Grandmasters of Tang Soo Do
Honoring the lineage, founders, and leaders who developed and passed down the art of Tang Soo Do.
Great Grandmaster Hwang Kee
Hwang Kee began his martial arts studies in Manchuria, China in 1936 and founded the Moo Duk Kwan Style in Seoul, Korea on November 3, 1945. Despite enduring many hardships over the next 30 years, Hwang Kee struggled through wars and governmental/political issues to keep the Art of Soo Bahk Do (Tang Soo Do) – Moo Duk Kwan alive.
Tang Soo Do, Moo Duk Kwan is the name of the art we study. It’s direct translation is “Tang” referencing (Tang dynasty of China) establishing a time reference “Soo” is a reference to (open hard or worthiness), and “Do” is (art or way), Moo means (military, stop war / conflict), Duk (virtue), Kwan means (school or style).
Great Grandmaster Hwang Kee
10th Dan #2 Co-Founder of World Moo Duk Kwan General Federation – Korea
Grandmaster Choi Hee Seok
10th Dan #3 Co-Founder of World Moo Duk Kwan General Federation – Korea
Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim
Jae Joon Kim was born August 15th, 1929 in Seoul, Korea, the son of a would champion sumo wrestler. He died January 9th, 2007 at the age of 77. He began training directly with Grandmaster Hwang Kee in 1945 and, in 1947, earned his 1st Degree Black Belt.
In 1952, he assisted in forming the Korean Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) Association. He served as a top master instructor from 1955 to 1959 and in 1961, was appointed Vice-President of the Association. At Grandmaster Hwang Kee’s Request, he brought Moo Duk Kwan to the United States and founded the Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Association in Detroit, Michigan.
In 1969, Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim was awarded 8th Dan and appointed president of the US Chapter by Grandmaster Hwang Kee. In the 1970s, Grandmaster Kim founded his own organization, the World Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation (formerly the World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation). He was inducted into the Tae Kwon Do Times Hall of Fame in 2006. The world’s martial art community considered Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim a Master’s Master.
Grandmaster James Saffold
American Kwan Tang Soo Do traces its history back through the ages. The Martial Arts have been with us in one form or another, starting with the caveman. China is generally acknowledged as the birthplace of the formal Martial Arts. However, there are no written records dating back long enough to confirm this history. From China, the Martial Arts spread by various means to the rest of the world.
American Kwan Tang Soo Do, founded by Grandmaster James Saffold, follows the principles learned from Honored Martial Artists Hwang Kee and Jae Joon Kim, teaching the traditional style Tang Soo Do.
Grandmaster James Saffold, tested and was promoted in March 2002, to 8th Dan by Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim. He started his training in the Martial Arts while in Vietnam in 1968. In 1969, he continued his study with Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim, in Detroit, Michigan, becoming Cho (1st) Dan in 1971, Dan #14489.
Grandmaster Saffold in additional to teaching the traditional forms (Hyung) of Korean Karate, has developed a higher state of balance and ability in black belt and master level members.
- Grandmaster Saffold was promoted to 9th Dan by the League of Grandmasters on March 13, 2010.
- On Thursday, August 25, 2011, The World Moo Duk Kwan General Federation awarded the rank of 9th degree Black Belt to Grandmaster James Saffold, signed by YD Kim, Dan #2, and HS Choi, Dan #3.
- Awarded 10th dan on October 17, 2015
Grandmaster Michael Baird
Started training in Tae Kwon Do in Winter Haven Florida
Started training in Tang Soo Do under Master Hak C. Kim
Started training in Tang Soo Do under Master Hak C. Kim
Attained the rank of Second DAN under Master Hak C. Kim
Started teaching Tang Soo Do group and private lessons
Attained The "KYO SA" (Promoter Instructor) Certificatio
Founded Baird's Tang Soo Do Club
Attended Grand Master Hwang Kee's "Chil Sung Hyung" clinic
Started teaching Tang Soo Do at McDill AFB
Promoted to the rank of Third DAN under Master Hanke
Established Tang Soo Do program at St. Mary's Episcopal Day School
Joined American Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation under Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim
Hosted federation tournament at St Mary's facility
Tested for Fourth DAN and Sa Bum Nim (Master Instructor) certification under Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim
Placed first in federation tournament
Established Tang Soo Do program at the Academy of Holy Names Facility
Attended and placed first in federation open tournament
Had demonstration team perform at "We Care About Kids" program in Tampa
Founded Tampa Bay Tang Soo Do Center
Promoted to Fifth DAN under Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim
Competed in federation world championships held in Tampa and won over-all grand champion forms competition
Attended World Moo Duk Kwan Federation international championships
Attended Bill "Superfoot" Wallace Seminar
Placed second in federation world championships held in Tampa Florida
Competed and placed second in federation international championships
Promoted to Sixth DAN under Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim
Promoted to Seventh DAN under Grandmaster S. Kim
Inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Martial Arts instructor at the AMS Martial Arts World Leaders Summitt
Inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as Tang Soo Do Master
Tested for and promoted to 8th dan under senior Grandmaster Jim Saffold
Invited to join the league of Grandmasters
Inducted in to the Hall of Fame for the 3rd time; as Grandmaster of the year
Awarded 9th Dan by the League of Grand Masters in April 2026.