Personal Information
Where were you born?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Family members involved in Tang Soo Do:
The whole family is involved with Tang Soo Do starting with my husband Master Mujahid Khan, who is Yuk Dan. My children, Noreen, is a Sam Dan, Aisha, is a Sam Dan and Safiya, is a Cho Dan.
Profession or trade outside of Tang Soo Do:
Recently given up my job as a Teacher’s Assistant to commitment myself full-time to TSD.
Academic accomplishments/military service:
High school graduate.
Martial Arts Career
When, where and why you started Tang Soo Do?
I started TSD in June 1987 in Huntingdon, Cambridge. My Instructor was my husband Master
Mujahid Khan. The reason I originally started TSD was to lose weight after my second child. I had NO INTENTIONS of promoting or getting into the belt system!
What were your first impressions when you started and how have they changed?
My first impressions was that it was just a way to keep in shape and that was it. I never realized my life would eventually revolve around TSD and it become my way of life and become part of this wonderful family!
Any other martial arts studied?
No. I think TSD has so much to offer that I never felt the need to study anything else.
Notable accomplishments in the martial arts field?
I was the first female black belt in my area and I am the first female Master in Great Britain and the first female WTSDA Master in Europe (Region#11).
Train others (police, military, etc.)
I haven't trained others such as police etc.but I would like to train nurses and teachers.
Tang Soo Do Career
What was your Master’s thesis on, why did you choose it, and what did you learn from it?
My Master’s thesis was on the various learning difficulties that affect children and how TSD can benefit those affected. I learned so much about how each difficulty can affect a child differently and how TSD can help those children and sometimes even help them overcome it totally.
What is your favorite part of Tang Soo Do?
I can’t say I have a favorite part because I enjoy ALL parts of TSD. I do favor teaching children.
How and why do you continue to train and serve in the WTSDA?
I continue to train and serve WTSDA because I feel I owe so much to WTSDA. I enjoy every moment of my time in teaching and practicing TSD. TSD is my life!
Who are some of your role models in and out of WTSDA?
In WTSDA it has to be Grandmaster Shin, my instructor Master Khan and All The G.B. Masters. Outside of WTSDA I would say Cynthia Rothrock.
What are some of your favorite memories of your time in TSD?
There are many, but to list a few I would have to say my First World Championship in 1990 and when I achieved my Masters Rank.
What is your favorite weapon and why?
My favorite weapon is the Jang Gum because it was such a challenge for me. I found it a big transition from the Dan Gum to the Jang Gum.
Difference between when you first started training and today?
When I first started training it was the NO PAIN, NO GAIN approach and hardly any women trained, but now a days it more pace yourself and enjoy all parts of your TSD training. Nowadays sometimes there are MORE women than men in the class.
Other information or views as related to WTSDA that you would like to highlight.
I feel that our Association is such a family orientated association that's what makes it such a worldwide association. It has brought many families closer together and mine is one of them. I don't think many other forms of physical fitness that have the family feeling to them.
Advice/Words of Wisdom:
Youth, teen and/or adult martial artist:
To youth I would say 'Cherish being young and doing TSD because when you become an adult it's a lot harder'. To all adults 'Never give up your goals in TSD regardless of your age'.
Teaching tips or ways you make classes more exciting:
I vary my class every lesson. I always think of ways to make it fun for the kids and a new learning experience for the adults. I like to make sure I cater for all the students in my class i.e. slow learns, young & old.
Personal comments and your goals for future?
I would like to thank Grandmaster Shin, Master Khan and all those who have helped me achieve what I have this far in my TSD career. To all those of you who take the time to read this I thank you for sacrificing the time to do so. I hope with the help of God to continue on my path of TSD for the rest of my life. Tang Soo!
