Westfield Area Y Tae Kwon Do Participants Take Medal At District Championships

By Westfield Area Y

On June 6th, 15 students and instructors from Gedman’s Black Belt Academy of the Westfield Area Y qualified for the ATA Northeast District Championships held at the Lancaster Convention Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Out of the 15 students and instructors competing, 10 earned medals and five earned Gold medals which qualified them for the World Championships later this summer!

Tae Kwon Do is a martial art that allows individuals to focus on physical and personal development. It instills discipline, honor, self-control, respect, courtesy and perseverance. Students of all ages can apply the lessons learned to maintaining their personal safety. Benefits of Tae Kwon do include: Fitness development, discipline, self-defense and self-confidence.

The Westfield Area Y offers Tae Kwon Do programs for adults, teens and children (beginning at age 4), for beginners through 3rd degree black belts. No annual commitment or contract is required. Rank advancement ceremonies are held on-site at the Bauer Branch four times a year.

Each class is led by a team of certified ATA (American Taekwondo Association) instructors, under the leadership of 5th degree black belt Chief Instructor Pamela Gedman.

Registration for summer classes is going on now. Members can register online at www.westfieldynj.org. Please call Amanda Aguirre, Physical Director, at 908-233-2700 x258 or email aaguirre@westfieldynj.org with any questions or for more information.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area Y programs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Pictured here (L-R) are the Gedman’s Black Belt Academy competitors: Will Surks, Zoe Trotta, Victoria Valentino (Instructor), Pamela Gedman (Chief Instructor), Max Scialabba and Jon Hargreaves

Not pictured: Michael Ramirez (Instructor), Steven De Los Rios (Instructor), Dr. Mushayandebvu and Cristian Casas