Wasatch Martial Arts Academy: Premier Soo Bahk Do Training in Salt Lake City, Utah
Established in the fall of 2007, Wasatch Martial Arts Academy is a renowned center for Korean Karate instruction, specializing in Soo Bahk Do. Independently owned and located at the I.J. and Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center (though not directly affiliated), our school welcomes students of all backgrounds – no JCC membership required. As a certified member of the US Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation and World Moo Duk Kwan, we proudly stand as the only legally authorized school in Utah to teach the art of Soo Bahk Do, Tang Soo Do, or Moo Duk Kwan, as developed by Hwang Kee.
Our internationally certified rank promotions and direct connection to the roots of Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do ensure students receive an authentic martial arts education. Each class is taught by highly professional instructors who skillfully blend ancient philosophy, tradition, and modern scientific applications to enhance your training experience.
Choose Wasatch Martial Arts Academy for unparalleled Soo Bahk Do training in Utah. Join our community of passionate martial arts practitioners and discover the life-changing benefits of this revered martial art.
World Moo Duk Kwan®
World Moo Duk Kwan®: A Historic Martial Arts Legacy
Founded in 1945 by the visionary martial artist Hwang Kee, the Moo Duk Kwan® martial art school began as a humble establishment in Seoul, South Korea, teaching eager students and American military personnel. Over the years, the school evolved through various iterations, from Hwa Soo Do to Tang Soo Do, and ultimately to its current form, Soo Bahk Do®.
Wasatch Martial Arts Academy is proud to be the only affiliated martial art school in Utah officially recognized by the World Moo Duk Kwan®. As a legitimate representative of Moo Duk Kwan® martial art schools, we provide certified instruction in the esteemed Soo Bahk Do® martial art system.
All classes, tests, and promotions at our academy are certified by the Moo Duk Kwan®, ensuring our students receive the highest quality martial arts education rooted in tradition, authenticity, and the rich legacy of Hwang Kee’s original vision. Join us at Wasatch Martial Arts Academy and become part of this historic martial arts tradition that continues to inspire practitioners worldwide.
Soo Bahk Do®
Soo Bahk Do: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modern Science
Soo Bahk Do, the esteemed martial art we practice at Wasatch Martial Arts Academy, is a dynamic Korean discipline influenced by both soft Chinese and hard Okinawan fighting systems. Its unique fusion of quick, sharp movements and long, fluid techniques offers a balanced approach to training, rooted in East Asian wisdom and modern scientific principles.
Distinctive elements of Soo Bahk Do include the powerful use of hip movements and devastating kicks. Another defining feature is the renowned Chil Sung and Yuk Ro form series, a compilation of founder Hwang Kee’s extensive study of the ancient Moo Yei Do Bo Tong Ji text and his expertise in So Rim Jang Kwan (Shaolin Long Fist) and Tae Kuk Kwan (Tai Chi Chuan).
Soo Bahk Do transcends mere exercise or self-defense; it is a way of life that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit through three interconnected forms of training: Neh Gong, Weh Gong, and Shim Gong. By cultivating personal growth and refining one’s character, Soo Bahk Do offers a transformative journey for practitioners at Wasatch Martial Arts Academy.
Discover the profound benefits of Soo Bahk Do and embark on a life-changing martial arts experience with us.
Chief Instructor
Master Brian Corrales: Accomplished Soo Bahk Do Expert
Master Brian Corrales, owner and operator of Wasatch Martial Arts Academy, brings over 30 years of martial arts training and 20 years of teaching experience to his students. Master Corrales holds a 6th Dan rank in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan and is a certified Sa Bom, the highest teaching certification in the discipline.
As the highest-ranking Soo Bahk Do practitioner in Utah, Master Corrales operates the state’s only certified school legally authorized to teach Grandmaster Hwang Kee’s renowned art forms, including Tang Soo Do, Soo Bahk Do, and Moo Duk Kwan. His influence extends beyond the classroom, currently serving on the United States Technical Advisory Committee. Previously, he has served as a TAC Assistant, Regional Examiner, and Youth Ambassador.
He has conducted numerous regional, national, and international seminars, earned multiple National Championships, and received instruction from Soo Bahk Do founder Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee and his son Kwan Jang Nim H.C. Hwang.
In his early years, Master Corrales’ dedication and skill led to nominations in the Black Belt Hall of Fame, invitations to the USA Karate Team, and exploration of various martial arts styles, including Tae Kwon Do, Shorin-ryu, Shotokan, Budoshin Jiujitsu, Brazilian Jiujitsu, and Tang Soo Do. His diverse expertise enriches classes at Wasatch Martial Arts Academy, providing students with unique insights and exceptional Soo Bahk Do instruction.
Master Corrales holds dan number 36364, which was issued to him by Grandmaster Hwang Kee. His lineage can be traced back to the founder himself:
Our Lineage
- Hwang Kee, Kwan Jang Nim – Founder of Tang Soo Do and Soo Bahk Do as pertaining to the Moo Duk Kwan.
- Master Jae Chul Shin #698 – Founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association.
- Master Chuck Norris #2819
- Victor Martinov, Sa Bom Nim #10189 – Current member of the Senior Advisory Committee to the World Moo Duk Kwan
- Jeff Moonitz, Sa Bom Nim #17650 – Current member of the Hu Kyun In (Guardians of the Art)
- Oliver Whitcomb, Sa Bom Nim #23268 – Current Regional Examiner
- Brian Corrales, Sa Bom Nim #36364