Q1.  When did you start training and why did you start training? 

I started martial arts training in judo in 1968 and then eventually discovered Tang Soo Do two years later when a friend who was in my judo class invited me to his first testing in karate so I went and observed and felt right away I needed to switch.  The feeling was very strong as if it was a calling so I went with what I felt and today I enjoy very much teaching Tang Soo Do.  They say it is wise to follow your heart in some matters and this was one instance for me in doing that and I have not regretted it since.

Q2. Who was the founder of your style and who have been your teachers? 

The late Hwang Kee of Korea was the founder of Tang Soo Do. He died in 2004. The grandmastership was passed on to his son Hyung Chul.  My first teacher was Mr. Phil Schrieber from the  Dale Tompkins Karate Association which was one of the first Tang Soo Do organizations in the US and Mr. Schrieber was his top instructor at the time. Next came Mr. Dick Douglas of Las Vegas who passed on from a heart attack in 2006.  He was a tenth Dan in Tang Soo Do and his instructor was Chuck Norris.  Mr. Douglas was president of the Western Tang Soo Do Federation and when he died this office was passed on to me.  Through the years me and my people have been taught by some of the best artists in the US including Femio Demura, Ernie Hart, John Natividad and many others who contributed their time to help make us better martial artists.

Q3. What is your favourite technique, drill or form?

I'd like to think that I enjoy everything I do but I do have a preference for forms.

Q4. What does the attainment of Black/Red Belt rank mean to you?

It means I had reached the end of the beginning and that there is much more to learn.  Attaining black belt never means you know it all.  I tell my kids I'm an eigth degree white belt and that lets them know that I'm still learning too.

Q5. Have you ever lost interest in training?  If so how did you combat it?

No. In the forty years I have been training I've found that there are so many things to learn and that the training is a constant refinement of technique and of self.  In this regard it has helped me to become who I am.

 Q6.  What have been your top challenges as an instructor? 

Passing on the information I have acquired through the years to my students and new information as well to keep them motivated.  The learning of martial arts is in part the sharing of information.  Another is refining how I teach so that I "reach" all my students so everyone understands what is being taught. The learning of martial arts is a process, not an event, meaning we shouldn't be training only for the next testing and not only to get to the black belt.  Black belt is something you become and should never be for sale.

Q7. I believe that you have several long term students.  How long have they trained with you and what is the secret of sustaining long term teacher, student relationships? 

I have two students who have been with me for nearly 30 years and another for almost 23 and they are all still attending class and are fine performers and instructors. This attendance record helps to build a core of veteran black belts and teachers and therefore adds to the legitimacy of our school.  I think one secret in sustaining the relationship we've had is the level of respect we've developed for each other.  Another is the strong friendship bond we've developed through the years and my sincerity in teaching them the best I can and attending to each of their needs.  I have other black belts who've been with me for over 20 years but are not able to train as much but still make the effort to show at our organizational meetings and workouts.

Q8. What do you see as the 3 most important parts of what you teach and why? 

Character : so that you can learn to be an outstanding citizen in your community. 

Integrity: your word is who you are and,

Discipline:  in these trying times we need this to stay focused and redefine problems as challenges to overcome and build inner and not just outer strength.

Q9. What challenges face Tang Soo Do as we move into 2009? 

One I think is to keep the integrity of Tang Soo Do intact in that it is again an art form first and applies a strong traditional background in it's training which helps to appreciate what has been passed on through the years.  Martial arts is a constantly changing business and in some disciplines the traditions have been watered down so such things as respect, courtesy, the development of character and other qualities have taken a back seat to "what works".  I'm a traditionalist at heart but am not closed to learning new things but I will not put aside the strong qualities listed above because I believe they are essential in developing the student overall. 

Q10. What would you be doing now if you had not of started training in the Martial Arts? 

I had always wanted to become a fighter pilot but my destiny had me directed otherwise.  I suppose I would have gotten involved in something related to helping people.  I have been in martial arts a long time so I figure this was in fact my calling to help people in this way

Thank you Mr. Mable!

end ... Part 1

Mr. Mable ( third from left) with senior black belts.

Sunset in Utah at annual summer karate/outdoor survival camp.

Sunset in Utah at summer camp.

Balance training exercise-part of ninja course.

Rapelling to build confidense ( the rapeller is 7 years old!)

Lecture at Utah summer camp

View looking west near summer camp site.

New York Mntn. range near Mr. Mables home in Colorado.

Mt. Sopris near Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

 

YouTube videos of a recent
Tang  Soo Do Seminars & Camps.