1990:  My informal training in the martial arts began with my father, Tom Gast, who had studied the martial arts since he was 18.
1991:  My formal training began when I started training at the Defense Arts Academy.
1993:  I began an apprenticeship with this organization as an assistant instructor.
1995:  I was awarded first degree black belt rank in Tae Kwon Do. The requirements for this rank consist of a minimum time of 4 years in training, traditional Tae Kwon Do, basic Hapkido techniques, basic Judo, and a term paper on the history of Tae Kwon Do. I continued training and instructing at Defense Arts Academy until 1999.
June 1999: I left the Defense Arts Academy.
November 2000: I felt the desire to start a martial arts school.
August 2001: I moved to Tulsa, OK to attend a college. I taught lessons while in Oklahoma.
April 2002: I moved back to Spokane.
June 2002: I taught lessons for friends and family until October
September 2003: I ran a martial arts group at a local community center, offering lessons for adults and children until May of 2004.
July 10, 2004: I was married and moved into the house we live in now.
July 2006: I established Paradigm Martial Arts.
May 2008: I held my first classes at 1806 E 5th Ave.
September 2009: Grand opening for new location at 1510 N Argonne Rd.

What is Tae Kwon Do?

According to USA Today (7/29/85), Tae Kwon Do is “the sport of the 90’s…the fastest growing sport in the world today.” Although this is true, it is also true that the sport of Tae Kwon Do is a mere shadow of the art of Tae Kwon Do. The art exists independently and transcends the sport.

Tae Kwon Do was created in Korea and developed here over the course of 2000 years. However, due to the suppression of Korean culture during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and then because of the Korean War, Tae Kwon Do was not introduced to the United States and the rest of the world until the late 1950’s. By this time the word “karate” had become a generic term for the martial arts. This is why, even though Tae Kwon Do is now practiced by more people than all of the other martial arts combined, it is still sometimes referred to as “Korean Karate.”

Why is Tae Kwon Do So Popular?

Tae Kwon Do has endured for centuries and is today experiencing extremely rapid growth because it offers a multitude of benefits that can be enjoyed by all people regardless of age, gender, or culture. Today, Tae Kwon Do is being taught and practiced in over 150 countries.

Tae Kwon Do is the martial art through which one can develop proficiency in self-defense in a relatively short period of time. It is the art of self-defense that has been scientifically calculated for maximum efficiency of motion, and therefore proven to be highly effective for self-defense. With sufficient practice, the entire body of the practitioner becomes a weapon. When this level is achieved, quick reaction becomes second nature and a true sense of self-confidence is attained.

Tae Kwon Do – The Ultimate Fitness

Many people practice Tae Kwon Do primarily because it is the most complete of exercises. Tae Kwon Do promotes the strength and coordination of the whole body, as well as providing maximum aerobic fitness and flexibility. As one article in the New York Times (5/4/96) stated, “In 1 hour and 15 minutes of Tae Kwon Do class you will get the equivalent of 45 minutes of aerobics, 45 minutes of calisthenics and the stretch of 45 minutes of Yoga, plus the most effective means of self-defense.  

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