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Sabum Nim
John Townsend
About Sabum Nim John Townsend
The Tao-Zen Ryu Shindo system of martial arts was founded by Master J.G. Townsend during the waning years of the past milennium.
Master Townsend's formal study of several classical martial traditions--from both Eastern and Western cultures--spans more than forty years.
The principles that would one day become Tao-Zen Ryu Shindo were first tested when, as a young policeman, he patrolled the streets of a major U.S. coastal city, voluntarily working without a gun.
In the early 1990's, he was awarded black belts in each of the two largest worldwide systems of Tae Kwon Do, and, additionally, the very rarely granted honor of independent teaching permission, in direct transmission from two of the world's highest-ranking Tae Kwon Do authorities; Grandmaster Hak Tok Yun (10th Dan, World Tae Kwon Do Federation [WTF]), and Grandmaster Thomas Man-Ho King (9th Dan, International Tae Kwon-Do Federation [ITF] and WTF).
Ten years after the establishment of the Tao-Zen Ryu system, he was further honored with the conferral of his present title, Sabum Nim (Master).
On November 17, 2001, in a ceremony at a major northwestern U.S. regional martial arts tournament, Grandmaster H.T. Yun formally designated eight of his senior students, including Master Townsend, as his direct successors in the arts --the highest honor a martial arts master can bestow.
Some call Tao-Zen Ryu
a western art,
because it first sprouted here.
Some consider it an
Eastern art,
because its roots are
so deeply Oriental.
I say let it be for the world.
Remember that we are
only pruning
the greenest branches
of a tree with ancient roots.
--Master Townsend
Pioneer Hill Dojang
Summer 2001
 Kyo Sa Nim Sara Young-Buck 1996 |
The first Shindoka to achieve the rank of Cho-Dan (first-degree black belt), Kyo Sa Nim Young-Buck opened the first Tao-Zen Academy branch school in Seattle in 2000. She has since acquired the rank of Ni-Dan (second-degree black belt) . |
| Kyo Sa Nim Connors is the second Shindoka to achieve the rank of Cho-Dan. She assisted Kyo Sa Nim Young-Buck in opening the Seattle Branch of the Tao-Zen Academy. With her piercing blue eyes and effortless rolls, this is one warrior to take VERY seriously! |
|
 Kyo Sa Nim Charles Carter III 1996 1 |
Kyo Sa Nim Carter is known as one of Shindo's powerhouses. He teaches bo staff, forms, judos, regular classes, and sparring. Anyone that's ever faced off with Charles can tell you, his kihaps and power are intimidating! |
| Cho Kyo Sa Hopper is the epitome of the 'gentle giant' and 'immovable object'. If you want to practice your judos on a small boulder, George is your man! He currently teaches regular class on Wednesdays. |  Cho Kyo Sa George Hopper 1996 |
Cho Kyo Sa Christopher Johnson 1999 |
The youngest Shindoka to receive the rank of Cho-Dan to date, Cho Kyo Sa Johnson is fearsome in sparring and intimidating with a knife! He has trained in martial arts since his childhood in Kodiak, Alaska. Christopher (or Critter) will be spending a year in Bellingham, assisting Cho Kyo Sas Bublitz and Hanson in opening the branch school there. |
| Kyo Sa Nim Martin teaches Women's Self-Defense classes on Mondays, and also teaches Traditional Weapons & Tao Sparring and regular classes on Fridays. She is also a practitioner of the herbal healing arts. When in doubt, use arnica! |  Kyo Sa Nim Suzanne Martin 1999 |
Cho Kyo Sa Anna Johnson 2000 |
Cho Kyo Sa Johnson has become one of the taller Shindoka over the years. In addition to being a warrior of the first order, Anna has many interests, including acting in plays at school. She is very sweet, but if you ever face off with her, you'll see the true warrior within! |
| The family that spars together . . . Cho Kyo Sa Johnson recently ran a bo-making seminar at the Poulsbo dojang. An expert woodworker and long-time boatman, Brian is gentle and truly fun to work with! | Cho Kyo Sa Brian Johnson 2000 |
Cho Kyo Sa Kai Bublitz 2000 |
Cho Kyo Sa Bublitz has been a martial artist for over fifteen years. He is fluent in Japanese. His past includes swim team, gymnastics, and massage therapy. Kai has just received his Cho-Dan, and has garnered permission to open a branch school in Bellingham. |
| Cho Kyo Sa Hanson was the first official student of the Seattle branch of the Tao-Zen Academy. She is the webmistress of the Tao-Zen website, and is currently assisting Cho Kyo Sa Bublitz in opening a Bellingham branch of the Tao-Zen Academy. | Cho Kyo Sa Deja Hanson 2000 |