Starworld Martial Arts

Adults

Age matters not in the Martial Arts

We start you out slow going at a pace that works for you. We cover attributes of fitness, flexibility, power, reflexes, coordination, speed, and endurance with a focus on how to train hard without hurting yourself.

The Tang Soo Do program for adults will improve your overall physical fitness and health. It will provide an atmosphere to reduce stress. This program will not only get you in better physical condition it will teach you practical worthwhile skills. The Tang Soo Do we teach is more old school Traditional Arts. We would prefer to have real students, who have earned real honest black belts in an effectual art that has not been watered down to the point of being unrecognizable, but well-grounded in the Way of the Art. We feel that if you've been willing to put in the time and effort to learn a martial art, it is our responsibility to really teach you that art. If this is what you have been looking for, then this is the place for you.

"At the end of each class we all stand and recite the seven tenets of Tang Soo Do which are integrity, concentration, perseverance, respect & obedience, self- control, humility and indomitable spirit. One of these words has really stood out to me this belt color and that is perseverance. I have tried to remember this word during my martial arts classes and when I am at work.

After a long day at work, sometimes I don't want to go to class; having to do more push-ups is not at the top of my list. When I begin to feel that way I remember perseverance and how I need to keep going to class, keep working out to better my body and help relieve the stress in my life. Being persistent will help me become a better martial artist and that is very important to me.

The last couple months at my job have been very stressful; my normal work load has tripled. On top of all this, I am trying to finish the last of my College classes this semester. Tang Soo Do has helped me deal with all the pressure because I have gained confidence, strength and have improved in many other ways. I have learned that if I work hard at something I can accomplish my goals at work and in martial arts. I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. When I feel like giving up or overwhelmed, I know that if I stay on the right path I will make it."~ Stephanie Camacho

“Martial arts at Starworld Academy have done a lot for me in a short time. I have more confidence to stand up for myself and to ignore the put downs that have bothered me for years. When I started Tang Soo Do, I was extremely timid and quiet. The change I have seen in myself is great. I am not as shy as I used to be and I am not afraid to meet new people. For years, I have been put down for my body. Even though I was always commented on how good shape I was, the insults have always covered the comments up. In the present, I only listen to the comments that make me feel good but I do not live off them. The only person’s thoughts that really matter to me is mine.

 Since I have joined I have gotten in better shape and I feel stronger emotionally, mentally, and physically. In the past I have tried many different activities that I found fun and interesting but they never held me like this. Karate is my passion and I want to give it everything I have and I do not want to miss a single thing. I am always interested in everything that is happening in class and I want to learn everything I can. I watch the other students, I listen to what they say and I fix what needs to be fixed. I know that this is going to be a long standing passion that will really carry me far.” ~ Beth Guidry

The Starworld Academy Adult Martial Arts Program has given me a disciplined approach to maintaining my physical fitness and well-being. The program gives me the incentive for maintaining a personal fitness program. In addition, the classes provide me with an opportunity to learn the Tang Soo Do martial art. Most adults fall into routines that usually satisfy the immediate daily pressures of work and family life. As a result, their personal fitness eventually suffers. What is needed is some jump start to regularly conduct fitness activities. Joining a structured program is one way. For me, the StarworldAcademy provides an environment for me to keep personal fitness a priority in my life. Second, learning a traditional martial art such as Tang Soo Do not only provides me a structured training environment but also provides the added benefits of learning a lifetime physical skill and developing and maintaining a positive mental attitude. The Starworld Academy program is unique in this sense. For this reason, I find the adult program worthwhile to pursue. Lastly, both my children have been enrolled at Starworld Academy for several years now. I’ve watched their progress and seen the benefits of their enrollment. I’ve coached to them to stick with their programs and make their Black Belts. My commitment to joining the adult program reinforces my guidance I give my children to continue and excel in their programs. Moreover, my enrollment adds another activity we as a family participate in together, and it provides a little competition among my children and me. Since joining the adult program in September, I am making quiet progress toward better physical shape. Acquiring the Tang Soo Do martial art skill requires more patience. I anticipate my first belt promotion will strengthen my resolve to continue on the path to one day earning my black belt.~ Walter J. Vidinksi Jr.

