Our History, Philosophy, Policies, & Practices
The Lake House [Ho Ban] Dojang is a school or studio of traditional Korean [Tang Soo Do] Karate. We teach a scientific system of proven mechanical applications of 'empty hand' and foot fighting, that provides one with a sound mind and healthy body as well as an integrated, efficient method of practical self-defense and personal safety skills.Our school has attracted many outstanding talented people, who contribute exemplary skills, high ideals and professional standards. They are widely emulated and respected here in our own local communities, as well as, in regional and distant martial art groups.
Having celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2008, this school has earned a well deserved international reputation as an authentic martial art institution. Its foundation in West Central Florida was established in 1979. Opened in 1982, the Lake House School was officially chartered by the World Tang Soo Do Association [W.T.S.D.A.] in 1983. Soon afterward the Director became a member of the Board of Directors and was appointed Chief Editor of the W.T.S.D.A. In 1987, he traveled to Asia as an Official Delegate with the 3RD W.T.S.D.A. China/Korea Expedition.
In 1989, the Director of this school was recognized as 'International Instructor of the Year.' Two of his senior students likewise received 'International Student of the Year', which at the time was an unparalleled and unprecedented distinction for a school of this size and location, among an organization with worldwide schools and affiliations.
Afterwards, in the early 1990's, the Lake House students hosted four consecutive annual camps for the W.T.S.D.A.'s master instructors, and candidates for that rank. Many of the men and women who were here to study advanced Tang Soo Do, under Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin, came from as far away as South Africa and Australia, as well as from Eastern Europe, and other associated schools in North and South America. Many of these individuals took home with them ideas, literature, instructional innovations, artwork and designs created here at the Lake House.
In 1994, the Director, instructional staff and all registered members of the school elected to resign from the W.T.S.D.A., and permanently separate this school and themselves from martial art organizations, associations and federations. In particular, those having a commercial, sport and political agenda. This was accomplished in order to establish an independent, self-sufficient traditional martial art school, that could more enthusiastically pursue and practice the higher goals and original purposes of karate, such as self-defense and personal safety. To this end, we have disciplined ourselves to continually and tirelessly make the conscientious effort to uphold the ideas and ideals of the founding fathers of modern karate.
From the beginning, the Director, instructors and members of this school have received numerous awards, certificates, commendations and letters of recognition by creditable martial art authorities from here in the United States, and from others around the world.
Consequently, the information presented here is intended to be a non-comprehensive overview of the organization, operation and purpose of the governing members of advanced martial art instructors, who set and determine the policies and procedures by which the business of this school is conducted.