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   Making great strides

          Web Posted: 09/12/2006 04:53 PM CDT

Sylvia Rindfleisch gets a bit emotional when she thinks about her son just a few years ago.

"I was so worried for my son," she said. "The doctors said his scoliosis was so bad that he was

going to have to have corrective surgery. At one point they said his spine was at a 45-degree angle.

"No mother wants to see her children have any kind of surgery." This worried mother had concerns for

her son from the time he was a toddler, but now rejoices in the man he has become.

 

Her son, 23-year-old Thomas "Tommy" Rindfleisch, was diagnosed with a form of autism called Asperger Syndrome, severe scoliosis and a heart murmur. In addition to his physical disabilities, Tommy has behavioral and developmental issues that come from Asperger's, his parents said.

 

However, a marked difference in both his physical and mental capabilities came after his parents enrolled

him in tae kwon do, a Korean martial arts discipline. Every time he saw an advertisement on television or in the newspaper, he would plead with his parents to enroll him in classes.

 It wasn't until Choi's Tae Kwon Do Karate & Judo Academy opened just a few blocks from their home that his parents relented and enrolled him. Sylvia and her husband, Jon Rindfleisch, said since that day, their son has never been the same.

 

Tommy Rindfleisch executes a kick during Tae Kwon Do class.

 

 

   In fact, after just a few years in the sport, Tommy has achieved black belt-recommended status

and will be testing for his first-degree black belt next month.

"Tae kwon do has been a godsend for Tommy," his father said. "He has lost weight and strengthened his muscles incredibly. He now stands straighter and his scoliosis has not worsened at all. You can see the difference in his spine just by looking at him. But he is also proud of himself and what he has done. He has a sense of confidence he didn't have before. Tae kwon do has been therapy for him in more ways than one." Tommy no longer needs the surgery that worried his mother so much.

"The doctors are so thrilled with his progress and said this is proof how much physical exercise can help our bodies," Sylvia said.  "Also, they say his heart murmur is all but gone. Right before he started classes, the doctor said he could hear the murmur loud and clear, but now he says he can hardly hear it at all because Tommy's heart is so much stronger."

 

In addition to the physical progress the dark-haired young man has made, he has also improved his communication and interpersonal skills.

 As with other forms of autism, those with Asperger's have delayed development, learning disabilities, difficulty communicating and behavioral outbursts, Sylvia and Jon said, adding that Tommy's outbursts from frustration are rare now that he has been in tae kwon do.

"Tae kwon do teaches patience, respect and control," said Paul McCollum, academy owner and head instructor. "Tommy has learned to control his emotions and actions and become very respectful of his family and others. He can now emotionally cope and be in normal social situations. He really has an indelible spirit that drives him forward."

 

Tommy showed his polite manners on a recent evening after one of his thrice-weekly classes. Every question or comment addressed to him was answered with a "yes, ma'am" or "no, sir."

His grueling 1-Hour class challenged him to stretch, kick, punch, block and concentrate on his body's movements.

The large white room with a rubber floor has American and Korean flags hanging above the large mirror that covers one wall. The students stand silent and still as they await McCollum's instructions. With a loud yell, McCollum starts counting in Korean and leads the students in a series of moves called forms.

Tommy's face is etched with concentration as he obediently follows every move McCollum orders with fierce intensity.

Tommy knows every form in tae kwon do. In fact, before he was even an orange belt, he had memorized every form there is — all 30 of them. He also memorized the history, oath, creed and tenets of tae kwon do, something most of his peers haven't done. Tommy was wearing a white shirt and pants with red trim, and his embroidered black belt stood out as one of only two in the 11-member class.

"I want to be a ninth-degree black belt," Tommy said. "Tae kwon do has helped me with my back. I feel better and it is fun."

Tommy, who has a quick sense of humor, loves the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and "Star Wars." The 2003 Taft High School graduate works three days a week as a bagger at H-E-B. He said he likes to practice his moves at home, especially one that has proved difficult for him. "The roundhouse kick is hard because of balance. I used to be afraid I would fall, but not anymore," he said.

 

Amanda Reimherr
Express-News Staff Writer


areimherr@express-news.net

 

Health-Challenged Tae Kwon Do Black Belt is a True Inspiration
 

April 19, 2009 11:12 PM CDT

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In the past, we've talked about Tae Kwon Do being a way of life, but for 25-year-old Tommy Riendfleisch, it is life. Born with a quartet of crutches including scoliosis and a heart murmur, doctors didn't expect much. But, with the help of his parents and martial arts, Tommy is just your every-day, run-of-the-mill Karate Kid.

