Tang Soo Do has been practiced in the Preston area since the late 1970s originally under the instruction of the now Master Joseph Tang (6th Dan). On completion of his studies, Master Tang returned home to Malaysia, leaving the Region in the capable hands of Master Yong Soo Lee.

 

Master Lee continued to grow the numbers of students in the North West and when he finally returned to his home and Tang Soo Do Region in London, it fell to Master Hedges to pick up the mantle. In 1987, Master Hedges decided to set up his own club, leaving Master Robert Woodiwiss in charge of the North West Region. Then a 3rd Dan, Master Woodiwiss introduced new classes in Longridge and Preston. Today the North West boasts classes in Preston, Chorley, Manchester and Southport with a regularly practicing membership of close to one hundred.
The Region is proud to have some twenty Dan Bons' (Midnight Blue Belts) and three Master belts, with two conducting classes under the guidance of Master Woodiwiss. Master Diana Bolton instructs a class in Astley village, and for a lady of her tender years, demonstrates speed, agility and balance many younger students aspire to! Mr Darren twist instructs classes in the Southport area. Please refer to the Class Times section for details of classes. Contact details can be obtained in our Contact section.

 

2003 marks a new start for the club. The North West Region continues to welcome new students of all ages. Proud of its diverse membership. Boys and Girls from the age of six, University and College students, Housewives/Husbands, Manual and Professional workers all partake of this fascinating and testing traditional martial art. In December 2002, Master Woodiwiss founded Phoenix Tang Soo Do UK and invited the North West membership to join him and Traditional Tang Soo Do International, under the guidance of United States Master and president, Frederick Scott (7th Dan) (pictured behind), and in January 2003 assumed Presidency of the UK.

 

The introduction of new techniques, whilst similar to those practiced by the former Federation, have improved students overall fitness levels, enhanced free fighting defensive skills and for the Dan Bons', introduced the concept of fighting with a staff (Bo).
The next chapter of Traditional Tang Soo Do International in the UK will be written by its’ members, so why not come and join us making history?