Dynasty Taekwondo shaping well-rounded students

SANDPOINT — Dynasty Taekwondo head instructor Casey Crotty, a first degree black belt, offers a wealth of opportunities for anyone looking to try their hand — and feet, as it were — at martial arts.

The new World Taekwondo Federation business, located next to Movie Gallery in the Safeway shopping center, teaches a variety of self-defense classes for students of all ages and skill levels.

Crotty, who has been involved in taekwondo since the late 80s and opened Dynasty in July, wants his students to be as well rounded as possible. He teaches not just Olympic-style sparring and traditional forms, but jiu-jitsu and ground skills as well.

“My philosophy is if you can’t translate martial arts from the dojang to the street, something is lost,” says Crotty, who believes his classes have a lot to offer. “My goal is to be the No. 1 program in Sandpoint. End of story.”

Crotty and three of his students recently competed in the Missoula Taekwondo Championships, with great success. Matt McCoy finished first in Olympic sparring and second in forms, Dakota Kivett finished first in Olympic sparring, and Brendan McCoy and Crotty each finished third in forms.

“There were more than 130 competitors,” explained Crotty, who along with his students competes everywhere from Seattle to Billings. “We walked in with just four people, and walked out with a significant amount of hardware.”

Crotty, who has a background in the military, will also be taking students to the Big Sky Martial Arts Championships in Kalispell on Nov. 14. He is currently accepting new students.

For more information on Dynasty Taekwondo, visit “www.dynastytkd.com,” or call 610-0632.