HISTORY AND FOUNDING OF THE NATIONAL BLACK BELT KARATE ASSOCIATION The roots of the National Black Belt Karate Association (NBBKA) as it is known today, began in the 1940’s with the founding of Tang Soo Do in Korea by the late Grandmaster Hwang Kee. Under him was the student Grandmaster Kwon Ahn.

The honorable grandmaster Hwang Kee Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee was born on November 9, 1914, in Jang Dan, Kyong Ki province where the DMZ is currently located. His father, Kwang Yong Hwan, had a dream in which he saw the bright star (Sam Tae Song) before his son’s birth. He named his son “Tae Nam” which means “star boy.”

Hwang Kee Later his name was changed to “Kee”. His father was a scholar who had achieved a high level of academic recognition from the last King of the Yi Dynasty, Ko Jong.

Hwang Kee In May 1921 when young Hwang Kee was about seven years old it was a time of a traditional holiday called “Dan O”, which is the national May festival. During that time he happened to visit his neighboring village, where a variety of folk plays and festive activities were held. As he enjoyed seeing a variety of folk plays such as Ssirum (traditional wrestling), archery, and road races around the village, he happened to notice that some trouble was developing.

Hwang kee He saw a group of seven or eight young men arguing with one man, and this argument soon progressed to physical fighting. The group of young men began to attempt to beat the man. The man was avoiding their attacks and countering with various kicks to the group of young men. Soon the group of young men fell one by one as a result of the man’s strange moves.

Hwang Kee After the attack ended, some onlookers said, “That is Tae Kyun,” and some said, “That is Sip Pal Ki,” as they were departing. Hwang Kee was so impressed by this man’s performance that he decided to find out what his art was about. He followed the man at a distance and discovered where he lived.

Hwang kee In May 1936 he had the opportunity to meet a Chinese master, Master Yang Kuk Jin, and to visit Master Yang’s house with a friend, Park Hyo Pil, who worked with him at the Jo Yang Station. During this visit he learned that Master Yang was teaching a handful of private students practicing a Chinese martial art in his home. He never lost his dream of learning the depth of the martial arts following his experience when he was seven years old.

Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn Grandmaster Ahn was born in Seoul, Korea. He began martial arts training at age 12! Grandmaster Ahn has trained more than 1000 black belts! He is international renowned as a leader in Taekwondo!

Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn Many of Ahn’s students have received national recognition in competition and international recognition for their instructor and refereeing skills. Ahn’s Student

Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn . Grandmaster Ahn was invited to Cincinnati by Burkes and Stanley. The wife of Master Burkes at the time was an employee of the U.S. Immigration Office, and with this advantage, arrangements were made to bring Grandmaster Ahn to Cincinnati. Grandmaster Ahn resided with Master Burkes and his family until permanent residence was established

Grandmaster Kyongwon Ahn While on active duty with the U. S. Air Force in Seoul, Korea, then Third Degree Black Belt Benjamin Burkes was a student of Grandmaster Ahn. Coinciding with the end of the Korean War was the migration of Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do to the United States.

University Karate Academy In 1965-66, Mr. Burkes along with then First Degree Black Belt Maynard Stanley started a karate school called the University Karate Academy on Jefferson Avenue near the University of Cincinnati.

University karate academy Among the beginning students that first year were three young men: Michael Posey, Joe Thompson, and Charles Emery. GM Thompson GM Posey GM Emery (Deceased)

University Karate Academy On their heels in 1965, two more students arrived … Ken Robinson Bob Harris

Rockdale Temple location A branch Tang Soo Do school at the Rockdale Temple was established in 1965 and was already the location of Master Eugene Field’s Kodokan Judo class. Here, under the instruction of the late Grandmaster Stanley was the new martial arts studio for Joe Thompson, Charles Emery and Kenneth Robinson and Bob Harris while Michael Posey remained with Grand Master Ahn at the Jefferson Street school. Grandmaster Ahn later invited friends and relatives to the city. Soon afterwards, Grandmaster Ahn assumed the business control of the University Karate Academy. Grandmaster Ahn consequently co-founded the Ohio Tae Kwon Do Association, therefore separating his martial arts relationship with Grandmaster Hwang Kee and Tang Soo Do and with Burkes and Stanley. Grandmaster Ahn’s last official rank in Tang Soo Do was sixth degree Black Belt.

Formation of the NBBKA Michael Posey, Joe Thompson, Charles Emery and Ken Robinson each earned their First Degree Black Belt at the turn of the decade. With these new stand-out black belt holders, the growth of Tang Soo Do in Cincinnati gained tremendous momentum. Begun by the late Grandmaster Stanley and continued by Grandmaster Emery and Grandmaster Thompson, the Avon Center became the next Tang Soo Do martial arts studio. Subsequently, Grandmaster Stanley opened a school at the Pleasant Ridge Community Center, from which Grandmaster Robinson then branched off with his own school in Lincoln Heights. At that time, Grandmaster Posey left the Jefferson Street school to begin the karate school at The Seven Hills Findlay Street Neighborhood House. Grandmaster Posey also had the opportunity to train under Grandmaster Hwang Kee when he visited the United States. The National Black Belt Karate Association (NBBKA) was established in 1973.

Founders of the nbbka There were nine founders which included the following by their seniority: George Wharton, Lamont Turner, Walter Fagan, Michael Posey, John Johnson, Charles Emery, Joe Thompson, Ken Robinson, and Robert Harris. The first president of the association was Walter Fagan, the second John Johnson, and third Michael Posey.

GRANDMASTER STANLEY Born 1936 Died 2001

GRANDMASTER POSEY

GRANDMASTER THOMPSON Born 1936 Died 2010

GRANDMASTER EMERY

GRANDMASTER ROBINSON

GRANDMASTER HARRIS

NBBka black belts, june 1999

NBBka black belts, 2003 Reunion