By Krystle J Bailey
The World Tang Soo Do Association was formed 40 years ago by Master Jae Chul Shin. Since then, the association has expanded to include over 36 countries, 900 studios, and 217,000 members. Among the hundreds of thousands of members, only one can be named Instructor of the Year at the bi-annual Tang Soo Do World Championship. This year, that accolade belongs to Brigantine’s own, Heidi Devine.
Devine, who recently opened a second martial arts studio in Brigantine, has been training Tang Soo Do for over 18 years. She has been devoted to passing on the gifts of martial arts as an instructor for 14 of those years. Now with two studios in Atlantic County, Heidi Devine’s passion, devotion, and love for the martial arts is passed down to each student that walks through her doors.
“When I started practicing martial arts, I realized why ice skating, gymnastics, and everything else never worked out for me. It was the best thing I’ve ever done, and I want to give that to anybody who needs it,” explains Devine, who prides herself on pushing her students with positivity.
The Tang Soo Do Hall of Fame awards take place every two years. Devine, who is currently a 3rd Degree Black Belt and training for her 4th Degree Master rank, was blindsided by the award that she calls the biggest professional achievement of her life. While attending the invitation-only Master’s Clinic prior to the World Championship, Devine shares that even after hearing her name announced as Instructor of the Year, it took several moments for reality to set in that they were, in fact, talking about her.
Coming on the heels of her new location’s grand opening, the award and recognition was confirmation for Devine that she is on the right path and exactly where she needs to be in life.
“I feel seen. This means more to me than any trophy. Martial arts gives kids something different. You get to come in and become a better person for yourself,” explains Devine, who has devoted her life to teaching karate.
Tang Soo Do focuses on three pillars that are taught through hard work and discipline: Self defense, health, and becoming a better person. The 40-year-old practice was created by Master Jae Chul Shin in 1968 when he arrived in the United States as a representative for the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association. Formed in Burlington, NJ, Tang Soo Do has grown in popularity over the decades as a well-respected association in the martial arts world. In 1982, Jae Chul Shin was recognized as Grandmaster of the World Tang Soo Do Association. The masters, instructors, and students that follow in his footsteps carry on the legacy that is built on traditionalism, professionalism, and brotherhood/sisterhood.
At Devine’s Martial Arts, with locations in Mayslanding and Brigantine, there are programs for everybody, including youth and adult martial arts, cardio kickboxing, summer camp, and a variety of special events.
Follow Devine’s Martial Arts on social media or visit DevinesMartialArts.com for more information.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
