About Us
As proud members of the World Tang Soo Do Association in Region 2 (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Nevada and Idaho), we are committed practitioners of Tang Soo Do. This art, steeped in tradition, is celebrated for its authentic techniques, including powerful hand and kick strikes, precise and effective blocks, and joint locks, all aimed at robust self-defense. Our practice goes beyond physical prowess; we honor Tang Soo Do’s rich history and values, fostering character development and respect for oneself and others.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to preserve the tradition of authentic Tang Soo Do techniques while honoring founder Cho Dae Kwan Chang Nim Jae C. Shin. We promote Tang Soo Do and foster a cohesive community through unified training.
We support World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) members and assist club and studio owners in their development and growth. Region 2 hosts numerous certified studios and clubs, providing authentic Tang Soo Do training, guidance, and growth to all members.
Our region ensures that all WTSDA members train with certified studios or clubs for ongoing development. We achieve this through multiple professional training sessions throughout the year, uniting all studios, clubs, and members.
Senior Master 5th Dan - Regional Director
Master Ian Larson has been training in Tang Soo Do for 26 years and has been teaching as a World Tang Soo Do Association-certified instructor for the last 21 years. He has recently acquired his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and this, along with his long-standing passion for fitness, allows him to not only teach martial arts but also understand and teach the medical knowledge and philosophy behind the techniques. His experience as a youth fitness instructor at a middle school along with his high energy and dynamic teaching abilities makes him an inspiration to children of all ages. His work as a Therapist has also led him to understand the developmental milestones of children and incorporate them into his teaching curriculum. Ian has successfully competed in both regional and world tournaments and has served on the first aid team at numerous martial arts events as a volunteer.
Ian and Stephanie first met as teenagers in 2002 and trained together about twice a year at regional events. In 2007 they began teaching together under Masters Robert and Teresa Grissom (Stephanie’s parents) and managed the children’s martial arts program at Circle Pines Karate Institute in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
They began officially dating in 2009 and were married on December 30, 2011, promptly moving to Arizona to allow Ian to finish his physical therapy graduate school. They now reside in Laveen, Arizona, and have six children, Michael, Matthew, Marcus, and Evelyn (twins), Malachi, and Maiciah.
Ian and Stephanie Larson opened the Martial Arts Academy of Tang Soo Do Arizona in 2014, under the tutelage of Senior Master Johnny R. Williamson. In 2017 the Larson’s secured a commercial location in Chandler, Arizona, where the school has become poised to grow into one of the premier martial arts studios in the East Valley of Phoenix.
The Martial Arts Academy of Tang Soo Do Arizona is a family-owned and family-focused, traditional martial arts studio, that emphasizes the respect and humility of the art just as much as the physical training. Classes are arranged by age group and by rank, so students are always practicing with their peers.
There are students of all ages from 2 years old -70+. The Larson’s passion has always been changing lives by teaching kids important life lessons of responsibility, courage, self-esteem, and self-control through the Korean martial art Tang Soo Do.
Ian and Stephanie look at martial arts as a lifelong endeavor that has multiple benefits for any person at any stage of life. “Unlike football, soccer, and basketball, martial arts has been there for me through junior high, high school, community college, state college, and graduate school, and will continue to be there through every stage of my life,” Ian says. “It is something that has gotten me through many hard times, and I plan to continue doing Tang Soo Do with my great-grandchildren.”
Master 4th Dan - Assitant regional director and Chief Black Belt Test Officer
Master Brooke Aderhold began her martial arts journey in 2001 under her father, Master David Roberts. By 2004, she was assisting in classes, and in 2006, she earned her Cho Dan, 1st degree black belt, beginning her regular teaching career. Her passion and dedication to martial arts were evident from the start.
In 2012, when Master Roberts relocated, Master Aderhold took over the daily operations as co-owner. Her leadership skills shone, and in 2018, she rebranded the school to Destiny Martial Arts Academy, partnering with her now husband, Lucas Aderhold. Their joint efforts led to significant growth, necessitating a move from the YMCA to their own facility in Peoria, AZ, in 2019.
The challenges of the 2020 pandemic led Brooke to commit fully to her passion, leaving her eight-year career as an optician. She achieved the 4th degree Master rank in August 2021. Under her guidance, Destiny Martial Arts Academy continues to thrive, embodying her dedication and passion for martial arts.
