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FOUNDER

grandmaster-shin

Jae C. Shin

9th Dan

Grandmaster Jae C. Shin is the founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association, and is one of the leading figures of martial arts in the world today. He was born in Korea in 1936, and began his long and distinguished career in martial arts at the age of twelve. During his childhood, an unknown monk initially inspired in him a strong desire to learn martial arts. Later, he joined Seoul Moo Duk Kwan central gym and began serious study under Grandmaster Hwang Kee, a founder of the Korean Moo Duk Kwan system.


By the time he was 1st Dan, he had already started his teaching career as an assistant instructor at the central gym. After that, he taught at Korean University, Seoul Central YMCA, various colleges, and many police and military institutions. His many years of teaching experience and his extreme dedication have added to his scientific and unique methods of teaching Tang Soo Do. His six fields of expertise include self-defense, forms, breaking, weapons, health care, and meditation. He has evolved these separate arts into one of the finest and most effective martial arts; The World Tang Soo Do system. When he was recruited to the Korean Air Force in 1958, he had his first experience teaching American soldiers. After receiving his Master's degree in Political Science at Korea University, he came to the United States in order to extend his instruction of foreign students in 1968.


The year he came to the United States of America, Black Belt Magazine honored him for all time by devoting a full chapter to him in the book, "20th Century Warriors," putting him in the company of the most legendary martial arts figures ever. Grandmaster Shin, one of the most respected and well known masters in this century, is one of the few masters who has devoted his entire life to the traditional martial arts. In addition to insisting on disciplined, rigorous training and exacting techniques, he has always preached that the true value of martial arts training is in the application to everyday life. Teaching children is one of his favorite pastimes and he has become an expert in child development. His advice to his Black Belt instructors is good advice for teachers of all kinds, "When examining your abilities as an instructor, examine your young student's manners, attitudes, school reports and health conditions. Their improvements should mirror your own." He raised three Mottoes for his leadership of nearly 8,000 black belt members: TRADITIONALISM, PROFESSIONALISM AND BROTHERHOOD and he brings these qualities with him wherever he travels and teaches. Grandmaster Shin is respected as a true leader, teacher and master of masters.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Master Khan

Grandmaster M. Khan

Grandmaster Mujahid Khan is an 8th Dan. He has been practising martial arts for over 50 years. Grandmaster Khan was the first British black belt in Cambridgeshire which he achieved in April 1977. He is qualified under the World Tang Soo Do Association instructors certification as Boo Kwan Chang Nim (Assistant Grandmaster). 

 

He has received many awards and accolades for his achievements in the martial arts:

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  • 1987 - Instructor of the Year 

  • 2000 - Master of the Year

  • 2003 - Combat Hall of Fame for 30 years of dedication to his chosen art

  • 2006 - Recognition of 30 years dedication to WTSDA

  • 2011 - Combat & Fighters Magazine Hall of Fame for dedication to the development of the martial arts in the UK and around the world

 

Grandmaster Khan's instructor was Grandmaster J. C. Shin, 9th Dan, President, founder and Grandmaster of the World Tang Soo Do Association. Grandmaster Khan is the regional director for region #11 which encompasses Western Europe. He has fulfilled this duty for many years as well as nurturing a steady growth for the World Tang Soo Do Association in Great Britain as the Chief Instructor. Grandmaster Khan has trained many students that have become National, European and World Champions. He has also overseen the testing of over 800 black belts and over 20 masters.

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Leicester Tang Soo Do instructor Master Dearnley is Grandmaster Khan's student.

LEICESTER TANG SOO DO INSTRUCTORS

Master Bradley Dearnley

Master Bradley Dearnley is the Chief Instructor of Leicester Tang Soo Do and a highly experienced martial artist dedicated to helping students of all ages build confidence, discipline, resilience, and real-life self-defence skills through traditional martial arts training.

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With over 22 years of experience in Tang Soo Do, Master Dearnley has developed a reputation for delivering classes that are welcoming, structured, and inspiring, while maintaining the high standards and values expected of traditional martial arts. His teaching focuses not only on physical techniques, but also on personal development — helping students improve focus, self-control, respect, perseverance, and belief in themselves both inside and outside the dojang.

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What sets Master Dearnley apart is his unique academic background alongside his martial arts experience. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience and a BSc in Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience, giving him a deeper understanding of learning, behaviour, performance, confidence-building, and how students develop under pressure. This combination of scientific expertise and martial arts leadership allows him to deliver coaching that is thoughtful, effective, and tailored to help every student reach their potential.

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As Chief Instructor of Leicester Tang Soo Do, Master Dearnley is passionate about creating a supportive and ambitious environment where beginners can feel comfortable starting their journey, and experienced students can continue to grow in skill, character, and confidence.

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Master Dearnley started his training in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire in 2004. He is a student of Grandmaster M. Khan (8th Dan) and Master Dawn Khan (5th Dan). He attained his Black belt 1st Dan in 2012, 2nd Dan in 2015, 3rd Dan in 2019 and 4th Dan Master's belt in 2024. Master Dearnley is a fully qualified WTSDA instructor with 14 years teaching experience. As well as being fully child protection trained and first aid trained, Mr. Dearnley is also DBS checked and holds public liability insurance.

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Master Bradley Dearnley

Mr. Alex Moss - 1st Dan Instructor

Mr. Alex Moss is a dedicated 1st Dan Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and an important part of the Leicester Tang Soo Do team. Through consistent training, discipline, and perseverance, Alex has developed a strong technical foundation and a genuine passion for martial arts.

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As a Black belt, Alex demonstrates the core values of Tang Soo Do both in and out of the dojang — including respect, self-control, humility and determination. Having progressed through the ranks with commitment and hard work, Alex understands the challenges students face at every stage of their journey and is well placed to support and encourage others in their training.

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​Mr. Moss brings a positive attitude, approachable nature, and strong example to classes, helping students build confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy their martial arts journey. As part of the instructor team at Leicester Tang Soo Do, Alex is proud to help students of all ages develop not only physically, but mentally as well.

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As a fully qualified World Tang Soo Do Association instructor, Mr. Moss is fully child protection trained, first aid trained, DBS checked, and holds public liability insurance — ensuring a safe, professional, and supportive training environment.

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Mr Alex Moss

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