Congratulations to Sa Bom Nim Ted Mason (Dan # 12895) on his 9th Dan Promotion! Soo Bahk!
In 1964 Ted Mason began practicing the Korean Martial Art of Tang Soo Do to be known in the U.S. as Soo Bahk Do. He attained the rank of “Cho-Dan” (first degree) in 1967 (Dan # 12895). He opened his own studio in 1968 and presently holds the rank of “Pahl Dan” (8th Degree) in that art. He joined the newly formed U. S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federaton in 1976.
He began practicing Kendo (Japanese Swordsmanship) in 1974 in San Diego with Yamanishi Sensei and has trained with Yamaguchi Sensei in Costa Mesa since 1989. He presently holds a Yon-Dan (4th Degree) in that art as well as a San Dan (3rd Degree) in Iaido (The art of drawing a sword). He has been teaching Soo Bahk Do for the Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Department since 1973.
He was elected to the Board of Directors of the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation from 1978 to 1996, and elected Chairman of the Board of Directors serving in 1986, 1987, 1990, and 1991. He was selected to be the Regional Examiner from 1994 to 1998 and “Outstanding Member” in 1997 along with his wife Keiko who is a Yuk (6th) Dan. He was appointed to the Technical Advisory Committee of the U. S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation in 1999 and appointed its Chairman in 2002. In 2005 he was appointed to the Hu Kyun In (Guardians of the art) and elected as its Chairman. He has a lifetime credential in Personal Self Defense awarded by The California Community Colleges. In 1974 Roberto Villalba was visiting California from his home in Argentina in order to receive training from an instructor in Los Angeles. Roberto was the President of a large association in his country. After becoming disappointed with what he was being taught in Los Angeles, he found Ted Mason’s studio in Oceanside and began training with him.
Upon returning to his country, Mr. Villalba convinced a number of schools to join the Moo Duk Kwan and begin practicing Tang Soo Do. One such school was operated by Gustavo Poletti in Buenos Aires. Ted Mason sponsored Gustavo Poletti’s immigration to the U.S. in 1983 where he began living in Southern California and opened a school of his own. Master Poletti has since attained the rank of Yuk Dan (6th Degree).
In 1980, Ted Mason entered Karate competition in the California Police Olympics and won gold medals in both Form and Sparring Divisions. He won a silver medal in sparring in the International Police Olympics held in New York later that year. In 1993 he retired from the California Highway Patrol after over 27 years of service as a State Traffic Officer. He was the area training officer instructing methods of arrest, handcuffing, and use of weapons (Pistol, Shotgun and police baton).
Both Mr. and Mrs. Mason have performed as officials in National and International Championships and given seminars and clinics in England, Argentina, Korea, New York, Texas, Washington, New Jersey, California and Florida. Lineage:
Grand Master Hwang Kee
Hong, Soo Chong #10
Lee, Jong Hyan #885
Garrett, Don #5991
Mason, Ted #12895
