What is a Master?

The original term for Master was Sah Bum Nim. Sah means a teacher, mentor or an instructor. Bum represents a model, an example and ultimate transferor of the Arts. Nim is a suffix used to denote an esteemed or respected individual. At 4th Dan level, we call this category Ko Dan Ja (high ranking holder). To reach that level, an individual needs at least 12 to 15 years training and a minimum age of 24 years old.

There is no direct translation of Sah Bum Nim in English that depicts the exact same philosophical representation as Master. Sah Bum Nim is slightly different when translated to the English language. A Sah Bum Nim is a Master of the Art yet at the same time is a student of a higher dimension if learning. This is the "third dimensional" stage (Gup being first and Dan being second) which takes us to the ultimate goal.

At 4th Dan, the WTSDA signifies rank by calling both Sah Dan "instructor" and Sah Dan Master "Sah Bum Nim." There are distinctive characteristics to each as one indicates a simple trainer and the other pledges to reproduce the Art to another generation. Their attitude and commitment are very different. Sah Dan instructor simply trains as any other individual in the art as an "amateur". A Sah Dan Master devotes their life to Tang Soo Do, sacrificing all or part of their life to the Art. That is why a Master's belt has a red line through the center of the black belt, this signifies dedication to the Art for reproductive purposes. The red color represents blood, life, seed, and the power of reproduction. The Sah Dan instructor has an additional stripe on the tip of their black belt which signifies their skill level in our Art. In addition, the Sah Dan Master must swear with a master's sword the pledge of total dedication for the rest of their life. There are no amateur Ko Dan Ja after the rank of 4th Dan. Anyone with rank higher than 4th Dan is a Master.

A Master is a leader who visualizes and works for the fate of all future Tang Soo Do practitioners. They are not interested in instant success; they do not put financial gain over their principles. They remain true to their sword oath, "Honor, pride and loyalty." A Master fully understands that we must live the true image of a leader in the martial arts and accepts the responsibility of always being an exemplary example of authority without abusing power, leadership with understanding, trust, and loyalty.

A Master in the World Tang Soo Do Association must be a:

A. High Level Achiever in the Art

A true Ko Dan Ja is not a Dan rank chaser. Just as a prominent artist - a musician or painter - does not have rank, their ranking in their field is understood - a true martial artists believes our maxim that our belts are worn in our hearts, not around our waists. Rank in the WTSDA is necessary to maintain order and training agenda, but is not carried over to a social rank in the community. If we consider a total course ranging from 0 to 100, a Ko Dan Ja should have an achievement rate of 40% for 4th Dan, 50% for 5th Dan, 60% for 6th Dan, etc. In the martial arts world, demanding respect and recognition for something one has not attained is ludicrous. If you are not performing as or do not have the necessary time and skill and experience to be called Ko Dan Ja, one should not claim this title. The following criteria describes the attributes of a Ko Dan Ja:

1. Technical achievement: As described in the Dan manual, the candidate must complete the technical requirements with high standards. Ko Dan Ja is an instructor of the instructors. They must master complete skill, knowledge and information.
2. Non-technical Achievement: Mental and spiritual level of the martial artist should be superior at all times. Dignity and authority is as important as the technical aspect.
3. Beyond the requirements as listed in the manuals, the individual should have enough experience, knowledge and skill to adopt their characteristics into their teaching and pass them along to their students.
4. An individual who loves their country and community and strives to serve it to the best of their abilities.

