Grand Master David Thiele was born and raised right here in WNY. He started boxing at the age of 9, at the request of his father. Mr. Thiele Sr. was an amateur boxer and a brown belt in Judo & Jujitsu. While in high school Mr. Thiele befriended Roy Katano, a student from japan. He held the rank of 2nd degree black belt in Judo and Wado-Kai Karate, and had initially sparked Mr. Thieles interest in the Martial Arts. It wasn’t until the Vietnam War that he was introduced to TaeKwon-Do. While active in Vietnam, he was working a special mission with the south Korean forces. “I was watching them train and workout, I was amazed with the flying techniques and kicking skill they were using”. Later on he found out it was “TaeKwon-Do”. Over a year of active duty, Mr. Thiele was wounded with an RPG during an ambush, he healed up and was sent home with a purple heart. During that time, when returned home. He was stationed in fort Knox Kentucky. Having a lot of free time, and being safe back home in the states. He had located a TKD school just off the base. After trying one class, he has signed up and was training every day, often taking two classes a day. 7 months later, green belt in hand. Mr. Thiele was discharged from the army. “I started TKD to learn self-defense, but quickly found out the classes and workouts also improved my fitness, balance and concentration, discipline & Self-Control”. After returning home, Between 1969 and 1970, Mr. Thiele had trained judo and Karate with Roy Katano. He had continued training TKD at the University of Buffalo. 1970 marked his first school. Humble beginnings in his parent’s basement, but news spread quickly of a man teaching Karate in the Falls at the local YMCA. He had trained in japan and was now training TKD. “That person is now one of my best, and closest friends – Rob Heisner”. “Rob told me of a Korean champion, the best he had ever seen. The one who brought him to TKD”. That Korean champion was Mr. Park Jong Soo. He was teaching just over the border in Toronto, Canada. That very weekend, Mr. Thiele made the trip up to his school with Mr. Heisner. “I was so impressed with him as a person and his ability that I have been with him ever since (Over 40 Years!)”. The evening of Mr. Heisners and Mr. Thieles return home from training with Master Park, Mr. Thiele joined Mr. Heisners & Mr. Parks school. Bringing us years of champions, national tournaments and keeping hold of the TaeKwon-Do spirit! 1972: Mr. Thiele started teaching at the Amherst YMCA. 1973: Mr. Thieles parents kicked his TKD club out of the basement, giving way to his first school. Oliver st. in North Tonawanda. 1975: Mr. Thiele earned his TKD black belt from GM Park Jong Soo & General Choi Hong Hi. **1974 - 1976: Mr. Thiele was the North American Lightweight Tournament Sparring