AFFILIATES
Vaillancourts Korean Martial Arts (VKMA) has two affiliate programs within the state of Maine. One school, Black Bear Taekwondo, is located at the University of Maine at Orono and is taught by Master George Manlove, Sah Bum Nim. Mr. Manlove was a student of Mr. Vaillancourt when Mr. Vaillancourt lived and taught in Maine. The other school (Augusta Taekwondo Center) is located in Augusta, Maine and is taught by Master Joel Gilbert, Sah Bum Nim. Both Maine instructors have over twenty years experience in the Korean martial arts, are from a Moo Duk Kwan lineage, and are members of the IAKMA.
On April 29, 2010, during a trip to Augusta, Maine, Mr. Vaillancourt was pleased to test and pass Mr. Manlove and Mr. Gilbert for 4th dan masters rank. After a two hour plus test, both gentlemen received their 4th dan certificates, master instructor certification and new embroidered masters belt. Thanks to Master Alex Cannella for participating in the testing. Both gentlemen received VKMA and IAKMA dan certificates. Mr. Manlove also received his 4th dan Kukkiwon.
On May 1st, Ms. McConnell and Mr. Thompson, both students of Master Gilbert, received their 1st dans in Tang Soo Do.
Master Joel Gilbert, Master Alex Cannella, Dana Vaillancourt & Master George Manlove (ME 2010).
VKMA Affiliates:
Orono Dojang (Black Bear Tae Kwon Do)
October 2009 Testing at Black Bear Taekwondo: Mr. George Manlove - Senior Instructor (center). Visiting senior instructor Mr. Joel Gilbert (left) and Mr. Josh Piemer, school assistant instructor (right).
Augusta Dojang (visit: http://augustatkd.com/)
MAINE BLACK BELTS TRAIN IN SOUTH DAKOTA
VKMA affiliate instructors from Maine travelled to Huron, South Dakota to train with Mr. Vaillancourt from 7/31-8/3/2009. Mr. George Manlove, head instructor at the Orono, Maine dojang, Mr. Joel Gilbert, head instructor at the Augusta, Maine Dojang, along with the Augusta dojang’s assistant instructor, Peter Thompson, all made the training trip to Huron.
Peter, Joel, Dana & George