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Meet the Instructors of Grogan's Academy of Martial Arts



Sa Bom Nim - Rich Grogan


    Master Instructor
    Sa Bom Nim Rich Grogan
    Owner & head instructor of Grogan's Academy of Martial Arts.

  • Over 30 years of Martial Arts experience
  • Licensed 5th Degree Black-Belt
  • Internationally Certified Master Instructor
  • Member of the World Moo Duk Kwan
  • Numerous trips to Korea for extensive training
  • Self-Defense training to police officers
  • All credentials and certifications from Korea
  • Degree in Kinesiology Education
  • Physical Education teacher for the Edwardsville School District

    Click here to learn about Sa Bom Nim Grogan


Jo Kyo Nim Nathan Wilkening

Jo Kyo Nim Nathan Wilkening received his Cho Dan on  2/27/09. He became a certified assistant instructor (Jo Kyo Nim) on 5/6/09. Once becoming a Jo Kyo he really began to appreciated the many privileges and responsibility that came with it. Jo Kyo Nim Wilkening received the rank of E Dan (2nd Degree Midnight Blue Belt) on 1/16/2011. Jo Kyo Nim Wilkening is also a member of the studio demo team, and is a Junior at Edwardsville High School. He has trained in Soo Bahk Do at Grogan’s Academy of Martial Arts since February 2005. During his six years of training, he has attended many regional events, as well as one national event. His favorite hobbies includes; bicycle riding, and martial arts.


Jo Kyo Nim Morgan Whiteford
Jo Kyo Nim Morgan Whiteford received her Cho Dan (1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt) on 11/7/09.   She's been a member of the studio since April, 2006.  She became a certified assistant instructor (Jo Kyo Nim) on 9/7/2010. Jo Kyo Nim Whiteford is a member of the studio demo team, and is a Freshman at Edwardsville High School. She enjoys working with kids and helping them learn and improve their technique. When not practicing Soo Bahk Do she likes to run and draw. 


Dr. David Duvernell

Dr. David Duvernell received his Cho Dan (1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt) on 4/30/10, and has been a member of Grogan's Academy of Martial Arts since 2006. Dr. Duvernell began his training in Soo Bahk Do with Sa Bom Nim Grogan out of a desire for an exercise outlet that would challenge his mind and body in a meaningful way. He had previously had a positive experience studying a traditional Okinawan style of karate (Shuri-Itasu) as a teenager. Dr. Duvernell is a member of the studio demo team, and is an Instructor Assistant. Dr. Duvernell is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. In his spare time he also enjoys a variety of outdoors activities.

   

Mrs. Wendy Whiteford

Mrs. Wendy Whiteford received her Cho Dan (1st degree midnight blue belt) on 4/30/10, and has been actively training at Grogan's Academy of Martial Arts since May 2006.  Mrs. Whiteford is a member of the studio demo team, and is an Instructor Assistant Mrs. Whiteford is a Business Analyst in the St. Louis area.  Her hobbies include reading, raising chickens, spending time with her three girls and anything that has to do with computers. 

   

Mr. Austin Grogan

Mr. Austin Grogan received his Cho Dan (1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt) on 11/7/09. Mr. Grogan began training at the age of 3. He has been actively training at Grogan’s Academy of Martial Arts since May, 2004. Mr. Grogan is a member of the studio demo team, and is an Instructor Assistant. He enjoys working with students to help them improve their technique and become better Martial Artists. His hobbies include; baseball, football, hockey & golf.

   

Mr. Timothy Renick

Mr. Timothy Renick 1st Gup Red Belt
Mr. Renick has been training in Soo Bahk Do at Grogan’s Academy of Martial Arts for nearly 3 years.  His other martial arts experience include the Yang short form of Tai Chi Chuan.  Mr. Renick is a member of the studio demo team, and is an Instructor Assistant. Mr. Renick is an I.T. manager locally in Edwardsville.  His hobbies include; hiking, biking and landscaping.  
   

Mrs. Anne Renick

Mrs. Anne Renick 1st Gup Red Belt
Mrs. Renick has been training in Soo Bahk Do at Grogan’s Academy of Martial Arts for nearly 3 years. .  Her other martial arts experience include the Yang short form of Tai Chi Chuan. Mrs. Renick is a member of the studio demo team, and is an Instructor Assistant. Mrs. Renick is a R.N. in Cardiology at a St. Louis Hospital.  Her hobbies include; hiking, biking, landscaping and reading.  
   


To become an Instructor of Grogan's Academy of Martial Arts and Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, each candidate must complete years of Preparation and Practice, Demostrations, Technique and Teaching. If you think this is for you or your child then come by the studio or give us a call!


618-656-7700