PORT ANGELES — The National Taekwondo Junior Demonstration team from Korea is returning to Port Angeles today for an extended stay and three performances of their world-famous acrobatic martial arts and board-breaking demonstrations.
Grandmaster R.A. Nicholls of White Crane Martial Arts in downtown Port Angeles is bringing the team in and will host it for 21⁄2 weeks at his gym.
“We heard they loved Port Angeles and wanted to come back, so we agreed to host them again,” Nicholls said.
“What we didn’t know was that they loved us so much they are bringing twice as many performers and staying twice as long as last time.
“Thankfully, individuals and church groups have stepped up and offered to help either with cash donations or hosting kids in their homes for the cultural experience.”
It is not too late to host team members, but a background check is required, Nicholls said. White Crane can perform the background checks instantly at the gym.
The team consists of 23 boys, ages 8 to 15, five girls and five coaches.
The first of their shows will be at 5 p.m. on the Wilder Stage at the Clallam County Fair on Sunday.
They will break boards, perform martial art routines and self-defense demonstrations in the high-kicking Korean style of martial arts, taekwondo.
The biggest show, which sold out at that time two years ago, is hosted by the Peninsula College Martial Arts class and will be held in the college gym on Aug. 24 at 5 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now and will go fast, so those who wish to entertain their children with high-flying martial arts action are advised to act quickly and get their tickets at White Crane Community Center, 129 W. First St.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 to 11.
