Master Wayne Langille - 6th Dan

Master Wayne Langille started training in Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do in 1995 under Jared Christensen in Truro, Nova Scotia at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. After training with Mr. Christensen for three years, Master Langille became an assistant instructor within the school. In 1999, Master Langille took over the school as a red belt under the supervision of Master Robert Mason and Master Shane Morris from Woodstock, New Brunswick. He travelled to Woodstock monthly for training and went to Bangor, Maine regularly for workouts with Grandmaster Michael Clark.

In February 2001, Master Langille was tested for his black belt in Bangor, Maine. Master Langille achieved his second Dan rank in July 2003 and his third Dan rank in July 2006 in New Brunswick, Canada. In May 2010, Mr. Langille was promoted to Master (fourth degree) in Truro, Nova Scotia. In September 2015, Master Langille achieved his fifth Dan in Calgary, Alberta.

In February 2008, Master Langille travelled to Calgary, Alberta to train in Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do. After learning the Tang Soo Do curriculum, Master Langille was promoted to second Dan and Kyo sa nim in Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do with certification from Grandmaster Ho Sik Pak.

Throughout his martial art career, Master Langille has judged, participated in, and won several tournaments throughout the Maritimes and New England States. He has attended various martial art workshops and seminars including Tao Kamp Karate, Aikido, Shotokan karate, Kickboxing, Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do and Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do. Several trips were made to Augusta, Maine for training with Shihan Jeff Wood. During these sessions, Master Langille learned the additional Pyung Ahn forms, weapons disarming, and weapons forms. Master Langille participated in a weekend training session with UFC mixed martial artist welter-weight champion, Georges St. Pierre. He also trained for 6 months in Shoot Wrestling in Truro, Nova Scotia with Shi Gung Gerald Tobin.

Master Langille continues to run a tae kwon do school in Truro, Nova Scotia and oversees Little Dragons classes (ages 5-7), Warrior classes (ages 8-12) and Adult Classes (ages 13 and up). The school is continuing to thrive and expand with the help of nine other dedicated instructors, Sonya Casey, Beckey Langille, Drucie Janes, Garnet McLean, Anastasia Berry, Dante (Max) Petty, Brett Roode, Brianna Watson, and Liam Hutt. Master Langille continues to uphold the high standards of Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do and expects the same of all of his students.

Master Beckey Langille - 5th Dan

I started with Langille’s Tae Kwon Do at the NSAC in Truro in September 2003. When I started, I wanted to join for the fitness aspect of it. I did not want to go through a belt test and achieving a black belt was not my goal. I just wanted to be in the class to stay in shape. After a few weeks of classes, I was hooked and soon realized that I did want to get my black belt, so this became my new goal. I trained two nights a week during the scheduled classes and I also trained a few nights a week outside of class time.

In June 2007, I was tested for my black belt in Meductic, New Brunswick in front of a very intimidating testing board. I survived the test and now proudly wear a black belt in Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do. I was promoted to second Dan after my test in June 2009 and was promoted to third Dan in April 2013. On May 27, 2017, alongside Drucie Janes, I was promoted to fourth Dan in Calgary, Alberta making us the first female masters in Canada in our style. What an accomplishment!

In the Fall of 2007, I started a youth Tae Kwon Do class at the Bulldog Interactive Youth Gym in Truro with the help of Mr. Langille. Unfortunately, the Bulldog gym closed down only months after we started, so we decided to continue on with the youth class at the NSAC incorporating it into the Langille’s Tae Kwon Do school. This class later became known as our Warrior class (ages 8-12). Since then, we have expanded and started a Little Dragons class for ages 5-7. I am also an instructor in our adult class.

