The European Tang Soo Do Federation (ETSDF) is the official European branch of the International Martial Arts Association (I.M.A.), founded by Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi. Under the guidance of Grandmaster Suresh Nar, 8th Dan, who serves as President and Chief Instructor, the ETSDF is committed to preserving the essence of traditional Tang Soo Do while preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.
Tang Soo Do, one of the oldest and most respected Korean martial arts, draws from ancient Korean kicking arts such as Tae Kyun and incorporates the soft, fluid movements found in traditional Chinese martial systems. While it maintains its traditional structure, discipline, and etiquette, Tang Soo Do is a practical and powerful system of self-defense, physical conditioning, and mental development.
At the ETSDF, we don’t just teach techniques , we develop character. Students are trained in a safe, disciplined, and supportive environment that emphasizes respect, humility, perseverance, and integrity. Our dojangs are located across England, Scotland, Ireland, Malta, Finland, and Italy, forming a diverse and united European community.
A Federation Built on Tradition and Leadership
The ETSDF is led by a dedicated leadership team of senior practitioners who are lifelong students of Grandmaster S. Nar. Their combined experience, technical excellence, and commitment to the art help steer the growth and governance of Tang Soo Do throughout Europe.
Grandmaster Suresh Nar, 8th Dan – President & Chief Instructor
Master Paul McManus, 7th Dan – Vice President, SAC Member
Master Andy Young, 7th Dan – Secretary General, Head of Dan Testing, TAC Member
Master Nick Richards, 6th Dan – Treasurer, TAC Member
Master Ian Wallace, 6th Dan – Head of Communications, TAC Member
Master Carl Morphew, 6th Dan – Tournament Coordinator, TAC Member
Together, this leadership group ensures the technical quality, cultural authenticity, and ethical strength of Tang Soo Do across all ETSDF clubs.
Part of the I.M.A. Il Shim Group , One Heart, One Purpose
The ETSDF is proud to be part of the I.M.A. Il Shim Group, a select team of senior martial artists , all 6th Dan and above , personally chosen by Grandmaster Ki Yun Yi. The Il Shim Group was created to guide the future of Tang Soo Do in Europe and beyond, ensuring the art’s traditional values are never lost, even as it evolves in a modern world.
Il Shim (一心) means “One Heart.” But it is more than a phrase , it’s a way of thinking, living, and training.
It represents:
- Unity of purpose
- Purity of intent
- Loyalty to our art, our masters, and each other
The I.M.A. Il Shim Group works in harmony to spread Tang Soo Do with respect, discipline, and heart , just as it was passed down by our teachers.
Our Mission
The mission of the European Tang Soo Do Federation is clear:
To teach authentic Tang Soo Do at the highest level while instilling the values of traditional martial arts , respect, discipline, honesty, and service.
Our goal is not simply to produce strong fighters, but strong people. We believe that every student who steps onto the mat should leave not just more skilled, but more confident, more focused, and more connected to their community.
As Grandmaster S. Nar teaches us, our role as martial artists goes beyond the dojang. We are expected to give back , to lead with humility, to act with honor, and to be positive forces in the lives of others.
Tang Soo!
For more information, visit: www.europeantsd.com