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Our Instructors
Sabomnim Donna Middendorf Owner - Head instructor, Sumner Taekwondo AcademyDonna Middendorf has a wealth of experience through education and practical applications in different work environments. She currently holds a B.A. in Education and Business with minors in Psychology, Anthropology, Special Education, and Accounting. She holds a continuing teaching Certificate and is a certified 4th Dan Blackbelt under the Kukkiwon. Ms. Middendorf also holds a Blackbelt in Kyokushinki, and has experience in Aikido, Hwrangdo, Judo, Hapkido, and several minor martial arts. Ms. Middendorf's teaching experiences include over 10 years in public schools, 2 1/2 years in the Peace Corps stationed in Paraguay, and many years owning and running a Taekwondo school, Ms. Middendorf has competed for many years with many medals E-mail: Donna Middendorf
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 Sabomnim Jay Holmstrom - 3rd Dan, Instructor, Sumner Taekwondo Academy
Kyosonim Larry Gasser - Instructor, Sumner Taekwondo Academy
Kyosonim Chris Bassett - Instructor, Sumner Taekwondo Academy
Kyosonim Jeremy Bandley - Program Director and Sparring Coach, Sumner Taekwondo Academy
Mr. Bandley has spent many years exploring the benefits of different martial arts style. Mr. Bandley has a 1st DAN Blackbelt Recognized under Kukkiwon. He has a blackbelt in Kenpo Karate, along with cross-training in Kung Fu, Roman-Greco Wrestling, Grappling, and Boxing. Weapons’ training consists of Kendo, and European Saber, along with knife techniques. Each style brings its own challenges, but you must embrace the new, so your spirit may grow. Tournament history: 1989 – 1992: two Utah State Championships for 18 and under Blackbelt division 1993: Utah State Championship, 18 and older Blackbelt division 1993: 3rd place in the Tacoma Dome International invitational 1994: finished 6th over all, in the All-Army Team tryouts. 1994: 1st Place in the 9th INF boxing smoker 1995: 3rd Place in the 9th INF boxing smoker
Kyosonim Tim Murray - Instructor, Sumner Taekwondo Academy
Kyosonim Skye Mednick - Instructor, Sumner Taekwondo Academy
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I began training in the martial arts in 1971 by taking Judo classes while I attended college in California. In 1974, I joined the Army and traveled around for 20 years before retiring in 1994. I was a Military Policeman and later became a CID Special Agent. Because of the traveling, it was difficult to train in any one art for a prolonged period of time. My first training after college was in Korea where I studied Chun Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do for three (3) years. There was a gap after that period and I did not seriously train again until I went to Germany in 1984. There I trained with Sensei Lenear Randall, a Godan (5th Degree) with Peter Urban's New York Goju Ryu Karate/Kempo and Shihan John Simione, American Combat Karate Association. I was awarded a black belt (shodan) in Goju Ryu Karate in 1990. I was later transferred to San Francisco in 1991 for two years where I was able to study Praying Mantis Kung Fu and Hapkido. Finally, after the Presidio of San Francisco closed, I was sent to Fort Lewis, WA (Tacoma) and I started my training in Aikijujitsu (Icho-Ryu under Bernie Lau Sensei). I was awarded my black belt after 4 years of training in 1998. I was later awarded my Nidan (2nd Degree) in 2002. In 2003, I began training in Aikido learning both the traditional style from Sensei Marvin Bookman (Yamada's style) and in Tenshin Aikido under Sensei Luis Santos. I also trained in Iaido with Bookman Sensei and he also provided basic instruction in Gracie Jujitsu. I completed my Master's Degree and began teaching Tenshin Aikido and Aikijujitsu. I was awarded my Third Degree (Sandan) Black Belt in March 2005 and my Fourth Degree (Yondan) Black Belt in June 2009 through Shiehan Jeffrey Moore (8th Dan) of the American Federation of Jujutsu. I presently am cross training in the art of Kyoshu Ryo Kempo and Kajukenbo with Sensei McGinley (5th Degree) in Lakewood, WA. I continue to teach TenShin methodology Aikido and self defense classes. I also continue to train with other instructors such as Master Ron Jennings (6th Degree), Danzan Ryu Jujustu, Olympia, WA and conduct community based self-defense seminars. I work full time at the Medical Examiner’s Office as an investigator and teach during the e
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Sensei
Jim Eggleston Hapkido Instructor 
