Wasco Tigers Tae Kwon Do transforms lives through martial arts

Wasco Tigers Tae Kwon Do offers the community a place where people can learn key life skills such as confidence, respect, discipline and self-defense while simultaneously strengthening the mind and body through teaching the art and techniques of Tae Kwon Do.

Tigers Tae Kwon Do is a family-owned business that has served Wasco for almost 20 years. Father Rigo, mother Rosa, and sons Brian and Alexander Solorio teach and run the school.

"We coach ages three and up and have students that are in their 70s," Brian Solorio said.

Brian has 23 years of experience and started training at 3 years old. He and the other trainers bring a passion for the sport to all their students.

He regularly takes motivational classes to bring that knowledge to his students while uplifting and inspiring them to greatness.

"I do this because I want to bring the finest of me to our kids. I want to set an example for them," said Brian. "Our mission is to teach our students to be their best person and citizen through Tae Kwon Do. We coach them to make it as far as they can go preparing them for any situation in life, even if they are from a small town. We are here always for them, especially for our kids, showing them that they can succeed as long as they put in the work and push for it."

Many of the school's students have competed nationally and internationally.

Alfonso Zavala, 20, has participated in the world championships. The United States sends one athlete per weight class every two years. It is the highest you can go before getting to the Olympics.

"Getting to that level is an incredible accomplishment, and we are so proud of him and also our others students that make it to the competition level," said Brian.

Zavala said the sport has transformed his life.

"Tae Kwon Do has transformed my life for the better. It has taught me so much responsibility that I take everywhere I go. It helps me mentally. For example, when I go to apply for jobs, I know how to talk to people because of the morals and respect I have learned, making me a more confident person," Zavala said.

Another student, Kaitlyn Taberna, 14, was selected as one of six in the United States to participate in the world championships. She has won multiple titles and is currently on the national team. This year she is going to the world championships.

"We open the doors for our students by allowing them to travel outside of Wasco, giving them a global perspective on life. We have sent them worldwide, including as far as Korea. If they didn't practice Tae Kwon Do, those options might not have been on the table," said Brian.

Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The school is located at 720 7th St. Anyone interested in learning more about the school can call 661-910-2364. You can also follow them on Instagram at WascoTigersTKD.