Teachers Empowering Communities
The Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Foundation (APTSD Foundation) is proud to highlight the remarkable teachers who dedicate their time and expertise to making a difference in the lives of students and their communities. These instructors not only teach on behalf of the Foundation but also receive scholarship funds to support their schools and at-risk youth, ensuring that martial arts training and leadership development remain accessible to all.
These teachers, along with many others within the APTSDF, are at the forefront of empowering individuals and communities. By fostering leadership, character, and personal growth, they are helping to shape a brighter future for students around the world.
Sunim Sabom Nim/Master Instructor/5th Degree
Sister Kathleen Navarra, a dedicated Sister of St. Joseph of Rochester, has been working with the Edmundite Missions for over 26 years. Her lifelong commitment to service has included parish ministry and leading St. Martin’s Kitchen in inner-city Rochester, where she provided essential support to underserved communities.
After relocating to Selma, Sister Kathleen continued her mission of empowerment by organizing an Edmundite afterschool program for middle school students. Currently, she coordinates an ACT Academy as part of the Sisters’ Initiative of the Conrad Hilton Foundation, focusing on providing educational support and development opportunities for young people.
In addition to her ministry work, Sister Kathleen is a passionate Tang Soo Do martial artist, holding a 5th Degree Black Belt. She shares her expertise and enthusiasm for the martial arts by teaching Tang Soo Do as a hobby and as a means to inspire and empower youth in her community. She leads two at-risk youth programs:
- Selma Karate Academy in Selma, Alabama
- Vtown Family Karate in Vredenburgh, Alabama
Through these programs, Sister Kathleen combines her dedication to service with the discipline and life lessons of martial arts, helping at-risk youth develop confidence, character, and resilience. Her efforts are a testament to the transformative power of martial arts in fostering personal growth and breaking cycles of hardship.
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Bu Sabom Nim/3rd Degree
Mr. Misita, a long-time student of 7th Dan Senior Master Stacey Busby, plays a vital role in expanding the reach of Tang Soo Do and the mission of the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation (APTSDF). Currently, he delivers instruction at Tiger’s Den Karate in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he shares his expertise and passion for martial arts.
Beyond his local role, Mr. Misita also serves as the Interim Representative Co-Instructor of Nepal Tang Soo Do in Kapan, Kathmandu, Nepal.
In his role in Nepal, Mr. Misita works closely with the region’s Tang Soo Do practitioners, ensuring the continued training and development of the Nepali APTSDF student body. He makes regular visits to the Himalayan Kingdom, where he collaborates with Nepali Black Belt Leadership to conduct rigorous training sessions and impactful defense campaigns.
These initiatives take place in a variety of settings, including:
- Military Installations: Offering specialized training for soldiers, focusing on martial arts principles and practical defense techniques.
- Secondary Schools: Empowering students with martial arts training while fostering discipline, confidence, and life skills.
- Annual Female Self-Defense Campaigns: Teaching vital self-defense strategies to women and girls, promoting personal safety and empowerment.
- Programs for Disabled Individuals: Conducting adaptive martial arts sessions for wheelchair-bound and specially-abled individuals, proving that martial arts is accessible to everyone.
Through his work in both the United States and Nepal, Mr. Misita exemplifies the global spirit of Tang Soo Do, combining physical training with life-changing lessons in leadership, discipline, and resilience. His dedication to spreading the values of Tang Soo Do continues to leave a profound impact on diverse communities, bridging cultures and inspiring individuals to grow and thrive.
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Kyosa Nim /1st Degree
Mr. Bibek Giri is a student of Bu Sabom Nim Mr. Tony Misita. He currently teaches at Nepal Tang Soo Do in Kapan, Kathmandu, Nepal. With the assistance of Mr. Misita and our APTSDF Foundation, he was instrumental in founding the first Tang Soo Do school in the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom.
Mr. Giri currently continues to receive annual visits from Mr. Misita, with the purpose of continuing the training of our Nepali APTSDF school in Nepal, as well as organizing self defense campaigns with the assistance of our Nepali Blackbelt Leadership in a variety of settings. Mr.
Giri was instrumental in managing our last and 3rd Female Self Defense Awareness Campaign, which reached 10 schools, our highest number so far, 3 of which were in very remote village locations in Province #1/Mt. Everest Region; a campaign which additionally included the largest number of young ladies and women visited, with an annual Female Self-Defense Awareness Campaign since we started the annual event.
Mr. Giri has over 10 years of experience related to his personal training and delivering student instruction.
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