Formed in 2009, Evolution Traditional Korean Martial Arts (formerly known as Kuk Sool Won Dunfermline) celebrated this milestone with a show at Glen Pavilion.
About 300 people gathered to watch students from the school, led by husband and wife team Craig and Tammy Hill, demonstrate the traditional Korean martial art of Mire Kukseul, which teaches kicking, striking, joint locks, throws, pressure points, meditation, breathing techniques, traditional weapons and fall techniques.
The event provides an opportunity for participants of all ages, from age 3 to those in their late 60s, to get in shape, learn self-defense and Korean culture, have fun and build strong friendships.
“It was amazing to see what started with just a few students come together like this,” said Craig, a fifth-generation Daan Kuk Sool master.
“I think when we started the club, my wife and I said we have to do everything, we have to demonstrate everywhere, we have to show what we do.
“This time, we did a few things, but we were able to just sit and wait. There were black belts who I've been training with for years, new students, and everyone was joining in. It was nice to just sit and watch.”
“I guess I always thought maybe I could do this full time and turn my passion into a job, so to speak, but even 15 years ago there weren’t many places for full-time martial arts back then.
“It was like a dream come true. And it's come true and it's still growing and getting busy.”
He added: “I've had a few text messages this week from people booking trial lessons – it must have been because of the article in the paper.”
“Usually as summer approaches people aren't keen to get anything started so this is pretty good!”
“As well as celebrating our 15th anniversary, we had several students promoted to first-degree black belts and even third-degree black belts. It was great to be able to do that.
“Usually that all happens at a tournament, but we were able to handle it in-house and it meant they had a lot of friends and family there for them. It was nice to be able to share it.”
The school is based in the Elgin Industrial Park on Dixon St. For more information, visit https://evolutiontkma.com/ or search Evolution TKMA on Facebook.
