ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Deputy Joseph Seszko and four of his black belt instructors were practicing tae kwon-do in the country that birthed the art this month when they left for the Korean Tultour. They returned April 5 after visiting South Korean sites of historical importance to the martial arts.
"This is a training and cultural learning experience for us," he said before heading out. "There will be 24 black belts from various countries on the tour. I will be one of the instructors."
He noted that each stop and demonstration holds special significance to the art.
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Deputy Joseph Seszko acted as an assisting master in a tae kwon-do training exhibition across South Korea in early April. From left, are: Seszko with black belt instructors. Dr, Michael Carney; Paul Taylor, Zac Taylor; Seszko; Misty Smith.
"We will be teaching the patterns ( Tuls) in the cities that they were named after," he said. "This is the second one one of its kind and is affiliated with the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation, with which I am affiliated as a Seventh Dan master instructor."
Seszko has extensive experience in Tae kwon-do dating from the early 70's. He was invited to act as an assisting master. He has been working with Master Muleta when he conducted courses in the USA. Master Muleta served as the leading Master of the Tul Tour.
He is currently training under Master Robert Wheatley US-ITF. He is also an international instructor/ examiner and umpire. Seszko is from St.Clairsville and opened his first school in 1980. He has subsequently run five schools in the surrounding area. He also has an affiliated school in St. Charles, Missouri. He has successfully competed at international, regional and local tournaments. Currently he is a deputy with the Belmont County Sheriff's Office in Ohio with 23 years' service. He has also been a S.W.A.T. team Officer for 17 years and a defensive tactics instructor for 15 years. He is a Police Academy Instructor, OC, Taser, and ASP Instructor.
His accompanying black belts are Misty Smith, Paul Taylor, Dr, Michael Carney and Zac Taylor.
DeFrank may be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