                                                    SELF DEFENSE

 Self Defense is the primary focus of Tang Soo Do for adults. All routine techniques are designed into the self-  defense training system. Knowing how to use an adversary's joints as well as applying your own speed and  power, creates an effective protection against any strike, grab or weapon attack. Understanding the nature of  grab/holds chokes and joint manipulation is the most effective form of release. Instruction is provided to control  the attack and the adversary when an aggressive counter attack is necessary.

“Since starting Tang Soo Do I’ve noticed a number of changes. Some are quite blatant such as being able to touch my head to my knee (it’s new to me) to the more subtle changes such as my attitude and demeanor. Physically I am in much better shape than I have been in a long time. I am the most flexible I’ve been in at least 13 years, if not my entire life. Also, Tang Soo Do has helped me quit smoking. Just the lack of breath in class was motivator for it, but also Mrs. Gowell helped me a good deal with it. I haven’t lost much weight so much as I’ve lost fat. I know my pants are getting looser, and I’ve had to go to the next belt loop. A couple people at work as well. After ten tears of army life, and being a paratrooper to boot, I know that my back, neck, and knees weren’t in the best shape possible. I do believe Tang Soo Do has helped to strengthen those ligaments and set straight some of the bones/vertebrate that were loose. It has also given me a bit of motivation to look into trying a healthier life style. Though I doubt I’ll ever give up Mountain Dew, I have at least cut consumption of it (and other sodas) down about 50%. Same goes for coffee. I am down to one mug a day, sometimes not even that much. I think I am sleeping much better too. For two reasons, maybe more. I know that after a hard workout/class I am pretty much ready to shower and hit the rack. But also, I don’t have the problem of staying awake because I have stuff running through my head as much. I realized the other day that I am no longer waiting till that last minute to get things done. I used to procrastinate until the last minute for many minor things, but noticed I am not doing it as much as I used to.”~ Gabriel Gowell

       "Before I started to take Tai Chi Classes at Starworld, my goal was to get some exercise because I was so unfit physically and I was going through a personal problem.  I wanted to do something different in my life.  I was always tired, had low self esteem and was stressed out all the time.  As soon as I started my Tai Chi classes, I could tell a difference in my attitude as well as my mental and physical condition.  I soon fell in love with the art of Tai Chi.  I thought Tai Chi was a low motor control exercise for older people.  I had no idea Tai Chi is more than exercise.  I discovered it is a beautiful art form of low speed Kung-Fu as I learned more and more.  There is a beautiful and intricate weaponry technique also involved.  Not only am I beginning to get in shape physically and mentally, but emotionally as well.  I have a new confidence in myself that never existed before.

            As I was progressing with my Tai Chi class, I was encouraged to take an additional class.  So I have decided to take Tang Soo Do and Ki Gong class at Starworld.  I am also beginning to fall in love with the study of these Martial Art forms.  I found out that the more I learn about new things in my life like Martial Arts or playing Bass guitar or whatever I want to learn, I end up with new positive attitudes and skills.  I know that it takes a tremendous amount of discipline, commitment and positive attitude to succeed.  However my experience tells me that anyone can do what I do, and it doesn’t matter what their age is.  I thank God daily for the opportunity I was given by the martial arts academy, along with all the leaders who display professionalism and a positive attitude.  All the staff is very helpful and always encourages me and everyone coming through the doors to be their very best.

            I look forward to attending every class even after a long hard day at work because I know I am doing the right thing for myself and I have found the real meaning of life itself.  Thank you so much for the staff members and the instructors who are so dedicated and diligent to helping newcomers like me."~ Myong –I Cross

I chose the Yin and Yang symbol to illustrate what my exposure to martial arts means to me, so far.  I am all about balance.  There’s a lot out of balance in my life, currently with extreme pressures at work, finding time for family and friends, and my own mental and physical well being. For my mind, Tang Soo Do has helped my memory—something that has frustrated me lately.  I enjoy the forms most of all—probably because of the pattern I can visualize—but also has stimulated my memory through the challenge of learning something new and through repetition. As we age the Body, too, changes.  Several years ago I made the decision to check the aging proves by paying more attention to fitness and nutrition.  The exercise I receive through Tang Soo Do has helped me maintain a fitness level I have not enjoyed over the years. Since becoming a member of the academy, I find my spirit lifted.  I look forward to class.  I enjoy the kind and giving people I would never have met had I not joined.  I appreciate the positive encouragement I receive each week form the Thomas family, Mrs. Hastings, Mrs. Gordon, and yourself. I look forward to the challenge of testing—the venture into something yet unknown.~ Gayl Murphy

