Legends of Tang Soo Do!

In the photo you see of course a young Chuck Norris, whom to many of you will be familiar.  Standing to Master Norris’ left

is Grand Master Andy Ahpo, the highest ranking Tang Soo Do instructor on the West Coast.

On Master Norris right was my original instructor Master Fred Kenyon.   Gotta love the Puca shells!  Both of these Masters were instrumental

In the formation of the U.S. Tang Soo Do Moo Duk kwan Federation formed in the mid-seventies.

Together these two masters became a huge influence in my life and helped forge the passion I now have for Tang Soo Do!

I trained and tested for my cho-Dan (midnight blue belt) under the instruction of Master Fred Kenyon in 1987.

Master Kenyon unfortunately passed away at a young age.  I was one of his last students to be awarded the black belt equivalent…midnight blue belt… under his instruction.  He was an amazing martial artist!

I then went on to  train with and later teach for his son Master Daymon Kenyon at Kenyon’s Tang Soo Do.

When I was a second degree black  belt I traveled from San Diego to Sacramento to train with Master Ahpo many times!  It was worth it every time…just being in his presence elevated everyone’s level of knowledge and ability!

Grand Master Hwang Kee – The founder of Tang Soo Do seated with the rest of the Charter Members in the seventies!  All the legends in one photo!  I had the privilege of being tested by the Grand Master himself for both my first Degree and second degree black belt!

Students are only as good as their instructors.  These masters were the best!  Here are a list of the Masters that have influenced my training: Master Frank Hatashita (Judo), Master Fred Kenyon (Tang Soo Do), Grand Master Andy Ahpo (Tang Soo Do), Master Daymon kenyon (Soo Bahk Do), Professor Fabio Santos (Jiu Jitsu), Master John Gehosky (Tang Soo Do), Master Glenn Arnold (Tang Soo Do), Rener and Ryron Gracie (Gracie Jiu Jitsu)