Since joining Tae Kwon Do and becoming a part of this organization, I have participated in many exciting opportunities including various seminars, workshops, tournaments and martial art camps in Canada and the U.S. I even had the opportunity to participate in a weekend work out in Truro with Georges St. Pierre, UFC Welter-weight champion. I have met and learned a lot from so many wonderful people. Along with participating and learning from others, I have spent a lot of time doing beginner classes for groups in the community such as Youth Groups, Sparks, Brownies, Colchester Day Camps, Take the Roof off of Winter, and even in the Truro Mall. We have put on many demos around town such as the Hubtown Fun Run, Marigold fundraiser, Hearland Tour, Truro Library, Harvestfest, and the Chignecto Central Sports Expo.

I have grown personally by becoming a more confident person who can communicate more clearly, honestly, and easily than I could have before Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do has helped me to further develop my leadership skills and I take that with me into all aspects of my life.

Master Drucie Janes - 5th Dan

I began training in Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do in September 2003 under Master Wayne Langille in Truro NS at the Langille’s Athletic Centre on the Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus (formally the Nova Scotia Agricultural College). In June 2007, I was tested for my 1st Dan in Meductic NB alongside Kyo Sa Nim Beckey Langille and Kyo Sa Nim Trent Osmond. We stood before a testing board of nine black belts and endured a five hour test. It was well worth all the blood, sweat, and tears…becoming part of the black belt family was an amazing honor and accomplishment.

I became an instructor within Langille’s Tae Kwon Do in September 2007. In March 2008, I also started helping teach a youth class run by Kyo Sa Nim Beckey Langille. I achieved my 2nd Dan in June 2009 and my 3rd Dan in April 2013. In May 2017, I was promoted to fourth Dan in Calgary, Alberta with Beckey Langille making us the first female masters in Canada in our style.

Throughout my martial arts life I participated in and judged several tournaments in Truro. I have attended various seminars in NS, NB and Maine as well I participated in a weekend training session with UFC champion Georges St. Pierre. I’ve been involved in teaching numerous Tae Kwon Do demonstrations for the Kid’s Fun Run, Truro Mall demo, Kid’s Expo, Summer Day Camps and Raise the Roof Off Winter. I love teaching students what I’ve learned. It’s very rewarding to see students’ progress up the ranks and evolve into outstanding martial artists. I am so proud to be a member of Langille’s Tae Kwon Do…I have much respect for my instructor and my TKD family. My life definitely would not be the same without TKD.

Master Sonya Casey - 4th Dan

My name is Sonya Casey. I am the Nurse Manager of Surgical Services at Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro. I am married to Chris and have two sons, Andrew and Michael. My mother had always encouraged me to do something for myself all throughout my life no matter what other roles I had.

I started in Tae Kwon Do in the Autumn of 1998 to get some exercise. The Moo Duk Kwan style was predominately a male sport at that time when I was under the instruction of Mr. Jared Christensen. I could not do all the repetitions of certain exercises but started off doing what I could. I liked that about his classes plus I gained confidence as I could continue to do more and more as time went on.

Mr. Christensen moved and Mr. Wayne Langille took over the school. It was the lifestyle of Tae Kwon Do that led me through the journey in which I finally obtained the insight that I could succeed in getting my black belt. This occurred when I had a brown belt and became an assistant instructor in 2004. Tae Kwon Do encompasses a life of respect, integrity, patience, perseverance, and building the positive components of your character. You learn that you can overcome hurtles and maintain a positive attitude. I have endured several physical injuries including ones to my back and knee and kept going.

My first degree black belt test was one I will never forget - a 3.5 hour grueling physical and mental test. I proudly obtained it on December 28, 2005. I continued on to receive my second degree black belt on July 12, 2008. I got my third degree on July 16, 2014. On June 2, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta I was promoted to fourth degree - Masters level. I have realized that Tae Kwon Do is a lifetime art which promotes continual self improvement both mentally and physically. I cannot imagine life without Tae Kwon Do and being part of its family here in Canada and in the United States.

Kyo Sa Nim Garnet MacLean - 3rd Dan

I began as a student at Langille’s Tae Kwon Do in February 2004 when Master Langille invited me to take part in class. My son (Kyo sa nim Matthew MacLean) was just beginning as a white belt and I had been watching class. So with two left feet, terrible balance, and a little patience I tried it out.

