INSTRUCTORS | andersentaekwondo

STEVE ANDERSEN - 4th DEGREE Black Belt Certified Instructor

I am a devoted family man to my wife of 35 years and 3 sons.

I started Andersen Taekwondo as my way to give back to the community the training I have received and utilize my talents. I have learned over the years that while Taekwondo has given me a stronger body it has given me a softer heart, for the many people that I have crossed paths with. I promise to bring to you a positive experience to expand your health both physically and mentally.

I started my career in Taekwondo as an adult under the direction of Master Rick Staack, in 1999 at Gretna
Taekwondo. Through years of study and learning under Master Staack I have earned my teaching
certification in 2006 and currently hold the rank of Third Degree Black Belt.

I am an active member in the Taekwondo community by competing and judging local tournaments, training and instructing.

Through the guidance and development we are now expanding the Gretna Taekwondo organization into the community.

I am excited to have you meet, many of the talented instructors. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about you, and your goals.

MASTER CARLTON DUNCAN - 6th DEGREE Black Belt Certified Instructor

Carlton received National Championship in 1996 in Taekwondo America as a third and fourth degree black belt.

Three time state champion in Arkansas in 2007,2008 & 2009 as a fifth degree black belt.

Master Duncan has several championships in black belt alliance third degree and higher.

Recipient of good sportsmanship in the black belt alliance.

Tested and received sixth degree in February 2012 in Taekwondo America.

Judged and referred in Muay Thai for the IFK, ISK.

Master Duncan has over 25 years of experience in the art of Taekwondo.

MR. JIM SZARO - 3rd DEGREE Black Belt Certified Instructor

Coming Soon

MR. JOSH STIGGE - 2nd DEGREE Black Belt Certified Instructor

I am an electrician for Baxter Kenworthy Elec in Omaha and I was introduced to Taekwondo by work of mouth from a friend of my wife. We were looking for an activity for my, then six year old daughter, who was very active and after trying many other activities we decided to give Taekwondo a shot. Once she started it was not long after that, my wife and I joined, and years later our middle daughter joined followed by my son as they became old enough.

It has been over thirteen years and my family and I are still actively participating in Taekwondo. I worked my way up through the ranks and was able to reach first degree black belt when I was thirty six. I then tested for second degree at the age of forty and shortly after, I fulfilled all the requirements and tested to be a certified instructor.

I have trained under current club owner Mr. Steve Andersen, since the first day we walked in the door, and I am honored to be a part of Andersen Taekwondo. I am respect him not just a friend but an extension of our family. Mr. Andersen along with many other talented instructors have been there over the years for my family and I and it is very important to me to keep the art alive and I do that the best way I know how, by working with all of the students.

Even though it seems like I have been a martial artist forever i can tell you my journey has just begun. I look forward to many more years of learning and sharing.

I’m Amber Szaro and I began taekwondo at six years old, never thinking it would have taken me this far! I’ve actively been a part of taekwondo for thirteen years, and I continue to participate in tournaments and belt testings, as well as support students as they grow as martial artists. I enjoy practicing taekwondo so I can get stronger both physically and mentally. It also helps me learn to be a leader, develop communication skills, and meet new people, as well as learn all of the cool moves and useful techniques that may be needed for self-defense.

In my career as a martial artist, I have many achievements. I earned my first-degree black belt in 2013, my second-degree in 2018, and achieved my Taekwondo Instructor certification in 2019. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, I placed first in the 14-16 year-old women’s division in the Mid-America Taekwondo Tournament Black Belt Alliance. In 2018 and 2019, I placed first in the adult women’s division for the Alliance. I also actively participate in the Cornhusker State Games every year, competing and judging.

Currently, I am a student at Wayne State College double majoring in Criminal Justice and Chemistry. In my free time, I enjoy art, running, and playing with my siblings.

Ms. Amber Szaro - 2nd DEGREE Black Belt Certified Instructor

I live in Valley, Nebraska and attend Douglas County West High School. I sing in the high school choir and work on the school year book activities in my digital jounalism class.Each year the choir goes to the NCC competition and travel on a mini tour around the community to sing holiday songs at senior and veterans homes during the Christmas season. I love seeing the elders radiant expressions after we perform and I'm glas I get to bring some light to their day.

I love to draw, do fishing with my dad, and train as a martial artist at Andersen Taekwondo.

After school I work at the Valley kids club daycare. It's always interesting spending time with the kids, helping them figure out puzzles and listening to their fascinating stories.

The best days of my life are the days I spend training in martial arts. Taekwondo has run in my family for a really long time, all 5 of my siblings earned their black belts or higher and my parents were also in taekwondo. Now it is just me and my uncle, Master Carlton Duncan that represent the Duncan family.

I started in taekwondo when I was five years old and up until I was a blue belt I went to a martial arts school in Omaha. We transitioned to the Gretna area and trained under the later,Master Rick Staack and now under the guidance of Andersen Taekwondo. I am one of the few that doesn't live very close to the taekwondo school, but to me it is well worth the drive. My grandma Vi, is kind of like our school mascot and has been taking me to taekwondo for as long as I've been alive.

Ms. Savannah Duncan - 2nd DEGREE Black Belt Certified Instructor

In Memory of

MASTER RICK STAACK - 7th DEGREE BLACK BELT

I started Gretna Taekwondo with the goal to offer not only self-discipline, but to give everyone the opportunity to have a better way of life - not only physically but mentally.

I feel that once you make the decision to start Taekwondo, you will begin to feel and notice the benefits immediately. In addition to learning self-defense, you will make life long friends and connections that will be with you throughout your life.

I began Taekwondo in 1977, with the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) and became a certified instructor in 1983. I
was regionally and nationally ranked in the top ten for point tournament competition during my competition years.

In 1989, I became associated with the Taekwondo American Association, and also started my career in law enforcement with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Department. Throughout my career I have enjoyed a variety of assignments including defensive tactics, certified under Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT) and as a member of the Emergency Service Unit (ESU), which is the Sarpy County division of SWAT.

My final position in Taekwondo was held as 7th Degree Black Belt that I obtained in September 2011.

While Rick passed away in 2012 his legend lives on in the teachings and standards in our program.

CALL US TODAY 402-681-2632​​