CLUB HISTORY

The Black Belt represents total character, development and improvement of the inner self. What you have by earning a black belt is not nearly as important as what you become. Each student here, at Platteville, has the ability to become a blackbelt. All it takes is determination, will, and perserverence.

Mr. Droessler was the head instructor for the Platteville Karate Club from 1990-2004. He is a former Police Sergeant for the City of Platteville. Mr. Droessler is currently a federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Droessler reached the rank of Cho Dan (1st degree black belt) in 1990, E-Dan (2nd degree black belt) in 1996 and Sam-Dan (3rd degree black belt) in 2001. Mr. Droessler instructed for the University of Wisconsin Platteville Karate Club from 1985 to 1989. He started The Platteville Karate Club with another student by the name of Kelly Johnson. This was due to the large number of younger students who were interested in learning martial arts.

Mr. Droessler stated that his passion of the martial arts began in the ninth grade after trying many sports. "I joined because I thought it would be fun and I had a low self esteem. After a while, I found I was somewhat of a natural and loved karate", stated Mr. Droessler. He went on to say, "Karate has helped me build confidence in myself and my abilities. It has also taught me to be a leader."

Ms. Deb Camardo

Ms. Camardo was the head instructor for the Platteville Karate Club from 2004-2007.  She started training in Martial Arts in 1996 and is a Cho Dan (1st degree black belt). Ms. Camardo completed her Cho Dan Bo test successfully even though her ribs were broken half way through it. Now that's indomitable spirit!

When asked what she likes most about Martial Arts and what she would like to pass along to others, Mrs. Camardo stated “Tang Soo Do truly does encompass mind, body and spirit. If you allow yourself to go beyond the physical techniques, you will have the opportunity to develop the whole you and acquire self-respect, self-reliance, self-confidence, self-awareness and self-harmony. Hopefully, none of us will ever need to use the physical self-defense techniques we have learned. However, all of the other benefits I have mentioned above can be used everyday of our lives.”

Mrs. Camardo is the owner of Federal Cabinet Shop in Mineral Point. Their shop restores period furniture and items from the early 19th century.