About Our School

Peaceful Warrior Martial Arts

Chief Instructor Shaw

Mr. Shaw started his martial arts training as a teenager studying Tae Kwon Do. As an adult, he returned to his training when he found Tang Soo Do and studied under Master Maris where he earned the rank of Black Belt and Certified World Tang Soo Do Instructor. He continues to train under Mr. Gubler at Red Rock Martial Arts and holds a current rank of Sam Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt).  Mr. Shaw is the current WTSDA Region 2 Grand Champion!

“My goal is teaching others how to find excellence in themselves—this doesn’t come overnight—but through consistent training and perseverance.” – Mr. Shaw

At the age of 27, Mr. Shaw founded a successful software corporation. He holds a private pilot’s license, and enjoys motorcycling. Most of all, he enjoys working out and teaching martial arts. His favorite aspects of martial arts are hold reversals, sparring, and weapons.

“I want everyone to feel safe and included at my dojang. We have a sense of camaraderie and belonging that is hard to find elsewhere. There is no tolerance for intolerance. Becoming a Black Belt is a process, and we all had to start as white belts not knowing anything about martial arts. Come as you are!” - Mr. Shaw

Purpose of Tang Soo Do Training

In today's hectic society, there is no doubt that we need self-defense skills. Equally important are physical fitness and stress relief. No matter whether you are seeking self-defense, better health, physical fitness or discipline, Tang Soo Do can meet your needs. Tang Soo Do has its own unique character which differentiates it from any other form of martial arts or martial sports. Tang Soo Do not only teaches physical techniques but also trains us to practice "DO" way of life through practice of the five virtues; "IN" -humanity, "UI"-righteousness, "YIE"-etiquette, "JI"-wisdom and "SHIN"-trust. When we reach the ultimate level of "DO", we can live in perfect harmony with the laws of nature.

The History of Tang Soo Do

The very first evidence of this ancient form of Korean martial arts appeared during the Three Kingdom era (57 BC-935 AD) as Hwa Rang Do. Since then, 2,000 years have passed. The indigenous martial arts quietly developed through generations of the Korean people. During some eras it flourished and other times it diminished, according to the political, economic or cultural environment. The art was known by various names throughout the eras as Hwa Rang Do, Moo Sul, Kyuck Too Ki, Soo Bahk Ki, Soo Byuck Ki, Taek Kyun etc. respectively. Following 1945 Korean independence, the Korean martial arts were again merged and flourished throughout the entire Korean Peninsula. Many organizations were founded with various names such as Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do, Tae Soo Do and so on. At the beginning of the modern era of the Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do was the most popular term for these arts, however, at that time, the Korean political leader was concerned about establishing Korean value based on Korean nationalism. The political leaders recognized the popularity of Korean martial arts around the world, but were opposed to the use of the name Tang Soo Do for the art, as it sounded like a Chinese martial art, because the first word "Tang" could be interpreted as representing the Chinese Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD). In 1964, a government sponsored small group created a new name for the Korean martial arts: Tae Kwon Do.

The World Tang Soo Do Association still respects the original term, Tang Soo Do, and intends to preserve its heritage and value as a traditional way or path. Unfortunately, many Tae Kwon Do instructors did not maintain the traditional values of the true martial arts. Instead, they converted to a sport as they have progressed to the internationally recognized sports arenas such as the Olympic games.

This was considered to be a great political achievement, to bring strength and prominence to the Korean government in International politics. True Martial Arts lovers had no place within these Tae Kwon Do dojangs to continue to pursue traditional martial arts because they abandoned many valuable aspects of true Martial Arts to become a simple competitive sport. We, as World Tang Soo Do practitioners are striving to maintain traditional values of respect, discipline, self control, self improvement, etiquette and ultimately live a healthy and harmonious life, physically and mentally.