Instructors
Sah Bom Nim John Brinda (5th Dan)
As a child, John was always fascinated by the martial arts. He was particularly drawn to Traditional systems which had an emphasis on discipline and the cultivation of good character through hard training. After initially training in Judo and Ju Jitsu at the age of 12, he eventually found a Tang Soo Do club in his home town of Stevenage. This was originally run by Master Robert Hedges until Master Peter Chin took over under the direction of
Grandmaster Lee, Kang Uk (10th Dan). John remained a member of the UK Tang Soo Do Federation for over 20 years and was able to compete both nationally and internationally on many occasions. In 2004, after completing a degree Sports Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, John decided to join Traditional Tang Soo Do International. This relatively new organisation provided both students and instructors the opportunity to train with Tang Soo Do practitioners of the highest level. TTSDI is based in the USA with the renowned Master Frederick Scott KJN (8th Dan) and in the UK through Master Robert Woodiwiss (7th Dan). After relocating back to Hertfordshire, John felt there was a need to open a club which taught Tang Soo Do as a holistic martial art which incorporated self defence and self protection at it's core. As a result, students are still able to compete, without the need to neglect these fundamental
aspects.
John continues to train regularly within Tang Soo Do and has also been able to learn from other senior masters such as Sensei Rakesh Patel (6th Dan Shotokan Karate) and Ollie Batts (Chief Instructor of Cambridge Academy of Martial Arts).
As a child, John was always fascinated by the martial arts. He was particularly drawn to Traditional systems which had an emphasis on discipline and the cultivation of good character through hard training. After initially training in Judo and Ju Jitsu at the age of 12, he eventually found a Tang Soo Do club in his home town of Stevenage. This was originally run by Master Robert Hedges until Master Peter Chin took over under the direction of
Grandmaster Lee, Kang Uk (10th Dan). John remained a member of the UK Tang Soo Do Federation for over 20 years and was able to compete both nationally and internationally on many occasions. In 2004, after completing a degree Sports Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, John decided to join Traditional Tang Soo Do International. This relatively new organisation provided both students and instructors the opportunity to train with Tang Soo Do practitioners of the highest level. TTSDI is based in the USA with the renowned Master Frederick Scott KJN (8th Dan) and in the UK through Master Robert Woodiwiss (7th Dan). After relocating back to Hertfordshire, John felt there was a need to open a club which taught Tang Soo Do as a holistic martial art which incorporated self defence and self protection at it's core. As a result, students are still able to compete, without the need to neglect these fundamental
aspects.
John continues to train regularly within Tang Soo Do and has also been able to learn from other senior masters such as Sensei Rakesh Patel (6th Dan Shotokan Karate) and Ollie Batts (Chief Instructor of Cambridge Academy of Martial Arts).
Kyo Sah Nim Sonja Margetson 2nd Dan
Sonja began training in Tang Soo Do in 1982 after a brief period training in both Taekwondo and Wado Ryu Karate. Sonja trained under Master Peter Chin in the UKTSDF and spent many years training and competing within the association. Eventually (after short periods away from training due to raising 3 children) Sonja achieved the rank of 2nd Dan.
Sonja's main area of interest continues to be the practica applications of martial arts for Self Defence. Particularly in the area of women's safety. Sonja continues to train regularly with experts in the field of Self Protection as well as broadening her knowledge of Tang Soo Do. She also takes great pride in developing young students enabling them to reach their full potential.
Sonja began training in Tang Soo Do in 1982 after a brief period training in both Taekwondo and Wado Ryu Karate. Sonja trained under Master Peter Chin in the UKTSDF and spent many years training and competing within the association. Eventually (after short periods away from training due to raising 3 children) Sonja achieved the rank of 2nd Dan.
Sonja's main area of interest continues to be the practica applications of martial arts for Self Defence. Particularly in the area of women's safety. Sonja continues to train regularly with experts in the field of Self Protection as well as broadening her knowledge of Tang Soo Do. She also takes great pride in developing young students enabling them to reach their full potential.