Chief InstructorMr. Dave Ilko (Bu Sah Bum Nim)Sam Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt)
Mr. Ilko began his journey in Tang Soo Do in 2001 under the guidance of Master Homschek of River Valley Tang Soo Do Academy in Ambridge, PA. When he was a green belt, he developed a love for teaching martial arts and was asked to assist with teaching the youth classes, became and instructor trainee, and enrolled in an instructor certification program. In 2005, Mr. Ilko began to instruct his own classes at River Valley when he was a Cho Dan Bo, Black Belt Candidate. At this time, his desire to branch out and bring Tang Soo Do to another community grew. Mr. Ilko earned his Black Belt in 2005 and successfully tested for Sam Dan, third degree, in 2010.
Since he started to train in Tang Soo Do, Mr. Ilko has attended numerous World Tang Soo Do Association events, clinics and seminars. He has worked and trained with several highly skilled Masters and instructors specializing in weapons, sparring, techniques, hyungs (forms), self-defense, fitness, Yoga, and spiritual energy (Ki-Gong) exercises. He has taught at several regional Tang Soo Do clinics and local self-defense classes. He was a speaker at the annual WTSDA Region 22 Black Belt Camp. He finds it beneficial to be a part of a worldwide organization and to have the support of other local martial arts schools. Also, he finds it important to “give back” to the community in which he serves; furthermore, he is involved with the World Tang Soo Do Foundation where he volunteers time towards community service and raising money for the Association’s regional scholarship fund, local charities and National charities. Of the National charities, Steel Dragons Martial Arts has raised over $12,000.00 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by sponsoring and hosting their annual Break-A-Thon.
Mr. Ilko has been an active professional high school educator since 1994 where he teaches engineering and technology at a public school in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. He believes that it is a distinct privilege to teach both in public education and Tang Soo Do. Both are unique in their own ways and every day is a new challenge and learning experience for both the teacher and the students. Mr. Ilko also values the camaraderie and bonds that are formed through Tang Soo Do.
In his spare time, Mr. Ilko enjoys history, reading, sports, camping and spending time with his wife, Amy, and his two daughters, Jaina and Mara.
Instructor
Mrs. Amy Ilko (Kyo Sah Nim)
E Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt)
For her thirtieth birthday, she needed a change. She told her husband that she wanted to take karate lessons. In March 2001, she took her first class at River Valley Tang Soo Do Academy in Ambridge. Wanting to become more involved quickly, she was asked to join the leadership team in January 2003. Starting as a class assistant, she could not wait to instruct her own classes. In 2006, Mrs. Ilko was promoted to Cho Dan, first degree Black Belt. In 2008, she was promoted to second degree.
With her love for Tang Soo Do, she enjoys working with children. In January of 2003, she became a class assistant for the Little Dragon Program, 4-6 year olds. She feels that the importance of the strong mind, body and spirit aspect of Tang Soo Do starts in the younger children and promotes life-long learning and betterment. After receiving her black belt, she was asked to be instrumental in developing a transition program for six year olds. The Mighty Dragon program has been successful in transitioning the Little Dragons to the Youth Beginner Class for the past several years. Mrs. Ilko has also developed and started Little Dragon programs for another studio within our region. Also, she has taught women self-defense classes within the Beaver County area .
Mrs. Ilko is also a member of the World KiGong Club. She is a Level 2 instructor in KiGong and has taught KiGong at several seminars and clinics including our Region 22 Black Belt Camp.
Along with studio involvement, Mrs. Ilko feels it is important to get involved in the community. The World Tang Soo Do Foundation is very active in helping people who need the extra help. She and her husband, Dave, organized the first Annual Toys for Tots drive at River Valley. It was a tremendous success. Mrs. Ilko is responsible for organizing the annual Break-A-Thon at Steel Dragons Martial Arts which raises money to benefit kids with cancer and other diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Mrs. Ilko was born and raised in Economy Borough, PA. She is a graduate of Ambridge Area High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Pittsburgh where she became a Registered Dental Hygienist. Continuing her education at California University of Pennsylvania, she obtained a Bachelors Degree in Education. She actively practices dental hygiene in the Beaver Valley and when given the chance, Mrs. Ilko educates preschool children on the importance of dental health.
Along with her love of karate, which she shares with her husband, she has two daughters, Jaina and Mara, who are also growing up in Tang Soo Do. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and camping.
Assistant Instructor
Ms. Herta Madder (Bu Kyo Sah Nim)
Cho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt)
Ms. Herta Madder is an assistant instructor at Steel Dragons Martial Arts who successfully tested and was promoted to Black Belt in 2011.
Her interest to take a martial art began at a very early age when her father was in the military and trained at a studio in Japan along side Ms. Madder's mother. She started to train in Tang Soo Do in 1994 at a local World Tang Soo Do Association studio.
After taking nearly a 15 year break from Tang Soo Do, Ms. Madder wanted to return to her training and selected Steel Dragons Martial Arts in 2009. She humbly chose to renew her training as a White Belt, beginner, and progress through the ranks.
In 2009 and when she was a 5th Gup, Green Belt, she asked if she could help out with teaching classes at the studio, and she enrolled in an Assistant Instructor Certification Program.
Along with teaching Tang Soo Do, Ms. Madder is a member of the Steel Dragons Martial Arts St. Jude Break-A-Thon Team, the World KiGong Club, attends Regional Tang Soo Do Clinics, and assists with the Region 22 Championship.
Ms. Madder holds both a Bachelor's and Master's of Arts in Psychology.
She has extensive experience working with children who have been
diagnosed with behavioral health disorders.
Ms. Madder is instrumental in writing curriculum for and teaching the Tuesday evening Free Training class as well as an instructor for introductory classes. She is a mentor for Cho Dan Bo, Black Belt Candidate, students and she holds rank in another martial arts system.
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The Ilko Family at the 1st RVTSDA Toys for Tots Charity Toy Drive