When asked what the draw of martial arts was, Tommy replied, "So I could defend myself on the streets."

Born autistic with Asperger's Syndrome, Tommy always had a passion for sports, but ASD is a disorder that limits social interaction.

Jon Riendfleisch, Tommy's father, told KRIS 6 Sports, "He wanted a sport he could participate in, and a lot of the team sports just weren't so good with his autism and Asperger's Syndrome."

That's where Tae Kwon Do comes in.

You see, taking the easy route is the one thing that's not in his DNA. For example, in high school, he was in a class that simulated having a normal job, and one day while at HEB, Tommy went from pretending to the real thing.

Jon explained, "Nobody knew it, but he grabbed an application and filled it out went through the interview and got hired before he told us."

Fast-forward now to the present, where he is on the verge of becoming a third-degree black belt. It's impressive, but he's far from done.

Tommy told 6 Sports his goal is to "become a ninth-degree black belt, so I can become an instructor."

And he's well on his way, unknowingly already teaching and inspiring the man he so idolizes.

Jon added, "Me being a little bit larger, I need to drop some weight, so I'd like to get in it side by side."

Online Reporter: Tyler Garrett

 

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Choi's Tae Kwon DO Receives 2008 Best of San Antonio Award

U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., November 21, 2008 -- Choi's Tae Kwon DO has been selected for the 2008 Best of San Antonio Award in the Martial Arts category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Local Business Association
Email: PublicRelations@USLBA.net
URL: http://www.USLBA.net

###

 

 
User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)

Choi's Tae Kwon Do

(210) 647-4575
8112 Tezel Rd, San Antonio, TX 78250 Map it | Get directions Cross Streets: Between Guilbeau Rd and Mainland Rd
www.officialchoistaekwondo.com
 
29.516937 -98.662154
 

Choi's Tae Kwon Do Business Overview

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-1pm, Sun Closed

Categories: Martial Arts

  • Specialties: Weapons, Kick Boxing, Karate, Judo, Hapkido
1-3 of 3 Write a review
  1. User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    by BadLX
    04/29/2008
    I took my daughter at age 4 because she was very shy and had trouble dealing with strangers. Since turning 6 recently, she has advanced in rank and confidence. Master Paul is very good with kids, he makes them feel comfortable and they have fun. I saw the incredible positive change in my daughter, and was so pleased I joined myself. I have lost weight, gained strength, and have done moves I thought were only for younger guys! I recommend anyone looking to build character and confidence in their kids or themselves to visit Choi's.
     

 

Choi's Tae Kwon Do

8112 Tezel Rd
San Antonio, TX 78250 Map

Karate-Judo-Hapkido-Weapons-Kick Boxing

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Based on 2 reviews.

Hours of Operation:

Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-1pm, Sun Closed

USER REVIEWS:

Rate it
StarStarStarStarHalf StarBased on 2 reviews.
  • StarStarStarStarGray Star

    Very Good

    Testimonial

    Posted by paul_scottbadlx on 03/25/2007

    I wanted to express my thanks to Paul and staff at CHOI's Tae Kwon Do Academy for all they have done for our family. Before joining class at CHOI's, my 4 year old daughter had problems with being withdrawn, shy and speaking to strangers. When I would try to introduce her to new people, she would hide and sometimes even begin to cry. After speaking to Paul McCollum, the head instructor, he suggested she attend a free class to be evaluated. She seemed to really enjoy her first steps and Paul has a special way of making kids feel comfortable and having fun while learning. She has been there since November and has learned a lot..from her new Korean vocabulary to being more confident, learning respect, discipline, and more, she has become a better individual as have I for the experience. February 24th she tested for her promotion to yellow belt and passed with flying colors. She even did something she has never done before: stand up in a room of more than 50 strangers with confidence and perform the yellow belt form ( which she did not technically have to know at that point ) and did it with no hesitation or reservation to the applause of said 50 people. As a parent, it was the culmination of much hard work and love I have for her to see her succeed amongst her peers. Now at 5 years old, she has a long, full life ahead of her with the discipline and new self confidence she has gained at CHOI's Tae Kwon Do Academy.

  • StarStarStarStarStar

    Exceptional

    Paul McCollum is one of the Best

    Posted by Hyungtkd on 03/02/2007

    Great Instructor, he focuses on the student's personal potential and grows from there. Not bad if you want to lose some weight too.