The Founder of Soo Bahk Do, Hwang Kee

Grandmaster Hwang Kee is acknowledged as one of the martial arts geniuses of the 20th century. He founded the Moo Duk Kwan (Institute of the Active Virtue of Stopping and Preventing Inner and Outer Conflict) in Seoul, Korea in 1945. By 1960 the Moo Duk Kwan was larger than all other martial arts in Korea combined. Over time the Moo Duk Kwan has expanded throughout the world. There are now schools throughout Europe, the Middle East, India, the Far East, Australia, the Phillipines, Central and South America and about 200 schools in the United States. The curririculum is uniform throughout and standards are strictly enforced to insure that the teachings remain uncorrupted by outside influences. The curriculum concentrates on the development of an upright character, wisdom, scholarship, mental and physical health and a thorough knowledge of military (self-defense) techniques and tactics. Its program for certifying teachers is the most challenging in the world, insuring the highest standards of instruction.

Our Grandmaster, H.C. Hwang

Grandmaster H.C. Hwang is a living example of the philosophy of the Moo Duk Kwan. He is what all students are trying to become. A supreme technician, a profoundly gifted teacher, an example of the kind of person a Master Instructor is supposed to be. Grandmaster Hwang came to the United States in 1974. At that time Master Pryor started training underneath him, and continues to folow his guidance to this day. Grandmaster Hwang received his initial training at Moo Duk Kwan headquarters in Seoul, Korea. At the time he received his first degree [Black Belt] he was nine years old, making him the youngest degree holder in Korea. Grandmaster Hwang is responsible for the quality of instruction in all Moo Duk Kwan schools throughout the world. To this end he travels almost constantly, dedicating himself to spreading the teaching of the Moo Duk Kwan curriculum. He is married with three children and lives in Springfield, New Jersey.

 

Chief Instructor at USK Karate Academy, Art Pryor

Master Pryor started studying Soo Bahk Do in 1966 when he was 21 years old. When Founder Hwang Kee decided to start a formal organization in the U.S. in 1974 he selected Master Pryor to represent his interests in the formation of the organization. Master Pryor, along with others, created the structure and operating procedures for the Federation; served on the Board of Directors for 18 years; was the first treasurer; served as secretary, chairman, and chairman of the executive committee. He holds one of the few Letters of Commendation from founder Hwang Kee for his work. Master Pryor is a 6th Degree Midnight Blue Belt and is one of the most senior practitioners of this art in the U.S. In addition, he served as a Regional Examiner, placing him in charge of overseeing the quality of education in all Moo Duk Kwan schools in the southeast. In 2005 he was asked to serve on a senior advisory council whose pupose is to insure that proper Moo Duk Kwan values are demonstrated in all areas of the organizaiton.