Thompson Taekwondo Teaches Important Skills

Jeff "Tiger" Thompson is a Master of Taekwondo and he's opened a new dojo (studio) here in town for students of all ages. He began as a student several decades ago and has been teaching students since the 1970s. Master Thompson, as he is known to his students, was also a world class martial arts athlete, competing in more that 200 competitions in his lifetime. He was once a member of the United States national taekwondo team and was one of fourteen athletes chosen to represent the United States in a full contact competition in Japan. He's a three time world champion in taekwondo as well. He is a seven degree black belt in the Moo Duk Kwan.

Master Thompson blends his extensive knowledge of traditional Moo Duk Kwan with a culture of patience to assist students to reach their goals in taekwondo. Along the way, students learn many lessons in addition to the physical skills needed to be successful. There are teaching moments during the instruction process to train their minds, as well as their bodies. Self motivation is a reflection of hard work and we met some of his adult students at the dojo. They praised the physical training of taekwondo, but spoke extensively about the mental training that was beneficial in all areas of their lives. Learning to assess situations, find solutions, and accept outcomes are all important learning points for students of taekwondo. One must not rush processes and take shortcuts. To find lasting success and greatest achievement, one must be prepared to push the limits of endurance and challenge oneself to push beyond previous limits.

As with the beginning of Master Thompson's interest in taekwondo, it is very much adaptable to young students. They will learn basic taekwondo skills as they become stronger, and the mental lessons are learned quickly too. On our visit, we saw a young boy attempting a new skill under the guidance of Master Thompson. The student repeated the skill multiple times, with varying success, while Master Thompson gently instructed and corrected the student's form. Eventually, the student was performing the skill with ease and a broad smile came across his face.

Taekwondo is very popular in Korea, as it is in the United States. It can also be used for self-defense, which makes taekwondo a common method for women to gain confidence and build strength. It's a medium to low cost activity: to begin training, only a uniform, called a dobok, is needed to start. Students may eventually wish to invest in sparring gear, but that is not needed in the beginning.

Master Thompson may be new to teaching here in Boulder City, but he also teaches at his dojo in Las Vegas where he's enjoyed much success. Once a year, in April, he takes his students to a taekwondo tournament at the Flamingo Hotel where they compete against other students from across the United States. It's a good way to measure skills and gain experience and the students look forward to the tournament. The hard work comes in the journey to the tournament, not the tournament itself. Working hard for a goal is an important life skill that can be instilled through the taekwondo.

In addition to his taekwondo instruction, Master Thompson would like to have women interested in learning kickboxing as well. Master Thompson is currently accepting new students, experienced or not, at his dojo located at 1680 Boulder City Parkway, near Chilly Jilly'z and Champion Physical Therapy. Master Thompson can be reached at (725) 294-3755. We've heard from several readers who are very enthusiastic about the dojo, the instruction, and the skills – both physical and mental – that they are learning. We encourage you to check it out soon!