Name of your school:
Chung Shin Warrior Tang Soo Do
Number of years in the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA)
10
Name/rank of the Chief Instructor:
Duane Linn, Sam Dan
How many years have you personally been affiliated with the WTSDA? When did your club/studio/school begin?
Began training in WTSDA in 2007 under Grand Master Khan at Alconbury, England. CSWTSD started at the Sarpy County YMCA in 2015 and relocated to its current location in 2020.
What is your martial arts background/training history?
I began training in ATA (American Taekwondo Association) from 2001-2004. I started training in WTSDA in England from 2007-2010. Returned to the United States in 2010 and continued in WTSDA to present.
What is the origin of your club/studio/school? (Location, previous Chief Instructor, etc.)?
I am the originator of CSWTSD.
Current number of active students and frequency of classes:
40-45 members. Classes are available four times a week.
What is your favorite aspect of martial arts to train in (Weapons, hyung, one-steps, etc.) and what do you enjoy teaching most (content, population, etc.?
My favorite aspect is hyungs. It is a training element you can conduct on your own, without the necessity of partners or an official training location. Also, the hyungs incorporate all of the essential elements of Tang Soo Do to include the basics, stances, and self-defense. It is the one thing you can do on your own and include all things Tang Soo Do.
What personal or martial arts goals are you currently working towards?
My personal goal is to someday become a Master Instructor. My ultimate goal is to be able to pass on the CSWTSD studio to the next generation of Tang Soo Do blackbelts to continue the tradition of passing this art on to the next generation.
Who are the biggest influences on your martial arts journey?
My biggest influences started with Grand Master Khan, who introduced me to Tang Soo Do and began my journey. Next, Master Finger was the influence who revealed to me the importance of continuing the study of Tang Soo Do at a time when I had doubted the purpose of the art. Finally, Master Mattox has been instrumental in continuing my journey and assisting me in facilitating the advancement of this art to my students and the next generation.
Please share any achievements that your students or school have accomplished that make you proud.
The achievements of my students who have made me proud are those who chose to continue the journey to black belt and beyond. There are so many competing interests and activities available to students and life challenges to adults, that martial arts training usually does not meet that final selection. Those who choose to pursue the art are special indeed; they represent less than one percent and will accomplish something less than one percent of the population will be able to claim. These students that I can reach, convince, and then realize the significance of the art are my best achievements.
