I. School Owners

Senior Master Tom Jakubczak, 6th Dan & Co-Owner

Senior Master Jakubczak is our high ranking black belt at Hartland Tae Kwon Do.  He has diligently and continuously studied in the martial arts for the last 39 years. He was born and raised in some of the toughest streets of Detroit, and he quickly learned that to survive you had to have a strong mind and body. 

For the first twenty years of his training, he worked under several highly disciplined and no-nonsense teachings of Korean Masters directly from Seoul, South Korea.  They believed, as we do at Hartland Tae Kwon Do, that many things are needed to make a well rounded student and life-long practitioner in the martial arts. It is not necessarily the best fighter or the student with the best kicks, but the one who discovers themselves, while discovering others, who will be the one to seek the prize. Ultimately that goal and prize will be a black belt under the direction and guidance of our many talented and facetted black belt staff.

Senior Master Jakubczak brings his enthusiasm and heart to the art and sport of tae kwon do. In addition to working hard and leading others, his wife and three daughters work with him daily during class. Senior Master Jakubczak actively encourages each individual to try a class at Hartland Tae Kwon Do, and hopes that each participant may find something in the martial arts that mesh with their individual desires, as he has throughout the years.

 

II. Hartland Tae Kwon Do’s Black Belt Team

The following individuals, in addition to training and working hard, assist in making Hartland Tae Kwon Do one of the best programs in Michigan! We are proud to have them on our team!

Master Mike Gagne, 5th Dan

Master Gagne began his training in 1981 at the age of 16.  Tae kwon do became a way of life, and eventually, he earned his black belt in 1983. In 1984, he decided to join the United State Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he traveled around the world, and entered a variety of martial arts tournaments. After four years, he was honorably discharged, and resumed his training. During the 1990’s, he grew extremely active in the art and sport of Tae Kwon Do. Master Gagne traveled around the United States both as a coach and competitor. During this time, he competed in both state and national tournaments, and brought many gold metals back to his training school. After taking a break for a few years, Master Gagne decided to become part of Hartland Tae Kwon Do. Today, he works at Linden Elementary as a teacher. Master Gagne instructs on a regular basis, and works with the program's tournament competitions.

 

Master Gary Kieltyka, 4th Dan, Program Coordinator

Master Kieltyka began his martial arts training by studying Japanese Shotokon Karate. Mr. Kieltyka has experience in two different styles of Tae Kwon Do, including Han Moo Kwan and Chung Go Kwan. He believes that it is not the competitions won or lost or the belts earned that makes the martial arts a desirable pursuit for people, but the enduring friendships formed over the years by helping each other attain their goals. In addition to training, Master Kieltyka also enjoys photography, and volunteers his time and resources to take photographs for Hartland Tae Kwon Do.

 

Mr. Matt Schick, 3rd Dan

Mr. Matt Schick began his practice of Tae Kwon Do at Ferris State University. In 1996, Matt earned his black belt. Currently, he works for the Compuware Corporation, and has four children, three of which have trained at Hartland Tae Kwon Do. His oldest Child, marta, earned her black belt rank this past year. The Schick's are an excellent example of how Tae Kwon Do can become a family activity! In addition to training with his family, Mr. Schick instructs on a regular basis.

 

Mr. Greg Spangler, 3rd Dan

Mr. Greg Spangler brings amazing things to Hartland Tae Kwon Do. He originally began training in a local Aikido club in 1982. In 1992, he started his practice of Tae Kwon Do at Rockford Academy, and eventually earned his black belt after three years of hard work and a great deal of determination. In the following years, Mr. Spangler practiced different styles of martial arts, including Isshin Ryu, Yue Chia Kung Fu and Tang Soo Do. Mr. Spangler currently works as project engineer, with a Masters of Engineering degree. He has three children, one of which enjoys training at Hartland Tae Kwon Do with his father. Mr. Spangler brings his fresh perspectives to every class setting, and instructs on a regular basis.

 

Devon Perrine, 2nd Dan & Assistant Little Dragons Instructor

Extended bio to come soon!

 

Marta Schick, 2nd Poom

Marta Schick is currently 13 years of age, and began training in Tae Kwon Do when she was eight years old. Marta has three brothers, two of which have enjoyed Tae Kwon Do in the past. Today, Marta actively trains with her father, Matt Schick. Marta enjoys sparring and forms competition, and has been quite successful in the past. When Marta is not in Tae Kwon Do, she enjoys drawing pictures and reading books. Her favorite television shows include, “I Love Lucy” and “Laverne and Shirley.”

 

Michael Turner, 2nd Dan & Assistant Little Dragons Instructor

Extended bio to come soon!

 

 

  
 


"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be"
                                                                                    J. K. Rowling