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| Students at the School of Chung Moo Doe practice their technique with owner Regional Head Instructor Thomas Domke, at right. Students from the school recently competed in a national competition, capturing several awards. |
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It keeps them competitive, too. Students ranging in age from 16 to 56 from the School of Chung Moo Doe competed in the 4th annual Chung Moo Doe tournament in Arlington, Mass., on October 20. Thomas Domke, owner and Regional Head Instructor at the school, was quite pleased with the results - first place in seven events, second place in two events and third place in four others. The tournament encompasses all areas of martial arts, including the "slow, graceful" Tai-Chi, Kung-Fu and weapons and self-defense.
Thirty-three students from Oakland's school were up against 450 other competitors from across the nation. The local students spent the last five months preparing for their trip and, once there, "genuinely enjoyed the camaraderie and good feeling from seeing so many others from all over the nation share their concern for the overall wellness that comes from practicing Chung Moo Doe," said Domke.
Nancy Heilman, a 55-year-old attorney, competed in three events and finished first in the area of Un Yong Sparring for Intermediate rank. Heilman, 55, has been practicing Chung Moo Doe for 2 years.
"I had been doing high speed aerobics at a local health club and had been feeling discomfort (such as back pain)," she said. So, at the advice of her son, a second degree instructor from Boston, she began attending classes at the school of Chung Moo Doe. She believes that changing her exercise routine has not only eliminated her pain but has provided her with several other benefits as well.
"There are effects you don't really plan on when you start," said Heilman. She explained that with her high stress job, she needs to be focused, stress-free and full of energy. "Good physical condition helps all that, but Chung Moo Doe helps because of the concentration involved."
"The main thrust of our school is on personal development and health rather than just who can knock who down," added Domke.
After all, the core philosophies of Chung Moo Doe revolve around overall well-being and preventive care of the mind and body, goals intended to result in a productive, healthy member of society.
"One of the philosophies of the school is to work with the community and make it, as a whole, a better place for all of us," said Domke, "Through the Chung Moo Doe association of PA we do kick-a-thons to raise money for MDA and we gave $1,000 to Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children."
The school also awards outstanding members of the community with honorary black belt degrees. The first such recipient was the late Lt. Pat McNamara, who was given an honorary black belt in 1993.
To promote good health, instructors from the school also teach at three area Blue Cross/Blue Shield primary care facilities. In several instances, Domke explained, tuition for the classes is covered, with doctor approval, for the purpose of health maintenance.
Instructors from the school also hold "Super Seniors" classes regularly at Braddock Medical Center and Ohio Valley Hospital and four senior citizen centers. These specialize in Tai-Chi, Yoga, and other non-strenuous moves that improve flexibility and coordination and stimulate circulation.
The style of Chung Moo Doe has been taught in this country for over 20 years, with the school in Oakland in existence for the past four years.
"What makes our school unique is that it teaches all martial arts united into one comprehensive style," said Domke.
Domke is a 5th degree black belt who's been training for 16 years. He also operates schools in Bethel Park, Dormont and Squirrel Hill.
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