 One Step Hand Techniques (Il Su Sik Dae Ryun) are used for self-defense in traditional Tang Soo Do  styles. They are a defensive reaction to a punch, kick, grab and weapon assault. While they are  practiced from a traditional stance and attack, they are also useful from a practical stand point. One-  step techniques are primarily designed to allow the student to combine the individual techniques they  learn in class into fluid, associated movements. Their execution must be realistic to gain the full  benefit of the exercise. Special emphasis should be placed on accurate targeting; appropriate  definition of the block, strike, sweep, or stance; effective kiaps; suitable timing; and above all,  returning to a safe and proper fighting stance when completed.

As I prepare to test for Senior Green Belt, 5th Gup, I look at myself and try to find the differences between now and when I first started karate.  Although several jump out, the fist and most obvious is that karate has helped me quit smoking…truly quit.  I have tried dozens of times over the years but could never find the courage to stick with it.  One thing or another would happen and I would always go back to the crutch, but not this time.  Another thing I notice is that I am beginning to feel more and more a part of the school, more apart of the WTSDA family, more like a martial artist.  Attending the Regional Championships added a lot to this and I look forward to becoming more and more a part of the WTSDA community.  One last thing that I will mention is that I now have a year-round activity to share with my children; a family activity that still allows individual goals and fosters a growing atmosphere.  I have noticed the bond between me and my children grow because of our common interest in karate and I have to admit a certain amount of pride when I hear them speak of attaining 2nd and even 3rd Dan.  In closing, I will say that I have vastly enjoyed my karate experience to this point.  I eagerly look forward to further enlightenment as my understanding of and ability in Tang Soo Do and the martial arts way of life grows.

Respectfully,~ Daryl J. Gorff

“Master Williamson, attending the Starworld Academy over the last 15 months has given my family back a sense of togetherness we had begun to lack due to work schedules an school activities and the like. I have a common ground with which I can train with, mentor, learn from, and enjoy with my husband and kids. The leadership skills, fitness of mind and body and discipline we have achieved at Starworld Academy better prepares us for a sager, confident lifestyle. I have learned about my ability to reach outside my comfort zone and try new things and come to enjoy challenges and working with my family to overcome them. I have better balance, strength and flexibility than I have had ten years ago which is a result of the confidence I have gained in my ability to continuously strive to be better, no matter how hard I failed the precious time in classes at Starworld Academy in my fitness training, my job, and my life.’~ Jennifer Jordan


“To some, Starworld Academy may be a place to get physically fit. To others, it may be a fun place for parents to take their kids. It may be both those things and so much more, but mainly for me it’s a place where I can escape all the drama of high school, all the stress of depression, and all the problems with friends. It is a distracter of the stresses of everyday life, and builds my self-confidence both for what I do and how I present myself. I can walk around with my head held high, and be genuinely happy while so many people my age are dealing with their stress in less preferable ways. I can be that one person is someone’s life that’s always around to lighten the mood, all because of the important life lessons and values I have learned not only from what we’ve been taught at Starworld Academy, but also from the great kids that go to Starworld Academy. When I’m at Starworld Academy, it feels like I can drop my problems at the door, and walk in a freed soul. That and let’s face it, sometimes martial arts really lets you blow some serious steam. Martial arts at Starworld Academy has definitely helped me deal with my teenage years so far and helps me understand the importance of healthy stress relief.”  ~ John Wilson




One Step Kick Techniques are similar to Hand Techniques with all counters being kicking techniques. They are a defensive reaction to a punch or kick thrown at the defender. While they are practiced from a traditional stance and attack, they are also useful from a practical stand point. One-step techniques are primarily designed to allow the student to combine the individual techniques they learn in class into fluid, associated movements.

