Certified Assistant Instructor (Jo Kyo Nim)
Sam Dan (3rd Level) Dan Bon #40585
Helen Bagnall Jo Kyo Nim started attending Camas Soo Bahk Do in 1998, when it was “Camas Karate” and operated a studio near the Post Office on 5th Street in downtown Camas. She was 45 years old.
While watching her son take the classes, she thought this was something she could try too. He moved on to other activities, but she stuck with it.
According to Bagnall Jo Kyo Nim – “Because Soo Bahk Do is not a sport, but emphasizes development of character, your biggest opponent is yourself. Repetition and time on the mat help to push past the inertia, and the various mental and physical challenges that arise over the years. Soo Bahk Do has proven to be a good way to stay in shape and maintain flexibility, both mentally and physically for this aging baby boomer nearing retirement.”
Additional training history:
- 2002: Promoted to Cho Dan
- 2005: Promoted to E Dan
- 2006: Attained Jo Kyo (junior instructor) certification
- 2009: Promoted to Sam Dan & Region 10 Administrator (assisting the Regional Examiner)
Bagnall Jo Kyo Nim was also the director of our “Yong Gi” class – specializing in Soo Bahk Do training for 3 to 6-year-old members.
Helen also likes to run and walk, baby-sit her grandchildren, garden, read, and work on hand stitching projects.