All-ages Group Ex. & Martial Arts

…as well as learning the physical skills. Students in this traditional martial arts program learn leadership – true leadership that comes from respect of self and others, goal setting and accomplishment, confidence, honor, and an understanding of responsibility to the larger community.

Our martial arts program emphasizes safety and self control. Students work with the teacher to progress at the pace that is right for them, because one of the tenets of this art form is that we learn throughout our lives, not according to fixed time periods. Students of all ages develop lasting strength and focus in a non-competitive, mutually respectful environment.

Training methods include sparring, traditional patterns, and practical self-defense techniques. Sparring in class and during belt promotion tests is strictly non-contact, although instruction for senior belt levels may involve light contact sparring. New students are welcome to join any time.

Kumdo is a relatively new martial art that is based on ancient fighting techniques. Like all traditoinal martial arts, the emphasis is on respect, discipline, self-control and authentic growth. Students learn sword forms, step drills, sitting and moving meditation, and practice sparring in a safe and controlled manner. Some equipment can be provided to beginners.

Grandmaster Joe Connelly
BS, Communications, Southern Illinois University
MS, Counseling, National Louis University

Grandmaster Joe Connelly has over 43 years of experience in martial arts. He was awarded his 7th degree black belt in July 2009 and is internationally recognized for pioneering and creating success-based Martial Arts programming for special needs and handicapped populations. You can contact him at JoeC@mcgawymca.org or 847.568.0912.

Eli Clark
Eli Clarke is a 1st Dan Black Belt and has been a student of Grandmaster Connelly’s for 4 and a half years.  He also holds a 2nd Degree Blacksash in Northern Shaolin KungFu which he practiced for 13 years. Currently, Eli is a Broadcast TV Cameraman whose clients include HBO, Comedy Central, TBS, the Networks, and many others.

Eli views Martial Arts as a lifestyle, not just a means of self defense or exercise. “It changes the way you breathe. It changes the way you eat. You develop more respect for yourself and others. And, you gain the courage and confidence to resolve conflicts peacefully rather than fight.” A native New Yorker, Eli relocated to Chicago in 1992 to get married. He and his wife are raising their child in Evanston.

Manel Valdes-Cruz
MA, Philosophy, Northwestern University
JD, University of Chicago

Manel Valdes-Cruz is a 3rd Dan Taekwon-do and began studying Taekwon-do with Grandmaster Connelly in 1997. He has been a communications professional in the pharmaceutical industry since 1984.

David Austen-Smith
PhD, Economics, Cambridge University, England
BSc, Economics, Bristol University, England

David Austin-Smith, a 3rd Dan Taekdon-do, has been studying Taekwon-do with Grandmaster Connelly since January of 1988 when his (then) 7 year-old daughter insisted on taking a martial arts class with her fatherl while the daughter only managed a few classes, her father became hooked. When not training, David is the Peter G. Peterson Professor of Corporate Ethics at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Vinny Finneran
BA, Fine Arts, Rutgers University
MS, Exercise Physiology, University of Illinois – Chicago
MEd, Secondary Education, DePaul University

Originally from the Bronx, New York, Vinny Fineran is a 2nd Dan black belt and has studied Taekwon-do under Duk Sung Son, 9^thDan, from 1974-78, Tai Chi Chuan under Sifu Jou, 1973-77, and has been studying Taekwon-do under Grandmaster Connelly since 2004. Vinny is also the N.Y.C. Breast Stroke Champion, 1968 and 1969; All New York State in Cross Country(14^th place), 1972; Competed in Track and Cross Country at Rutgers University, 1973-77; National Age Group Triathlon Championship Qualifier 1983-88; 3^rd place overall in Leon’s QEM Triathlon, 1982; winner of several Chicago area races including 1982 McGaw YMCA Evanston Express with course record. Married to Sarah Linsley, he has 3 daughters, and currently is the Physical Education Teacher at Nichols Middle School.

Anne Mason
Anne Mason received her BS from Michigan State University in Earth Sciences and Mathematics and did her graduate work in Systems Project Management.  She worked as a systems consultant to the construction industry for 25 years.  Anne is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and devotes her time to being a Senior Program Leader in Connelly’s Academy, working mainly with elementary school children. She has designed and supervised Martial Arts programs for Special Needs populations. Currently, she leads the Special Needs Taekwon-do program at McGaw YMCA.  She became a certified, full-force self-defense and Kidpower instructor in 1990 and is active as an instructor, teaching supervisor and trainer. Anne is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Structural Therapist.