The Instructors

Master Russell Gale is a 6th degree black belt. He has over 28 years of tae kwon do training and recently retired from a long competitive career. During this time he won gold medals at local, state, national and international competitions. Master Gale draws his knowledge from the best in the world, and has traveled across the US to train with Olympic medalists and World Champions. These medalists include 1988 Gold Medalist from Korea, Master Myang Sang Jang, 1988 Bronze Medalist and former USA Olympic Head Coach, Master Han Won Lee, and 2000/2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Steven Lopez. He also works closely with Coach Sherman Nelson, Coach Jason Poos and Coach Eric Lauren to help develop the athletes in his gym. Master Gale plans to further his knowledge of Olympic style Tae Kwon Do to prepare students who wish to compete. At the 2002 National Championships, two of his students won medals and three others competed in the quarter finals. He is also proud to have seen two of his students participate in Jr. National Team Trials with one becoming the Jr. Bantam weight alternate for the USA Jr. National Team. Master Gale is also on staff with the USAT, the organizing body of Olympic sport Tae Kwon Do in the United States. While he is pleased with the accomplishments of his athletes and enjoys his work at the USAT, he hopes to see continued advancements in all aspects of training in his dojang. Master Gale feels competitive Tae Kwon Do is great for personal growth, but he also feels it’s a small part of the complete package that includes self-discipline, self confidence, self defense and practical problem solving skills. “I hope you find everything you are looking for at our dojang, and invite you to become a part of our future which promises to be both exciting and rewarding,” says Master Gale.

Send e-mail to Master Gale.

Master Tanya Panizzo is currently a 5th degree black belt and resigned her job as an Engineer for the Automotive Industry to teach Tae Kwon Do full time. She began her training at age 8 with her brothers (she is a triplet) and has been involved in the martial arts for over 30 years. Master Panizzo began her training strictly because her brothers did, but as time went by, began to develop a love for the Korean martial art. Over the years, she has participated in numerous tournaments, eventually capturing a gold medal in international competition. She defeated her mother’s home country of Argentina to advance to the final rounds in this tournament. She has also participated in demonstrations and other special events that have given her valuable experience in many facets of Tae Kwon Do. She is head of the fitness program offered at the school and is responsible for the physical conditioning of students in pursuit of tournament competition. Master Panizzo works hard to further her knowledge of traditional Tae Kwon Do principles to enrich the lives of all students in her care. She is also involved in the instruction of children with special needs. She works privately with children with Austism and Aspbergers to help them develop coordination, fine and gross motor skills, confidence and self control. Along with teaching Tae Kwon Do, she is Director of Fighting Spirit Personal Safety, a company that provides personal safety training for children and adults. She believes that Tae Kwon Do brings a positive outlook on a person’s life and encourages everyone, male and female, child and adult, to see what Tae Kwon Do and fitness can bring to their lives.