SaBom John Dove is the Midlands Regional Instructor for the British Tang So Do Federation. Having been a keen and active Martial Arts student since 1982. Master Dove opened his first Tang Soo Do school in Kenilworth in 1992. He sites the refinements seen in the later development of the art for his continued fascination with Tang Soo Do and as playing a decisive role in the long term health benefits derived from regular practice. In the early summer of 2008 Master Dove had the privilege of experiencing GrandMaster Ah Po's lengthy KoDanJa testing process. During that same week he was assessed for the qualification SaBom (teacher of teachers). Master Dove states "my O Dan and SaBom assessment week formed the greatest learning experience of my Martial Arts career to date. And then some".
Master Simon Preston is Regional Instructor for the West Midlands. Being a Head of Math Department and teaching from a platform of over twenty years Martial Arts experience Master Preston is well placed to extol the benefits of Martial Arts for young people. He believes the improved concentration gained through regular attendance can really give youngsters an educational head start. Master Preston was assessed for KoDanJa (Master Rank) by GrandMaster Ah Po in the summer of 2007.
Master Preston's KoDanJa project (a 'work in progress' between 2007 and 2010) has been the instigation our Federation's 'Smart Moves' programme. The 'Smart Moves' programme trains 'Assistant Class Instructors' to induct new Members into class by making them aware of their own responsibilities as well as providing a glimpse into the training that lies ahead of them.
Master Preston's KoDanJa project (a 'work in progress' between 2007 and 2010) has been the instigation our Federation's 'Smart Moves' programme. The 'Smart Moves' programme trains 'Assistant Class Instructors' to induct new Members into class by making them aware of their own responsibilities as well as providing a glimpse into the training that lies ahead of them.
Master Adam Preston is Regional Instructor for the South East. Master Preston's Tang Soo Do accomplishments include performing technical demonstrations for key figures in the international Martial Arts community. Master Preston was assessed for KoDanJa (Master Rank) by GrandMaster Ah Po in the summer of 2007. As a part of his ongoing 'KoDanJa' process (Master Rank assessment) Master Preston created the BTSDF's introduction to basic forms DVD. The DVD is provided to new Member's as a part of the year one Membership package for eight to eleven year olds. This fantastic training aid is aimed at helping beginners acquire a directionally correct routine for the practice of Basic Form.
Kwan Jang Nim, Ah Po is the founder of the Tang Soo Do Martial Way Association and mentor to the British Tang Soo Do Federation. Having begun Martial Arts training in his native Hawaii at the age of 6, Kwan Jang Nim Ah Po left the islands in 1959 to join the US Air Force. In this year (2009) Kwan Jang Nim Ah Po celebrated his 50th anniversary as a Tang Soo Do practitioner. In 1966 GrandMaster Ah Po was one of the pioneers of the 'full time Martial Arts studio' opening his first centre in Carmichael, he still teaches from his current studio in Sarcamento, California. GrandMaster Ah Po was a legendary competition fighter in the 60s and 70s obtaining 65 undefeated National and World titles (in hyung as well as free fighting).
In 2000 GrandMaster Ah Po was promoted to 8th Dan by Moo Duk Kwan founder; Great GrandMaster Hwang Kee making him one of only five individuals to have tested for that rank under the founder. In 2002 GrandMaster Ah Po founded the Tang Soo Do Martial Way Association. MORE
In 2000 GrandMaster Ah Po was promoted to 8th Dan by Moo Duk Kwan founder; Great GrandMaster Hwang Kee making him one of only five individuals to have tested for that rank under the founder. In 2002 GrandMaster Ah Po founded the Tang Soo Do Martial Way Association. MORE
All British Tang Soo Do Regional Instructors have received Dan (Black Belt) certification from the Founder of Tang Soo Do; Great GrandMaster Hwang Kee. All British Tang Soo Do Regional Instructors have received Master Rank certification (4th Dan and above) from GrandMaster Andy Ah Po.
Graphic courtesy of Tang Soo Do Martial Way Association, all rights reserved.