Grandmaster Jae C. Shin was the founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association, and was one of the leading figures of martial arts in the world today.

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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 had 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.

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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, was one of the few masters who had devoted his entire life to the traditional martial arts. In addition to insisting on disciplined, rigorous training and exacting techniques, he had always preached that the true value of martial arts training is in the application to everyday life. Teaching children was one of his favorite pastimes and he had become an expert in child development. His advice to his Black Belt instructors is still 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 brought these qualities with him wherever he traveled and taught. Grandmaster Shin was respected as a true leader, teacher and master of masters.

 

Grand Master Shin died on July 9, 2012 at Burlinton, NC and is honored in the Memorial Garden at the new WTSDA Headquarters.