OUR INSTRUCTORS
The role of a Tang Soo Do instructor is to guide students on a path of personal growth, skill development, and confidence, serving as both mentor and motivator. Through disciplined training, the instructor opens the door to self-discovery, teaching not only the physical techniques of the art but also the mental resilience and focus required to master them.
They provide the tools – patience, encouragement, and expertise to help students refine their abilities, push past limitations, and build unwavering self-assurance.
However, while the instructor lights the way, it is ultimately up to each individual to step through that door, embracing the challenges and committing to the journey.
Tang Soo Do is not just about learning to strike or block; it’s about cultivating perseverance, respect, and inner strength—lessons that extend far beyond the dojang. The instructor plants the seeds of growth, but the student must choose to nurture them.
Master Wagner (Sa Bom, 4th Dan)
Started his martial arts journey back in the 90’s. After gaining his 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate, he trained in a few different arts and styles before finding his home with Tang Soo Do and the KTSDA. Now a 4th Dan in Tang Soo Do under Master Thomas, and registered with the BCA, BMABA, and the KDSDA. He continues to explore the art as much as he can.
Instructor Green (Kyo Sa, 1st Dan)
He began practicing Tang Soo Do with his family nearly a decade ago, building on prior experience in other karate styles. Since then, he has dedicated himself to the art, serving as both an instructor and an active member of the KTSDA Committee. Passionate about teaching, he excels in guiding students of all ages, with a special talent for working with children and young adults
He is also a registered instructor under the BMABA, and is also training for his 2nd Dan.
Master Thomas (Founding Member and visiting instructor, Sa Bom, 5th Dan)
As a 3rd Dan, Master Thomas formed Kettering Tang Soo Do Association back in 2021. Kettering Tang Soo Do then became a member of The World Dang (Tang) So Do Union, with Master Thomas becoming their UK representative, solidifying our link to Korea since establishing an independent Tang Soo Do Association in Kettering.
Master Thomas, with 50+ years of martial arts experience, was awarded both his 4th and 5th Dan and master instructor’s certificate by Grandmaster Song Ki Kim Of the World Dang Soo Do Union.
Mr Latham (Honorary Instructor and committee member, Kyo Sa, 3rd Dan)
In 2007 he saw a poster in a shop’s changing room and spoke to the manager. The manager was Jambie, our sadly departed friend, who explained the art and talked about the friendly but focused club. Mr Latham went along to a training session and his Tang Soo Do journey had begun.
He was awarded his 2nd degree Black Belt by Grandmaster Song Ki Kim of the World Dang Soo Do Union (WDSDU) in October 2015 in Tucson, Arizona, and his 3rd Dan was awarded by Master Thomas (KTSDA).
