Mr. Ryan L. Marx is the owner and head instructor of Carmi Taekwondo Center.  Mr. Marx began training in Taekwondo in 1987 under then 3rd Degree Black Belt David Foshee.  After 4 years of training Mr. Marx achieved the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt in June of 1991, becoming Mr. Foshee's second black belt. 

In August of 1992 Mr. Marx successfully tested for the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt becoming Mr. Foshee's first 2nd Degree Black Belt.  It was at this time that he started expressing interest in teaching the art of taekwondo.  After discussing the responsibilities of becoming an instructor Mr. Marx choose to enroll in the Junior Trainee Instructor Program.  During the course of the program Mr. Marx honed his teaching skills. 

In January of 1996 Mr. Marx was presented with his 3rd Degree Black Belt.  Again, Mr. Marx was the first student promoted to this rank by Mr. Foshee. 

In the fall of 2000, after 8 years in the Junior Trainee and Trainee Instructor program, Mr. Marx successfully completed the ATA's rigorous Certified Instructor Program. 

Mr. Marx tested and received his 4th Degree Black Belt after testing at World Championships in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

After many years of assisting at Wabash Valley Taekwondo in Mt. Carmel, IL, Mr. Marx made the decision to open his own taekwondo school.  As part of the ATA's organizational requirements for opening a new taekwondo school, Mr. Marx attended a 4 day business seminar in October of 2002. 

Just over one year later, on January 6, 2004, Mr. Marx taught the very first class at Carmi Taekwondo Center. 

On October 19, 2006 Mr. Marx successfully tested for his 5th Degree Black Belt at ATA Fall Nationals in Orlando, Florida. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Marx is also certified by the ATA to teach:

• Single Ssahng Jeol Bong (Nunchaku)
• Double Ssahng Jeol Bong
• Yoo Sul (Judo)
• Ground Fighting
• Single Bahng Mahng Ee (Short stick)
• Ground Fighting - Level II

 

Mr. Marx is also a Certified Cardio Kickboxing Instructor through the American Fitness Professionals and Associates.

Ms. Patricia Mills is a Trainee instructor at Carmi Taekwondo Center.  Ms. Mills began training in Taekwondo in 2004 under then 4th Degree Black Belt Ryan Marx.  After 4 years of training Ms. Mills achieved the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt in July of 2008, becoming Mr. Marx's fifth black belt. 

In February of 2009 Ms. Mills successfully tested for Trainee instructor. 

 

Other Taekwondo accomplishments:

2009 - ATA Top 10 Qualifier in Forms Competition

2009 - ATA Sparring World Champion

2010 - Illinois State Champion in Forms, Sparring & Weapons

2010 - ATA Top 10 Qualifier in Forms and Weapons

2010 - Silver Medal in ATA World Championship Sparring Competition