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- Gary Merlo
Garly Merlo passionately believes that tae kwon do has impacted his life in a very positive manner. He has been training in martial arts since the age of 15, tallying up 12 years of experience as a head instructor and earning his Seventh Degree Black Belt along the way.
Upon moving to Folsom, CA Gary’s dream was to be a strong, positive influence in the community through martial arts instruction. He considers himself to be a very family oriented person and feels fortunate to live in a family-driven community. Gary says,
“I look forward to the challenge of making a difference. Through martial arts instruction, I have witnessed children and adults reach far beyond what they believed to be their full potential.”
He continues,
“I believe the practice of martial arts, the discipline and training, develops the necessary life skills to succeed no matter what the student’s goals are.”
Gary has had the privilege of teaching in the Bay Area as well, and those students have now grown to become doctors, teachers, engineers and actors. But more importantly he has tried to instill in all of his students a strong sense of family values and respect for those values. His goal is to create an environment in which children and adults not only learn the disciplines of tae kwon do, but also learn a great deal about themselves.
This is apparent when you spend some time with Gary at his school West Coast Martial Arts, in El Dorado Hills, CA. The relationships he has with his students, their families, his colleagues and everyone he meets are ones of welcoming and respectful natures. It’s easy to see how he has become so successful, and his students the same.
The one studios crew has received the same treatment from Gary and his establishment. With his cooperation we have filmed scenes at his West Coast Martial Arts for both the Fight 4 Your Life short (2012) and feature length films. Gary has also aided us in casting and further location scouting. Thank you for everything Gary. Your knowledge, support and kindness are appreciated beyond words. You’re the best!
For more info on Gary and his school, please visit www.westcoastkickinit.com. Gary can also be found on Facebook!
– The one studios crew
