About Master Darnell Leak

Master Leak began his martial arts training over 50 years ago. In addition to earning the title of Master of Tang Soo Do, he has also studied the arts of Kong Soo Do, Isshin-Ryu, Kempo, Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu, Okinawa Kempo, Judo, and Aikido.

Master Leak continued his undaunted commitment and devotion to his life's work in martial arts through his teaching of men, women, and children of all ages.

Those who train under Master Leak find themselves in the presence of a truly remarkable soul, whose wisdom, knowledge, and vision inspire us all to find inner peace through devotion and commitment to improving ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.

All members who dedicate themselves to the study of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan under Master Darnell Leak shall seek truth, work at developing their endurance, and value confidence and peace of mind.

Members of Leak's Karate College shall conduct themselves seriously and proudly at all times as examples of what proper martial artists should be.

 

 
Black Belt Society

Darnell Leak began his martial arts in September 1963 in the old Korean art of Kong Soo Do under Master Park Soo Kim. After Master Kim left, Master Leak continued his training under other instructors at the Y.M.C.A. in Greenwood, South Carolina.

In 1970, he joined the United States Marine Corp. After leaving Paris Island, he went to Camp Pendleton in California. There he studied Isshin-Ryu on base. 

In nearby Oceanside, CA, he met Ted Mason and Howard Jackson, and he began studying Tang Soo Do. Also, he later studied Kempo with Steve Sanders in Los Angelos.

Master Leak went to Okinawa where he devoted himself to further martial arts studies. He studied Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu under Grandmaster Eizo Shamabukuro, Okinawan Kempo under Grandmaster Sechichi Odo, Judo, and Aikido.

He moved back to South Carolina in 1974 and began teaching martial arts at the same Y.M.C.A. he began his martials learning. He also taught at the Seaboard Recreation Center. 

He began going to tournaments and met Ronnie Barkoot. He joined the Barkoot Competition Team in 1976 which later retired undefeated.

In 1980, he met Master Sung Duk Cho and trained in Tang Soo Do. In 1982 he became the US Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation Grand Champion and the Tang Soo Do World Champion to name just a few of his accomplishments.