ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
At DMA Creston, our focus is on training and preserving Taekwon-Do in its original form.
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We offer programs and classes for Adults and Children of any age (5 years through 75 years).
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Courtesy
Self-Control
Integrity
Indomitable Spirit
Perseverance
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Tenets of Taekwon-Do
Our Instructors
GM Tom Thurston
(9th Dan)
Part-Time Supervisory Instructor
Grandmaster Thurston began studying Taekwon-Do under the instruction of Original Pioneer, Grandmaster C.K. Choi in 1968. On August 30, 1973. GM Thurston became the first Canadian student of GM CK Choi to be promoted to black belt. GM Thurston was a member of the gold winning Team Canada at the 1978 Taekwon-Do World Championships in Oklahoma City, USA, and continued to compete at the highest level for many years after. On September 21, 2024, GM CK Choi promoted GM Thurston to the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt for his lifelong commitment and contributions to Taekwon-Do. GM Thurston frequently volunteers his time in our Teen and Adult Classes, working 1-on-1 with our most motivated students.
Mr. Derek Hall began his Taekwon-Do training 1997 under the instruction of Mr. Warren Lee in Port Alberni, BC. Mr. Hall was promoted to the rank of Black Belt by Mr. Lee on December 11, 2002. ​On January 7, 2020, Mr. Hall opened Dragon Martial Arts Academy - Creston for group classes, retaining both the school name and the traditions passed down to him by Mr. Lee. On November 29, 2025, GM Tom Thurston presented Mr. Hall with his 5th Degree Black Belt Certificate on behalf of GM CK Choi. Mr. Hall stays busy, teaching all classes at DMA Creston.
Owner and Head Instructor
Derek Hall
(5th Dan)
Ms. Cassidy Folk began training in Taekwon-Do under Mr. Derek Hall in January 2020 in Creston, BC. Ms. Folk became DMA Creston's first Assistant Instructor in 2023. On November 29, 2025, GM Tom Thurston presented Ms. Folk with her 1st Degree Black Belt Certificate on behalf of GM CK Choi.
Cassidy Folk
(1st Dan)
Assistant Instructor
What Our Members and Families Say
Richard A. (Google Review)
"We enrolled our son in taekwondo in hopes of increasing his self-confidence and adding additional exercise into his weekly routine. In under a year his confidence has surged and he has become increasingly athletic due to the exceptional training provided at the dojo. The instructor has an incredible approach when working with younger students and instills discipline and respect, both for self and others, during training..."