Because of the skill and patience of Master Langille and other excellent instructors, I realized that with their help and hard work on my part there was definite improvement in fitness. As I worked up through the different ranks and watched others doing the same, I saw that by working on your weaknesses as well as your strengths improvements will follow. If you ask more of yourself and your body, it often will step up to the challenge.

I accepted an invitation and a challenge to take a black belt test on April 28, 2012 in Meductic, NB. After a test of several hours, the board of 14 black belts, several of them Masters from Canada and the USA, awarded me the honour of my black belt.

Afterwards, I was offered the opportunity to be an instructor with Langille’s Tae Kwon Do and accepted. Currently, I am an instructor in the adult class. On June 2, 2018 I achieved my third degree after being tested in Calgary, Alberta.

Kyo Sa Nim Anastasia Berry - 3nd Dan

I started Tae Kwon Do under Master Wayne Langille January 2010, at NSAC. I can say without a doubt that I am far from the 12-year-old girl that first came to class all those years ago. When I first started, my goal wasn’t to become a black belt, or to progress through any of the belts in any way; I started because my mom wanted me to learn self-defence, to know how to protect myself in case of an emergency. It wasn’t until later, when I began to improve, that I started to like the art. After seeing the progress that I was making, I grew to enjoy the classes even more, and looked forward to going to class every week, to work on my kicks, hand techniques, forms, and most importantly to continue improving my skills.

I became an assistant instructor in the kid’s classes at Langille’s Tae Kwon Do in 2014, helping out in class, as well as with various events, including presentations, and demonstrations within the community.

Since becoming a member of Langille’s Tae Kwon Do, I have had the opportunity to train with some amazing people, and have learned from and been pushed by incredible and dedicated instructors. I have also competed in various tournaments, and attended seminars and training sessions within the Maritimes. After years of hard work and training, I attained my black belt on June 4, 2016 and was promoted to Kyo Sa Nim later that month. Two years later, I was promoted to 2nd Dan after being tested in Calgary, Alberta on June 2, 2018.

Tae Kwon Do has transformed and shaped me not only physically, but mentally as well. I have gained flexibility, strength, and speed, but perhaps even more importantly, I have learned discipline, motivation, determination, and confidence. These traits have become a part of who I am; they help me not only in Tae Kwon Do but in all my endeavors. Tae Kwon Do is not solely a sport, but a lifestyle that I cannot imagine my life without.

Kyo Sa Nim Brett Roode - 3nd Dan

My name is Brett Roode and I was born and raised in Truro, Nova Scotia. I began my journey in Langille's Tae Kwon Do in 2006 at the NSAC under Master Wayne Langille and it has been one incredible journey!

I was 12 years old when I started. I joined to become more physically active and be able to throw some awesome kicks. I was into free running and parkour a lot and the more physical I got, the easier everything would be. I always wanted to be in shape and feel the absolute best I could. Free running helped a bit, but Tae Kwon Do pushed me passed my limits and boundaries, making me much more stronger, flexible, and giving me overall mental strength. Once I earned my orange belt, I knew I was hooked and in the right place.

On January 2016, I started back on my journey towards black belt and it has been one of the smartest decisions and changes I have ever made! I have made many mistakes in life and learned a great many lessons. Langille's TKD is more than just a martial art of being able to punch and kick, its a lifestyle and will build you into who you really want to be. June 17, 2017 was a day I couldn't forget even if I tried. It was one of the greatest and hardest days of my life. I became a black belt and it was the most accomplishing, exhausting event I have ever done! I could not have done it without my amazing instructors helping me and allowing me to believe in myself. I am blessed that they are who they are and that they're in my life. In the same month of my black belt test, I earned and received the title of Boo Kyo Sa (assistant instructor) and was extremely grateful to earn that and move beyond my own limits and to teach instead of only being taught. December 3, 2017 was an incredible day for myself. I truly can't explain the feeling for both my black belt test and this day, but this was the day I exceeded my own abilities and was promoted to Kyo Sa Nim (instructor).