My growth in the martial arts has been an experience. The trinity of martial arts, mind, body and spiritual is a concept that I am trying to master. Under their tutelage of Master Williamson, Tang So Do gives me the guidance and skills I need to grow on the trinity of the martial arts. This growth has manifested in al aspects of my life and I have a light that others can see. I am in the military and my level of physical fitness has increased. This has given me more energy, liveliness, and a healthier lifestyle. This couple with a balance diet has made a difference. At school, I have been more focused. I have been able to grasp complex material easier, and my attention to detail is increasing. In my profession this is a very important skill to maintain and Tang So Do has given me the dexterity to exceed the standards and goals set for me. Spiritually, my focus on God is more directed. I am able to open my heart and receive his word which is very important for my salvation. My prayer life is stronger and he has blessed me and Tang So Do was the vessel and I praise him at all times for being able to learn and perform the art. I await the next challenge,~ La’Ketha D. Prioleau

In the past few months I’ve studied martial arts at Starworld Academy I know for a fact some major changes have occurred in my life. The most obvious change that should be happening in beginning Tang Soo Do to outside eyes would be physical change, which is what I’ll cover in this essay. Before I started I cared very little for my physique. As long as I wasn’t a “fatty” so to speak, I didn’t care much about how healthy I was. When I started I ran out of breath easily, my basic skills in Tae Kwon Do had rusted, and my reflexes had dulled. Now that I’ve studied Tang Soo Do for a bit, I roughly have more than double my old endurance, my ability to perform martial arts moves has come back to me, and my reflexes are better than before. Those are just some of the most major things that come to mind. Before training I had absolutely no ambition to work out. Roughly a month or so after joining I decided to do daily exercises every morning before going to school. At first it was really straining and difficult, but after a while I noticed it was really easy and I was finishing twice as fast as when I started. So, when it started getting too easy, I’d make the workout longer or harder in some way. Now I am doing about three times more difficult and time consuming exercises in the mornings with similar effort the when I started doing the much easier exercises. I quit doing Tae Kwon Do and didn’t practice at all for over a year (maybe two). I barely remembered the basics of the different kick chambers. I had completely forgotten the proper form of a punch as well. Don’t even get me started on sparring. A short time after joining Starworld Academy, these basic skills came flooding back to me, and it’s much easier to do them from muscle memory now then it was when I was in Tae Kwon Do. When I had just joined Tang Soo Do I realized how below average my reflexes had become. With sparring, they quickly got much better. After being introduced to nunchaku basics and getting a very peaked interest in them I started practicing with them. This not only helped (to an extreme) with my hand eye coordination, prediction, and grace with both hands, but also helped my reflexes ten fold.~ -Caitlin Wildeman

Before I started the Starworld Academy fitness class, I got winded walking up a flight of stairs. I would collapse after work and have no energy. I was already on high does of blood pressure medicine at the age of 34. I was way over weight and headed for some serious medical issues. I was embarrassed about how I looked and tried to fade into the background. Now, after taking forty eight classes, I have increased stamina. My energy level is so high that I have a hard time just sitting. My doctor has decreased my blood pressure medicine to half that what it was. I’ve lost 25.7 pounds and am counting to loose. For the first time in a long time, I feel healthy and I am proud of myself. It is very important to me so that I can be there as a mother, wife, and business owner. I wrote in my last letter that I would love to get to the point where I could share story with others. I am already doing this. Many people have asked me what my “secret” is in weight loss and exercise. I am exited to tell everyone that it is not a secret, but a wonderful program in which everyone is welcome. As much as I don’t like to be in the spotlight, I am exited that I may be able to show everyone what we do at the World Tournament this year. I would love to see more Masters offer programs like this one. My goals are to continue what I am already doing. I still want to loose 18 more pounds. I would love to be able to get off of my blood pressure medicine entirely. I want to continue to talk to people about what a difference this class has made in my life. As a long term goal, I would love to get to the point where I could actually teach the class. Starting an exercise program is one of the scariest things a person can do. I want to thank everyone for providing a supportive family environment for this class. This is the first time that I have completely felt comfortable in a class setting. It has allowed me to focus on getting healthy rather than how I look compared to others. Thank you,~Patricia Bowman


Traditional Forms are a set series of martial movements utilizing strikes of both hands and feet in a prescribed pattern. These forms of patterns are more commonly known as kata in Japanese Styles and hyung in Korean styles. They serve many valuable purposes in various styles of martial arts. In some styles forms are used to teach new techniques for fighting, others use forms to teach pressure point attacks, others use it for scenario fighting, while others use it simply for the meditative feeling it can provide. Each rank will have form requirements and is an excellent way to train and develop basic traditional movements, stances and develops muscle memory.


