Kirksville Taekwon-do dojo
When Bill Stephenson was 22 years old he found out Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) was offering free karate lessons, he immediately signed up for one class — as he was not enrolled as a student at the time — just so he could attend. More than 50 years later Stephenson, now a 9th degree black belt Grandmaster runs the Kirksville Taekwon-do Dojo with his son and fellow 9th degree black belt Grandmaster Dustin Stepheson.
The prestige of the father and son was stressed heavily when talking to students at the dojo. Dr James Adams is a second degree black belt student of Grandmaster Bill Stephenson while also working as a radiologist in Kirksville and wanted to make sure his master wasn’t being too humble.
“ Grandmaster (Bill) Stephenson, Grandmaster (Dustin) Stephenson are both 9th (Degree black belt), which is the highest level that you can go in Taekwondo. (Grandmaster Bill) was the twelfth 9th (degree) in the world.” said Dr James.
Grandmaster Dustin Stephenson’s father had him learning the art at a young age. There wasn’t really a choice according to Dustin as he could either sit and watch Taekwon-do or he could get involved with his fathers classes.
Being one of the few second generation ninth degree black belts in the world is not lost on Dustin with him appreciating the value of the accomplishment of him and his father.
“I didn’t realize the significance of that, you know, until I was a lot older, you know. And (I) didn’t really get that at the time” said Dustin.
Grandmaster Dustin Stephenson is currently in charge of teaching the 4 classes they offer now. Dustin took over the more physical side of classes with his father Bill Stephenson being 73 years old and having a few lingering injuries from his tenure.
According to Grandmaster Bill Stephenson the Dojo once had up to 80 students at one time and they used to have about double the amount of classes.
”We’re pretty low on numbers since we never really recovered after COVID and numbers have been really low.” Said Grandmaster Dustin Stephenson.
Sophomore Communication student and first degree black belt Taekwon-Do student Raiden Koy does not attend the Kirksville Taekwon-do dojo out of loyalty to his hometown dojo. However, Koy’s experience with the art has left him wanting to continue.
“ I have thought about starting a Taekwon-do school (myself), but I haven’t seen a lot of interest. So I’m actually interested in that myself, if people want to because I think it’s a great way to stay in shape, and it’s a great way to learn Korean culture and gain some different perspectives,” said Koy.
The family has taught in Kirksville since 1978 and has taught local seminars on self defense at Truman State for the sororities in the late 80s.
The self defense aspect of the martial art was emphasized when it came to why female students should join the sport when speaking to many students, none more than 70 year old black stripe Dr. Zeman. Dr Zeman was the head of surgery and trauma at Northwest Regional Medical center before his retirement. Now he travels to foreign countries on surgical missions and practices the art when he is in Kirksville.
Originally joining the dojo simply because he had always thought it was on his bucketlist and the retirement finally gave him the opportunity to train. Starting the art as a senior, Zeman said he regrets not practicing when he was in college everyday.
“It’s great discipline, training, and when you come out of it, you have a skill for self defense,” said Dr. Zeman. “I think it’s a great thing for kids, they can start it when they’re younger. I mean, I’m not saying anything with sports, but, like baseball kids, you know, tee-ball at six or eight years old. And so after ten years, you know (that) you are skilled. You get teamwork, you get to work together, that aspect of it. (But) is that going to save your life? And especially women. I mean, some of these girls can kick and break four boards.”
