Chief Instructor Kandyce Behnke-Blanco
Ms. Behnke (Blanco) has been training in Taekwondo for over 44 years. She began in 1980 shortly before her 10th Birthday. She began her teaching career at the age of 14 and by the age of 16 was managing a Taekwondo studio. Throughout the years, Ms. Behnke has owned several studios and has trained thousands of students, young and old. She also has experience and compassion with special needs students.
Ms. Behnke is the mother of three grown children, “Mimi” to four grandchildren, and an active member of her church and community. She believes in enriching the lives of others and is passionate about people.
She has won hundreds of awards of which she is very proud, but believes that building one’s character is much more important than winning any competition.
- 2018 UTA Female Instructor of the Year
- UTA National Champion
- Gold Medalist, European Championships Moscow, Russia
- USTF National Champion
- CTF Female Competitor of the Year
- Olympic Trials qualifier 1988 & 1992
- Hundreds of Regional & National Awards
- UTA Weapons Program Director for MN
- 2022 CTF Points leader 3rd Dan & Above Females 45 & older
- Experience working with children with ASD, Down’s Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, OCD, as well as other Special Needs
- 11 Years School Bus Driver
- Studies in Early Childhood Ed, Psychology, & Sociology
- 15+ Years Homeschooling Parent
- Extensive Daycare and Educational Classroom experience
- Combatives Training Level 1 & 2
Chief Master Instructor
Chief Master Toren Blanco has been training in Taekwondo for 50 years. He began his training in 1973 under 9th Dan, Grand Master Duk Sung Son founder and president of the World Tae Kwon Do Association (WTA). Master Blanco has had the privilege of training thousands of students, promoting over 100 to the rank of Black Belt or above. He has owned and operated multiple clubs and studios. He truly enjoys working with children and adults; however, his passion is mentoring teens/ young adults. He has a wealth of Taekwondo and business knowledge, as well as life experience, that he loves to share to help young people make wise decisions in their lives.
Master Blanco is devoted to his grown son & step-children, 4 beautiful grandchildren, his wife (“Ms. Behnke”), his God, and his country! He serves at his local church and wherever else he is able.
Master Blanco is a decorated Martial Artist, experienced history re-enactor, and world champion Ballroom dancer. He loves experiencing life and is serious about helping others succeed.
Achievements, Awards, & Experience
- 2023 Achieved the rank of 8th Dan Black Belt
- 2016 Achieved the rank of 7th Dan Black Belt
- 1986 Certified Instructor
- 1983 Achieved second 1st Dan Black Belt with Mid-American Taekwondo Centers- Nashville, TN
- 1980 Achieved the rank of 1st Dan Black Belt
- Opened and operated Franklin Taekwondo Academy- Franklin, TN & Columbia Taekwondo Academy- Columbia, TN
- USTF 3X National Champion
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Fitness Specialist
- Former Water Safety Instructor
- Award for “Best Mental and Physical Health”
- Pete Metagrano Sportsmanship Award
- Many State and Regional Taekwondo Awards
- Ballroom Dance Team Champion- Blackpool, England
- Winner – TV Show “Soul Alive” Couples Dance Competition- filmed in New York City
- Developed & Implemented a Physical Education Self-Defense program -Southern IL Univ.
- National Account Executive, ABC Financial- 2020 Retired after 29 years of dedicated service