Fighting Tigers Academy is a new concept in martial arts training, providing an integrated curriculum of Taekwondo, Hapkido, Kumdo, and Chi Gung training that embraces traditional aspects and scientific advances.
Fighting Tigers Academy is the new home of the American Song Moo Kwan Association’s National Training Center, and World Training Headquarters for the World Song Moo Kwan Association; including Seowon Martial Arts University. A western affiliate of four (4) sister martial arts universities in Korea.
The Fighting Tigers Academy facility will maintain a traditional school of martial arts for the community; also housing a university for advanced immersion training assisting students the world over. One course of curriculum will encompass martial arts choreography and stunt work for film and television production.
Fighting Tigers Academy will support local martial arts studios by assembling a museum of martial arts in which the various systems may prepare brief histories of their kwan (family or disciplines) to share with the community.
Everyone is invited to join us for our Grand Opening and Master’s demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, 2013, starting at 12 noon.
Senior Grand Master Hee Sang Ro is a 9th Degree Black Belt, former Korean National Champion, and son of Supreme Grand Master Ro, Byung Jick, recognized as the highest ranked Black Belt in the world today. Before there was Taekwondo, there was the Song Moo Kwan. In its evolution to today’s World Taekwondo Federation, Grand Masters’ Ro support the world body while maintaining the highest of traditions to the original kwan. His martial prowess in the disciplines of Taekwondo, Hapkido, Kumdo and Northern Style Saolin Kung Fu are unparalleled. Under his tutelage, the Fighting Tigers staff is presented:
Grand Master Kirk Koskella holds an 8th Degree Black Belt in Song Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do, Bong Soo Han Hapkido, Yu Shin Kumdo and Ki Bon Mu Gi. Kirk Koskella began his martial arts training at the age of 12. He feels blessed to have had supremely talented teachers and mentors, including Grand Master Hee Sang Ro. His great passion for sharing his knowledge with youth and martial artists includes training of Olympic Medalists, Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement, and Military Personnel.
International Master Ray Smith (6th Degree Black Belt in each discipline) brings a Truism: “A greater reward can be found in fidelity to the tenants of Song Moo Kwan.” His past associations have included martial arts greats like fellow Marine Robert Miller, Masters Heung Un Lee, Dale Craig, Grand Master Su Ki Shin and the International Council on Martial Arts Education (ICMAE). Training with Michael Delgato (fourth in the World Military Championships), Sifu Robert Xavier (Ninth Dan Kung Fu) in instruction at the Connecticut and Florida Police Academies introducing Police Self-Defense; and Sensei (s) Alan Lee and Gwen Jones of the “Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society.”
It was Grand Master Kirk Koskella who introduced him to, and arranged a seminar with Grand Master Bong Soo Han. This now 17 year association is based upon GM Koskella’s emphasis in attitude and character with the goal of perfecting one’s self as a way of realizing the Truths of Martial Arts. Master Smith states; I came to understand that softness and balance bridge the gap between Taekwondo and Hapkido.
Chief Master Christopher Zasa (5th Degreee Black Belt) provides a serious base system of wrestling which includes an unbeaten local and national record in Greco Roman and Freestyle wrestling. Now passed on to 2013 youth US National Champions this past week. This base permits exceptional groundwork demonstrated as a former Mixed Martial Arts competitor. And the knowledge that no UFC belt holder or contender has ever taken him to the ground – unless he wanted them to do so.
