Paige Helaney is a freshman at Millard West High School in Omaha, Nebraska. She has been taking martial arts classes for the last 9 ½ years. She has currently holds a 2nd degree black belt rank in TaeKwon-Do, as well as, under belt ranks in both Kempo and Hapkido. At one time Ms. Helaney was ranked as the number one forms competitor in her age/rank group in Ohio by the Professional Karate Commission (PKC).  She was, also, ranked nationally in the PKC’s top 10 in forms, sparring, and self-defense. Since leaving Ohio and the PKC circuit she has continued to ring up a number of gold medals, trophies, and grand championships.  It is no wonder that she has become the on-floor coach of the Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts Demo and Tournament Team.    
 

Since becoming a black belt in 2006 Paige has focused efforts on becoming a martial arts instructor. To that end she helps by volunteer teaching between 6 to 9 classes each week. Ms. Helaney has, also, assisted in instructing martial arts and self-defense seminars locally and throughout the country.  On Saturday, September 5, 2009 Ms. Helaney was recognized by the UMAA Hall of Fame in Alexandria, Virginia as the Assistant Instructor of the Year in the TaeKwon-Do category.