WOODBURY - Newtown residents John and Karin Roumanis have opened Woodbury Family Karate in a studio at 226 Main St. North.

Open since mid-summer, Woodbury Family Karate offers instruction in Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art.

Mr. Roumanis explained the difference between Tang Soo Do and TaeKwon-Do.

"TaeKwon-Do is a competitive sport, with an emphasis on sparring," he said. "Tang Soo Do is more a way of life. The emphasis is on teaching and encouraging students to meet their maximum potential, both physically and mentally.

"Tang Soo Do embodies certain Korean philosophies about improving physical ability, the ability to concentrate, improving self-confidence and respect.

"There are various forms of Tang Soo Do," he said. "We are non-contact. The emphasis is on learning control, on teaching exactly where you want to go, rather than making contact with another person.

 "We help the students become the best they can be, not try to have them be better than somebody else."

Mr. Roumanis and his wife, Karin, are both members of the World Tang Soo Do Association, an organization with more than 100,000 members and studios on six continents.

The Newtown couple began their study of karate when their eldest son, Chris, then 7, enrolled in a local Parks and Recreation program.

Last year, John, Karin and Chris Roumanis were named World Tang Soo Do Association

Region 9 Family of the Year, an honor bestowed for "outstanding dedication to the development of Tang Soo Do."

Mr. Roumanis has been active in karate for 15 years and has been a Black Belt and certified teacher for the past 10 years.

Early in his career, he trained with Master Robert Beaudoin in Southbury. For the past seven years, he has been a student of Master Jeff Haney, regional director of World Tang Soo Do Region 9, covering the New England states.

Mr. Roumanis is a practicing veterinarian, as is his wife. Although he is "Dr. Roumanis" at his veterinary clinic, he prefers "Mr. Roumanis" at the studio.

"In Tang Soo Do," he explained, "using 'Mr.' is a sign of respect."

Woodbury Family Karate offers

Last year, John, Karin and Chris Roumanis of Newtown were named World Tang Soo Do Association Region 9 Family of the year, an honor bestowed for “outstanding dedication to the development of Tang Soo Do.”  John and Karin Roumanis are the owners of Woodbury Family Karate.

training for ages 3 through adult, with small classes in a family-oriented environment.

Tiny Tigers offers a fun, play-based introduction to karate for 3- and 4-year-olds. Little Dragons is for students aged 5 and 6.

At age 7, students enter the traditional program, with classes for beginners and advanced students. Adult classes begin at age 13.

Instruction takes place in a clean, modern studio outfitted with jigsaw rubber mats for comfort and safety. The adjacent waiting room has wide windows so that parents may watch the classes.

Mr. Roumanis is the primary teacher.

"As the school grows, I expect to have a greater role in teaching," said Mrs. Roumanis, who is also a Black Belt.

Mr. and Mrs. Roumanis each have an interest in weapons training. This summer, they hosted a seminar with two notable

 
experts in the field: Master Michael Kaye of State College, Pa., who is experienced in edged weapons, and Master Scott Homscheck of Pittsburgh, Pa., who is experienced in flexible weapons.

People attended the seminars from as far away as Texas.

The couple continues to host review sessions once a month.

According to the school's handbook, Woodbury Family Karate aims to help students develop "a stronger body, a sharper mind and an

 
indomitable spirit" through the study of the martial arts.

"All the Black Belts at our studio started as beginners just like you," the handbook reads. "They know the benefits that can be achieved though the study of the martial arts. I encourage you to introduce yourself to them and do not hesitate to ask them about the positive changes they have seen while training at our school."

Those seeking additional information about Woodbury Family Karate may call
203-232-7147, or visit www.woodburykarate.com.