Since my last testing at Starworld Academy, I’ve noticed a big change in myself not just in karate, but in day to day life. I am more confident and I realized that it is okay if I don’t know something in karate because I’ll learn it. Between my last testing and now I’ve wanted to quit but I didn’t because I started to like the feeling I get when I learn a new technique or when I do something right. I am not sure what else to write. Martial art has influenced my life in a lot of different ways. I have better concentration and I can focus better in my classes at school. I don’t get as easily agitated as I used to. I’ve gained some of my best friends and best teachers because of it. When I first started martial arts I thought this was just a class that I was going to go to for 45 minutes two days a week and be done with it. That was what I expected and it is also the farthest thing from what I actually got. What I got was skills and words that I use everyday. I got friends and I’ve met some of the greatest people that I will ever know. I met the founder of modern day Tang Soo Do and I became part of something with a history and an amazingly strong foundation. And, seeing all that I’ve seen and knowing that one day it can be me doing it, just makes me want to try that much harder to get there that much faster. I’ve skipped two belt testing already, because I felt that at that point in time I wasn’t ready to move on to my next belt. I do feel like I am ready to do that now. I want to grow as a person and as a martial artist, so that I will be ready to advance on to my future belts. I know that I am supposed to write a full page but I don’t have any thing else to say except I am grateful for the opportunity to stuffy martial arts at Starworld Academy. Doing so has taught me valuable lessons and given me more self confidence and self esteem.~ -Amanda Cunningham

Dear Master Williamson

As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today’s world just as it was hundreds of years ago. Unlike often portrayed in movies, martial arts are not just about fighting. Many people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well. Training in martial arts such as Tang Soo Do, karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, and other martial art styles will improve one’s cardiovascular fitness as well as tone the muscular system. Strength will increase from the calisthenics usually employed within martial arts training but perhaps not to the same extent as working out with weights. But overall power of ones body will definitely increase since martial arts techniques teach how to use strength effectively. Most people will also improve their flexibility significantly while training tin martial arts since entire ranges of motion from the body are exercised. This is especially true with martial art styles such as tae kwon do, Thai kickboxing as well as some schools of karate and kung fu where high kicks are used. All martial art styles will result in an improvement of one’s coordination as well.Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also have a mental and sometimes spiritual element which not only improves the mind’s focus, but also helps in self control. Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through martial arts. Many martial artists can find an inner peace through training. In today’s hectic world, these particular benefits translate into one of the most effective stress management tools available. When training in a martial arts session or in a group class, all the day to day troubles of the world seem to be forgotten. People come out refreshed, energized and ready to tackle the big world out there. Training in martial arts usually involves many little steps and progressions. As one advances in a martial art, the feeling of accomplishment comes with added confidence. This is especially beneficial for children who were not very confident in the first place. An increase in self confidence for kids (as well as adults) will have a cross over effect in other areas of life such as in other sports and general self esteem. Other challenges in life, both physical and mental, will be met with much less fear. An important benefit of martial arts training for parents to note is that children will generally become more disciplined from the unique formalities of martial arts classes. This is one benefit that is often lacking in other sports. Former “problem” kids with bad attitudes could become well behaved and respectful as a result of taking martial arts a few times per week. Respect is something that all martial arts instructors place great importance in during their classes. Martial arts kids are often very well behaved children no matter what social or economic backgrounds they come from.~ Wes Pergerson


Martial Arts Weapons Training are taught as part of the training program, after basic hand and kicking techniques are acquired. Students are invited to join the weapons classes. Weapons include Bo staff, Bo staff fighting, knife, knifefighting , sword, sword fighting, gun disarms and nunchuku.

Sport Sparring for adults allows development of timing, distance, control, movement and it’s a fun stress relief. It’s the cumulating of evading and counter drills/ attacking in a controlled environment. Free sparring is an extremely important part of Tang Soo Do training. There are two major types Tang Soo Do sparring: Dojang sparring and competition (sport) sparring. Full contact sparring (kick boxing), traditionally is not included in the Tang Soo Do venue. Adults may spar contact or no contact.

Quick View of Adult Benefits

1.Excellent workout

2.Time for yourself

3.Fat loss

4.Build lean muscle

5.Gain flexibility

6.Get rid of most back pain

7.Major stress relief

8.More self confidence

9.Easily able to handle a physical confrontation if necessary

10.Improved self-image

11.Develop the habit of goal setting

12.Have more energy

13.Get better sleep

14.Improved blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol

15.Meet new people

16.Learn a valuable skill

17.Better ability to handle everyday pressures

18.Develop a more positive attitude about everything

19.Feel more safe

20.Be able to protect loved ones