Among our many programs is a Family Class in which parents and children attend classes together. The uniqueness of this program, not only in Ontario but in all of Canada, led to it being featured in the September 1996 issue of the Canadian Living magazine.

We also operate a unique camp, Deh Camp, for children 6-12 years of age. This camp caters to the need for character education in our community.

If you are living in or near Etobicoke and would like to know more about us, do give us a call. If you are a fan or an exponent of Tae Kwon Do, anywhere in the world, feel free to drop us a note.

For over 9 years he ran successful and well-attended classes. By the fall of 1994, there were over 600 participants in 9 locations throughout Etobicoke. At that point, Master Deh tried but failed to persuade the City of Etobicoke to do 2 things:

• increase the salaries of instructors in order to attract well-qualified and suitable instructors for the childrens’ programs;
• facilitate the rapidly growing amateur sport of Tae Kwon Do by expanding the programs to a higher athletic level.

The City of Etobicoke was not prepared to make the necessary changes to their programs. Consequently, Master Deh decided to leave.

Out of concern for the vacuum that would be created by Master Deh’s impending departure and out of a collective desire by many participants and their parents, a representative group was formed to negotiate with the City. Discussions held during the fall of 1994 produced no change in the City’s position. However, they led to a feeling of camaraderie among the participants and a sense that another avenue was needed for Tae Kwon Do in Etobicoke.

A pilot project of 2 locations was initiated shortly to determine whether an association could be established for the soon-to-be-former participants in all the programs run by Etobicoke Parks and Recreation. Master Deh provided his services for these new classes while still working for the City. After the first 10-week session, it was clear that another stream of programs could gain support in Etobicoke, especially if Master Deh himself instructed the classes.

Etobicoke Tae Kwon Do was established in March 1995 as an incorporated, not-for-profit organization and Master Deh resigned from the City of Etobicoke to focus his efforts at being the Program Director for the new organization.

With his slogan ‘TAE KWON DO-IT’, it is Master Deh’s expressed goal to make Tae Kwon Do a household activity in our community…and he has achieved that.

I was introduced to Taekwondo in 1976 while attending a boarding school in Tema. Upon returning to the army base where my father (Brigadier General Dr. George Deh) was a military surgeon, I learned that Navy Commander and Taekwondo Master from Tema Keith Dadzie lived across the street from us. Commander Dadzie became my first Taekwondo instructor. Later, I learned that two Korean Master Instructors from the World Taekwondo Federation (visiting Ghana to instruct Ghanaian Forces in unarmed combat) were willing to provide lessons to Elementary School children.

I was the first to sign-up and was immediately hooked!

In 1978, I was awarded my 1^st Degree Black Belt and was invited to join Ghana’s National Taekwondo Team as its youngest member (17 years). Over the next few years, I crisscrossed the west coast of Africa competing in tournaments and winning many. In 1983, I proudly represented Ghana at the 6^th World Taekwondo Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, defeating the U.S. Champion.

Taekwondo totally transformed my life and, at 19 years, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to (one day) owning my own training academy. Shortly afterwards, I became the first Executive Secretary for the new Ghana Taekwondo Association and, for the next four years, I tirelessly promoted Taekwondo in Ghana, hosting events all over the country. I also started a program for local children and presented the “Michael Deh Cup” at tournaments.

I assisted my first Korean instructor (“Master Gwak”) in his work with the Military Academy, Police College and Prison Service in Ghana. Also, just two days prior to my return to Canada in March 1985, I was the Commentator at a Taekwondo demonstration, performed by 1000 specially-selected schoolchildren honoring Ghana’s 28^th Independence Day Ceremonies.

In 1986, I began introducing Taekwondo in the former City of Etobicoke and, for 9 years, taught successful, well-attended classes for the Parks and Recreation Department within its Community School system. When the Greater Toronto area amalgamated in 1995, I had 600+ students in 9 locations and hundreds more within the former Toronto District School Board.

This year I celebrate 25 years of teaching Taekwondo in Toronto, continuously providing stimulating classes, which encourage students to develop physical skills through a healthy lifestyle. They also promote self-esteem through self-discipline and self-advocacy. I am keenly aware of how important it is for all children to feel valued and respected in order to excel in anything they do.

Etobicoke Taekwondo’s integrated programs provide opportunities for participation by people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. For example, children as young as three years may join for a fun, structured class after school, or families can join and participate together in one of the many Family Classes available.

Etobicoke Taekwondo provides a variety of evening classes and an After-School program. There is also a DehCamp during the summer.

AWARDS

• 2000–2010 – Etobicoke Guardian

Reader’s Choice Award for ‘Best Martial Arts School’

• 2007 – World Taekwondo Federation

– Letter Of Commendation for “unlimited efforts of self-sacrifice to bring about the development and popularization of Taekwondo”

• 2003 – Ontario Taekwondo Association

– Plaque in recognition of the “contribution to the continued growth of Taekwondo development in Ontario.”

• 1996 – Lions International

– Plaque in recognition of “work with children”

• 1988 – National Capital Championships, Ottawa, ON – Silver Medal

• 1987 – Canadian National Championships, Saskatoon, SK – Silver Medal

• 1987 – Ontario Provincial Team Member at the Canadian National Championships

• 1983 – World Taekwondo Championships, Copenhagen, Denmark

– the Fighting Spirit Trophy

• 1983 – Sports Writers Association of Ghana

– Taekwondo Athlete of the Year (1982)

• 1981 – African Open Championships, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast – Silver Medal

POINTS OF INTEREST

• 2008 – Host at a Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) event

– “Celebrating the (Beijing) Olympic Spirit” by providing Taekwondo information and performing demonstrations

• 1997–Present – Member, Ontario Taekwondo Association

• 1997–Present – Member, Canadian World Taekwondo Federation

• 1996 – Canadian Living Magazine feature article by Eleanor Ward on the Etobicoke Taekwondo Association

– “Playtime: When parents take part in healthy, active living, their kids get an example for life.” By Eleanor Ward