Master Philip Ameris, owner of Cho's Tae Kwon Do Center in New Kensington, is known throughout the world in the martial arts community. He is a student of Grand Master Hee II Cho, the first to be honored with permission to use the grand master's name as part of the name of his martial arts center.
"We HAVE A BETTER LOCATION AND A MORE SOLID FINANCIAL PICTURE THANKS TO ALLEGHENY VALLEY BANK."
Having grown up as the
son of a professional boxer, it's not surprising that young Phil would have
an interest in similar endeavors. However, it was a bicycling accident that
turned the 7-year-old to martial arts. "I had broken my leg and turned to
Karate to strengthen it," Phil remembers. "I took to it and by 15 was
teaching-helping a
friend. Then, when I was 18, I took over his school" Over time, Phil met the
legendary Grand Master Cho and connects with him at competitions or other
events whenever possible. "Martial arts is very tradition oriented. There is
great respect for those who go before you. When Grand Master Cho granted me
the right to use his name for my center, it was a very high honor." A more
recent feature of Phil's center is the work he and his wife have been doing
to help women prevent date rape and more violent assaults. His
R.A.P.E. Defense (Real, Attack, Prevention, Effectively'") has
become well known for teaching preventive measures to help women prevent or
defend against sexual assault. When this successful teacher sought financing
for a 5,000 square-foot new building, he turned to a student.
"Ed Bartosiewicz, a vice president at AVB, is a regular at our center," Phil explained. "When the opportunity to move from rented space to owned space presented itself, I needed to move quickly. Allegheny Valley Bank responded fast! We have a better location and a more solid financial picture thanks to Allegheny Valley Bank. It was natural". You might call it: One master turning to another.