MEET THE GRANDMASTERS

Master Tan Tran has studied numerous disciplines of martial arts under more than 20 different masters throughout his lifetime. Three of those Grand Masters who have had a tremendous impact on Master Tran’s martial arts career are featured here.

Grand Master Hee Kwan Lee

Originally from the small South Korean village of Yaun Sahn, Grand Master Lee began his own martial arts training in Seoul, South Korea at the age of six. Throughout his life, Grand Master Lee has pursued numerous martial arts disciplines, with Moo Moo Kwan Hapkido capturing special attention in his life. As a result of his interest, training and impeccable skills, Grand Master Lee became a two-time Korean National Hapkido Champion.

In 1979, Grand Master Lee came to the United States to spread the art of Hapkido. Since then, he has received countless awards and been named to numerous key positions within several martial arts organizations.

Grand Master Lee is a 9th Dan Grand Master in the International Hapkido Federation and has been appointed the United States Chairman of the Korean International Hapkido Federation.

“Grand Master Lee has been an extraordinary role model in my life,” Master Tran said. “I am so proud to have the privilege of learning from such an exemplary and incredible teacher.”

              

                                                                                                                                GrandMaster Lee presents Master Tran with a 5th Dan Certificate

 

Grand Master Sang Ki Paik

Grand Master Sang Ki Paik, an 8th Dan Grand Master with nearly 50 years in martial arts, began his training at age 9 in Taegu, Korea. During his college years, Grand Master Paik was a gold medalist at the National Taekwondo Championships. Later, he went on to serve as the South Korean Army’s Master Taekwondo instructor from 1969-1976.

 Upon request from the United States, Grand Master Paik came to the U.S. to teach Taekwondo. Here, he graduated from Ohio Northern University with a degree in Pharmacy, became a U.S. citizen, and opened his Academy in Columbus, Ohio. 

Grand Master Paik is an American, international and Olympic Taekwondo referee; a member and former Secretary of the International Martial Arts Federation; a member of the World Taekwondo Federation; a member of the Korean Taekwondo Federation; the president and head instructor of Paik’s Taekwondo Academy; and the former U.S. Taekwondo National Team Coach.

Grand Master Paik is Master Tran’s main teacher in the art of Taekwondo and has been for nearly 25 years. A traditionalist in teaching and principles, Grand Master Paik has been a primary force and foundation in Master Tran’s teaching method. According to Master Tran, “I will forever be in debt to Grand Master Paik for his invaluable teachings.”

                   

                                                                                                                                     GrandMaster Paik presents Master Tran with a 5th Dan Certificate

 

 

GrandMaster Therdsak Dhiraprasiddhi

At the age of 7, Grand Master Dhiraprasiddhi began his traditional Muay Thai training in Thailand and was (and is) considered a natural-born Muay Thai artist.

Under the tutelage of three different teachers, Grand Master Dhiraprasiddhi advanced quickly in the art, winning numerous local and then national Muay Thai championships. To this day, Grand Master Dhiraprasiddhi remains an undefeated champion.

Well-established as a traditional, authentic Muay Thai teacher, Grand Master Dhiraprasiddhi takes enormous pride in teaching the “old school” art of Muay Thai to those whom he believes truly deserve to learn this beautiful yet potentially deadly art.

Through his consistent promotion of his Thai culture and heritage, Grand Master Dhiraprasiddhi exhibits a humble yet honorable patriotic pride for his homeland.

Grand Master Dhiraprasiddhi is the founder and president of Ohio Muay Thai, and he is the head instructor of Master Lek’s Muay Thai Academy.

Master Tran has spent nearly 25 years studying with and serving as an assistant instructor under Grand Master Dhiraprasiddhi, whom Master Tran considers not only to be an honored and esteemed teacher, but also a surrogate “big brother” who has been an enormous blessing in Master Tran’s martial arts career.

 

                     

  GrandMaster Dhiraprasiddhi presents Master Tran with his personal Mongkon (headband). By tradition, it is a spiritual blessing as Master Tran being promoted to "Kru" (Teacher) Status