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When Alyssa Angelino decided she wanted to start Taekwondo — a Korean martial art that combines combat and exercise — it became a family affair. Her brother Vincent started with her and two classes later, her father David joined the siblings.
“I thought it was cool we can do it all together,” Alyssa said. “We were all in the same classes.”
That was about three years ago. Now, David Angelino is a partner and instructor at Moore’s ATA Black Belt Academy. Alyssa, 11, and Vincent, 14, help teach and all three just earned their second-degree black belt. Little brother Anthony, 4, has also started taking classes.
“We like doing stuff together, having fun together as a family,” David said.
In October 2010, David decided to partner with his instructor James Moore and they opened in a space near the Best Buy in Bluffton. David said he asked Alyssa and Vincent if they wanted to help. There are more than 92 students at the academy now, ranging from age 3 to over 50. Alyssa and Vincent help with many classes taught by both David and Moore. David and wife Elena said they make sure their kids know they have the choice to assist, but both Vincent and Alyssa say they enjoy instructing.
“I teach them what they need to know for testing,” Vincent said. “It’s usually pretty fun unless the kids are annoying.”
Vincent and Alyssa are both two-year South Carolina state champions for 2010 and 2011 in their age groups for forms, weapons and sparring. They participated in the Bluffton Christmas Parade as representatives of the academy. They also are training to become leaders and instructors.
“In general, I’m really proud of my kids, how they’ve turned into leaders,” David said.
David said he had done some martial arts in his past, including karate and mixed martial arts. When his children showed an interest, he decided to join for some family bonding time.
“I think (Taekwondo) has changed the kids in general,” David said. “Its helps them to understand the life skills we teach — integrity, honesty, self control and honor. It translates to when they are home too. It changed their attitudes.”
Before Taekwondo, David coached Alyssa and Vincent’s soccer teams. Vincent, an eighth grader at H.E. McCracken Middle School, usually plays goalie for his team.
In his professional life, David is a pharmacist. Elena works at Hilton Head Hospital as an X-ray technician. While Elena does not participate in Taekwondo, she does help with the administration at Moore’s Academy, and she always attends her family’s tournaments.
“I’m their biggest fan and biggest critic,” Elena said.
