Local Tae Kwon-Do instructor wins grand championship

Local Tae Kwon-Do instructor Christopher D. Schiele, a Third Degree Black Belt, took first place in the heavyweight sparring division at the 34th US Open Martial Arts Tournament.

With the win, Schiele went on to compete for, and win the title of Grand Champion of the 34th US Open Martial Arts Tournament which was held in Charleston, W. Va. on Feb. 24.

Competitors from all parts of the country and from multiple martial arts disciplines came together to compete for the ultimate honor of Grand Champion. This is the first time the honor of Grand Champion has come to Buffalo in the 34 years that the tournament has been held.

Schiele is a third degree black belt and head instructor at the Master Khechen school of Tae Kwon-Do in Williamsville. He has been trained under Master Khechen since the age of 6. Schiele continues to teach his students with the same integrity and dedication that Master Khechen taught him throughout his years of training.

Also competing from the Master Khechen School of Tae Kwon-Do Williamsville School were Black Belts: Raffaele D'Avanzato (17) who placed third in forms; Noah Diebel (10), who placed third in sparring; Carolyn Garas (19); Paul Garas (14), who placed second in sparring; and Wesley Tripi (11).

The Master Khechen School of Tae Kwon-Do has four locations: 1360 Hopkins Road, Williamsville, 1200 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, 3117 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga and 3170 Orchard Park Road, Orchard Park.