Land of the Sky Instructors, Mentors, and Masters
Grandmaster Hwang Kee (Kwang Jang Nim) is a legendary Korean Martial Artist. He founded Tang Soo Do and established the Moo Duk Kwan, or school of martial virtue. He believed martial arts were not meant to be sports, but rather, combat effective art forms that cultivated human character. Grandmaster Hwang Kee passed away on 14 July, 2002. His lineage is passed on to us through Master Chuck Blackburn, 5th Dan, head of the Spiritual Martial Arts Association.
Sean Kennedy is a 5th Dan Shidoshi in Budo Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and holds a black belt rank in Kempo Karate. After studying many styles of harder martial arts he found Ninpo to be an ideal life-way and dedicated his life to furthering the art through realistic and sincere practice. Natural body movement is a theme he carries on from Papa-san which emphasizes flow and sensitivity. He specializes in multiple attacker scenarios and Japanese weapons (Kobudo). He is head instructor of the Kasumi Yama Dojo in Asheville and holds public classes at UNC-A and the NCSHH (see Links page.)
Sean is also employed as a master carpenter and loves getting out into the mountains with Spencer. He is currently engaged to Sarah Kosub, 4th Dan Bujinkan.
Eustace Conway , decade long friend and mentor to Spencer, director of Turtle Island Preserve (near 30 years in wilderness, still going!)
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Eric Gobert is our Resident expert on knots, strength training, and nutrition. Eric served in Gulf War I with the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman and is a remarkable teacher. He has been studying Budo Taijutsu with Paul La Russo for 1 ½ years and helps out with everything imaginable and then some.
Eric can be found everywhere from a cold, mud, pool to a warm kitchen preparing the best, healthy, food you can find. Eric is currently a member of the University of Georgia's sustainable biofueld program where he serves as intercollegiate liason and input technician.
The most recent addition to our team is Melody Bolejack! Mel is a CMT and works in Physical Therapy near Asheville. In addition to offering classes on healing and bodywork Melody is a Basic's graduate of traditional plants knowledge through the NC School of Holistic Herbalism.
Melody also trains in Budo Taijutsu with her husband Spencer.
Paul LaRusso is 3rd Dan in Budo Taijutsu and student of Sean Kennedy and Ed Martin. Paul teaches out of his own school on the other side of town, but lends his expertise to anyone seeking to further their Taijutsu skills and often attends combat and wilderness seminars hosted by LOTSMA.
PauPauPaul is also an expert builder and a great Dad ll
Christy Blankenship is an invaluable member of our summer support staff. She is a Certified Bodyworker who is ranked in Kung Fu and Tang Soo Do. Christy earned her B.A. at Appalachian State University in history and education and currently teaches high school in Forsyth County, NC.
Christy is also an avid rock climber, loves dancing, and has slammed many an unsuspecting warrior!
Sarah Kosub has earned her place among teachers of the Bujinkan. Testing for her Shodan at 8 months pregnant Sarah continued developing Taijutsu for pregnant women and parents of young children. She directed childrens programs for Kasumi Yama Dojo and specialized in assault prevention, awareness, and empowerement for women in the healing process. Sarah was known for her knowledge of plants, nutritional foods, and being a great parent. She embodied the Kunoichi model of grace and feminity while inflicting a great deal of pain on her Ukes. Sarah held a 4th Dan in Budo Taijutsu.
Sarah passed away December 6th, 2008 after a year long battle with breast cancer. She was 29 years old. R.I.P Sarah, no one knows but a select few what a true warrior you are.
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Instructor Spencer Bolejack has studied Korean Tang Soo Do for 18 years and continues to teach in Black Mountain, NC. His dedication to Budo Taijutsu has also led him to Ni Dan (2nd black) in the Bujinkan. Bolejack is certified in a variety of healing arts and earned his B.A. from the University of NC - Asheville, with a degree in history and education. 'Two Dogs', as he is often called, lived three primitive years in the mountains and specializes in wilderness skills and Appalachian lore. He is honored to be a member of a Cherokee clan which carries on traditional knowledge. Most recently, Bolejack was awarded the Veterans of Foreign Wars Citizenship in Education Award for 2008 in his county, region, and for the State of North Carolina. Former Army reservist, Bolejack teaches 8th grade and coaches wrestling near Asheville.
He also enjoys sailing Hobies, surfing, and has authored 2 CD's of original mountain music!