About the Institute of Martial Arts





	Our Organzation • Our Philosophy • Purpose of Tang Soo Do • Tenets of Tang Soo Do • 8 Key Concepts The IMA name was actually developed in 2002 when the program at the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department outgrew itself. Previous to that it was known as the Needham Landry Academy from 1990 and as the Needham Karate Academy from 1982 to 1990 under the original founders Master Harry Needham and Master Anne Needham. In 2002 the classes were too large and more space was needed. It was at that time that the 208 North Plains Industrial Rd. location came into being. Since then the school has grown and continues to offer introductory programs through the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department. At the conclusion of the introductory program students are eligible to sign up as full time students at the Institute and come to class 2 to 5 times a week. Today the school is under the Direction of Master Harry E. Needham III and Master Lyne Landry. They are assisted by Adult Instructors, Kristina Needham, Melanie Goodridge, Patricia Goodridge, Joseph Celotto, and David Parmalee. In addition we use a group of junior instructors and assistants that make this a well balanced, well disciplined and widely popular martial arts program. Master Harry Needham also has programs at Central Connecticut State University where he has instructed since 1974. In addition he has had programs in East Hartford, West Haven and Hamden. Those programs are now under the direction of some of his 200 plus blackbelts and are all part of the Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation. At the Institute of Martial Arts all instructors are trained under the Direction of Master Needham. The purpose of this is consistency and demand for the utmost quality. We welcome you to this great school and know you will find us to be a great influence on your life. The Institute of Martial Arts is committed to excellence and it is that excellence we will work our hardest to make you one of the best martial artists around. Master Harry E. Needham III Our Organization The Art of Tang Soo Do was developed by Grand Master Hwang Kee in the mid 1900’s. The Tang Soo Do influence originates from Moo Duk Kwan and Soo Bahk Do (developed over 1500 years ago). While serving in the U.S. Air Force in Korea, Grandmaster Robert A. Cheezic began the study of Tang Soo Do under Grandmaster Jae C. Shin. Grandmaster Shin is today the head of the very large and important World Tang Soo Do Association, which is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Grandmaster Cheezic received his black belt in October 1960 from Grandmaster Hwang Kee, who developed and established the discipline of Tang Soo Do as we know it today. Hwang Kee and Jae C. Shin are historic figures in international martial arts. Grand Master Cheezic came home to Waterbury, Connecticut in 1960 and in that year opened a Tang Soo Do dojang. Over the years this dojang has grown into the Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation that today includes over 60 locations in 13 states including several international locations. Over 40 years later, the Cheezic Tang Soo Do Federation has proudly awarded 1600+ members the rank of Black Belt and over 60+ members the rank of Master Black Belt. Our training is traditional, encompassing the refinement of technique, hyung (forms) and dae ryun (sparring). We encourage the pursuit of excellence in our Art and applaud our students and instructors achievements both within our discipline and in their scholastic or personal achievements. Members of the Federation at all levels regularly take part in exhibitions and tournaments at home and abroad. Teams representing our Federation have competed throughout the United States; and internationally in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Australia. The bedrock of the Federation has always been and continues to be its emphasis on respect for the traditions, beliefs, and practices, which characterize Tang Soo Do. Grand Master Robert Cheezic OUR PHILOSOPHY Very simply, our goal is to teach self-respect and respect for others through the study and practice of Tang Soo Do, a very historic and traditional Korean discipline of the martial arts. The ideas of respect and tradition are pervasive in all of our activities and for all students at every level of achievement. Purpose of Tang Soo Do Self Defense: We protect our lives and possessions from injustice and danger. Health: We promote our physical and spiritual health and enjoy strong bodies and sound minds through rigorous training. Better Person: We strive to be of better character through endurance and hard work. Tenets of Tang Soo Do • Integrity Concentration Perseverance Respect & Obedience • Self-Control Humility Indomitable Spirit • Fourteen Attitude Requirements to Master Tang Soo Do • Purpose of training should be enhancement of mental and physical betterment. • Serious Approach • All out Effort. • Maintain regular and constant practice. • Practice basic techniques all the time. • Regularly spaced practice sessions. • Always listen and follow the direction of instructors and seniors. • Do not be overly ambitious. • Frequently inspect your own achievements. • Always follow a routine training schedule. • Repeatedly practice all techniques already learned. • When you learn new techniques, learn thoroughly the theory and philosophy. • When you begin to feel idle, try to overcome this. • Cleanliness is required after training. Keep yourself and our surroundings clean. 8 Key Concepts 1. Yong Gi - Courage 2. Chung Shin Tong Il - Concentration 3. In Neh - Endurance 4. Chung Jik - Honesty 5. Kyum Son - Humility 6. Him Cho Chung - Control of Power 7. Shin Chook - Tension and Relaxation 8. Wan Gup - Speed Control top