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 Fast
forward to 2023, and enter Bryan Clark, local State Farm
representative and former police officer, who one day was pondering
what more he could bring to the community for children and families.
Bryan had pondered the idea of a Dojang in Lincoln but was not
exactly sure how to go about it. He knew of Scott Brown through
police work, and of his legacy, and wanted to be sure to honor that.
A friend of his recommended Darrin Watkins, who was one of Brown’s
students for many years and also one of the students who kept the
Dojang open after Brown passed.
Clark connected with Watkins and after the first meeting they both
knew this was meant to be. They shared their stories of faith and
God and second chances.
Clark, a former police officer, gave second chances, and Watkins,
thanks to Brown, was given that second chance. Watkins spoke about
the time when he got in some trouble, way back in his teens, and he
was in county jail. He had previously been a student to Brown, who
as a county deputy, was Watkins’ transport to and from court for
many months. The two had lengthy conversations that Watkins never
forgot. Later when he had served his time Watkins ran into Brown and
asked if he could come back to the Dojang. Brown said yes. Watkins
attended from that day forward until Brown passed away.
Watkins was the last person to receive a black belt
under Brown’s instruction.
With Clark as the owner and on the business end, and
Watkins as the instructor, Lincoln Taekwondo was born in August
2023. The name was chosen in honor of Scott Brown with the blessing
of his wife, Dawn, who was in attendance as an honorary judge one
night when children athletes were moving up in rank.
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The Lincoln Taekwondo is open three nights a week for
class. Classes are open to ages five and up, all skill levels. In
August, the Dojang averaged five to six people per class and now
they are up to an average of 15-17 people per class. Class viewing
is always welcome at any time.
Taekwondo is a form of martial arts combat that requires a person to
use all parts of the body in training, competition, and
self-defense. It is a sport that originated from the ancient Korean
forms of martial arts.
What does Taekwondo mean?
Tae- jump, kick, smash with foot
Kwon- punch, destroy with the hand or foot
Do- the way, art, or method
Lincoln Taekwondo is located at 622 N. Chicago St, Lincoln and can
be found on social media. Currently classes are held Monday,
Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To register for a class, email
lincoln
taekwondollc@gmail.com, or just walk into a class!
[Heather Gaule]
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