This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

A Town Institution

I would like to compliment Branford Parks & Recreation for providing Taekwondo classes at the Community House. Anyone who has visited the facility on Church Street has seen “the guys in white” upstairs for what seems like forever.

After watching from afar for some time, I enrolled my children. Then, I decided to join as well and make it a family activity. I was one of the “big kids” in class, to be sure, but I was not alone. There are all age groups and skill levels on the floor. Soon enough, I began enjoying the sport, especially as my job has me sitting at a desk all day long. The classes feature a combination of stretching (think yoga), calisthenics, self-defense, strength training, and the art form of martial arts patterns. Students achieve as much as they put into it. As Master Mike Bonfiglio says, “I can make you the greatest black belt—if you want it.”

And these classes are as much a town institution as Master Bonfiglio is to the sport. Training for 40 years and teaching for 20, Master Bonfiglio has a unique pedigree in martial arts, and Branford residents have personal access to his skills and knowledge twice a week, every week.

I encourage town residents to take advantage of this opportunity to learn great skills, get fit, have fun, and be part of a town institution.

Glenn Stefanovics

Branford