Sa Bom Nim Shipley was born in Dayton Ohio on October 18, 1941 and raised in California - his early years in Southern Cal and later in Northern California (Cloverdale, Healdsburg). 

He began his Tang Soo Do/Soo Bahk Do career in the Republic of Korea inthe fall of 1960 while stationed with the Air Force at Osan Airbase.  His instructor was Master Kim, Sung Gi - Dan Bon 327 and he trained on the military base and at the dojang off base sometimes as many as 6 days a week and up to twice a day when time permitted.  Sa Born Nim Shipley was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee in the spring of 1962 and was awarded his Cho Dan in October, 1962.  In 1963 he was married to Han, Kyong Ok, promoted to 2nd Dan and celebrated the birth of his first child - Robert (IV).

In 1971, he formed Hawaii Tang Soo Do, started practicing Sumo, and enjoyed the birth of his third child - Beatrice.  In 1973 he was awarded his 4th Dan and Sa Bom during a personal visit from the Kwan Jang Nim.  He was awarded his 5th Dan in 1992 and his 6th Dan in 1996.

 The 70's were a very active time for Sa Bom Nim Shipley as he was actively competing in tournaments in Tang Soo Do, Kendo, and Sumo.  He was also invited by the Kwan Jang Nim to attend the early planning meetings organizing the U.S. Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation.  He was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federation by Kwan Jang Nim.  He was also elected to the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Martial Arts Assoc. in 1976.

 Sa Bom Nim Shipley moved to the Portland Oregon area in 1987 to further his career in the airline industry and opened Camas Karate in Camas Washington in November of 1990.  He is currently on Sabbatical in Rome, Italy while his wife pursues opportunities with the U.N. Organization "World Food".

Sa Bom Nim Shipley has served in many capacities in the U.S. Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation including Charter Member, Board member, Board Secretary, Regional Examiner, and his current appointment by the Kwan Jang Nim as a member of the Neh Gung Bu of the Technical Advisory Committee.

Sa Bom Nim Shipley’s knowledge of Korean language, culture and history have enabled him to make unique and valuable contributions to our art and organization.

Sa Bom Nim Shipley would like to thank Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee for his vision to found the Moo Duk Kwan, his dedication and Yong Gi to persevere when times were difficult, and most of all for his steadfast example as a Moo Do model who has made many sacrifices for the sake of justice, honor, and our Moo Duk Kwan family.

Soo Bahk!

Exerpt from Certified Instructors News May 2001