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The Academy of Self Defense began in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, at the Y.M.C.A.
in 1972 where Robert Gormey was teaching the
art of Kun Tao, an Indonesian fighting art. Bernard Kalinoski
was the first to receive the level of shodan
and became head instructor for the school. Rick DeVallance
received his shodan level (black belt) from
Master Kalinoski in 1979 and continued there
until 1983 at which time he began a branch school in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. During this
time he began his study of the art of American Kenpo
under the direction of Grand Master Vea in Youngstown, Ohio.
In 1986, Rick DeVallance moved the karate
school to DuBois, Pennsylvania, and instructed
at the Y.M.C.A. in DuBois for eight years and
then moved his school to Penn State University, DuBois
Campus, where he instructed for another seven years. The increased growth
in his school led to the opening of Rick's Academy of Self Defense
Karate Studio in 2001.
He presently holds the rank of eighth degree and owns and operates the
area's only full-time martial arts studio teaching Kun Tao, American Kenpo, and Shotokan karate.
Programs are available for kids and adults, which also includes an after
school program for kids.
Rick DeVallance is a member of the American
Independent Karate Association and is a field agent for the National
Security Alliance (NSA) and is a certified instructor for the Kids Safe
Network. He carries all the state and federal clearance including Act 34
and 151.
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