Local students shine in taekwondo

Several students from Carson City came home with medals from the 22nd annual International Taekwondo tournament held in Las Vegas this past weekend.

The students were from Grand Master Chi Duong's school. The tournament included schools from Vietnam, Korea, Nicaragua, Mexico and other countries as well as schools from the United States with more than 600 competitors. The tournament followed the Wolrd Taekwondo Federation guidelines and included competitions in Poomsae (Form), sparring and breaking.

Local students who medaled in Poomsae included: Nicholas Hummel, 10, silver; Erin Chang, 11, bronze; Paul Chang, 13, bronze; Krystine Redmond, 12, bronze.

Those who medaled in sparring were: Dartanyan Perry, 8, gold; Hummel, silver; Paul Change, silver; Erin Chang, bronze; Redmond, bronze.

Duong has noted that Chinese Taipei has already recruited 500 students for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Duong's goal is to train Northern Nevada future Olympians to compete in Beijing.

He said he plans to continue to train students interested in competing in the 2008 Olympics. "Any students willing to work hard can train with me to try and compete in the 2008 Olympics," he said.

Duong has been the Nevada State Official Chairman and the Nevada State Taekwondo vice president. He's also certified as a national official for United States Taekwondo and is an international official with the World Taekwondo Federation. He will conduct official classes in the future.

Persons who are interested in additional information or upcoming classes or becoming certified as a Nevada taekwondo official can call (775) 885-0547. The school is located at 3198 Deer Run Road, suite 5 and 6.