An RSO to kick it with

Students in Laramie Taekwondo are kicking it up a notch with local opportunities to learn and appreciate martial arts.
Joann Hilman started the Laramie Taekwondo group after studying the art of Taekwondo in South Korea. Upon moving to Laramie, Hilman found that there was not a program available to continue her training. Laramie Taekwondo has provided that opportunity.
“Our mission is to teach the culture and traditions behind taekwondo while promoting martial arts, self-defense and wellness in the Laramie community,” Hilman said.
Members of the group meet together twice a week to work toward fulfilling this mission. Matthew Lehmitz, two-year member of Laramie Taekwondo, said he joined the group out of a desire to learn and remain physically active in an engaging way.
“I have always been someone who enjoyed athletic activities and exercise but often physical activity is a relatively dull affair involving repetitive movements over long periods,” Lehmitz said. “Taekwando provided an opportunity to build up a skill set and knowledge base for an activity.”
This semester the group is focusing on technique, form and methods of self defense. Lessons are set up to give members opportunities to practice what they have learned in a controlled environment.
Lehmitz said Laramie Taekwando’s approach to martial arts is unique in its approach.
“Unlike many places one might seek to learn a martial art the Laramie group is not overly concerned with doing things strictly by the book,” Lehmitz said. “There is always time to ask questions and have a little fun in addition to the regular practice which covers a range of different skills and allows both the opportunity to learn practical movements and real world solutions.”
Practical application is also a priority for the RSO.
“We get the chance periodically to learn more about how to face an opponent and learn from the skills of others in the group through sparring,” Lehmitz said.
Lehmitz said this experience is enhanced by the social aspects of the club. There are currently ten members of Laramie Taekwondo, and new members are welcome.
“The best part of Laramie Taekwondo is the connections you make with other members,” Hilman said. “We get to learn a martial art in a safe environment and make lasting connections we make with members here and other martial artists around the state.”
Lehmitz said the group is good for “pursuing social opportunities since it goes beyond just the martial arts aspect and builds a surprising degree of camaraderie among the participants over time.”
Hilman said this camaraderie is one of the main goals of Laramie Taekwondo. Members are involved in community events together, including the Safe Treat program and special classes through the university.
Future goals of Laramie Taekwondo include expansion and education.
“Our future goals include spreading knowledge of self defense further and Taekwondo further through the community,” Hilman said. “We are also trying to make connections with other Taekwondo schools in the state with the hope of starting programs for at risk youth.”
The group is also interested in challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about martial arts.
“We should be more willing to embrace martial arts and contact sports of many kinds,” Lehmitz said. “There is much that they can offer us that we lose if we continue to be too afraid to participate in them.”
Hilman said any students interested in participating in Laramie Taekwondo are encouraged to come to the group’s weekly practices sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. in the education building gym.
“I would recommend you wear good athletic clothing and be prepared for a challenge,” Lehmitz said.
Further information can be found on Laramie Taekwondo’s Collegiate Link page.