Business Spotlight: MTA Republic Taekwondo now considering expansion

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Her nickname is "Little Foot." However, most of Kristen Pattinson's students would never think of addressing her as anything other than "Ma'am."|ret||ret||tab|

That's because Pattinson, who has a third-degree black belt in taekwondo, has earned her students' respect.|ret||ret||tab|

At 5-foot-4 and 110 pounds, Pattinson doesn't fit some people's image of a martial arts instructor. However, those who have seen her in action or attended one of the classes she teaches at the Midwest Taekwondo Association's Republic Taekwondo say she's one of the more skilled martial arts instructors in the area.|ret||ret||tab|

Pattinson began studying taekwondo, a Korean martial art, when she was a sophomore in high school. After earning her black belt in 1994, Pattinson became an assistant instructor at Springfield Taekwondo.|ret||ret||tab|

In March 1997 she received her black collar after completing the MTA's teacher-certification program. Later that year, she decided to start teaching on her own.|ret||ret||tab|

Springfield and Ozark already had several taekwondo schools that were MTA affiliates, so Pattinson decided to teach in Republic.|ret||ret||tab|

Offering classes in Republic helped Pattinson avoid competing directly with another MTA-affiliated school, and it allowed her to tap a new base of students.|ret||ret||tab|

Rather than jump right in and start her own school, Pattinson took a less direct approach. She contacted members of the Republic Parks and Recreation Board and told them she wanted to offer taekwondo lessons in their community. They liked the idea and let townspeople know they could take taekwondo lessons from a certified instructor through the Republic Parks and Recreation Board.|ret||ret||tab|

After the size and demand for classes grew, Pattinson decided to open her own school. She rented 1,200 square feet of studio space in a new building near the corner of highways 60 and 174 in Republic and began holding classes six days a week.|ret||ret||tab|

About 35 students continued training with Pattinson at the new studio, and more new students soon followed. Chris Nanninga and Kristen Pattinson's brother Jason Pattinson, who both have black belts in taekwondo, also began instructing at the school.|ret||ret||tab|

The students at MTA Republic Taekwondo say having more than one instructor adds a new dimension to their training because it gives them a chance to see how other black belts perform techniques.|ret||ret||tab|

However, as the chief instructor and senior-ranking black belt, Pattinson can overrule the other instructors if she believes they are teaching a technique incorrectly.|ret||ret||tab|

Teaching techniques correctly is particularly important, according to Pattinson, because the training program offered at MTA Republic Taekwondo is nontraditional.|ret||ret||tab|

"The program we teach here is much more modern than traditional taekwondo," Pattinson said. "Traditional taekwondo stresses a lot of back leg kicks, ax kicks and high-flying kicks. We teach those techniques along with joint locks, ground fighting and other self-defense skills. This allows you to defend yourself effectively regardless of your age, size or strength."|ret||ret||tab|

However, there's more to taekwondo than learning a series of techniques. Students also learn the value of self-discipline, respect and self-control. Pattinson also encourages her younger students to do their best in school and those who have straight A's receive an academic achievement badge.|ret||ret||tab|

Although many children train at MTA Republic Taekwondo, the studio has a family-oriented atmosphere. In fact, several parents work out regularly with their children.|ret||ret||tab|

Each student's skill rank is indicated by the color of the belt worn on their uniform.|ret||ret||tab|

During a training session, Pattinson demonstrates the technique at a level of difficulty that corresponds to each student's skill rank. When students of different skill levels practice together, the student with the highest rank practices at the level of the student with the lowest rank.|ret||ret||tab|

According to Pattinson, this fosters a better learning environment and promotes safety. Still, students must sign a release before beginning training, and Pattinson also carries liability insurance.|ret||ret||tab|

According to Pattinson, a typical student will train two to four years before earning his or her black belt. Defining the "typical" student is difficult, however, since the oldest student is 55 and the youngest is 5.|ret||ret||tab|

In recent months, MTA Republic Taekwondo has been offering aerobic kickboxing and jujitsu classes. Pattinson teaches aerobic kick boxing, while Jeff Hickman, a volunteer policeman and wrestling coach at Republic High School, teaches jujitsu.|ret||ret||tab|

A number of new seminars also are being offered this year, including one in women's self-defense set for June 10.|ret||ret||tab|

According to Pattinson, more than 85 students are enrolled at MTA Taekwondo, and she expects that number will increase significantly with the addition of the new programs and seminars.|ret||ret||tab|

Although rent and advertising are Pattinson's biggest overhead expenses, she is considering moving to a larger location to accommodate more students.|ret||ret||tab|

MTA Republic Taekwondo|ret||ret||tab|

Year founded: 1997 |ret||ret||tab|

Owner's name: MTA Republic Taekwondo Inc. |ret||ret||tab|

Address and phone number: 800 E. Highway 174, Republic, Mo. 65738; 732-8520 |ret||ret||tab|

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