Ms. Leslie Flaum, Chief Instructor, Sah Dan
My training started in 1993 while I was a senior at Penn State University. Training offered me an outlet and a haven along with some very strong friendships. After graduating with a Bachelor's in Sociology/Criminology and a minor in Women Studies, I moved to Washington D.C. where my training took me to Nova Tang Soo Do and Morning Star Tang Soo Do. In 1997, I tested for my 1st Degree Black Belt (#29088). In 1997, I received my Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and moved to Ohio to help Master Genna start Buckeye Tang Soo Do (BTSD). In 2001, I founded my own studio in Columbus, Ohio, Lifetime Tang Soo Do, and taught both there and at BTSD until moving to Virginia Beach in 2006. I then reestablished myself as ‘Joint Forces Tang Soo Do’. Since then, I’ve taught everywhere I’ve been: Virginia Beach, VA; Kailua HI; Manassas, VA, and now Sunnyvale, CA. There are so many options when it comes to training in martial arts and it can get confusing as to the differences between all the styles. When it comes down to it, the instructor is the key to your training. My training has always centered around practicality.
A personal training motto of mine is, "Take your worst technique and make it your best!" Being a small-statured woman, I train and teach to survive against the giant brutes of the world using pressure points, joint locks, and the occasional groin strike.
My training started in 1993 while I was a senior at Penn State University. Training offered me an outlet and a haven along with some very strong friendships. After graduating with a Bachelor's in Sociology/Criminology and a minor in Women Studies, I moved to Washington D.C. where my training took me to Nova Tang Soo Do and Morning Star Tang Soo Do. In 1997, I tested for my 1st Degree Black Belt (#29088). In 1997, I received my Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and moved to Ohio to help Master Genna start Buckeye Tang Soo Do (BTSD). In 2001, I founded my own studio in Columbus, Ohio, Lifetime Tang Soo Do, and taught both there and at BTSD until moving to Virginia Beach in 2006. I then reestablished myself as ‘Joint Forces Tang Soo Do’. Since then, I’ve taught everywhere I’ve been: Virginia Beach, VA; Kailua HI; Manassas, VA, and now Sunnyvale, CA. There are so many options when it comes to training in martial arts and it can get confusing as to the differences between all the styles. When it comes down to it, the instructor is the key to your training. My training has always centered around practicality.
A personal training motto of mine is, "Take your worst technique and make it your best!" Being a small-statured woman, I train and teach to survive against the giant brutes of the world using pressure points, joint locks, and the occasional groin strike.
Master Simone (Cy) Genna, Class Instructor, Sah Dan
My training started in 1982 when I was seven years old and in the second grade. I wanted to join the local karate class because, as my mom put it, I loved the costumes. Fast forward 37+ years later and I'm the student who was not distracted by other activities such as football, baseball, basketball, or soccer. I stayed and I trained making this my home.
I started training at Appalachia Tang Soo Do under Master Michael White (#14306) and was promoted to Cho Dan in 1986 (#21451). In 1997, I started my own class at The Ohio State University, Buckeye Tang Soo Do, and taught there for almost ten years until a professional opportunity took me away. I now assist Ms. Flaum with Joint Forces Tang Soo Do classes.
My training started in 1982 when I was seven years old and in the second grade. I wanted to join the local karate class because, as my mom put it, I loved the costumes. Fast forward 37+ years later and I'm the student who was not distracted by other activities such as football, baseball, basketball, or soccer. I stayed and I trained making this my home.
I started training at Appalachia Tang Soo Do under Master Michael White (#14306) and was promoted to Cho Dan in 1986 (#21451). In 1997, I started my own class at The Ohio State University, Buckeye Tang Soo Do, and taught there for almost ten years until a professional opportunity took me away. I now assist Ms. Flaum with Joint Forces Tang Soo Do classes.
Mr. Andy Blank, Class Instructor, E Dan
Mr. Blank's training began in 2002 with Master Michael Kaye at Penn State Martial Arts. After graduating, his career path led him to train with several WTSDA master instructors including Master Kevin Robinson (Robinson's Tang Soo Do) and Master Kristan Mack (Capital Tang Soo Do). After moving to Silicon Valley in 2015, he had is own small group of students at Mountain View Tang Soo Do. During the pandemic, he closed his club and has been with JFTSD. Mr. Blank has attended several Silk and Steal training courses and is teaches many of our weapon drills.
Mr. Blank's training began in 2002 with Master Michael Kaye at Penn State Martial Arts. After graduating, his career path led him to train with several WTSDA master instructors including Master Kevin Robinson (Robinson's Tang Soo Do) and Master Kristan Mack (Capital Tang Soo Do). After moving to Silicon Valley in 2015, he had is own small group of students at Mountain View Tang Soo Do. During the pandemic, he closed his club and has been with JFTSD. Mr. Blank has attended several Silk and Steal training courses and is teaches many of our weapon drills.