Grandmaster Douglas: Founder of Western Tang Soo Do

The Western Tang Soo Do Federation was founded in the fall of 1998 by Grand Master Dick Douglas. It is an organization made up of Black Belts. It was founded for the purpose of instilling discipline and respect in all its members and to maintain and hand down the traditions and techniques of traditional Tang Soo Do karate.

Master Douglas began his training in Las Vegas in 1965. After he attained the rank of Green Belt, his instructor moved away, so he began a search for a new instructor. He searched all of the schools close to home, but could not find what he was looking for in a karate instructor. He broadened his search to the Southern California area and, in 1966, he walked into the Chuck Norris School in Redondo Beach and knew instantly that he wanted Mr. Chuck Norris to be his instructor. Over the next several years, Master Douglas paid to fly Mr. Norris to Las Vegas several times each month for private lessons. Master Douglas earned his 1^st Degree Black Belt in 1968 with a certificate from the Korean Tang Soo Do Association and Grand Master Hwang Kee, the Founder of Tang Soo Do Karate.

Shortly after Master Douglas received his 1^st Degree Black Belt, his instructor, Mr. Norris, founded the National Tang Soo Do Congress where Master Douglas earned his 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th Degree Black Belts.

In 1980, Mr. Norris created the United Fighting Arts Federation (U.F.A.F.) where Master Douglas served as Secretary and Treasurer, with Mr. Chuck Norris as President, and Mr. Pat Johnson as Vice President. Master Douglas received his 5^th and 6^th Degree Black Belts under the U.F.A.F. organization.

In 1986, Mr. Pat Johnson and Master Douglas separated from U.F.A.F. and reestablished the National Tang Soo Do Congress, where Mr. Johnnson served as President and Master Douglas served as Vice President. It was during that time he received his 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th Degree Black Belts.

In November of 1998, Master Douglas founded the Western Tang Soo Do Federation with a Board of Directors and a Black Belt Council, promoting a smaller, more inclusive, tight-knit group. In November of 2003, he received his 10^th Degree Black Belt.

Master Douglas was ranked in the top 25 fighters in the South West region of the US in the late 60’s and 70’s. From 1967 to 1986, he promoted and participated in the Las Vegas National Karate Championships. He produced over a hundred Black Belts from the crucible of his backyard studio. He taught the chief choreographer and showgirls at the Aladdin Hotel. He was listed in the book, “Who’s Who of the Martial Arts,” and inducted into the 2004 Masters Hall of Fame. Master Douglas’ legacy continues with Master Brian Mable, the Board of Directors, and the Black Belt Council continuing the work of the Western Tang Soo Do Federation.

Compiled by Master J. Monte Bledsoe

9th Degree Black Belt ~ Lifelong student of Master Dick Douglas

November 2018

Dick Douglas Black Belt of the Year Award

To honor the memory of our founder, Grandmaster Douglas, a special award has been created: The Dick Douglas Black Belt of the Year Award (DDBBOY). In October, nominations are sent to the governing board. The board choses from the candidates a black belt that lives life as Grandmaster Douglas encouraged us to live. In the front of the WTSDF Forms Manual Grandmaster Douglas says, “It is my belief that if more people would dedicate themselves, as so many of my black belts have done, to martial arts training, along with keeping all other aspects of their lives in order such as family, religion, physical fitness, honorable business practices, and music, to mention a few, this world would be a much better place.” Other things thought to be important are giving back to one’s community and striving to overcome obstacles both in karate and in life.

The award is presented each November at the WTSDF Seminar generally held in Las Vegas, the home of Grandmas Douglas, each year. The following is a list of past Dick Douglas Black Belt of the Year Award recipients:

Dick Douglas Black Belt of the Year Nomination Form