Senior International Master 7th Dan - Regional Senior Advisor
Senior Master Johnny Williamson is a seventh-degree Black Belt with more than 40 years of martial arts experience and a long history of leadership within the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA). He served as Region 2 Regional Director for 15 years and currently serves as Chair of the WTSDA Business Committee. As Regional Senior Advisor, he continues to support the Region by mentoring leaders, providing guidance, and assisting with regional activities.
Master Williamson began his martial arts journey as a teenager and continued his training during his 20-year career in the United States Army. He earned his Black Belt under Master Vance Britt at Fort Dix, New Jersey, in 1988. While stationed in Germany, he established three WTSDA schools and trained with respected martial arts instructors throughout Europe, including Klaus Trogemann and Tony Lee. After returning to the United States, he established seven additional schools in Arizona. Today, he owns and operates Starworld Martial Arts in Goodyear, Arizona.
Beyond martial arts, Master Williamson holds two bachelor’s degrees and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is a retired U.S. Army veteran, former adjunct professor, author, and board-certified senior master self-defense instructor. He also founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to bullying prevention through education and instructor training.
Throughout his career, Master Williamson has remained committed to developing strong martial arts schools, mentoring instructors, and supporting the growth of WTSDA. His leadership reflects a balance of traditional Tang Soo Do values, practical business experience, and a commitment to helping the next generation of leaders succeed.
Senior Master 5th Dan - Chief Security Officer
My first martial arts class was while attending Western Illinois University, I think it was TKD. The class was a PE elective for my major in Law Enforcement. After graduation in 1977, I got a job with a railroad police department in Chicago. I attended the same training as government agencies. We received about 8 hours of empty hand defensive tactics training.
Seeing a need to get training on my own, I registered for a tang soo do class at a local community college in 1981. Class Instructor was Master Dan Jansa. My Cho Dan test was in 1987, not with WTSDA. In 1992 Master Jansa registered us with the WTSDA. My fondest memories in Region 5 were as KJN Shins driver for ten years when he came to Chicago.
I left Chicago in 2008 to take a position as the Training Director for the Union Pacific RR. I started training law enforcement officers in 1995, as a direct result of the martial arts training, I had received. I retired in 2015, after 38 years in LE, 20 as LE instructor. I left the studio I had started, Omaha Tang Soo Do to Master Ted Rolling. I started Raven Tang Soo Do in 2016 and teach security officers in Santa Fe NM. I am looking forward to my second retirement.
Senior Master 5th Dan - Chief Financial Officer
Master Osai Robinson is a dedicated martial artist with a rich history in the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA). He resides in Phoenix, Arizona, and holds the esteemed rank of 5th Degree Black Belt. Master Robinson is a leader in the WTSDA, Region 2, and his local community.
Master Robinson’s martial arts journey began in the late 1990s when he joined an after-school karate program in Flint, Michigan. From a young age, martial arts have significantly shaped his life, instilling discipline, perseverance, and a deep sense of purpose. In 2003, he earned his Black Belt at Double Dragon Tang Soo Do, testing in front of the late Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin. In 2013, after graduating from college, Master Robinson moved to San Diego, California, where he opened West Coast Dragons Tang Soo Do in honor of his instructor. His dedication to the art led him to earn the rank of Oh Dan Master (5th Degree Black Belt) in 2023.
Within the Region, Master Robinson holds multiple leadership positions, such as Financial Officer and Technical Advisory Chair. He also serves as the Assistant Director for the Hwarang Dan League, coaching some of the sharpest youth students in the WTSDA. Master Osai Robinson’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of martial arts. His dedication, expertise, and passion continue to inspire and shape the next generation of martial artists in the WTSDA. Master Robinson believes the essence of martial arts goes beyond physical training. It is about personal growth, leadership, and positively impacting others’ lives. In 2024, Master Robinson opened West Coast Dragons – Phoenix at South Mountain Community Center in Phoenix, AZ. Having faced financial challenges growing up, Master Robinson is dedicated to making martial arts accessible to people in disadvantaged communities. His approach to teaching is deeply rooted in the idea that martial arts is a tool for changing the world, one student at a time.
