A Word from the Master

Hi, I’m Master Duane Spellious and welcome to my site. Of course when selecting a martial arts school, it’s important to know who the head instructor is and a little bit about his or her belief system, so here’s my bio.

I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder in elementary school and needed a sport that provided structure, discipline and fine motor skills, and I found this balance in the martial arts. I have spent many years working with children who remind me of myself – those with ADD and those with other disabilities that affect their self-confidence and self-control, and I’ve been part of many success stories as a result.

I started Tae Kwon Do in June 1980 and achieved my first degree black belt in 1983. I progressed through the belts and achieved the level of Master (6th degree black belt) on April 28, 2007. I am one of seven Masters promoted by Master Chung Eun Kim, which is a great source of pride to me, before his death in March 2010.

While training in Tae Kwon Do, I also participated in other martial arts – Sho Re Roo, Kum Do, Hap Ki Do, etc. This allowed me to get a well-balanced education in standing martial arts, falls, grabs and releases, and weapons techniques. In the end I prefer what Tae Kwon Do brings to the table, and teach it as a preferred art, but will utilize the best of everything that I’ve learned.

I met my wife, Linda, in class – she is promoting for her Master degree in October of 2010. My two boys – Tyler and Jake – started Tae Kwon Do when they were 3 and are both 2nd degree black belts, so this is very much a family sport for us. My older son Tyler is part of the Martial Arts Club at Augustana where he attends school.

We have been blessed with many wonderful students and instructors over the years, and are very proud of the gifts that they bring to the class. We offer a family discount so we have many families, like mine, who practice the arts together.

If you are looking for a martial arts school that provides the best instruction, has excellent award-winning teachers and students, a family atmosphere, and a focus on both individual and team achievement, this school is for you. Stop by, take a class, and talk to any of our fine students and they will tell you their story.

Master Duane Spellious, 6th Degree Black Belt