Instructors

Ms. Mel Thompson,
4th Degree Senior Black Belt

Ms. Mel Thompson, currently a 4th degree senior level black belt. She began studying taekwondo in the Spring of 1998 under Mr. David Perdue at his Taekwondo America school in Westerville, after being a lobby parent for a year while her children participated in his program.

In 2001 she became a volunteer instructor, teaching many children and adult classes, and earned her national instructor certification in 2002 and participates in a regular, rigorous recertification program.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Thompson continues to compete in national tournaments and is training to test for her 5th degree black belt in September 2012.

Her degree from Ohio State is in psychology and much of her career outside of martial arts has been in marketing, graphic design and creative writing. When her children were younger she was actively involved in their classrooms and PTA programs as well as being a Girl Scout Leader, church drama team member and Sunday School teacher for many years.

Her special interest within martial arts is teaching health, fitness and "street smart" self-defense techniques to women and children, and she receives numerous requests for presentations from women's groups, schools and other organizations.

At Hilliard Taekwondo Academy, You'll get the highest quality instruction

Every Taekwondo America school owner is required to earn and maintain national certification, which includes continuing education (martial arts, people skills and business development).

And at Hilliard Taekwondo Academy (HTA), you'll train under four nationally certified instructors, not just one. Two of our nationally certified instructors are 4th degree senior level black belts, one is a 3rd degree black belt and one is a 2nd degree senior level black belt. All continue to improve their own skill level through national and regional competitions, in addition to preparing to test for higher rank.

Our students also benefit from the teaching assistance of our regionally certified adults, teens and junior instructors, plus visiting instructors from other TA schools. All are black belts who have passed a comprehensive physical, written and oral test.

Additionally, many Leadership program students, who are working toward becoming instructors, assist in the Little Dragons and Juniors program, helping us maintain safety.