David Zacker Founder and Head of TSDMAS

David A Zacker

Born in Dearborn, MI in 1956, Grand Master Zacker endured a challenging life as a youth. With no father figure in the picture, his family moved to River Rouge, MI in 1960. David Zacker's challenges heightened when his mother passed away in 1963, leaving his grandmother to raise him, his brother Ed and his sister, Suzanne, by herself. The family lived in a small suburb just outside of Detroit, Michigan, and after the Detroit riots broke out, David Zacker’s Grandmother decided it was time for him to learn to defend himself.

David Zacker and Ed first began training in Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do with Mr. Steve Kelley, a black belt who had just returned home from Korea. Mr. Kelley’s nephew, Allen Tacket, was a friend of Grand Master Zacker’s and thus his journey began, training with Ed and Allen. During this time, David Zacker would watch classes being taught by then Master Dale T. Drouillard in the church basement of Our Lady Of Lourdes, across the street from his house in River Rouge, and finally his grandmother enrolled him to train at the Ecorse Rowing Club under the Direction of The Korean Karate Academy.

Continuing his journey, David Zacker trained under Mr. Manuel Salis, Jr. in the early 70’s. Mr. Salis was one of the top students of the infamous Mr. Ed Ormanian at the Ecorse Rowing Club. David Zacker recalls the training being hard and disciplined, with his gup tests held at the legendary Korean Karate Academy in Allen Park, originally formed by Master Ed Ormanian, Master Dale Drouillard and Master Gary Hasson. Master Ormanian trained under and with the founder of Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do, Grand Master Hwang Kee, and Hwang Kee's son, Master H. C. Hwang.

David Zacker continued to train with Master Ormanian's club through the 70's. Many great fighters were born from that club including Maurice Tubbs, Gerald Martin, John Glenn, Jim Cook, Steve Salas, Dennis Salas, and more! The hardest part of training back then, recalls Grand Master Zacker, was the knuckle push ups and korean hops which were nothing compared to sparring the likes of Aaron Ormanian (son of Ed Ormanian) and the now late Ed Malley

Rank earned through the Korean karate Academy Master Edward C. Ormanian. Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

 1970 and throughout the 1970's

9th gup Purple belt  Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

8th gup Purple Belt  Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

7th gup Purple Belt  Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

6th gup Green belt   Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

5th gup Green belt   Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

4th gup Green belt   Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

Rank Earned through American Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Association / Saul M Kim / Grand Master Jae Joon Kim Tang Soo Do.

3rd Gup Red Belt  Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

2nd Gup Red Belt Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

1st Gup  Red Belt Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

In 1980, David Zacker began training under the late Grand Master Jae Joon Kim, Dan #38. Grandmaster Jae Joon Kim started his training in Tang Soo Do in 1945 under the direct guidance of Grandmaster Hwang Kee. Grand Master Jae Joon Kim went on to become the President & Founder of the World Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Federation.

David Zacker Earns 1st Dan Under Grand Master Jae Joon Kim / Kims Karate 21556 Grand River Detroit Michigan. Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do

It was after that time Mid 1980s that David Zacker Visited and trained at Grand Master Drouillard's club for a short time at the YMCA in Wyandotte, MI, Grandmaster Bobby Bell Taught Jujutsu at The YMCA in Wyandotte Michigan on alternate nights, And trained again with Master Ormanian in Allen Park, MI. Then at the laphem Center In Allen Park Michigan. Master Ormanian trained him in traditional Chinese weapons as well as Tang Soo Do. David Zacker also trained at Wynn's Tang Soo Do with the late Eli Wynn.

In the 1980's, David Zacker opened his first school at the American GI Forum hall in Detroit where he had over 300 students and taught them traditional Tang Soo Do and weapons. His students won many titles on the open tournament circuit and the Michigan karate circuit. David Zacker also began teaching students of Tae Kwon Do in traditional weapons forming a bond with other clubs. David Zacker turned out many fine martial artists from that old club.

Also in the 1980’s, David Zacker began training in Shotokan Karate  along with his Tang Soo Do training, With Grand Master Bobby Bell of Detroit. Training and fighting with Master Bell was full contact. David Zacker recalls that the training was intense and that the closed door training sessions sometimes lasted into the early hours of the morning. Master Bell also trained his students in the weapons of Japan and Okinawa. David Zacker further trained extensively in bunkai (applications) and pressure points within the katas/hyungs with Grand Master Bell. David Zacker formed a lasting friendship with Grand Master Bell and on October 22, 2005, awarded his friend and teacher a life time achievement award at his tournament the “War On The Floor”.

1980's Dave Zacker becomes a member of the NWMAA Under the direction of SBN Master Stanton where he earned 2nd, 3rd and 4th dan

Rank Earned through Master Stanton

1980's

2nd Dan

3rd Dan

4th Dan

Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan

1990's

4th Dan Honored and accepted Master Instructor certificate Issued with number 0098 Grand Master Chong Su Kim Pan Am Tang Soo Do Federation

Thanks to his finely tuned self defense, bunkai, and martial arts skills, David Zacker accepted positions to work as private security, and was hired as a personal body guard in Detroit, Michigan during the 1980’s.

