Kwons Black Belt Academy expands

Korean martial arts studio adds bikes, looks to be all-inclusive

GILBERTSVILLE » Kwons Black Belt Academy first opened its doors 15 years ago, and now the father-son team is expanding its venture. The martial arts studio has added 20 bikes and is ready to open spin classes, in addition to the already-running kickboxing, karate and Tae Kwon Do or Hap Ki Do classes.

Robert Wambold Jr is the owner and senior master instructor. He began training in the martial arts in 1994 under the direction of Grandmaster Y.H. Kwon. Wambold currently holds a 5th degree rank in Tae Kwon Do/ Tang Soo Do/Hap Ki Do.

His son, Robert Wambold III, is owner and chief instructor. He has been a student under the instruction of G.M. Kwon for the last 15 years. He has earned his 4th Dan in Tae Kwon Do/Tang Soo Do / Hap Ki Do and still continues his training.

Most recently, the team has been renovating their studio and have dedicated a room for spin classes.

“We assume that’s going to be packed,” said the younger Wambold, explaining how the news is spreading via word of mouth. “It’s going to really take off around here.”

Kwons Black Belt Academy focuses on Korean martial arts, offering classes to those young and old.

“We’ve probably had about 1,000 students go through here over the 15 years,” said Wambold Jr. “Hopefully they left better people.” He said their biggest goal is to improve or make people bet-

ter adults and make kids stronger.

Wambold Jr. was exposed to martial arts 25 years ago at the age of 45 while working for a company in Malvern. He said Kwon had a store nearby. He would go there to take classes during his free time and he said he got hooked.

“Way back when, when I made black belt, I really enjoyed it. The opportunity came to rent this place and open a karate studio. So that’s what I did. I rented it, renovated it, and started teaching adults and kids. There’s a lot of fitness involved in karate. You’re kicking, jumping and stretching a lot.”

Wambold III said they’ve now expanded past all that toward fitness kickboxing and spin, explaining how regular exercise routines tend to get boring. The addition of bikes also adds to the Fitbody brand.

“The kickboxing is really something extra to do. We’re trying to make this an all-inclusive type of gym.”

For more information visit www.kwonsma.com.

REBECCA BLANCHARD — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Robert Wambold III and Robert Wambold Jr., both senior masters, of Kwons Black Belt Academy in Gilbertsville. The location recently added bikes for spin classes.

REBECCA BLANCHARD — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Kwons Black Belt Academy recently added bikes for spin class offerings at the Gilbertsville studio.