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General Information |
What is Tang Soo Do? | Our Mission |
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Chief Instructor: Master Allen Sharpe Phone: 281-288-2001 E-Mail: karatemasters@hotmail.com Location: 4712 FM2920 Spring, TX, USA | Other Regular Certified Instructors: Mrs. Giselle Sharpe, Sam-Dan; Mr. John Jones, Sam-Dan; Mrs. Amy Cranford, E-Dan; Mr. Curtis Cranford, E-Dan; Ms, Wendy Legsay, E-Dan; Mr. Raymond Jackson, Cho-Dan |
The very first evidence of this ancient form of Korean martial arts appeared during the Three Kingdom era (57 BC-935 AD) as Hwa Rang Do. Since then, 2,000 years have passed. The indigenous martial arts quietly developed through generations of the Korean people. During some eras it flourished and other times it diminished, according to the political, economic or cultural environment. The art was known by various names throughout the eras as Hwa Rang Do, Moo Sul, Kyuck Too Ki, Soo Bahk Ki, Soo Byuck Ki, Taek Kyun etc. respectively. Following 1945 Korean independence, the Korean martial arts were again merged and flourished throughout the entire Korean Peninsula. Many organizations were founded with various names such as Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do, Tae Soo Do and so on. At the beginning of the modern era of the Korean martial arts, Tang Soo Do was the most popular term for these arts, however, at that time, the Korean political leader was concerned about establishing Korean value based on Korean nationalism. The political leaders recognized the popularity of Korean martial arts around the world, but were opposed to the use of the name Tang Soo Do for the art, as it sounded like a Chinese martial art, because the first word "Tang" could be interpreted as representing the Chinese Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD). In 1964, a government sponsored small group created a new name for the Korean martial arts: Tae Kwon Do.
The World Tang Soo Do Association still respects the original term, Tang Soo Do, and intends to preserve its heritage and value as a traditional way or path. Unfortunately, many Tae Kwon Do instructors did not maintain the traditional values of the true martial arts. Instead, they converted to a sport as they have progressed to the internationally recognized sports arenas such as the Olympic games.
This was considered to be a great political achievement, to bring strength and prominence to the Korean government in International politics. True Martial Arts lovers had no place within these Tae Kwon Do dojangs to continue to pursue traditional martial arts because they abandoned many valuable aspects of true Martial Arts to become a simple competitive sport. We, as World Tang Soo Do practitioners are striving to maintain traditional values of respect, dicipline, self control, self improvement, etiquette and ultimately live a healthy and harmonious life, physically and mentally.
More information about the World Tang Soo Do Association and Grandmaster Shin | Hall of Fame: Grandmaster Shin | Black Belt Magazine's Hall of Fame
History of the Studio
Karate Masters began as "Sharpe's Martial Arts" back in the early 1980's. Master Sharpe and his father, Butch, started the studio so that they had a consistent place to practice Tang Soo Do. The idea of starting a school and teaching was actually secondary to their goal of personal training, however, teaching soon became much more important! The emphasis on developing students to meet their full potential in all areas of life including martial arts became more than an emphasis, it became a way of life for the Sharpe's. The training in those days was hard and exacting as was most Tang Soo Do training and the students and black belts reflected that. Soon it was time for Master Sharpe to move on in life and another location for the studio.
Karate Masters was born in Houston, Texas in 1996 and remains today. It is currently the headquarters school for Region 4. The studio has grown with students encompassing all walks of life, ages, genders and interests. Although a business, the studio has become more than that. It has become a second family for the Sharpe's and many of the students. Master Sharpe, with the help of his wife, Giselle (3rd Dan) and their black belts, strive to make every class the most valuable part of the student's day.
We are still growing towards our goals and our enthusiasm remains high!
Personal History of Chief Instructor:
Master Allen Sharpe began his martial arts journey 36 years ago in Seoul, Korea at the young age of 8. Originally enrolled in classes to prepare him for the trials of youth in the 1970’s, his dedication to Korean martial arts and related systems has enabled him to become a teacher and leader within the Korean martial arts field and the World Tang Soo Do Association. Master Sharpe attributes his opportunities and successes to God, his parents, his wife, his Grandmaster and his students. "I feel that in many respects, I have always been the student, the beginner. I have never really felt that I’ve truly mastered the art of Tang Soo Do or myself, however with the inspirational examples around me; my Grandmaster, my family, friends and peers, I have continual hope and promise."
Master Sharpe retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Institutional Division in 1996. As a Correctional Trainer and Use of Force Expert, his specialties and certifications encompassed: Us of Force, Chemical Agents, Firearms, Special Operations (SWAT), Defensive Tactics and Restraint Tactics as well as Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. He is a graduate of the Houston Police Department SWAT Basic Course and the First Level Managers Course held by the Texas Governor’s Office.
