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At Rhinebeck Karate Academy, we
practice the Korean martial art style of Tang Soo Do. Founded in 1945 in
Korea and brought to the United States in 1975, Tang Soo Do remains one
of the most widely practiced martial arts in the United States. Tang Soo
Do combines the use of hand and foot techniques in a defensive style
designed to build character, confidence and self-respect. Our goal is to develop students equally in body, mind and spirit through a balanced, disciplined and positive curriculum. We train students of all ages. Meet Our Staff
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Sa Bom Nim Jo-Ann Falanga, Owner, Master Instructor Master Jo-Ann Falanga is a 5th Degree Master in Tang Soo Do and a 4th Degree in Kum Do. She has been practicing martial arts consistently for almost 20 years and has trained under and competed for some of the most respected martial arts leaders in the world, including Grandmaster Chong Su Kim, Master John Chung, and Grandmaster In Kee Hong. Currently, Master Falanga is a student of Grandmaster Ho Sik Pak, founder of the Hwa Rang World Tang Soo Do Federation. A fierce and accomplished competitor, Master Falanga has traveled all over the world competing in forms, fighting and weapons. In 2000 she won the World Champion Forms title in Australia. In 1998, she was NASKA’s (North American Sport Karate Association) #1 World Champion Women's 30-39 All Around Competitor. Not only has Master Falanga been teaching martial arts since 1996, she comes with years of additional experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Springfield College and a Master of Science degree in School Health Education from Russell Sage College. Prior to opening her own school, Master Falanga taught in the public K-12 school system for 13 years. This blend of physical education and health, coupled with years of teaching experience and fierce intuition, allow her to provide a varied curriculum that not only remains true to the tradition of martial arts, but also meets the demands that each individual student presents. Her zest for learning helps to keep her training methods current and in line with the latest research on the human body. The best testament to Master Falanga’s training methods is the fact that all three of her children not only consistently train and successfully compete at the national level, but that they all choose to be members of the staff as well. This speaks volumes about her abilities to maintain an atmosphere of positive energy through a disciplined, caring, professional approach. |
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| Sa Bom Nim Joseph Falanga, Master
Instructor Master Joe began his training in Tang Soo Do before the age of five. Master Joe began teaching at RKA as a junior staff member. Today, twelve years later, as a Master Instructor, he teaches classes and private lessons, directs our summer camps and mixed martial arts program, and is a major contributor to RKA's winning demonstration team. Master Joe completed/passed his Master Exam with Master Mahoney in the Spring of 2010, in Pennsylvania thru Grand Master Ho Sik Pak. Master Joe graduated with honors from Springfield College in Western Massachusetts in May 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He was the founder and president of the Springfield College Martial Arts Club and remains a consultant to the club today. Master Joe's kicking technique is unmatched in the martial arts arena. He is an exciting fighter to watch and a highly respected competitor overall. |
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| Sa Bom Nim Colleen Mahoney, Master
Instructor Master Mahoney has been with Rhinebeck Karate Academy since the beginning. Throughout her years of training, she has competed in many tournaments, including the NASKA world circuit. She is a highly respected forms and fighting competitor, having won many local and regional events. In addition, Master Mahoney is a core member of RKA's winning demonstration team. Master Mahoney is the Director of Children's Services in Dutchess County. She teaches evening classes and summer camps at RKA, along with maintaining her own rank and competitive readiness. Master Mahoney tested and passed her Master Exam in the Spring of 2010, alongside Master Joe.
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| Kyo Sa Nim Tessa Falanga, Senior
Instructor KSN Tessa has been training in Tang Soo Do since the age of three and a half! She received her black belt at the age of seven. Even at a young age, KSN Tessa was a fierce competitor. Over the years, she has won many grand championships. KSN Tessa continues to compete today. Her traditional forms capture the audience and judges through impeccable technique and superb power. In the ring, KSN Tessa is a top fighter with extreme targeting, flexibility and strength. Her bo staff skills are always a big part of RKA's demonstration team performances. She is currently a 4th degree black belt and member of the senior staff, providing trial lessons, teaching classes, and working with the tournament team. KSN Tessa attended Mount Ida College in Massachusetts for a semester. She was on the Dean's List and the Varsity Equestrian Team. Currently she is employed at Rockmount Equestrian Center in Saugerties, NY; pursuing her dream career as a competitive show jumping rider. Go Tessa!
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| Kyo Sa Nim Emma
Falanga, Instructor We like to say that KSN Emma has been training in Tang Soo Do since before she was born! Sa Bom Nim trained while pregnant with Ms. Emma and this is why we think she is so "bouncy!" KSN Emma officially began training when she was only 3 years old. Being the youngest child in the Falanga family, she did what they all did; and that was compete! Ms. Emma has developed into quite the competitor over the years, rounding up some grand championships of her own. She is a dynamic traditional forms competitor and her weapon of choice is the kamas. KSN Emma has teamed up with other RKA competitors recently and led them to many team weapons forms wins. Of course she is a fast and furious fighter as well! KSN Emma is currently a 3rd degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and an instructor at RKA. She is an instrumental part of RKA's winning demonstration team. Ms. Emma attends Catskill High School in Catskill NY, where she is a junior. |
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| Kyo Sa Nim Laura Betti,
Senior Instructor KSN Laura began her martial arts
training at a time when she did not live locally. She developed an
affinity for the arts after training with us during visits home to New
York, and from attending tournaments as a spectator. With some guidance
from SBN, she found and attended a few different karate schools for over 2
years before ultimately moving back home. When KSN Laura relocated to Dutchess County in 2004, she became a full time student at RKA. Currently
she is a 3rd degree black belt. |
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| Kyo Sa Nim Joey Sikula,
Instructor KSN Joey is a 3rd degree black belt
in Tang Soo Do. He has always been a dedicated, respectful, and caring
student in his own training. Beginning as a junior staff member 7 years
ago, KSN Joey's persistence on the training floor has earned him full
instructor status today. KSN Joey broadens his martial arts
experience by traveling to selected tournaments and assisting
Master Joe in the MMA program. He is a powerful
member of RKA's winning demonstration team. His weapon of choice is the
kamas, as he and Ms. Emma have paired to win some team weapons events.
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| The staff at Rhinebeck Karate Academy would like
everyone to know how much support they receive from their families
regarding their Tang Soo Do journey. The patience and understanding of
moms, dads, husbands, wives, children, siblings, and pets! all
contribute to the success of a well rounded martial artist. Our thanks go out to: Cha Gi, Tribble, Trixie, Domino, Dakota and Phoebe Michele, Kieran and Darby John, Empi, Ella and Ramona Mike, Terri and Nick |
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