Hickory

North Carolina

USA

Tang Soo Do, Sungja-do & Chinese Kenpo Karate

We have a Christ centered program in contrast to a religous or "Christian" school. To have the widest possible appeal to evangelize and disciple we do not focus on denominations. Rather we put our energy's into using the Word of God as our road map to living Godly lives. Prayer requests and items of answered prayer and praise reports begin each class. We set time aside on Tue evening for a short devotional that we strive to keep relevent for the students present. With 37 years of experience in the martial arts I have had the opportunity to study and earn rank in 6 different arts. My primary rank of 5th dan is in Tang Soo Do. I supplement traditional Tang Soo Do training with Sungja-do, Chinese Karate Kenpo & Sho Muk Do. Being a former police officer I have a very keen understanding of what really does and does not work in a true street level combat situation. I do not encourage much in the way of point sparring tournaments. I believe many tournaments lend themselves to sloppiness and poor technique selection if ever the student would actually be attacked in the street. Every year I encourage the students to attend outside seminars to be exposed to a wider variety of points of view and new ways of doing things. At least once per year and normally two we invite in a group of instructors who teach a wide variety of topics to give the students a broader appreciation of the martial arts.

Our position as it relates to our faith is one that could be described as conservatively evangelical. Salvation is by grace through faith and has nothing to do with our own abilities. We are born into this world as sinners and we remain under the domination and penalty of sin until we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Our guide for living is the Bible which was given to us by the Holy Spirit working through men. The Word of God is without error in the original writings and is our sole source of guidance. We have a triune God who is the creator of all and sovereign without question.

Steven Riggs- Senior master Sensei, Chris Peterson sempai, Kendall Weeks sempai, Daniel Troyer sempai

stevencriggs@yahoo.com

828-514-1824

http://www.americandefensivearts.org