Kyo Sa Nim Pugh was born in Plant City, Florida.  But, he got to Texas as quickly as he could.  He graduated high school in Michigan, got married, joined the Army, and as soon as he was stationed at Fort Hood, he decided to stay.  Mr. Pugh has lived in Belton since 1991 and does not plan to leave.

Kyo Sa Nim Pugh has been studying Tang Soo Do since November 1996.  He began his studies at Temple Tang Soo Do under the guidance of Master JD Lawler.  Due to scheduling conflicts at work, as a Green Belt, Mr. Pugh transferred to The Karate School in Austin to continue his studies with Sa Bom Nim Donny Meadows in the International Tang Soo Do Federation (ITF).  In March 2002, He completed all testing requirements and was awarded the rank of Cho Can (1st Degree Black Belt).  Mr. Pugh then began working as an Assistant Instructor and in April 2004 was awarded the rank of Ee Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) and the title of Kyo Sa Nim (Certified Instructor).

In January 2005, Kyo Sa Nim Pugh began studying with his current instructor, Sa Bom Nim Hoke Nunan, at the Tang Soo Do Academy in Cedar Park, Texas.  In May 2007, Mr. Pugh successfully completed all testing requirements and was awarded Ee Dan and Kyo Sa certification in Tang Soo Do Mi Guk Kwan, thus holding these ranks in two separate organizations.

Kyo Sa Nim Pugh's Martial Arts Resume

December 1996     Began Tang Soo Do training at Temple Tang Soo Do, Temple, Texas

January 1999        Resumed Tang Soo Do training with Sa Bom Nim Donny Meadow, Austin, Texas

April 2002            Tested for Cho Dan (1st degree black belt) in U.S. Tang Soo Do Alliance

April 2004            Tested for Ee Dan and Kyo Sa in U.S. Tang Soo Do Alliance

January 2005        Resumed Tang Soo Do training with Sa Bom Nim Hoke Nunan, Cedar Park, Texas

July 2006             Opened Belton Martial Arts Academy in Belton, Texas

May 2007             Cross Ranked at Ee Dan and Kyo Sa in Tang Soo Do Mi Guk Kwan Association

September 2007    Second Place Senior Men's Weapons Forms at 2007 Lone Star Invitational

April 2008             Began American Style Nunchaku training under Grand Master Michael Burke