May 16 ,2011, I became a brown belt and shortly after that I had to leave. I could have not joined back and stayed the person I was but I am extremely happy that I did and that they helped me find my true self. Langille's Tae Kwon Do is a giant family with the kindest of hearts and as a student and instructor, I owe them everything because without them, I definitely wouldn't be the man I am today.

Tae Kwon Do has changed me beyond description on every level (physical, mental, spiritual) and I would have it no other way! I have gained so much from being a student in class and also from teaching and I am extremely blessed that I went back to continue my destiny. I am looking forward to pushing myself passed my limits of who I am today and always thriving to become better. I am extremely proud to be a member of this inspiring and amazing family - Langille's Tae Kwon Do.

Kyo Sa Nim Brianna Watson - 1st Dan

I didn’t join Tae Kwon Do because I wanted a black belt. I didn’t join to be in better shape. I was nine — I don’t think I even knew what a black belt was until I showed up on my first night. I started because my twin brother had joined, and I had recently quit violin because I found it boring.

I had first joined the warrior’s class, and a few years later joined the adult class. When I first started I didn’t really try, but I soon started to have fun and push myself to be the best me I could be.

I was tested for my 1st Dan on January 26th 2019 along side Kyo Sa Nim Liam Hutt. We were thrilled to finally be apart of the black belt family.

Tae Kwon Do has taught me a lot of important skills that feel so natural now. Besides just the physical abilities I’ve gained, I’ve gained a lot of other things as well. I’ve always had issues with being confident in myself, and Tae Kwon Do has helped me to improve and be able to have a strong sense of self confidence.

I became an Instructor on February 6th 2019. I had been volunteering in the youth classes for a little while before I was promoted to Assistant instructor in 2017. I love being able to teach and I am honoured I was given the opportunity. I feel like I’ve been able to learn so much about myself through teaching, whether it’s how far my patience can go, or having the ability to get in front of a group of people and teach.

Boo Kyo Sa Jaime Stone - 1st Dan

I started training at Langille’s Tae Kwon Do in January 2013. I became an assistant instructor (boo kyo sa) in 2017. I have previously trained in boxing, kickboxing, aiki-jutsu, and uechi ryu karate. I had always wanted to train in Tae Kwon Do, but did not find an opportunity until I lived in Truro.

I work for Correctional Service Canada. Part of my job involves certifying correctional officers in all job areas, including self defence, emergency response tactics, arrest and control, weapons disarming, weapons retention, baton use, etc. Most of the techniques we used are based on the style of Aiki-jutsu that was specifically designed for use in law enforcement by Sensei Bob Koga.

When I joined Tae Kwon Do, I believed my background in martial arts and my experience in teaching physical skills would help me progress fairly easily. After turning 40 and experiencing several injuries, earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do proved to be the most challenging goal I had ever set for myself. The jumping and spinning kicks of Tae Kwon Do require skills that are vastly different from the ones I’ve used in other styles.

This goal has given me the motivation to continue working on my fitness at a time when it would be easy to give up. This journey has tested both my physical and mental endurance and has made me a stronger and more humble person.

I joined Tae Kwon Do to further develop my martial arts skills, but I gained so much more. Tae Kwon Do has challenged me mentally and physically more than any other activity I have engaged in. Teaching children’s classes has taught me to be patient, to think quickly, and that I don’t always need to be so serious. I have found a family in Tae Kwon Do that is made up of the most inspiring people. It is this group of people that have pushed me to continue working hard when it would have been easy to give up.

On Dec. 16, 2023 I was tested in Truro, NS and promoted to Black Belt and am working towards my instructor certification.

Boo Kyo Sa Michael Henderson - 1st Dan

I started training at Langille’s Tae Kwon Do in January 2016. I also have a brown belt in Uechi Ryu Karate under Sensei Duncan MacLeod and I have participated in several tournaments including Atlantic Karate Championships in 2005 and 2006, and the Canadian National Black Belt Championship in 2007, representing Nova Scotia.

