Tang Soo Do
Master Crawley Berry is the Director and Master Instructor of the Gentle Palm Martial Arts Academy. He became interested in the Martial Arts in 1976 and trained under Master Tabika of the United States Shotokan Association until 1977 when the dojo relocated, making the distance too great to travel.
Master Berry began his formal training in the art of Tang Soo Do in 1979 under the guidance of Master Young K. Kwon. He received his Black Belt under Grand Master Jae C. Shin of the World Tang Soo Do Association in 1983. During that time, Master Berry competed in and won many of the top karate tournaments on the East Coast.
In 1984 he was named and rated as one of the top 10 weapon competitors in the Region 8 Tri-state area by Karate Illustrated Magazine. In 1985, after receiving his 2nd degree Black Belt, Master Berry was appointed Chief Instructor for the newly formed United Martial Arts Federation in Clifton Heights, PA. He held this position until January of 1988, when he opened the Gentle Palm Tang Soo Do Academy in Claymont, DE.
In October of 1988 he received his 3rd degree Black Belt and received the rank of 4th degree Master Black Belt in the United Martial Arts Federation in September of 1992. Master Berry earned the rank of 5th degree Master Instructor in September of 1998, and his current rank of 6th Dan was awarded in 2007.
Master Berry began his formal training in the art of Tang Soo Do in 1979 under the guidance of Master Young K. Kwon. He received his Black Belt under Grand Master Jae C. Shin of the World Tang Soo Do Association in 1983. During that time, Master Berry competed in and won many of the top karate tournaments on the East Coast.
In 1984 he was named and rated as one of the top 10 weapon competitors in the Region 8 Tri-state area by Karate Illustrated Magazine. In 1985, after receiving his 2nd degree Black Belt, Master Berry was appointed Chief Instructor for the newly formed United Martial Arts Federation in Clifton Heights, PA. He held this position until January of 1988, when he opened the Gentle Palm Tang Soo Do Academy in Claymont, DE.
In October of 1988 he received his 3rd degree Black Belt and received the rank of 4th degree Master Black Belt in the United Martial Arts Federation in September of 1992. Master Berry earned the rank of 5th degree Master Instructor in September of 1998, and his current rank of 6th Dan was awarded in 2007.
Haidong Gumdo, The Korean Sword Martial Art
Haidong Gumdo today:
Present day curriculum includes sword forms (Gumbup), sparring and key-point drills (Gyuckgum) and open-handed forms (Gwonbup), meditation and breathing exercises (donjunhohup), as well as strengthening exercises.
Classes are conducted in a disciplined manner and are heavily based on etiquette, respect for others, oneself and the sword. Mental concentration will be greatly improved as one becomes more aware of his surroundings due to the use of the sword.
As training progresses, participants will notice a dramatic increase in speed, balance, endurance and strength in a fun and safe environment.
With focus on meditation, breathing and strength training, Haidong Gumdo can be used for basic fitness enhancement as much as for self-defense. Improved reflexes and coordination; increased energy level, muscle tone, and strength are just some of the many physical benefits reaped from this art form.
Present day curriculum includes sword forms (Gumbup), sparring and key-point drills (Gyuckgum) and open-handed forms (Gwonbup), meditation and breathing exercises (donjunhohup), as well as strengthening exercises.
Classes are conducted in a disciplined manner and are heavily based on etiquette, respect for others, oneself and the sword. Mental concentration will be greatly improved as one becomes more aware of his surroundings due to the use of the sword.
As training progresses, participants will notice a dramatic increase in speed, balance, endurance and strength in a fun and safe environment.
With focus on meditation, breathing and strength training, Haidong Gumdo can be used for basic fitness enhancement as much as for self-defense. Improved reflexes and coordination; increased energy level, muscle tone, and strength are just some of the many physical benefits reaped from this art form.
