Barbara Giacobbe, Dan # 20802, began her Tang Soo Do journey in 1978, training directly under her world-renowned older brother, Grandmaster Dominick Giacobbe. She trained vigorously every day because she believed that learning self-defense was a necessity as a young woman who grew up in Brooklyn, NY. During that time, very few women were involved in the martial arts because of its strict training and male dominance. At first, she was hesitant to join after witnessing brutal sparring matches at Madison Square Garden because she realized how tough a student must be to train in the art. With some encouragement from her brother, she found the courage to begin training.

In 1980, she received her 1st Dan. and became one of the very few women in the Tang Soo Karate Academy to pass her test, but like the others, she had to earn it the hard way. Black Belt Initiations were very tough and it tested the mind like no other. In order for her to become a black belt, she had to prove she was worthy of being able to defend herself from any man. She had to perform a series of Hyungs, demonstrate breaking ability, and spar all of the black belts, who did not take it easy on her. She showed toughness by defending herself with confidence and courage to pass this difficult task and earned the respect of many. Ever since making black belt, she always helped instruct classes, especially with the young ones. She ended up signing up her three children: Barbara Ann, Michael, and Angela who ended up also making black belt. Then she eventually became an assistant instructor at the academy.

In 1987, she opened her own school in Washington Township, New Jersey. It wasn't your standard karate school, it specialized in teaching women and children only. A lot of her students competed and performed successfully at tournaments, making a great and respectful name for their instructor. It was a one of a kind martial arts school, inspiring women and children to join the martial arts all across the state. Eventually, men started to sign up for classes and it became a normal functioning martial arts school. Years went by and she decided to move back to teaching beside her brother to regain a balance that she felt was missing without him.

In 1989, after testing in front of her brother and his teacher, Grandmaster C.S. Kim, Barbara received her 4th Dan. Being one of the very few women to complete a huge chapter in their journey, she gained a sense of pride and major respect from her peers. This achievement motivated her to continue with her training, as well as being one of the best Tang Soo Do instructors for everyone who practiced.

In the early 90's, she started working with the Atlantic City Casinos, teaching self-defense and the art of Tang Soo Do to all the employees. Barbara and her brother, Grandmaster Dominick Giacobbe, would travel down to the casinos and teach the employees on their lunch break. They became friends with the employees as well as the president of the casinos, Dennis Gomes, who became a Master under their instruction. In the summer, she ran camps and programs in small towns to teach self-defense for local school children. She became a notable instructor of the art and the number of students from all across the state increased.

In December of 2015, Master Barbara Giacobbe was awarded her 8th Dan, being one of the very few females to truly make it to Grandmaster. She is now one of five Masters and the first female to make it to 8th Dan in the Intercontinental Tang Soo Do Organization. She dedicated her entire life to the martial arts and continues to be highly respected in the Tang Soo Do community.