In 1990 David Zacker was Awarded Instructor of the Year.

In the early 1990's, he opened a club at the Renaissance Youth Center in Detroit ,MI. He also opened another club at the Latino Outreach Center in Detroit, MI. David Zacker was the first to have a club alongside the PAL boxing team, where he taught for free in his spare time, to help the inner city kids of Detroit find an alternative to drugs and gangs and violence. He brought them off the street corners and taught them to believe in themselves. Again, David Zacker's students won many titles on the open karate circuit. 

In the early 1990’s, David Zacker was appointed Director of Security in the City of Dearborn, Michigan along with being sworn in as an ordinance officer. David Zacker was responsible for the security for the Dearborn Twin Towers, Ford World and Ford Motor Credit.

In early 1992, David Zacker joined Grandmaster Chong Su Kim's Pan Am Tang Soo Do Federation as a Master Instructor. David Zacker opened Zacker's Tang Soo Do, on Livernois in Detroit, Michigan until 1998. Again David Zacker's students attended and won many tournament championships.

The 1990's also saw David Zacker working in the hospital systems with violent patients in the emergency rooms and psychiatric floors and the mentally challenged, performing safety-first restraints on such patients.

 1995 David Zacker is Awarded 5th Dan USADR / Tang Soo Do

5th Dan honored and accepted with 5th dan Issued also by Grand Master Kang Rhee.

2001 David Zacker Is Awarded 6th Dan USADR / Tang Soo Do Also 6th Dan accepted with certificate issued YH Kim Seoul South Korea Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Society.

In 2002, David Zacker joined the Korea Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do Society of Korea, under Y. H. Kim. He also formed “Michigan Tang Soo Do” and opened a club sharing space with another instructor of Judo and Isshinryu karate, showing a brotherhood between the two arts.

In 2003, David Zacker was inducted into the history of Tang Soo Do in the USA when he formed his own group the “Tang Soo Do Martial Arts Society”, keeping the name “Michigan Tang Soo Do” for his school, and the TSDMAS for his international organization.

Also in 2003, David Zacker was commissioned by author Len Losik to assist with the writings of Mr. Losik’s books on the Kwans of Tae Kwon Do. David Zacker is acknowledged in the book for his contributions with relation to the history of the Korean arts.

David Zacker Is Awarded 7th Dan / USADR / Tang Soo Do

In June of 2004, David Zacker moved Michigan Tang Soo Do to a new location in Lincoln Park, Michigan and followed his lifelong dream to operate his school full time.
Also in 2004, David Zacker was listed in the book “The Greatest People of Tang Soo Do” by author Len Losik, which, according to editorial reviews, boasts that “The Greatest People of Tang Soo Do identifies many of the Korean and American people that have helped to make the Tang Soo Do style of Korean martial arts one of the most popular and versatile styles of all time.”

In November, 2004, David Zacker was promoted to 8th Dan

USADR / Tang Soo Do with 8th Dan also honored and accepted by the following Organizations.

The World Ildo Kwan Federation / 8th Dan certificate issued Dan Number 06128408D "Tang Soo Do"

The Tornado School Of Martial Arts School Of The Four Winds 8th dan accepted and honored with 8th Dan certificate issued by Great Grand Master Robert Bell EL (tanaka) 'Tang Soo Do"

The United Martial Arts Society Grand Master Troy L Smith 8th Dan Honored and accepted and 8th Dan Certificate Issued and awarded Dan number 10431007 "Tang Soo Do"

The World Martial Arts College Grand Master Ibraham Ahmed 8th Dan Honored and Accepted with 8th dan Certificate Issued Dan number 10706 "Tang Soo Do"

The National Korean Martial Arts Association Grand Master Rudy Timmerman 8th Dan Honored and Accepted Dan number Issued and title Chong Kwan Jang Nim Assigned.

In June, 2005, Grand Master David A. Zacker was inducted into the 2005 International Martial Arts Hall Of fame, WIF, was awarded the lifetime achievement award for lifelong commitment and contributions to the art of Tang Soo Do, and was sponsored into the prestigious International Assembly of Sokeship, Founders and Headmasters (IASFH)

It was during 2005 that Grand Master Zacker also became a member of the World Stunt Association, assisting filmmakers with Martial Arts fight scenes. His headquarters school was also selected to become the State of Michigan representative as an official World Stunt Association Training center.

In October, 2005 Grand Master Zacker, along with his wife Christy and student John Shafer, hosted the first annual “War On The Floor Tournament” sponsored by the Tang Soo Do Martial Arts Society, and was once again awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award.  Also At this tournament The War On The Floor Grand Master Zacker awarded Great Grand Master Jae Joon Kim A Living legend and Pioneer Award for paving the way For all of us In Tang Soo Do.

