We opened in 1970 as one of the many Chuck Norris Karate Studio's located in the greater Los Angeles/South Bay area. Over the years our name has changed but not the style of the art we teach; Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan (known as Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan prior to 1995).
Our first studio was located on the corner of Paramount Ave & Del Amo Blvd. in Lakewood, Ca. In 2004 we moved to a more modern facility and now (2009) to our more centralized location in Lakewood to better serve the greater Lakewood, Long Beach, Bellflower, & Cerritos areas.
Master George Dolby, while managing the Jack LaLane's Fitness Center in Torrance, Ca., came in contact with Mr. Chuck Norris and some of his elite martial artists (Victor Martinov, Victor Guerrero, John Nativadad, Dennis Young, Pat Johnson). They would come and work out at the fitness center and Master Dolby started training after hours at the Fitness Center with Mr. Norris and one of his instructors, Master Victor Martinov. Shortly after the opening (1970) of the Chuck Norris Karate studio in Lakewood, Ca., Master Dolby became one of the lead instructors and an eventual owner in 1976.
Under the guidance of Master Victor Martinov (9th degree Dan #10189) Master Dolby achieved the rank of Dan (# 19028 our black belt equivalent) in 1974, Master certification ranking in 1988 (8 day certification testing) and in 2008 promoted to the rank of Yuk Dan (6th degree).
Master Martinov is one of the founding fathers of the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Federation and an original member of the T.A.C.(technical advisory committee) appointed by our founder Grandmaster Hwang Kee and currently appointed to the S.A.C., senior advisory committee. Master Marinov has made great contributions for many years to the development of the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.
Master Dolby competed in many local, regional and national tournaments during his early training career but over the years has focused his time towards the development and rewards of his students. Master Dolby's greatest attributes are love for his family, friends, all his students (past & present) and the art that he teaches.
Our program for the kids is an adventure in learning and physical agility. They will learn about the history of the traditional Korean Karate and master the punches, kicks, blocks and forms that make Soo Bahk Do special. In addition to being instructed in Soo Bahk Do, they are taught the special food groups for healthy eating, your muscles and bones, importance of word power and a good educational balance.
We incorporate fun & challenging physical and learning activities to help with coordination and mental aptitude. This program is for the young child getting ready for kindegarten yet challenging and rewarding for the young teens.
Times change and so do our lifestyles. With that in mind, our classes are designed for those with busy schedules and high demands.
We offer afternoon and late evening classes.
Training in Soo Bahk Do is the scientific use of the body in methods of self defense, combined with a strict philosophy guiding the practitioner towards discovering their full potential. Martial arts can be for all ages, kids getting ready for kindegarten yet challenging and rewarding for the young teens.