Ben Sands began his martial arts training in 1988 at the St. Paul Eastside Tang Soo Do school. Ben continued his training achieving Cho Dan in 1992, and Ee Dan in 1996. By 1998 he also acquired his instructor certification that is called Kyo Sa. He enjoys training and teaching, and has run the Sunday night fight class for all levels of martial artists for many years. He believes there is always something that can be improved upon or new to learn along the training path that he’s been on for nearly 20 years.

Michelle Urevig, a recent M.Ed graduate at the University if Minnesota and current Minneapolis public school teacher is one of our assistant instructors. Michelle is a two time National Sparring Champion; Diamond Nationals hosted in St. Paul Minnesota and our own Soo Bahk Do National Championships hosted in New Jersey. Soo Bahk Do is a beautiful art to learn and a lifestyle to enjoy.

Ruth McLaughlin began her martial arts training in Tae Kwon Do in 1987 and earned her black belt in 1994. She then discovered Soo Bahk Do at Karate Junction. Realizing the great value that Soo Bahk Do had to offer, she joined and earned Cho Dan (1st degree black belt) in 1999. Ruth also has trained extensively in Tai Chi, earning the rank of black belt. She has extensive experience with children as well as teaching physically and mentally challenged students.

Valer Popa began Soo Bahk Do in 1996 when he was six years old. He tested for cho dan (1st degree black belt) in 2000 and Ee dan (2nd degree black belt) in 2003. In 2005, Valer received jo kyo (assistant instructor) certificate and a year later he tested for sam dan (3rd degree black belt). What he loves best about Soo Bahk Do is its focus on tradition as well as rigorous training, its hospitality towards newcomers, and its development of self discipline in its practitioners.