Ellixson's Tae Kwon Do is operating it's full, normal schedule

Starting Monday March 15, 2010

It has been a month since the devastating collapse of Ellixson's Tae Kwon Do Academy on February 10, 2010.  Practicing martial arts since the age of 6, and owning and operating his academy since March of 1994, this school was and is Donnie Ellixson's life's work. To say it was a devastating tragedy is an understatement. Besides the financial loss, there were two and a half decades of irreplaceable awards, photos and media destroyed. Though it was a misfortune, Donnie really can't help but be thankful that no one was injured. "It's these Life Moments when you realize what's most important... the health of my family, friends and students" says Ellixson.

"We will rebuild the Academy at the same spot it was before and we will make it better, but you can find us for the next six to twelve months at our temporary dojang located at 35 E. Philadelphia Ave. Boyertown, teaching the same great martial arts we always have."

 Since that night, it has been left to Donnie Ellixson, his family, students, their families, and the support of the community to pick up the pieces and get back on track. With the heartfelt and sincere outpouring of support, love and dedication, Ellixson's Tae Kwon Do will go on and will continue to operate in Downtown Boyertown at the Odd Fellow's Hall, 35 East Philadelphia Avenue.

( A message from Ellixson's Tae Kwon Do Academy )

 "It has been a great inspiration through it all and I want to thank all who have reached out. I want to thank the five martial arts schools who reached out to offer services. I want to thank the over 50 schools, churches, firehouses and commercial spaces that reached out to offer us a temporary dojang. I want to thank Heather Oxenford and BBB, Pat Spaide, Scott Reeser and Borough Hall, Dave Kaufmann and Lechner Stauffer Insurance and Jim O'connor and O'connor Contracting. I want to give HUGE thanks to Chuck Neubauer and the guys from Friendship Hook and Ladder and all the other fire companies and emergency personnel that responded to the call on that blizzardy night. I want to thank my friends, staff and Black Belts who were there round the clock at ground zero those first 7 days. I want to thank my staff and students for helping secure our new temporary dojang at the Oddfellows in Boyertown, the Oddfellows is owned by Pat Maloney, Sean Maloney and Chris Fontana and is located on Rt. 73 right across from Bauses Super Drug Store, behind the Grill Shop, thanks guys!"

"As a lot of our files were lost, we are encouraging students and non-students to log onto our website, www.ellixsonstkd.com, and become a member. For non-students you can also check out video footage of the classes we offer."

"The Tae Kwon Do Academy is more than just a business to myself, the staff and students, it's a way of life. As the students pull inspiration and Life Lessons from the dojang, so do I and the Black Belts. If anything can be learned from this, it is that adversity and hardship make us all stronger. This Tragic Event that has befallen us and the Road to Recovery that is in front of us will bring us all together and make us stronger for it."

Ellixson's Tae Kwon Do Academy is in the need of: mats, office desks, equipment, and filing cabinets. If you or someone you know is getting rid of any of these items, please email Mr. Ellixson atdellixsonjr@msn.com.