Name of School
International Martial Arts of Waterloo
Number of years in the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA)
25, since 2000
Name/rank of Chief Instructor
Master Lee Mattox, Oh Dan
Background/Previous Training
Master Mattox began his martial arts journey in 1982 training in Kenpo. He received his black belt in this style in 1989. He taught Kenpo in his basement and while attending the University of Iowa he explored and practiced several styles. He was originally affiliated with the Independent Tang Soo Do Association before transitioning to the WTSDA in 1989. Master Mattox failed his first Cho Dan test but refused to give up. He drove 90 miles twice a month for a year to participate in advanced training to prepare to take the test again and finally received his Cho Dan rank in 1994. In 2004 he tested for Sam Dan and was promoted to Sah Dan Master in 2012, then Oh Dan in 2021.
Origin/history
Master Mattox started his WTSDA journey with Tripoli Tang Soo Do. After 5 years of driving himself and 10 students 45 minutes away, twice a week he opened his own school in 2000. The International Martial Arts of Waterloo began in a church building. After 5 years they moved to the location where they are still training today.
Current # of active students
22
What is your specialty/favorite thing to teach?
Master Mattox loves to teach self-defense (street style)
What do you love most about your school?
Master Mattox loves working with families and continues to stay connected with many of the students he has trained over the years. He enjoys teaching and spending time with students.
Are there any personal/martial arts goals you are working towards currently?
He is working hard on his requirements for Yuk Dan. Master Mattox was honored to teach at Masters Clinic in 2024. Several schools throughout the region have asked him to teach, which he is happy to do.
Who has been the biggest influence on your martial arts journey?
Master Mattox reflects on the many instructors and friends who have taught him different things over the years, but shared the biggest influence on him was Master Ted Rolling. He recalls that Master Rolling would always remind him to watch his left leg, even though he outranked him. They had fun together and Master Rolling taught him a lot, bringing out the Tai Chi side to balance out his physical side. He helped Master Mattox see things from a different point of view which helps him in his teaching to this day.
Notable achievement of a student or your school overall
Master Mattox is extremely proud that every one of his students that has competed at the World Championships has returned home with medals. It makes him happy when his students do well.
