Dave Cholger, left, and his son, Martin Cholger, right, are shown with Jim and Linda Scott, members of the Ancient Ninjas who recently passed the test to receive their black belts. Photo provided by Rhonda Cholger.

By Maya Stone
Freelance Writer

ROCHESTER — When David Cholger’s son began taking Taekwondo classes, Cholger went with him. He found a passion in the art and 32 years later he is still devoting his time to teaching it. Cholger is the instructor for many different classes of all different ages. He teaches 6-12 year olds twice a week and 13 and up another two days a week. But the class he has become most proud of would be his Ancient Ninjas.

The Ancient Ninjas are a group of 10 individuals from the ages of 65 to 83. They practice twice a week for one hour and compete in competitions and tournaments. When Cholger started this sport, he went into it wanting to keep the traditions alive. Taekwondo not only helps with balance and stability to keep joints limber, but it also helps your mind and memory.

Several members in the group have said, “It’s something fun to do that we enjoy, but is also a great exercise.”

In this group, they study patterns up to 38 movements and have two students who have been working towards getting their black belt. Linda Scott and her husband Jim have been working with Cholger for five years now. They started taking classes at Wynnfield Crossing until COVID hit, and then began working with Cholger at Blue Dragon Taekwondo. They recently tested for their black belts.

When Linda and Jim first mentioned wanting to get their black belts, Cholger was excited and proud. He had to check with the instructors and once he received permission, they began training. This is something very few people their age know they’re capable of, and he was very proud of them to have worked so hard to get to this moment.

Cholger specified many times this is a sport for all people no matter what age you are. It’s something that takes dedication and time, but is worth it. It works on your mind and body simultaneously while teaching you balance and self defense. The art is based off tenets that everyone adheres to: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit. The art of Taekwondo helps you become a better person.

When Cholger was asked what he wanted the community to know, he replied with, “If anybody would like to learn the art of taekwondo, they can come down and take three or four free classes to get a feel for it. Taekwondo is for everyone, and the more you get into it, the more you want to pass it on to everyone else.”

All students of every age are welcome to participate in classes and tournaments with Cholger.