The Mu Sa Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation was founded to preserve the rich heritage of Tang Soo Do. The Federation will provide the foundation for its members to gain an in-depth understanding into Tang Soo Do philosophy, fostering a well-rounded, quality-based program inclusive of the many aspects of Tang Soo Do. In addition, it will encourage growth of the spirit of martial arts within each of its members.

The Mu Sa Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation prides itself on ensuring consistency and technical accuracy in all areas throughout the Federation. It is expected that the members of the of the Federation strive to maintain the highest levels of proficiency. It is the responsibility of the Federation as a whole to ensure exemplary performance. Encouraging quality achievement levels through consistent training and testing methods guarantees that future generations of martial artists will be guided by the same historically accurate information utilized in teaching the very first students of Tang Soo Do.

Grandmaster Boliard’s background in Physical Education and over 20 years’ experience of coaching middle school, high school, and junior college athletes add to the assurance that his students receive only the highest quality of education. His in-depth studies of the Martial Arts and desire to teach allow him to share a deeper and renewed understanding of the techniques and applications. Grandmaster has developed DVDs, student manuals and assorted organizational training resources available to us and all students.  The organization offers specialized clinics as well standard seminars. 

Few students will recognize any changes as we integrate the organizations standards and methodology.  Our teaching methods, beliefs and objectives have and will not change.  We will be expanding the scope of our understanding, drills and teaching resources to provide the best training we can offer.  The most visible change will be the requirement of a training notebook to help students retain and analyze information that is shared with the students.

Please feel free to ask or call with questions.        919-219-9950

Respectfully

Master Ken Marsh

I believe, that in life, our actions and goals should be guided by conscious decisions. Everything we do is a decision; if you fail to make a decision …You made a decision to allow whatever happens to happen without your input. Reactions are movements or behavior executed without conscious decisions resulting in unpredictable consequences, good and/or bad. Our training is about many things, mainly about self-improvement and applying the mental aspects of the training to everyday life not just Tang Soo Do.

During the process of making decisions one should explore their options in order to make good decisions. Students should understand they are in control of their bodies and must use their mental capacity to make decisions. Consistent mental and physical training will enable them to reliably perform as expected, adjusting for any physical limitations. This decision making process may appear slow at first, but speed will increase with consistent efforts and time. Understanding your body and mind allows you to know your options more quickly. Eventually, with dedication and training, decisions can become as quick as reactions with the added benefit from being a direct thought controlled movement.

We understand and accept that each student is an individual. It is our responsibility to identify a way to share the art with each student that is seriously interested and making an honest effort, without compromising the art. Our belief is not, by any means, an all-inclusive perfect system. Each instructor will add their own personality and experiences to teaching, while maintaining technical standards.

What we do is not a game or competition. Students should not get caught up in a race or competition with another; they should strive for personal improvement. One should study the technique, attitude and execution of a higher performing student to learn and self-evaluate how to raise their personal level. They should understand their own current performance level; set reasonable expectations with their instructors and  make decisions to strive for improvements. The tools of self-evaluation, decision making, adjustments to changing situations and dedication to the decisions are life skills.

Our classes are designed for instruction, learning opportunities…Not an exercise class, social club or feel good sessions. To progress one must make a dedicated effort outside class for physical conditioning, repetition of techniques and self-evaluation.

Success is not the result of instant gratification, playing, false positive feedback, inconsistent effort or comparison to others for ego sakes. Success should be viewed as long term life improvement and having a positive impact on others. Success is based on the students’ consistent efforts; success breeds confidence and positive mental attitudes to overcome struggles. We are a family and work together for the success of all the students.

Our manner of training has been developed from a vast number of resources; individuals, documents and studies that we have been exposed to during our personal training. I take no credit for this knowledge, just blessed to be able to pass it on.

Tang Soo Do can be learned by anyone, but is not for everyone.

Our goal is to provide traditional training while maintaining the Spirit of the original

 Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do as shared by the Late Grand Master Jae Joon Kim.

Master Ken Marsh

Strength, power and stamina are all very important elements in martial arts.  A punch or kick without power will glance off an opponent without causing damage.  A sequence of attacks without the endurance to support them will leave the body drained, fatigued and open to attack.  A block without conviction and strength will be as affective as a shield made of paper. 

Developing the physical self in martial arts is a fundamental necessity.

The original non-dan, or gup, belt colors established by Hwang Kee were: white belt; green belt; and red belt. In the 1970s, an orange belt was added after the white belt along with either one or two stripes onto the orange, green and red belts. In the mid 1980′s a yellow belt was placed between the white and orange belt. Many variations of this ranking system are still used and typically employ other colors (e.g. yellow, brown, purple, blue, etc.). However, this is primarily a western influence.

At Cary Tang Soo Do, we adhere to the original instruction of Hwang Kee as passed down by Grand Master Jae Joon Kim.

White Belt – 10th Gup
White Belt, 1 stripe – 9th Gup
Purple Belt, 1 stripe – 8th Gup
Purple Belt, 2 stripes – 7th Gup
Green Belt, 1 stripe – 6th Gup
Green Belt, 2 stripes – 5th Gup
Green Belt, 3 stripes – 4th Gup
Red Belt, 1 stripe – 3rd Gup
Red Belt, 2 stripes – 2nd Gup
Red Belt, 3 stripes – 1st Gup
Black Belt – 1st Dan/Degree through 10th Dan/Degree