History of Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do is a relatively modern Korean martial art based upon the ancient Korean art of Soo Bahk Do, which dates back to the 6th Century. However, the exact origin of Tang Soo Do is obscure. Some Japanese Karate experts insist that the art is of Japanese origin; some say it came from Okinawa; others say it began in China with Bodhidarma and spread from there.

If you are interested in learning more, you can reference the Tang Soo Do Wikipedia entry.

About the American Tang Soo Do Alliance

The primary purpose of the ATSDA shall be the advancement, promotion, and improvement of instruction techniques in the field of American Tang Soo Do. In addition, it is the stated goal of the ATSDA to foster the betterment of the individual, the group and the community through principles of self defense, self esteem, self discipline, and physical fitness. As such, the ATSDA will actively promote American Tang Soo Do and expand and strengthen the Alliance so that more people can be exposed to the benefits offered by American Tang Soo Do.

A. Additional goals of the ATSDA are:

• To improve and raise the standards of American Tang Soo Do.
• To promote the most practical, realistic, effective and evolving art of American Tang Soo Do.
• To help martial arts instructors grow professionally and receive deserved recognition.
• To stimulate learning, research, and exchange of knowledge among open minded Martial Artists.
• To promote friendship and mutual cooperation among martial arts instructors of all arts and styles.
• And, as the ultimate goal, to help each person reach his or her full potential as a human being as well as a martial artist.

B. The means of reaching the goals of the ATSDA are:

• To issue and regulate the issuance of certificates in American Tang Soo Do.
• To undertake proper testing and certification of ATSDA Charter School instructors and students.
• To maintain an appropriate code of conduct and discipline for every ATSDA school.
• To provide valuable products and services to the membership at reasonable fees without discrimination, politics or other unreasonable demands and oppressive mandates.

Founder of the American Tang Soo Do Alliance

Dennis Ichikawa began his training with the Chuck Norris system in 1970. Though his instructors varied from Gerald Taylor, Vic Guerrero, Bob Barrow and Chuck Norris, Master Ichikawa credits Pat Johnson as his main mentor and inspiration as an instructor. Grandmaster Ichikawa has made his residence in Thousand Oaks since 1981, where he lives with his wife and 3 grown children.

Grandmaster Ichikawa currently heads the American Tang Soo Do Alliance. This is a group of 7 programs run by black belts trained by the grandmaster: 6th dan Terry McMeekin, 5th dan Mark Cox, 5th dan Conrad Ercolono, 5th dan Jason Flame, 5th dan Frankie McConnell, 5th dan Mikeal Smith (Reno) 4th dan Jacob Flameand 4th dan Aaron Lawrence. This forms one of the largest groups of students and instructors related to the Chuck Norris family.