Martial Arts Group Empowers LGBT Community
Group inspired by murder of Matthew Shepard
By Lord Martine

For those who’ve been bullied, bashed, harassed, or simply seek a good workout, Triangle Martial Arts Association (TMAA) provides a safe place to explore and face fears.

TMAA was founded by TaeKwon-Do and HapMoosaKi-Do Grand Master Ken Craig following the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998. In its ninth year, the nonprofit stands strong, offering a myriad of empowering services, focusing on multi-disciplinary self-defense training for LGBTQQI, senior, disabled and low-income individuals.

“Responding to Matthew Shepard’s tragedy, we galvanized,” explains GM Craig, openly gay, black belt instructor. “Co-founders Andy Maguire, James Gardner, Terry McCullough and I felt so badly and had to do something about the, then, pervasive aggression and intolerance shown toward LGBTQQI individuals.”

In addition to TaeKwon-Do (the way of the foot and fist), TMAA teaches: HapMoosaKi-Do (the art of coordinating warrior energy), Jiu-Jitsu (the art of conquer by yielding), YongChul Do (martial arts weaponry) – and self-confidence!

“TMAA empowers,” GM Craig continues, “by fighting prejudice; encouraging community leadership; and reducing violence, persecution and ignorance in educating, supportive environments of equality and diversity.”

On Saturday, November 10, 2007, 7pm, TMAA will hold their ninth Anniversary Banquet and Awards Benefit at the LGBT Community Center. Honorees include: Castro Community On Patrol; Dr. Tom Waddell, Gay Games founder; Reverend Megan M. Roher, Director of the Wellness Ministry. TriangleMAA.org