Mrs. Deborah Ragone

About Mrs. Ragone

Black Belt

Mrs. Deborah (Debbie) Ragone

6th Degree Black Belt · USTF-6-244

USTF Number 19-351

Mrs. Ragone is a four time Grand Champion in Taekwon-Do tournaments.

Mrs. Ragone began Taekwon-Do in August 2006. Her favorite parts of class are sparring and patterns. She is a teacher with Bellevue Public Schools and holds a Master’s in Education.

What would you like others to know about you: I feel etiquette and public service are the most important aspects of Taekwon-Do. We need to do our best to be courteous and kind to others. It brings me joy to do something for someone else.

Personal profile

• Birthday: May 15, 1973
• Born in Kansas City, Missouri
• Has lived in Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Missouri and Nebraska
• Hobbies: Singing
• Favorite food: Japanese stir-fry
• Education: Master’s in Education
• Profession: Teacher at Bellevue Public Schools since 2008
• Pets: Chloe (dog), LJ and Furrgie (cats), Albert (bird)
• Favorite parts of class: Sparring and patterns
• Training since: August 2006
• Goal: Improve balance and control

Taekwon-Do interview

Responses from an earlier interview.

Why did you start Taekwon-Do?

I wanted to defeat some of my personal fears and learn to defend myself

What made you interested enough to join?

I saw my children having fun while learning confidence and strength

What did you think being a black belt meant before you started training?

Being the best in TKD and being able to defend yourself

What do you think being a black belt means now?

A black belt means more than to be skilled in TKD. It is a way of life, a selfless life. Although I continue my own journey, I now have the honor to share what I know with others by being an example for others, assisting in class, and helping with other activities outside of class.

What changed your opinion?

Getting older! Also at the last few tournaments, I looked around and saw all of the instructors in blue coats. Although they weren't competing, they were giving of their time to be there for the competitors. They weren't being paid or offered anything in return. They were dedicated to the continuation of an art they believe in. I see this in every class that Master Todd teaches, the time he spends travelling with us, the hours he spends keeping the website up-to-tadte, sending in forms, etc. Witnessing these selfless acts have made me realize, that as I continue my journey in TKD, I will be focusing less on myself and more on others as well. I am looking forward to the next phase.

What was your goal when you started Taekwon-Do?

To get in better shape and learn how to defend myself

What is your goal now?

My short-term goal is to gain better balance during my paterns. My long-term goal is to promote to 5th degree, and I STILL want to beat Ms. Bowing in sparring

Photos