After 28 Years of Leadership Filla Stepping Down at Unified Tae Kwon Do
Bednar Siblings Excited to Lead La Grange Martial Arts Studio
For nearly three decades, Debra Filla has been the face of Tae Kwon Do in La Grange.
She’s taught the Korean form of martial arts here so long that she’s even taught the kids of her former students.
But after 28 years leading Unified Tae Kwon Do (now located in the Riverside Shopping Center), Filla’s stepping aside from the studio, following major back surgery.
“It’s hard to walk away, but everything comes to an end,” Filla said.
Officially on June 1, the Bednar siblings of La Grange take over leadership of the Unified Tae Kwon Do – and Filla said it’s in good hands.
“These guys have been with it for years,” Filla said. “They are going to take it and soar.”
William Bednar, and his sisters Lisa Gilliam and Meagan Bednar are no strangers to local Tae Kwon Do students.
They’ve been practicing there for years, and more recently teaching there. Meagan even teaches in Gonzales and Schulenburg as well.
“William started coming here and we just kind of tagged along,” Meagan said. “Growing up we were always the siblings that punched and kicked each other.”
Now they’ve channelled that into more than just a hobby.
William actually was a pro wrestler for a while, now he works at Reeder’s Heating and A/C and teaches Tae Kwon Do in the evenings. It’s the same for Meagan (whose day job is at HEB) and Lisa (whose day job is at Sunflower Bank).
But via the evening and weekend classes at Unified Tae Kwon Do, they have been able to follow their passion.
“Now I couldn’t picture not doing this,” Lisa said. “Tae Kwon Do will humble you pretty quickly but if you stick with it, it is so rewarding.”
“I got bullied a lot when I was younger,” Meagan said. “Tae Kwon Do gave me confidence. It’s intimidating but anyone can do it, if they put in the work.”
If you are interested in trying out Unified Tae Kwon Do you can call William at (979) 966- 9220 or check out their Facebook page and try a free week.