Although I was born in Toronto in February 1962, I subsequently lived in Ghana, West Africa, for over 20 years. I returned to Canada in 1983 and continued my post-secondary education, graduating from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Through the practice of the ancient Korean martial art Taekwondo, I have learned many ‘life lessons’ and, today, I am simply ‘Master Deh’, owner of the Etobicoke Taekwondo Centre & DehCamp, a fixture in Toronto for 25 years.

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.

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

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