Collinsville Man Opens Tae Kwon Do Program Amid Pandemic

Any time is uncertain whenever starting a new business, but Bob Olinghouse is remaining optimistic even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We consider it exciting,” Olinghouse said. “We have an opportunity to reach and meet a need.”

Olinghouse is the owner of Champion Black Belt Tae Kwon Do in Collinsville. Olinghouse has been teaching Tae Kwon Do for nearly six decades.

He had been the instructor at the Owasso YMCA for 12 years until his class was recently shut down because of COVID-19.

"They discontinued most of their classes of any kind,” Olinghouse said.

Olinghouse decided to start his own professional program. It’s been a challenge convincing folks to take his classes during a pandemic, which is why he felt compelled to also host classes online.

"People in the area have just begun to accept it and realize distance learning is a fact of life," Olinghouse said.

Olinghouse is still offering in-person classes instruction. However, with the risk of COVID-19, he makes sure his students follow CDC guidelines with temperature checks and giving them masks.

Olinghouse believes there's no better time to learn how to control your reactions, desires, and emotions with a lot of uncertainty.

If you would like to find out how you can take a class, call (918) 819-1021.