Instructors of New Hampshire Martial Arts Academy, Exeter, NH
Click on picture of an instructor to find out more about them.
Grandmaster Christina Hardy
(7th Dan)
Grandmaster Christina Hardy (7th Dan)
Grandmaster Hardy began Tae Kwon Do at the age of 16 when her father, tired of her coming home beaten by bullies, forced her into taking classes. Despite her initial resistance to the idea, Tae Kwon Do became her passion. She holds over 80 awards in competition, including forms, sparring and weapons. She became New Hampshire State Champion in 1989 (the first year the championships were held) and retained her championship status until retiring from competition in 1998 to focus on the development of her students. Master Hardy was invited to participate on the USA team for World Cup 2000 and earned a Gold Medal in that event. She obtained instructor certification in 1989.
Many of her students have earned the title of State Champion and several have gone on to become Junior Olympic Champions. Although successful in tournaments, Master Hardy's focus is on the development of each individual student, helping each to become the best he/she can be. Students and parents often comment on the abundance of patience she demonstrates in her teaching.
Master Hardy is the only certified Olympic Sparring instructor in the area.
Master Hardy was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame on March 26, 2005 and presented with an award for Female Tae Kwon Do Master of the Year.
She was inducted again in 2007 and presented with an award for Tae Kwon Do Master of the Year.
In 2013 Master Hardy was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame - Hall of Heroes.
Some Tae Kwon Do Facts: By Mr. Rick Sales:
Over 30 million people practiceTaekwondo in more than 156 countries.
On average, 1 in 1,000 students make it to 1st Dan
There have been approximately 15,000 people who have reached the rank of 7th Dan. However, when it comes to Female Taekwondo Masters, I could find only 12 Women who have achieved 7th Dan! (that's worldwide!).
Master Flagg
(5th Dan)
Master Flagg
Master Flagg became a student of Master Hardy's in 2002. He joined the Leadership Program and the Instructor Certification Program, and became a Certified Master Instructor in 2011. He currently holds the rank of 5th Dan.
Mr. Jeremy Sheaff
(2nd Dan)
Mr. Jeremy Sheaff
Jeremy started training at the Academy in 1992. He left to pursue his college degree in Architectural Design. He returned to the Academy in 2013 with his 3 children, Bryan (12); Nathan (10) and Arlena (5).
Jeremy is now a 2nd Dan and an enthusiastic Assistant Instructor.
All three children are still enjoying classes and working towards their Black Belts. Jeremy now also has a two year old who cannot wait to get into class!
Testimonials
" I'm grateful to study with a Master who, through her own excellent example, inspires and challenges students to work through adversity and find the best in themselves and others." Jill Sweeney-Bosa, Exeter (38)
"I have gained much discipline, self-confidence, and many other powerful traits, but one of the best attributes is anti-stress. I was struggling in my math class when I first decided to do Tae Kwon Do, and it helped me realize that If I look at the problems separately then I could just crank them out." Jack Duquette (12), Stratham, NH
"When I began Tae Kwon Do I was being bullied at school a lot. I haven't been bullied in school since a few months after I started training. When that problem disappeared I still had something I thoroughly enjoy to do." David Thrumston of Exeter, NH (15)
"I am very impressed with what it has done for my son, better grades, more upbeat, better attitude, happier and more attentive. I have also found all of the people who attend the school to be extremely friendly and helpful." Tony Wallaga (48), Yellow Belt, Trains with 15 yro son
"I wanted to personally thank you for all the time and guidance you have provided him over the years. I was lost as a step parents taking Jacob into our house. He had many challenges to overcome in those first few years and I know that you played a major role in him becoming the successful student, friend and person he is now. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have a wonderful school and I’m grateful Jacob was able to have this experience. I hope in the future he finds his way back into martial arts." All the best to you, Amanda Ortiz
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