History

The first Tang Soo Do club in Ireland was established in 1990. The venue was St. Bridgid�s Church Hall Limerick. Twice a week Mondays and Wednesdays students trained under the guidance of Master Galligan who was the highest ranked member.

Galligan's Tang Soo Do club was affiliated to Master Bob Hedges association. The club had its first Tang Soo Do grading in July 1991. Two black belt members from Master Tony Johnson�s association came from the UK to watch and test the students. Master Johnson was Master Hodges student and his right hand man.

Master Galligan demonstrates an unusal sitting position

The affiliation with Master Hodges association lasted about a year. Master Galligan then trained with Master Khan of the World Tang Soo Do Federation. Master Galligan and his student Tony Allen traveled to England to train with Master Khan. While there he was introduced to Sureash Nar then a 3rd Dan Black Belt.

Master Galligan returned to Ireland and was deciding on joining the Tang Soo Do association, when he read an article on Grand Master Jae Joon Kim. The article was written by Master Tony Johnson, who had joined Grand Master Jae Joon Kim�s Federation.

Master Galligan breaking boards, with some future instructors holding the boards

Master Galligan sent a letter to Grand Master Kim, including with it copies of his Dan certifications in Taek Won Do, Kick Boxing and Shotokan Karate. Galligan�s Tang Soo Do club joined Grand Master Kim�s Federation. Meanwhile Sureash Nar had also joined with Grand Master Kim as well.

Grand Master Kim asked Master Galligan to invited Master Nar to Ireland to act as guest examiner to ensure all testing was done in accordance with the rules and standards of the World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Federation.

Master Nar was brought over to Ireland on many occasions by Master Galligan. The Irish students tested and trained with Master Nar. The expenses associated with the visits being met by Master Galligan and his students.

In 1995 Master Galligan brought Master Nar and Grand Master Kim to Ireland to test 5 members of the club to Dan grade. The students tested were Mr. Anthony Daly, Mr. Pat Forde, Mr. Adrian Kearns, Mr. Tony Allen and Mr. Christy Sparling. Anthony Daly, Pat Forde and Adrian Kearns are still training with the club today.

Grand Master Kim and Master's Nar and Galligan with members of the Southside Marching Band

Grand Master Kim and Master Nar were presented with floral tributes after the 1st Limerick Dan grading

Master Galligan went to the Tang Soo Do world championships in 1997 and 1999, he has also traveled to England on many occasions to train with Master Tony Johnson. Master Johnson and his wife Rachael have always helped and encouraged Master Galligan throughout his Tang Soo Do training. Master Johnson�s black belts are second to none in their spirit and dedication to training; they have been a source of great joy and encouragement.

Gallligan�s Tang Soo Do club goes from strength to strength in the Midwest region Mr. Anthony Daly, Mr. Pat Forde and Mr. Keith O�Donnell have all opened their own clubs. It is hoped that other Dan grades will follow their example in the future.

In Summer 2007 Galligan's Tang Soo Do announced affiliations with the World Korean Martial Arts Union (W.K.M.U.) and the National Tang Soo Do Federation.

Many clubs and venues in Limerick have hosted the club during the 20 years it has been in existence to all those we extend a heart felt thanks. As with all associations not all students have been happy within the club, we have lost some to other associations and gained some from other associations. We move on. Regardless of what association you train with the common message is the same.

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