Omaha, NE – Sgt. Christy J. Stevens is being
recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Achiever for her accomplishments
as a Police Sgt. and Owner and Master Instructor at Dek's Taekwondo School.
Beginning her studies in traditional Taekwondo under
Grandmaster Kihyung Kim in April 1995, Sgt. Christy J. Stevens determined
martial arts would be a large part of her life and quickly rose through the
ranks to earn her 1st Dan Black Belt in September 1997. In 1998, Ms. Stevens
became Master Kim’s first NTA-Certified female instructor and, subsequently,
became the highest-ranking female Black Belt under Master Kim’s tutelage.
While training to become a formidable martial
artist, Sgt. Stevens chose law enforcement as a profession so she could use her
martial arts skills to ‘give back’ to society honorably. Practicing taekwondo
has served Sgt. Stevens to keep physically fit and mentally strong, both
important to her profession as a Sergeant with the Omaha Police Department for
the last 20 years. Nothing, however, compares to the emotional reward Master
Stevens receives by helping others overcome their fears, adversities, or low
self-esteem as she leads them along their journey to Black Belt.
As an owner of Dek’s Taekwondo School, Master
Stevens has had the honor of teaching alongside an amazing martial artist and
teacher, Master Puht S. Dek, 8th Dan Black Belt. Doing everything she can to
ensure the success of the school and their students, Master Stevens’ responsibilities
include all the accounting and creation of all the legal and informational
paperwork needed to run an ethical business. She has created and managed the
website dekstkd.com to include the galleries of videos and photos used
to create efficacy. Due to the trying times of COVID-19, she is currently
adding instructional videos to the Members’ pages and has authored a Student
Manual so students can stay current with their studies at home.
Prior to her successful career, Sgt. Stevens was a
Top Honors graduate, graduating summa cum laude from the University of
Nebraska-Omaha. She received a Bachelor
of Science in Biology and Pre-Med, as the top-ranked student in the College of
Arts and Sciences. This education and
background have provided insight into improving the students’ execution of
technique while simultaneously minimizing the risk of injury. This insight has lifted students, including
those with ADHD, Autism, and other various learning and physical obstacles, to
amazing levels of performance.
Additionally, Master Stevens has passed this knowledge onto her
instructors in the studio. Having completely revolutionized how techniques are
taught and practiced in traditional taekwondo ensures every student under their
instruction has the framework necessary to become an accomplished Black Belt.
Master Stevens has received awards for 'Best
Instructor' and 'Outstanding Instructor’ for providing practical and quality
instruction to her students while ensuring they learn and operate within a
safe, supportive environment. Ms. Stevens has also received the US Kido
Foundation’s Instructor of the Year honor in 2013.
As a single parent to four wonderful ‘special needs’
children, Sgt. Stevens enjoys interacting with the community through the
various events hosted by the Omaha Police Department’s Southeast Precinct.
Additionally, she does volunteer work with the Heron Haven Wildlife Sanctuary,
coaches a Martial Arts Performance Team, and choreographs the team’s
performances.
Most importantly, she cherishes spending time with
her children. Whether it be training
together or taking time to photograph and enjoy sunsets, super moons, and
wildlife!
