About Us
Founded in 2013, River Valley Defensive Arts has been conducting classes in Wilmington, Illinois for 6 years, and is well known in the community. Our school/students participate in several public events, parades, and demonstrations throughout the year, local tournaments, and demos in the schools of our local school district.
Ours are internationally accredited curriculum through the United States National Taekwondo Federation, the World Traditional Hapkido Alliance, and, the World Koryo Gumdo Association.
Our tuition rates are comparable, but usually substantially less than other schools providing similar instruction and schedules, as we consider our programs to be "All inclusive." Meaning that our students are able to train in more than one discipline without additional monthly tuition.
Our tuition schedule is also "Family Friendly" where the second student in the family is 50% Off the regular tuition, and the third student is FREE. Including parents. Making it financially easier for families to participate together.
The staff have many years experience in martial arts, and are experienced in teaching children and adults, from beginners to black belt level.
We are very excited and proud to present an internationally chartered martial arts program to the Wilmington area.
Witnessing the development of an awkward beginner into a skilled martial artist is an instructor’s greatest reward. And, we look forward to continue making a positive impact on our students and the Wilmington area community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to pass on to our students the traditional values of martial arts, while responsibly teaching effective competitive, fighting, and self defense techniques relevant in today's society.
And, to improve their mental and physical strength, inspire their personal development, challenge their creativity, promote their academic excellence, and increase their appreciation of a healthy mind and body.
Especially with our younger students, it is important that we not simply teach kicking and punching. But, to more importantly help to build responsible adults and good citizens.
Our Staff
Instructor Sherrie
Instructor Robert
Instructor Patty
Sherrie Rathje
Senior Instructor - River Valley Defensive Arts
3rd Dan Taekwondo - World Taekwondo Federation
2nd Dan Hapkido - Korean Traditional Hapkido Federation - GM Chil-Yong Kim
1st Dan Okinawan Shorin-Ryu, Matsumura-seito-ryu
1st Dan Okinawan Shorin Ryu, Kobayashi-ryu
Member Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame, 2011
Co-founder of River Valley Defensive Arts, and a 2011 inductee to the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Sherrie began her martial arts training in 1980, and is responsible for the River Valley Defensive Arts' Taekwondo Curriculum.
Robert Brain
Senior Instructor - River Valley Defensive Arts
2nd Dan Hapkido - Korean Traditional Hapkido Federation - GM Chil-Yong Kim
2nd Dan Hapkido - International Combat Hapkido Federation - GM John Pellegrini
Master Instructor - World Koryo Gumdo Association - GM Duk Gun Kwon
Co-founder of River Valley Defensive Arts, Robert is responsible for the school's Hapkido and Koryo Gumdo Curriculum. Robert earned his first Black Belt at the Taekwondo Masters Academy, under the instruction of two-time 1st place National Taekwondo Championship, GrandMaster Kwan Pil Kim. Robert continues his hapkido training with the World Traditional Hapkido Alliance, taekwondo training with the United States National Taekwondo Federation, and gumdo training with the World Koryo Gumdo Association.
Patricia Brain
Instructor - River Valley Defensive Arts
Deputy Black Belt - Korean Traditional Hapkido Federation - GM Chil-Yong Kim
1st Dan Hapkido - World Traditional Hapkido Alliance - GM Duk Gun Kwon
Instructor and General Manager
Co-founder of River Valley Defensive Arts, a Hapkido Black Belt, Instructor, and General Manager, Patty is responsible for the management of all aspects of the school's operations. Patty continues her hapkido training with the World Traditional Hapkido Association, and taekwondo training with the United States National Taekwondo Federation.