“If you’re only interested in the destination, you have missed the purpose. The journey is the purpose.” – Master Robinson
Master 4th Dan - TAC Chair and Chief First Aid Officer
Master Stephanie Larson has been training in Tang Soo Do for the past 31 years and is a World Tang Soo Do certified instructor for the past 20 years. Having started as a young child herself, her passion is teaching children and guiding them through the physical and mental development of martial arts.
Stephanie is a registered nurse who also works part-time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at St Joe’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. With her past experience in pediatric nursing and her passion for women and children in health care and martial arts, she specializes in women’s and children’s self-defense as well as childhood safety and development.
Stephanie has successfully competed in regional and world tournaments and has volunteered on the first aid team at numerous martial arts events.
Master 4th Dan - Chief Executive Logistics and Rank Verification Officer
Master Boeckman was born in South Korea and was adopted at the tender age of approximately one month. He remained in South Korea until he was fourteen years old. At the age of twelve, he began his martial arts training, practicing Taekwondo (TKD). After graduating from elementary school, he practiced Hapkido for an additional year.
When he was fourteen, Master Boeckman moved to Sierra Vista, AZ. He continued his training under Master Johnny R. Williamson in Sierra Vista until Master Williamson relocated to Goodyear, AZ. Master Boeckman also relocated to Goodyear, where he continues to train and teach with Master Williamson to this day.
Master Boeckman joined the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) in 2001. Due to his extensive background, he quickly progressed through the ranks and began teaching other students. Master Boeckman enjoys helping others achieve their goals while continuing his own journey of growth in the WTSDA. He has 26 years of experience in martial arts, including 22 years in Tang Soo Do.
Master 4th Dan - REGIONAL CHIEF JUDGING OFFICER & TRAINING DIRECTOR
Master Shay Williamson is a fourth-degree Black Belt in the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA), co-owner and Chief Master Instructor of Starworld Martial Arts in Goodyear, Arizona. With decades of martial arts experience, she has dedicated her career to developing students, mentoring instructors, and helping children and adults build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills through Tang Soo Do.
Master Williamson began training at age three under her father, Senior Master Johnny Williamson. She resumed serious training in 2007 and earned her Black Belt in 2011. Her competitive accomplishments include seven consecutive years as a regional Black Belt champion and earning the Overall World Grand Champion title in the adult female Black Belt division at the 2012 WTSDA World Championship.
Her leadership accomplishments include serving as Demonstration Team Captain for ten years, guiding the team to eight regional first-place finishes and the Overall World Grand Champion title in the creativity division at the 2022 WTSDA World Championship. She achieved the rank of Master in 2022 and currently serves as Region 2’s Chief Judging Officer and Training Director, providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to instructors and judges throughout the Region.
In addition to her martial arts achievements, Master Williamson earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is pursuing graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with an emphasis on child and adolescent psychology. Her academic background complements her teaching philosophy, providing valuable insight into student behavior, motivation, emotional development, and building positive relationships with children and families.
Today, Master Williamson helps lead the daily operations and instructional programs at Starworld Martial Arts. She is particularly passionate about helping students overcome behavioral challenges, develop confidence, and recognize their potential. Her commitment to education, martial arts, and family reflects her dedication to developing strong students, capable instructors, and future leaders.
Master 4th Dan - Assistant TAC Officer and Assistant Finance Officer
Lucas Aderhold embarked on his martial arts journey in 2008 under the guidance of Master Pacini, where he embraced the principles of discipline and perseverance. Four years later, in 2012, his dedication was rewarded with the achievement of the Cho Dan rank, reflecting his commitment to mastering the art form.
Throughout his journey, Aderhold’s passion for martial arts led him to regional competitions, where he earned the title of Region 2 Grand Champion four times. This recognition not only highlighted his skill but also served as a source of inspiration for those around him.
In 2018, Aderhold co-founded Destiny Martial Arts Academy, aiming to create a welcoming space for martial arts enthusiasts. His leadership and dedication have since played a pivotal role in shaping the academy into a thriving community. In March 2024, Aderhold made the decision to focus solely on Destiny, leaving behind his corporate career to devote himself entirely to the academy’s growth and development.
Contact us with any questions you may have.