B. Professional Teacher/Student

1. One who is capable to teach the Art of Tang Soo Do at the highest levels of expertise.
2. One who fully comprehends the Gup and Dan manuals, and all Traditional Tang Soo Do volumes as written by Jae C. Shin.
3. One who has a profound knowledge of the philosophy and theory behind the techniques and is able to teach as such.
4. One who is a student in the third dimensional category. As a student, the master must practice and study Ki (Nae Kong), Shim Kong , and meditation diligently for spiritual enlightenment.
5. One who is a cultivator and innovator of the martial arts who spends endless efforts for improving techniques and better teaching methods through serious research.
6. One who conducts their own behavior and demeanor in a manner which is beyond reproach in the eyes of the students and public and in their own heart.
7. One who is capable of influencing students' lives in a positive direction through technical guidance and general counseling.
8. One who represents Tang Soo Do as an exemplary model. To the students and the public, the Master should command respect and trust.
9. One who is knowledgeable of the nature of the human race so is able to give proper guidance to their students for their better quality life.
10. One who is a skillful motivator so that student can apply Tang Soo Do to their daily lives.
11. One who demonstrates leadership in the studio, region, Association and Tang Soo Do as the appropriate Master's image so the students can follow the proper lead.
12. One who is capable of handling first aid and is knowledgeable in the area of therapeutic and rehabilitation practices so the student can depend on them for their well-being.
13. One is who highly skilled as an administrator in the maintenance of a studio and/or a regional or Board post. They should be capable of successfully organizing all professional functions: demonstrations, championships, clinics, and seminars.
14. One who is recognized in skill and proficiency to represent the Art as an international instructor capable of traveling to foreign countries to serve their rank in other venues. A second language is required to be fully qualified.
15. One who is open to other martial arts to research them seriously so we can create improvements in our own art.

C. Loyal and Committed Servant to the WTSDA

1. A Master is the primary heir for this historical art. It is their duty to protect and preserve all genuine techniques and philosophy. They should commit their life to the prosperity and success of the art.
2. A Master must be a lifetime member of the WTSDA.
3. A Masters is the first and last protector of Tang So Do. They must maintain its principles, traditional value and heritage.
4. A Master must demonstrate ultimate loyalty to the WTSDA.
5. A Master should not use their skills learned in this distinguished and confidential Art to promote other organizations or for personal gain. Officiating, visiting, demonstrating, presenting clinics and seminars are subject to permission by the WTSDA. A Master should not accept the invitation of another organization as a speaker, lecturer or special guest unless the contribution would be of use to all members of the WTSDA and they must ask specific permission of the Grandmaster before doing so.
6. All Masters are sworn by their oath "Death before dishonor to World Tang Soo Do." They should carry this oath with them at all times.
7. Masters are an elite group in the WTSDA and their primary duty is to protect the Association and its future.

D. Contributor

1. Masters are pledged to contribute to the Art of Tang Soo Do in any way they can. Sacrifice of their time and effort is expected.
2. Masters are committed to teaching Tang Soo Do to their students so our Art will replicated in the next generation.
3. A Master must have a minimum following of at least 25 active members. A higher ranking Master is expect to have a much larger number for the reproduction process.
4. A Master must participate actively in every function in their region and as much outside their region as is possible (Gup/Dan testings, regional functions, demonstrations, meetings, sanctioned tournaments).
5. A Master should be capable of being' a chief judge (Class A) at a World Championship They must know the full rules and regulations of the Association and be able to apply them as necessary.
6. A Master should be ready at all times to accept any assignment given by the organization (speaker, specially assigned classes, posts, or any duty necessary to fulfill an assignment).
7. A Master should be ready to accept any travel assignment.
8. A Masters should be able to contribute to the propagation of human welfare, especially on a local level through the exercise of Tang Soo Do principles.

E. Leader and Responsible Individual

1. A Master should have a strong passion for the Art and show outstanding efforts tow, its promotion.
2. A Master should have integrity in all situations.
3. A Master must show enthusiasm for a task before expecting students to eagerly perform.
4. A Master must always have the proper attitude and spirit.
5. A Master should be able to exhibit humor in order to lead a student or a situation; show the size of your heart.
6. A Master must always exhibit emotional maturity. Remain calm and quiet to guide others properly.
7. A Master must be a skillful communicator. Excessive talking is not communication. One should practice for high quality communication.
8. A Master should be a doer, not a talker. Take action and show exemplary guidance.
9. A Master should accept others and treat them with respect, most especially among their peers. Bickering among Masters soils the master's image. One should make the attempt to get along with all members at all levels.