Grandmaster Song Ki Pak

Born in Dae Gu City, South Korea, Grandmaster Song Ki Pak started training at the age of 12 under the instruction of Cha Jay Won (a second generation traditional instructor) in the Moo Duk Kwan system.  He achieved Black Belt in Moo Duk Kwan in 1951 from Master Cha.  Master Cha is the only one left alive today.  Grandmaster Pak is considered a third generation Tang Soo Do master.  This martial art genealogy, courtesy of the noted martial art historian Dr. He-Young Kimm from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was verified by Grandmaster Pak after discussion and clarification.

Grandmaster Pak taught traditional Tang Soo Do in Korea until 1961.  He is noted for teaching soldiers of the US Government in 1961 for the 7^th infantry Military Police Company and the CIA near Tong Du Chon city, South Korea.  In 1969, Pak moved his school onto the army base and taught martial arts to the 5^th Air Force division, 6170 combat support squadron.

In 1973, Pak moved to Jacksonville, Florida via Hawaii and then to Louisville, Kentucky.  In 1974, he moved to Lafayette, Indiana where he taught nationally recognized and noted senior students Pat Fraser, Gary Cohen, and Dave Richel.

Grandmaster Pak moved back to Jacksonville, Florida in 1975 and opened a school in an old carpet store on Blanding Boulevard.  Master Curtis Hammond and Master Mike Arrington were of the first students at that location.  Pak built his own school with the help of students and moved to his new location in November of 1978.  Pak built his second and current facility in October of 1985 on Blanding Blvd and is billed as the largest Tang Soo Do school in the world.

Biography courtesy of Master Curtis Hammond

Pak's Karate

Pak's Karate is the traditional Korean Martial Art of Tang Soo Do.  It focuses on Self-Improvement, and Self-Discipline through Martial Art's training.  You will lose weight and feel better about yourself, relieve stress, and it is fun for men and children ages 4 and up.

Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean Martial Art, is the art of open hand and foot self defense.  Tang Soo Do was developed from traditional Korean martial arts dating back over two thousand years.  Tang Soo Do is taught as an art rather than as a sport.

Tang Soo Do training allows the body to gain the ultimate use of its faculties through intensive physical and mental training.  It's methods of instruction are designed to help an individual develop character, integrity, self-confidence, concentration and a respect for others.

Therefore, the element of competition against an opponent is not a part of Tang Soo Do's tradition.  Students are taught mastery over their own bodies and minds and to develop their individual potential to its fullest.  Even in sparring, the goal of Tang Soo Do instruction is not to vanquish an opponent.  In Tang Soo Do, sparring is used as a means for students to help one another achieve a perfection of their techniques.

We want to serve you by encouraging the only discipline that will always be with you.  That is self-discipline.  Supporting the effort of parents and in concert with religious and community organizations, we desire to provide you or your children with a positive self-image.  The challenge of our future will be decided by our self esteem and self-discipline.

We will teach you or your child self-defense, a traditional martial art, discipline, foot-hand-eye coordination, and respect.