Chief Instructor - Mr. Dave Mukherjee
Mr. Dave Mukherjee is the owner and chief instructor of Austin Karate Academy. Mr. Mukherjee has a life-long fascination with martial arts and began training when he was 12 years old. Currently he holds a third degree Black Belt and instructor's certification from the World Tang Soo Do Association. Mr. Mukherjee is a strong proponent of Grand Master Jae Chul Shin's philosophy of using martial arts training to develop the whole person. Mr. Mukherjee believes that training in Martial Arts can play an important role in mental and physical development - it provides a boost to self confidence, mental discipline, and refinement of motor skills. His main philosophy is to provide an environment where students are surrounded by a family environment where they can develop mind, body and spirit through training in Tang Soo Do.
Over the years Mr. Mukherjee studied different martial arts like Kyokushin-Kai Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Tang Soo Do. He is also an Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified Kickboxing instructor. Mr. Mukherjee competed and won awards in numerous regional and World Championships. He is the regional Black Belt Grand Champion for last five years (2005-2009) in a row - he likes to lead by example! Mr. Mukherjee is currently training towards his 4th Dan (Master).
Interesting facts about Mr. Mukherjee
- Over 25 years practicing and instructing Martial Arts
- 2007 Regional Instructor of the year
- Five years in a row - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Regional Black Belt Grand Champion
- Specialize in open hand, joint locks, kicking techniques and sparring drills
- Holds a Master Degree in Computer Science and training to be a Master in Tang Soo Do
Assistant Chief Instructor - Ms. Carol Jury
Ms. Carol Jury has been training in martial arts for more than eight years. She originally began her training as junior in high school at an informal Tang Soo Do studio. When she graduated and left for college, she joined the Penn State Martial Arts Group and officially became a member of the World Tang Soo Do Association. Ms. Jury earned her Black Belt as a senior in college. Later she moved to Austin, Texas and formally joined Austin Karate Academy where she obtained her second degree Black Belt. Ms. Jury is currently training for her third degree Black Belt under the tutelage of Mr. Dave Mukherjee.
Assistant Instructor - Mr. Tim Dalton
Mr. Tim Dalton has been training in Tang Soo Do for almost 6 years. He got interested while watching his daughter train in Tang Soo Do and thought that would be something that they can do together. Mr. Dalton received his Black Belt in 2008. He had been an instructor trainee for over 30 months, and once he became a first Dan, he obtained his Instructor's certification right away. Mr. Dalton is one of the first few Black Belts produced by Mr. Mukherjee at the Austin Karate Academy.
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