Youths who want to exercise, and perhaps satisfy a need to assert themselves against bullies, now have a place to learn a Korean martial arts form whose lineage can be traced to wall-paintings in caves dating back to about 50 B.C.
Tae Dan International this week opened its doors at 207 S. Main Street, Greensburg. There, children ages 5 through 18 can be taught tae kwon do -- a martial art from Korea characterized by its fast, high, spinning kicks.
"It has a lot of kicking and punching; it's an excellent self-defense program," says owner Gerald Gresko, who previously operated the Gresko tae kwan do Academy in South Greensburg.
Gresko, 66, said the new business will also feature ballroom dancing workshops and fitness instruction.
"The ballroom dance focuses on adults and seniors, but we also have nights for teenagers as well," Gresko said.
Gresko said the school utilizes 2,500 square feet of space and is also set up as a 501(c) nonprofit company.
Tae kwon do at Tae Dan International will be taught by four instructors, including Gresko, a third-degree black belt. "I teach my students to teach," he says.
Gresko retired last year with 38 years' service at Crown Cork & Seal, an affiliate of Crown Holdings Inc., the Philadelphia-based supplier of packaging products. He was formerly director of manufacturing at the company's plant in Connellsville, Fayette County.
The outlet, which opened Friday, employs 29 workers and is located adjacent to Sears, according to John Sonner, general manager. Chuck E. Cheese's will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chuck E. Cheese's offers a variety of pizza, a salad bar, appetizers and deserts. Entertainment is provided by computer-controlled robotic characters and arcade-style activities. Chuck E's parent, CEC Entertainment of Irving, Texas, operates 500 Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants in 48 states; 455 are owned and operated by the company.
