INSTRUCTORS
Vincent A. Affatigato
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR / PROGRAM DIRECTOR
U.S.T.F. REGION 7 DIRECTOR [NY, NJ, PA]
| Master Vincent A. Affatigato is a 7th degree black belt with 30 years of martial arts experience. He is a Certified International Instructor with the International Taekwon-do Federation, has been teaching as a head instructor for 20 years, and has been an officer of the United States Taekwon-do Federation since 1996. He has been both a national and international competitor, winning medals in the 6th I.T.F. World Championships [Hungary], I.T.F. Friendship Games [Yugoslavia] and numerous competitions in the U.S. He is also the 1999 and 2001 U.S.T.F. National Grand Champion for 5th and 6th degree black belts. Having traveled extensively for training and competition, in order to expand his martial arts knowledge, he was selected by the late General Choi Hong Hi [founder of taekwon-do] in 1991 to film the I.T.F. Training Video and has trained numerous times with both General Choi and Grandmaster C.E. Sereff. He has been an assistant coach in the 7th &11th I.T.F. World Championships, as well as the Team USA Head Coach (2003 International Taekwon-do Australian Open Championship). Currently he is in demand for conducting free sparring & self defense seminars here in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to teaching martial arts at the Original Taekwon-do Center, he has also developed the popular Cardio Kickboxing program that the Center offers and exemplifies the development of the mind, body and spirit through his awesome teaching and skill. |
Christopher Knappenberger
INSTRUCTOR
| Christopher Knappenberger is a retired New York City police officer with over 30 years martial arts experience. He is a certified 5th degree black belt with the I.T.F. and U.S.T.F and has attended numerous training seminars. He also holds a 5th degree black belt in Kardo Jitsu Ryu and has studied the Philippine arts. In addition to teaching for the past 24 years, he works with officers in the N.Y.C. Police Department on self-defense and hand to hand combat, as well as use of the baton. He is known for his strong fighting skill, gentle spirit and concern for his students. |
Lance Ford
INSTRUCTOR
| Lance Ford is a certified 6th degree black belt with the I.T.F. and U.S.T.F. He is also a retired New York City Correction officer with almost 30 years martial arts experience. He was voted 1998 Adult Competitor Of The Year and has amassed over 50 medals in national competitions. In addition to training students at the Original Taekwon-do Center, he works with fellow correction officers on self-defense techniques. He is known not only for awesome fighting abilities, but also for his knowledge of grappling and submission technique. |
