Karate Comes To Hamtramck

Karate Comes To Hamtramck

By Beverly Tran
January 30, 2009


The uniqueness of Hamtramck is not just in how warmly it embraces the diversity of its people, it is now in how the city has welcomed diversity with a new business. On January 24, 2009, Mayor Karen Majewski, in a room filled with astounded onlookers of all ages, together with some of the world’s greatest martial artists, attended the official opening of Tri-State TaeKwon-Do Federation, the city’s first traditional Korean Karate Dojo, under the leadership of Master Gary B. Douglass, 5th Degree Black Belt and Senior Instructor Mohamed Alashwal, 2nd Degree Black Belt.


(From the Right: Sensei Gary Douglass, Mohamed Alashwal
and Craig Daniels, Hamtramck Recreation Department, Director)

Students and Masters demonstrated techniques of speed, form of self-defense in hand-to-hand combat and breaking concrete slabs. “Teaching discipline of the powers of body and mind to youth is a way of encouraging them to stay in school and reinforce studying habits. In today’s world, it’s getting harder and harder to be a teenager and we are here to guide them with the tenants of Tri-State TaeKwon-Do Federation: courtesy; integrity; perseverance; self-control; and, indomitable spirit”, says Sensei Douglass.

Here is what others had to say:
Stephanie Barnes (left), age 11, Red/Black Belt: “It’s awesome! It has lots of tools to learn.”

Stephanie’s Karate mom and dad: “We are so proud of the kids that come and learn about themselves. They are taught more about discipline and not about fighting. The kids learn about being leaders without violence.”

Monica Michalik, (right) age 12, Brown Belt: “After school, there were no activities to do. It was by word of mouth I came by to see the class, and wanted to stay. I have been with Master Douglass for 2 years.”

Michael Woo, age 21, Blue Belt: “I’m speechless. Here I can keep up to date and learn many other forms of martial arts like Muay Thai and grappling.”

Mayor Karen Majewski: “I see a wonderful opportunity for our seniors and our young to become more physically active.”


(From Left To Right: Grand Master B.C. Yu, 9th Degree Black Belt,
Mayor Karen Majewski, and Grand Master George Calhoun, 9th Degree Black Belt.)

Sensei Alashwal, a recent graduate of Hamtramck High School, who is now a Wayne State University student in the Nursing Program, is proud that he has decided to remain in the community and work to get youth off the street and back in the classroom. Below are two of his students demonstrating their skills.


Sensei Douglass trains the body and mind, ages 4 to 104, 6 days a week. He has developed specialized courses for the youngest ones called “Little Ninjas”, cardio fitness, tournament competitions and belt advancement testing for the others. The Master is ready to start partnering with the Hamtramck Police and the Schools by incorporating the Kids Safe Network with the city’s leadership through his youth programming. Douglass and Alashwal have been teaching at the Hamtramck Recreational Center for the last 10 years.

TaeKwon-Do Federation is located at 9725 Conant, Hamtramck, MI 48212, just North of Holbrook. For more information contact Master Douglass at: 313-875-KICK or visit http://www.tristatetaekwondo.com.

Beverly Tran is the Hamtramck President of the South End Block Club and has been consulting with Tri-State TaeKwon-Do in community economic development and crime prevention programming. Contact her at 313-522-8213 or email: tranbeverly@gmail.com.