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 Master Hwang Kee, founder of the Korean Moo Duk Kwan system.
By the time he was first Dan, he had started his
teaching career as an assistant instructor at the central gym. After that, he
taught at Korea University, Seoul Central YMCA, various colleges, different
police and military institutions and numerous other places. 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 has evolved these separate arts into one of the finest and most effective
martial arts: THE WORLD TANG SOO DO ASSOCIATION.
When he was recruited to the Korean Air Force in
1958, he had his first experience teaching American soldiers. In 1968, after
receiving his Master's Degree in Political Science from Korea University, he
came to the United States in order to extend his instruction of foreign
students.
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!
He established the U.S. Tang Soo Do Federation in
1968 at his first school in Burlington, New Jersey. The organization expanded
to all parts of America and foreign countries, but because of new
international demands, he had to restructure the organization. He then created
the all new "World Tang Soo Do Association with twelve member countries,
and on November 13, 1982, the charter Convention proclaimed him Grandmaster.
Grandmaster Shin, one of the most respected and well
known masters in this century, is one of the few masters who who has devoted
his entire life to the fighting arts. He is responsible for training and
certifications of over 5000 Black Belts.