Grand Master Zacker has been featured in Black Belt Magazine, and Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine for various feats including the formation of his international organization the Tang Soo Do Martial Arts Society; his promotion to Grand Master; and for an article written by Craig T. Marks, Marissa Marks’ father, entitled "Marissa's Heroes" where the Tang Soo Do Community, under the direction of Grand Master Zacker, came together to help a special little girl.

Grand Master Zacker has been featured on Fox 2 news and his school featured on Channel 7 news.

In 2006, Grand Master Zacker became a life member of the organization “Karate For Christ”.

In October, 2006 Grand Master Zacker opened the Trenton Karate Academy in Trenton, Michigan where he teaches and attends every class still today.

In February, 2007 Grand Master Professor Robert Bell is awarded lifetime membership into the Tang Soo Do Martial Arts Society by Grand Master Zacker. Also awarded lifetime memberships are Professor Bells sons, Master Chris Bell and Master Aaron Bell, and his daughter, Nikia Bell.

In February, 2007, Master Chris Bell along with Master Aaron Bell began teaching Jujitsu and grappling at the TSDMAS headquarters in Trenton, Michigan.

In March, 2007 as a show of brotherhood and diversity, Grand Master Zacker received membership in and was awarded 8th Dan in the World Martial Arts College. The President and Founder of the World Martial Arts College, Grand Master Dr. Ibraham Ahmed, received membership in and was awarded 8th Dan in the Tang Soo Do Martial Arts Society.

On March 17, 2007, Grandmaster David Zacker was awarded a Grand Masters Award at the Battle of Detroit in Dearborn, Michigan. The award was presented by Grandmaster Ibraham Ahmed, and the Mayor of Dearborn, John B. O’Reilly, Jr.


Also in March, 2007, at a Black Belt Dan testing of the Tornado School of Martial Arts headed by Grand Master Bobby Bell, with the entire Chicago School present along with some of Detroit’s karate greats, Grand Master Professor Bobby Bell el awarded Grand Master Zacker an 8th Dan certificate signed by all the members of Detroit and Chicago, thus allowing Grand Master Zacker membership into the Tornado School Of Martial Arts.

In September, 2007, Grand Master Zacker and His Tang Soo Do Martial Arts Society were featured in the British Magazine “Tae Kwon Do and Korean Martial Arts”.

On September 16, 2007, Grand Master Zacker became a member of the WSBBA under Grand Master Kevin Taylor

On September 24, 2007, Grand Master Zacker became a member of the NKMAA National Korean Martial Arts Association.

On January 12, 2008 Dave Zacker is awarded a plaque from Adam Lux and the make a wish foundation for supporting the first D Lux Charity Challenge.

May 2008 Dave Zacker Puts On His Tournament War On The Floor 2 And awards  Robb The Dragon Hogan a living legend award. 

On May 24, 2008 Dave Zacker is presented with the unsung hero and appreciation award from Grand Master Marshall Dixson Bey of Master Bey's Tae Kwon Do & Kung Fu Institute. Home of the Motor City Satin Panthers.

On November 14th 2008 Grand Master David Zacker was awarded the Martial Arts Master Life Time Achievement Award by th  World Council of Professional Martial Artist and Kids Safe Network.

August 2009 Grand Master Zacker is called up to the Indie gathering Flim festival to scout talent for an upcoming Martial art's movie Death Of The Dead. Grand Master Zacker is called in to coreograph the martial art's stunts, fight scenes and weapons assisting Ray szuch.

Grand Master Zacker is interviewed live on Rock me TV at the film festival.

 October 2009 filming starts on Death Of The Dead directed by Gary King along with fearmakers studios and strange stuff productions on location and Grand Master Zacker is on set and even get's a part in the film along side his son Chris who demonstrates his martial art's skills for the movie. The film should be out late 2010

January 2010 Grand Master Zacker utilizes his stunt ability along with his martial arts in a movie filmed in Detroit named

 Sevenia Where Grand Master Zacker plays the role of Sasha a bad mafia type charactor out for trouble. Filmed on location in down town Detroit and surrounding areas.

June 2010 back to his roots, Grand Master Zacker opens a club in the inner city of flint Michigan at his church where he teaches today with a Christian karate program.

  Flint Karate

Flint Tang Soo Do

Home of Michigan Tang Soo Do and the new headquarters of the Tang Soo Do Martial Art's Society

Tang Soo Do Mu Yea Hoi

Grand Master Zacker's Current affiliations are as follows.

· Tang Soo Do Martial Arts Society, President and Founder

Gospel Martial Arts Union Member

· IASFH

· Karate For Christ

· World Stunt Association

· World Martial Arts College

· WSBBA, World Speed Brick Breaking Association

· Tornado School Of Martial Arts School Of The Four Winds

· UMAS

Ikiryu Shindo federation

· NKMAA National Korean Martial Arts Association

David Zacker states that his greatest accomplishments come from teaching his students.  This is his only true reward, to stop teaching is to stop breathing and I will teach until my last breath.  Then you will be guided by the midnight blue sky.