I joined Langille’s Tae Kwon Do because my daughter started in September 2015 and when I was watching her during the Warrior’s class, I realized I wanted to try martial arts again and I felt Langille’s was a good start.

I quickly grew to love and respect all the instructors and the similarities between Karate and Tae Kwon Do made my transition to Tae Kwon Do easier. I love the physical fitness, mental challenges, and especially the sparring (just ask anyone that knows me).

I have a Red Belt with a black band and currently working and training for my Black Belt test in December 2023, which I know will be the most challenging thing I will do in my life. I also have the rank of Boo Kyo Sa (Assistant Instructor), since 2020 and I help instruct on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays during the Dragon’s and Warrior’s class. It’s rewarding seeing how the students grow year after year.

Being a martial artist requires a lot of commitment, patience, mental and physical strength, especially to get your through any test. I feel my Tae Kwon Do family pushes you to your limit and to places you didn’t know could accomplish and you feel so rewarded for this once you are done.

Update - On Dec. 16, 2023 I was tested in Truro, NS and promoted to Black Belt and am working towards my instructor certification.

Boo Kyo Sa Derek Learning

I first started studying Moo Duk Kwon Tae Kwon Do in 1996 when I attended what was then the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. I studied for two years under Mr. Jared Chistiensen, attaining the rank of green belt before moving away from Truro to pursue a different degree and career. Eventually I left the Maritimes for Ontario but when the chance came to return home to raise our family, my wife and I took it.

Over the years I had tried out several other martial arts, a year here, a year there but either the art or the school never really held my interest.

In 2017, I began taking my children to the Dragon’s class where sitting and watching them re-ignited my interest in the school. I began taking classes again, and then volunteering. It took a few years to work my skills back to their green belt level and during that time I was invited to participate in the Assistant Instructor Course which I completed in 2019.

Since then I’ve been extremely fortunate and grateful to improve my skills and my health while meeting many wonderful people and having so much fun as an assistant instructor. One of the very first hurdles I had in returning to the dojang after nearly two decades away was simply getting to the end of class with enough energy left to concentrate on the techniques and not just get to the finish. This prompted me to start regularly doing small workouts at home to increase my health as well as hone my skills which has led me to having more energy and focus for my work. Coming to class, working with students and then concentrating on my own progression allows me to disengage from my day job for a few hours each week while I engage with a positive and supportive group of people, a true mental break.

Working on our kicks and our self-defense techniques, learning to offer respect and receive it in return does not just teach us discipline but helps us become better versions of ourselves. I currently have a Red with a Black Band belt and am working towards my Black Belt.

Boo Kyo Sa Evan Fisher

I first started out in the Warrior’s class as a kid. I joined initially because I had a few friends who had been training here, and they all seemed to really enjoy it, so I thought I might enjoy it as well. I don’t know if I could’ve predicted just how much I ended up enjoying it, and how much it would end up impacting my life.

A few years later, I had moved up to the Adult class, and not long after I started volunteering for both the Little Dragon’s and Warrior’s classes, and began training to become an Assistant Instructor, which I successfully completed in June 2019. Since then, I have been working to improve not only on my own martial arts skills, but on my skills as an Assistant Instructor as well.

Through Tae Kwon Do, I have not only had the opportunity to learn all the different techniques and improve myself physically, but also have been able to grow my confidence in a way that I don’t think I would have otherwise. That confidence comes from looking back at where I was before, and seeing how I have improved over time.

There is a great sense of community here, and it feels like everyone wants to see each other succeed and will do what they can to help each other. That sense of community has been vital to the success and improvement I have had to this point, and I hope that as an Assistant Instructor I can help pass that along to others as well.

As of right now, my goal is to continue training, learning, and improving on my techniques, and I am motivated to do so as I work towards the goal of obtaining my black belt. Tae Kwon Do can be difficult, but if you’re willing to put in the hard work and effort necessary, I have found it can also be incredibly rewarding