DATE: Sunday, September 14, 1997            TAG: 9709120173

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: CLOSE-UP 

                                            LENGTH:   77 lines

GEOFFREY CIELO: MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO OWNER, INSTRUCTOR

Geoffrey Cielo admits he's too nice to people, works too hard and eats too many fast-food tacos.

But he says all of that is about becoming a better person - except for the taco part.

The owner of King Tiger Martial Arts recently received attention when he and a group of neighbors protested the opening of a go-go bar next to his business. The bar didn't open, largely because of the activism by Cielo and others. They worked to get the city involved and held a meeting at which time the proposed go-go owner listened to the neighbors' concerns.

Cielo said the show of community support was touching and proved that people can do a lot when they work together.

Full name: Geoffrey Angel Cielo.

Hometown: Silver Spring, Md.; near Mexico City, Mexico; and Ogden, Utah.

What brought you to the Beach? Bought a karate studio in Virginia Beach after serving my country in the Navy. Served seven years in Norfolk and Annapolis.

Birthdate: July 31, 1967.

Occupation: Owner/chief instructor at King Tiger Martial Arts.

Nickname: Mr. C. or Chek San.

Marital status: Married Victoria in 1994.

Children: Stepson, Stephen, 10, and Christopher, 4 months.

What is your idea of a perfect day off? Waking up late with my wife, a Saturday afternoon drive down Skyline Drive, a picnic with my family, making Christopher laugh and watching the sun set on the beach with my wife in Cancun, Mexico.

Last smart thing you did: Married my wife.

Last dumb thing you did: Married my wife - we eloped vs. having a big wedding. I would like to rectify that by having a ceremony maybe at the 10 year point.

Favorite meal: Dinner. Anything my wife cooks me before I get home and any kind of pasta.

Favorite movies: Marital arts, science fiction, action and sometimes a drama when I have to. ``The Karate Kid,'' ``Star Wars'' and ``Raiders of the Lost Ark.''

Favorite song: Beethoven's ``Fur Elise'' played on a baby grand piano and ``Magic Power,'' by Triumph.

Last book read: ``The Cat in the Hat,'' by Dr. Seuss, ``Zen and the Art of Fatherhood - Lessons from a Master Dad,'' by Steven Lewis.

Hobbies: Work, work and work. Just kidding. Martial arts training, playing with Christopher, drums, piano and riding a motorcycle.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Too numerous to mention - just work every day to make myself a better person.

If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Nothing. That's skating on thin ice (smile).

Secret vice: Too nice to people.

Favorite restaurant: Le Chambord and Taco Bell.

Your favorite night on the town: Haven't been on the ``town'' since I've been married. Nice dinner, movie, watch the sunset on the beach, watch the stars come out to play in the evening sky.

Favorite TV shows: TLC programs, ``Third Rock from the Sun,'' ``Star Trek - the Next Generation,'' ``Beyond 2000,'' ``How'd They Do That?'' C-Net Central and ``The New Edge.''

Favorite sport: Hapkido, tae kwon do, karate, kung fu, martial arts, etc. Otherwise soccer. I really dislike watching sports. I would rather be a participant.

Last vacation: Florida - Walt Disney World, Epcot, MGM Studios with my wife and Stephen.

Pets: Peanut (a Sheltie), Sadie (an orange cat) and Hope/Kitty (a black, stray cat with white paws)

Worst job: Any job I procrastinate on.

Of what achievements are you most proud? Graduating in 1989 from the Naval Academy with a bachelor of science degree in computer science, starting a business, persevering and excelling in my chosen field with different obstacles and little Christopher Ahsan Cielo.

What would you like as your epitaph? Lived life to help others. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY

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