In 1990, he was invited to test for Master at the 1st Annual Master’s Clinic for the WTSDA. Along with this singular honor came the additional responsibility of what the word, "master" entailed. "I have been continually striving to meet the challenge of the title since then", says Master Sharpe. Master Sharpe is known for his excellent technique transfiguration skills: the ability to adapt a technique (from any tradition) to the philosophy and essence of Tang Soo Do. He has a love for the traditional hyung as well as the self-defense aspects of Tang Soo Do beyond the basic applications. "I love the art. Plain and simple, it made me a better person, a better son, husband and one day a better father."
Master Sharpe has been the Region 4 Director since 1991 and has initiated several ongoing and highly successful programs and events within the region which were not previously done: Annual Gup Clinic, Annual Black Belt Camp, Instructor’s Clinic, Black Belt Continuing Education Program, Regional Championships as well as the Regional Banquet and Awards. Master Sharpe was also included in the initial Weapons Sub-Committee, assisting in the research and presentation of Korean weapons theory and technique. In 1996, he was invited by Grandmaster Shin to accompany him on the WTSDA’s inaugural visit to Australia as well as to Munich, Germany where he assisted the Grandmaster with teaching of clinics and seminars. In addition, Master Sharpe is featured prominently in Grandmaster Shin’s Tang Soo Do volumes (#2 and #4).
Master Sharpe is married to a lovely woman (and black belt in Tang Soo Do), Giselle. His parents, to whom he owes all, are Jae Suk Sharpe and Butch Sharpe (also a black belt in Tang Soo Do). He currently operates a Karate Masters as well as being in management with Starbucks. He loves music, reading, the study of comparative religions, computers and computer gaming, chess, golf and of course Tang Soo Do. He is also teaching himself the guitar (much to the dismay of his wife, she is getting him headphones for Christmas).
Excerpted from the World Tang Soo Do web site's "Studio of the Month" entry for February 2004
Instructors:
- Mrs. Giselle Sharpe, Sam-Dan
- Mr. Kerry Berringer, Sam-Dan
- Mr. John Jones, Sam-Dan
- Mrs. Amy Cranford, E-Dan
- Mr. Curtis Cranford, E-Dan
- Mr. Paul Berringer E-Dan
- Ms. Wendy Legsay, E-Dan
- Miss LaToya Deese, E-Dan, Instructor Trainee
- Mr. Jason Eng, E-Dan, Instructor Trainee
- Mr. Raymond Jackson, Cho-Dan
- Mr. Kendal Jackson, Cho-Dan Instructor Trainee
- Mr. Mitchel Jackson, Cho-Dan Instructor Trainee
Details coming soon.
Master Allen Sharpe and Karate Masters understands the value of positive rewards and encouragement, through our elite program and life skills as our foundation, You can rest assured that we at Karate Masters will help your child to realize their individual potential through the physical and mental exercise and challenges in our exciting Little Dragon and Karate Kids program.
Karate Masters
4712 #4 FM 2920
Spring, TX
Phone: 281-288-2001
(in the Hill Country Plaza)
FROM THE NORTH (Woodlands, Conroe, Huntsville, Plano) (FM 2920 Exit):
- Take I-45 SOUTH towards Houston.
- After the Woodlands start looking for FM 2920.
- Take the FM 2920 Exit going WEST.
- The Studio will be on your RIGHT in the Hill Country Plaza (with Ultimate Fish and Neal's Resturant)
- If you hit Gosling Road or Kuykendahl you went too far.
FROM THE WEST (I-10 to I-45):
- Take I-10 EAST towards Houston.
- Take I-45 NORTH towards Dallas.
- After Airtex Rd. and Richey Rd. and FM 1960 start looking for FM 2920.
- Take the FM 2920 Exit going WEST.
- The Studio will be on your RIGHT in the Hill Country Plaza (with Ultimate Fish and Neal's Resturant)
- If you hit Gosling Road or Kuykendahl you went too far.
FROM HWY 6 via FM 1960:
- Take HWY 6 EAST. Follow until it turns into FM 1960. (A long ways).
- Take FM 1960 to Kuykendahl.
- Make a LEFT onto Kuykendahl.
- Take Kuykendahl down to FM 2920
- Take a RIGHT onto FM 2920
- Pass Wal-Mart on your Left, Pass Gosling Rd.
- We will be on the LEFT in the Hill Country Plaza less then 1/2 mile after Gosling.(with Ultimate Fish and Neal's Resturant)
The information/content within the pages of this Karate Masters web site is the sole property of the World Tang Soo Do Association and Karate Masters. The images and information contained herein may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the World Tang Soo Do Association and Karate Masters.
The World Tang Soo Do Association is not responsible for the content of any information contained in a website which is linked to our home site.
Last Modified:
World Tang Soo Do Association Headquarters
709 Oregon Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-468-2121
Fax: 215-336-2121
WTSDA@aol.com
Karate Masters
4712 FM 2920
Spring, TX
Phone: 281-288-2001
(in the Hill Country Plaza)
karatemasters@hotmail.com