Our History

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Studio History

Master George Dolby x

From L to R: Grandmaster Hwang Kee, Master Martinov, Master Shin, and Master Norris (these 4 persons make up our lineage in Soo Bahk Do).

Dolby Soo Bahk Do (formerly Lakewood Karate Studio) has been firmly planted in the Lakewood and Long Beach, CA communities for over 30 years.

The studio opened in November 1970 as one of Chuck Norris' Karate Studios (owned & operated by Chuck Norris ). Mr. Norris studied the art of Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do while serving in the Air Force and stationed in Korea. Upon his return stateside, Mr. Norris opened a chain of karate studios in the Southern California area bearing his name and began teaching the Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do style of karate.

George Dolby started his martial arts career in 1968 at the Chuck Norris Karate Studio in Torrance, CA and ultimately became the instructor at the Chuck Norris Karate Studio in Lakewood, CA.

In 1974 George Dolby purchased the studio and continued his training under the guidance of Master Victor Martinov. Master Martinov, an 8th Dan (our black belt level), is one of the "founding fathers" responsible for the formation of the United States Soo Bahk Do Federation. Master Martinov is also honored as a charter member of the United States Soo Bahk Do Association by Grand Master Hwang Kee.

In 1988 George Dolby received the rank of Master, 4th Dan. With perseverance and dedication Master Dolby achieved the rank of 5th Dan in 1999.

Lakewood Karate moved to a newer and larger facility in July 2004 and changed its name to Dolby Soo Bahk Do.

Over the years many Lakewood Karate/Dolby Soo Bahk Do students have won individual and team championships on a local, regional and national level at Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do tournaments. Most of Master Dolby's school age students (elementary through high school) are successful scholars in the classroom as well.

Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan History

Grandmaster Hwang Kee

Grandmaster H.C. Hwang

Soo Bahk Do is a Korean traditional martial art whose history dates back many centuries. The kicking techniques, for which Soo Bahk Do is renowned, are based on the Moo Duk Kwan style as developed by Kwang Jang Nim Hwang Kee. Soo Bahk Do is both a hard and soft art. Grandmaster Hwang Kee was a martial arts prodigy having mastered Tae Kyun (another Korean martial art not related to Tae Kwon Do) at the age of 22. In 1936 he traveled to Northern China where he encountered the Chinese martial arts. From 1936 to 1945 he combined Eastern wisdom and developed what is now known as Soo Bahk Do. Soo Bahk Do is not a sport. It is not essentially competitive, although it has great combat applications. As a classical martial art its purpose is to develop every aspect of the self in order to create a mature person who totally integrates his/her intellect, body, emotions, and spirit. This integration helps to create a person free from inner conflict and who can deal with the outside world in a mature, intelligent, forthright, and virtuous manner.

Grandmaster Hwang Kee established his first Soo Bahk Do school under the name "Moo Duk Kwan". This school developed into a force that has had the greatest influence on the martial art style in modern times. The words "Moo Duk Kwan" stand for a brotherhood and school of stopping inner and outer conflict and developing virtue through Soo Bahk Do training. The Moo Duk Kwan name gives us direction and focus in our mental training. Soo Bahk Do is the technique and Moo Duk Kwan is the philosophy. The two combined produce a total development that increases the benefits of both. From this harmony is created an awareness of being that makes Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan training a valuable art form.

Prior to 1974 there were many American Dan (Black Belt) holders teaching and promoting the art without standardization, regulation, communication, or leadership. The Grandmaster decided that a United States organization must be established to unify and standardize the art. In 1975 the United States Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation was established, guided by an elected and appointed Board of Directors.
There are approximately 2,000,000 Soo Bahk Do students with over 30,000 Dan holders worldwide.

Master George Dolby x	From L to R: Grandmaster Hwang Kee, Master Martinov, Master Shin, and Master Norris (these 4 persons make up our lineage in Soo Bahk Do).

Dolby Soo Bahk Do (formerly Lakewood Karate Studio) has been firmly planted in the Lakewood and Long Beach, CA communities for over 30 years. The studio opened in November 1970 as one of Chuck Norris' Karate Studios (owned & operated by Chuck Norris ). Mr. Norris studied the art of Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do while serving in the Air Force and stationed in Korea. Upon his return stateside, Mr. Norris opened a chain of karate studios in the Southern California area bearing his name and began teaching the Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do style of karate. George Dolby started his martial arts career in 1968 at the Chuck Norris Karate Studio in Torrance, CA and ultimately became the instructor at the Chuck Norris Karate Studio in Lakewood, CA. In 1974 George Dolby purchased the studio and continued his training under the guidance of Master Victor Martinov. Master Martinov, an 8th Dan (our black belt level), is one of the "founding fathers" responsible for the formation of the United States Soo Bahk Do Federation. Master Martinov is also honored as a charter member of the United States Soo Bahk Do Association by Grand Master Hwang Kee. In 1988 George Dolby received the rank of Master, 4th Dan. With perseverance and dedication Master Dolby achieved the rank of 5th Dan in 1999. Lakewood Karate moved to a newer and larger facility in July 2004 and changed its name to Dolby Soo Bahk Do. Over the years many Lakewood Karate/Dolby Soo Bahk Do students have won individual and team championships on a local, regional and national level at Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do tournaments. Most of Master Dolby's school age students (elementary through high school) are successful scholars in the classroom as well.