We recently celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Scotland Tang Soo Do (STSD) in the only way we know how. With a Scottish Championships which attracted 120 competitors to Lossiemouth Sports and Community Centre, and over 80 party guests at Elgin Football Club in the evening.
The event began by welcoming everyone, including Martial Arts VIPs Grandmaster Robert Salm from Holland, Grandmaster Ashok Kumar & Master Geoff Keerie from England. Scotland Tang Soo Do founder Master Jan De-Vry, now based in Germany, also flew in for the occasion and Master Kelly, STSD Leader from Inverness, attended the event.
Master Jan and Kelly were formally thanked for their contributions to Tang Soo Do in Scotland, with commemorative glass awards by event host Master Michelle Raisborough. Master Michelle leads Evolution Martial Arts, which is based at the Sports Centre. All of the STSD clubs were also recognised, and club heads were awarded a glass plaque as a thank you for their contributions and support.
As an added surprise Master Kelly from Inverness was recognised by GM Kumar, as a Tang Soo Do 7th Dan making her the highest-ranking female in Europe.
Then the Competition kicked off! With 68 categories, there were plenty of medals on offer. From the smallest Competitor aged just 7 to the eldest age 60, everyone put in their best efforts and performances. Tang Soo Do competes in the disciplines of Hyungs (patterns of moves with Martial Arts techniques), Weapons Hyungs, including Nunchaku, Bo Staff, Sword and Knife. There was some very tough competition, but the competitors kept their nerve to perform for the judges, which created some difficult decisions to determine who to award the medals to!
Following a short break for lunch, the sparring categories began, and the judges were treated to some truly awesome Martial Arts displays by the competitors. Always a favourite with the spectators, the competition ended with the Masters and Black Belt categories.
What a great day of sport, martial arts, friendship, and fellowship. To end the celebrations a big party was hosted at Elgin Ctiy Football Club. Scotland Tang Soo Do looks forward to celebrating the next 30 years of Martial Arts spirit and camaraderie. Tang Soo!
Scotland Tang Soo Do 