readers Choice award for 6 years in a row. His hobbies include doing anything with his family. The Cadys love fishing and andan hiking in the mountains.

		Master Ed Thompson 6th Dan Taekwondo Owner/Instructor Master Thompson has studied the arts of Taekwondo, Hapkido and Judo for well over 30 years and was owner/ instructor of a Martial Arts school in Belgrade before moving to Billings. Master Thompson has a dynamic and expansive career, with diverse knowledge encompassed in firefighting since 1984. Master Thompson has the ability to facilitate group collaboration and mind-share, efficiently manage change in brining out the best in ones-self. Specialties: Certified Junior Olympic coach

		Stacy Thompson 3rd Dan Taekwondo Owner/Instructor Mrs. Thompson has been involved in Martial Arts for nearly 25 years and was an owner /instructor of a Martial Arts school school in Belgrade before moving with her husband Ed to Billings. She is an RN and has experience in Neo-Natal Care, Management in Clinical Nursing Administration and Emergency Nurse Application. Stacy teams up with Dru and Eve to teach our highly successful Women’s Self Defense workshops.

		Master Kirt Wagner 6th Dan Taekwondo Owner/Instructor Master Wagner has trained in Taekwondo for over 30 years and has received training in Judo and Hapkido. Kirt has studied principles of fitness and muscular structure and how it applies to Taekwondo. An avid outdoorsman and former Mountain Bike Competitor, he currently is Vice President of Investments at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney where his career has spanned over 25 years. Specialties: Certified Junior Olympic coach

		Master Dru Wagner 6th Dan Taekwondo Owner/Instructor Master Wagner (Married to Master Kirt Wagner for 20 years) began her martial arts training about 25 years ago under Grand Master Karlo Fujiwara. She not only has extensive knowledge in Poomse and Sport Taekwondo, but is also one of our Women’s Self Defense Instructors. She is a commercial Graphic Design Artist and plays the flute with the Billings Symphony while raising their talented daughter Eliana.

		Master Mark Verzatt 4th Dan Taekwondo Master Mark took his first Taekwondo class in 1974 at Cho's Taekwondo in Denver Co while attending a radio trade school. He later became a major market disc jockey by age 25. Like many people, Karate took a back seat to family and career until he enrolled with his kids at Grand Master Karlo Fujiwara's orginal North Park Dojo in the early 1990s. The noon class makes training available for students who cannot train in the evening. Master Mark promises a focused workout and lots of fun. By the way, Master Mark did get a real job, He and his wife Karmal have been running one of the highest ranked Allstate agencies in America right here in Billings, since 1986.