111 S. Main St. El Dorado Springs, MO 64744
Tel: (417) 536-5212
Tel: (417) 872-5910
About Rising Sun Taekwondo
Rising Sun Taekwondo is part of the larger Midwest Taekwondo Association (MTA). With a family friendly atmosphere, people of all ages are encouraged to become students. The emphasis is not on competition, but rather self-improvement. Each belt level is designed to be a gradual increase in physical ability and technique. Along with physical training, mental training is present. Students will gain confidence, increase respect for others, develop perseverance, and become self-aware.
Summer Schedule
Tuesday/Thursday 6:15-6:45pm Little Dragons
Tuesday/Thursday 7:00-8:00 Beginner to Advanced Taekwondo
Sunday 7:30-8:30ish Black Belt Club
Sundays in July: 6:15-7:15 Weapons Class (4 week series)
Meet the Instructors
In the MTA, after a student has received their first degree black belt, they may begin to train to be an instructor as well as increasing belt rank. There is an intensive test and apprenticeship involved in gaining certification. The first level of certification is assistant instructor, Sa Baum Num, indicated by a red collar. The second level of certification is full instructor, still Sa Baum Num, indicated by a black collar. After a black collar becomes a fourth degree, they are considered master apprentise instructors, Kwong Jang Nim, indicated by a black strip down the side of the pant leg.
Jeff Behl
Fifth Degree Black Belt, Certified Black Collar Instructor
Jeff Behl is the lead instructor and owner for Rising Sun Taekwondo. He has been a Taekwondo practitioner for 20+ years. Jeff reached the rank of 5th degree, Kwong Jang Nim during his most recent test in September 2020. There is a mandatory training time of 5.5 years before he can test for sixth degree.
Jeff, originally from Kansas City, moved to Southwest Missouri during his elementary years. He earned a Bachelors of Business online through Western Governors University. He works full time in Bolivar, MO. In his free time, he enjoys being with his family and participating in various outdoor activities.
Christina Behl
Third Degree Black Belt, Co-Instructor
Christina Behl, wife to Jeff Behl, received her 3rd degree after testing in April 2024. She is considered Sa Bom Nim. (Note: English spellings of Korean translations may vary.)
Christina is a teacher by day and a photographer on the weekends. She has recently completed her Specialist degree in Administration and has over 12 years experience in teaching high school. Her photography studio shares a space with the taekwondo dojang. It is called Real Behl Photography.
Jeff and Christina have a wonderful son, DJ Behl, and equally as wonderful daughter, Arya Behl. DJ, at the time of typing this, is in fifth grade and has a red recommended belt rank. Arya is now six and has just earned her full green belt through the little dragons program.
