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Master Ted Mason
8th Dan
Pin # 12895
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Master Ted Mason, 8th Dan, began practicing the art of Tang Soo Do
in 1964 under Master Don Garrett (# 5991). He was awarded his Cho
Dan in 1967, and in 1968 opened his own studio. In 1971, he opened
Oceanside Soo
Bahk Do in Oceanside, CA,
the studio where he continues to teach.
He began practicing Kendo (Japanese Swordsmanship) in 1974 in San
Diego with Yamanishi Sensei and has trained with Yamaguchi Sensei in
Costa Mesa since 1989. He presently holds a Yon-Dan (4th Degree) in
that art as well as a San Dan (3rd Degree) in Iaido (the art of
drawing a sword). He has been teaching Soo Bahk Do for the Carlsbad
Parks and Recreation Department since 1973.
He was elected to the Board of Directors of the
U.S. Soo
Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation
from 1978 to 1996, and elected Chairman of the Board of Directors
serving in 1986, 1987, 1990, and 1991. In 2005 he was appointed to
the Hu Kyun In (Guardians of the art) and elected as its Chairman.
He also has a lifetime credential in Personal Self Defense awarded
by The California Community Colleges.
In
1974 Roberto Villalba, the president of a large association in
Argentina was visiting California to receive training from an
instructor in Los Angeles. Disappointed with what he was being
taught, he found Master Mason’s studio in Oceanside and began
training with him. Upon returning to his country, Mr. Villalba
convinced a number of schools to join the Moo Duk Kwan and begin
practicing Tang Soo Do. One such school was operated by Gustavo
Poletti in Buenos Aires.
Master
Mason sponsored Master Poletti’s immigration to the U.S. in 1983
where he began living in Southern California and opened a school of
his own. Master Poletti has since attained the rank 6th Dan. Because
of Master Mason's efforts with the Argentinian schools, he has come
to be known there as "El Padrino", or The Godfather.
In
1980, Ted Mason competed in the California Police Olympics and won
gold medals in both Form and Sparring Divisions. He won a silver
medal in sparring in the International Police Olympics held in New
York later that year. In 1993 he retired from the California Highway
Patrol after over 27 years of service as a State Traffic Officer. He
was the area training officer instructing methods of arrest,
handcuffing, and use of weapons (Pistol, Shotgun and police baton).
In
addition to his own success in competition, Master Mason also
instructed the late Howard Jackson, a # 1 tournament competitor in
the 70's and a Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee.
Both
Master Mason and his wife Master Keiko Mason, 6th Dan, have
performed as officials in National and International Championships
and given seminars and clinics in England, Argentina, Korea, New
York, Texas, Washington, New Jersey, California and Florida.
