Mesquite Recreation Center began offering tae kwon do classes on Oct. 13, 2001. This begins the 17th year for students in Mesquite.

Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. at the Mesquite Recreation Center.

Classes are free for recreation center members and non- members are charged the daily rate of $4. Monthly, semi-annual and annual memberships are available.

Classes are open to all ages, children 4 and older and adults.

Instructor is Master “O” (Bill O’Connell) who received his training from former U.S. Olympic Coach Sang Chul Lee in Colorado Springs. Master O is a 6th degree black belt, USA Taekwondo, A class National Referee, Level 1 & 2 coach and International Hanmadang Referee. He is a retired CSPD Commander, staff instructor at CSPD Academy, Adjunct Professor at Pike Peak Community College and FBI Defensive Tactics Instructor.

Anyone interested may observe or participate in the free orientation class which is on Saturday at 9am. For additional information, contact Master O at 702-499-5451 or the Mesquite Recreation Center 702-346-8732.