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From the Shadow of Everest: The Story of Bibek Giri

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Some people find martial arts. Others are called to it. Bibek Giri's story is one of the second kind — and it started the way a lot of great stories do, with a kid watching something through a fence and thinking, I want to do that.

Bibek was born in Solukhumbu, Nepal — the same region that stands in the shadow of Mount Everest, the highest peak on the planet. There's something fitting about that. The people who come from that part of the world seem to carry a certain grit with them wherever they go. When Bibek was six, his family relocated to Kathmandu, the capital city, and life shifted. New city, new school, new everything. But Bibek adapted. He was always that kid — active, confident, the kind of student others naturally looked toward.

It was after school one afternoon when everything changed. He and his uncle — his mother's youngest brother, close enough in age to be more like a brother — spotted a group of people training outside in white uniforms. Running, kicking, sparring. They were hooked immediately. When they asked how to join, they were told there was a training fee. When they asked mom, the answer was no. She was worried about safety, which is every mother's right. But these two kids weren't ready to let it go. So they stood there and watched. And then they went home and practiced the kicks they'd seen, copying the movements on their own.

Eventually, they went to their father. He said yes. He paid the fees. And for a while, they attended classes without their mother knowing. I love that detail, because it tells you everything you need to know about Bibek's drive — he wasn't waiting for permission from the world. He was going after it.

One month into training, his instructor entered him in a tournament. One month. He wasn't ready, and he knew it. During his first match, he took a jumping back kick straight to the face. He said he heard ringing in his ears. He finished all three rounds anyway. That was his introduction to competition.

Over the next several years, Bibek's path had its interruptions — his first instructor left the country, training centers came and went, walks of thirty minutes each way just to get to class — but he and his uncle kept coming back. By the time they earned their black belts in Taekwondo, Bibek had already been leading classes on his own at twelve years old. His instructor recognized it early: this young man had leadership in him that couldn't be taught.

The next chapter of Bibek's story began with a phone call from a man named Sudip. Because of his education and his English skills, Bibek was asked to serve as a translator and guide for a visiting international instructor — Mr. Tony Misita. What started as a practical role turned into something much bigger.

Mr. Misita brought concepts that were new to the training community in Nepal — self-defense applications, pressure point work, goal-setting frameworks woven into the fabric of the curriculum. While others in the room weren't quite sure what to make of it, Bibek was locked in. He saw not just techniques, but a philosophy. Before Mr. Misita left that first trip, the two of them sat down for coffee, exchanged contacts, and stayed connected.

That connection grew into a partnership. Bibek, along with Mr. Ram and Ms. Purnima — training partners he's known for over a decade — became Mr. Misita's first batch in Kathmandu. Together they took Tang Soo Do into communities that had never seen it. They ran self-defense campaigns for women and girls, traveling to schools and rural areas across the Kathmandu Valley. During Mr. Misita's first six-week visit alone, they accomplished things that had never been done before in Nepal. In 2024 and 2025, they pushed further — and one of their most meaningful achievements was bringing CPR training into schools. Teaching young kids how to save a life. That's not small. That matters.

Today, Bibek holds a 1st Dan in Tang Soo Do and a 2nd Dan in WTF Taekwondo. He's currently in his first year of college. He and his team have opened their first training hall in Kathmandu, and the school continues to grow.

One more thing worth mentioning: his mother, who once refused to let him train out of fear for his safety, became one of his biggest supporters. She even helped cover his exam fees. That's a full-circle moment right there.

Bibek Giri is one of the APTSD Foundation's scholarship recipients and one of our at-risk youth instructors in Nepal, working under the direction of Mr. Tony Misita. His story is exactly the kind of story this foundation exists to support — and we're proud to tell it.

How Much Is Your Life Worth?” Hattiesburg Hosts Community Safety Seminar Led by International Martial Arts Grandmaster

Details

In a time when personal safety has become a growing concern for families, professionals, and community members alike, the Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Foundation is taking action. On Saturday, April 25, residents of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, will have the unique opportunity to learn essential defensive tactics and personal safety skills from one of the world’s leading experts—Grandmaster John St. James, a 9th-degree Black Belt, best-selling author, and internationally recognized leadership coach.

The Defensive Tactics & Personal Safety Seminar will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at Hattiesburg High School’s H.W. Buddy Watkins Gymnasium (301 North Hutchinson Ave). Registration begins at 2:30 PM at the gym entrance, with a special promotional fee of $20 per participant (cash only)—a 70% discount off the regular $75 registration cost. All proceeds directly support the Foundation’s outreach programs for at-risk youth in the Hattiesburg area.

A Community-Driven Mission

The seminar is part of the Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Foundation’s Community Safety Outreach and Fundraising Initiative, designed to raise $15,000 by year’s end. The program unites martial arts schools and community partners nationwide in hosting Defensive Tactics Workshops (DTW) and similar events that strengthen both personal safety awareness and community ties.

Each event not only empowers participants with real-world safety tools but also contributes financially to programs that help young people “learn, grow, share, serve, lead, and inspire.” According to Foundation founder and CEO Grandmaster J. John St. James, this effort reflects the true spirit of the Moo Do philosophy—discipline, respect, and service through action.

What Participants Will Learn

The one-hour event is designed to provide practical safety strategies that anyone can apply immediately, regardless of experience level. Key learning topics include:

  • Situational awareness and threat recognition

  • Preventative safety strategies to avoid danger

  • A personal safety mindset for everyday confidence

  • Basic, easy-to-learn defensive tactics

  • Managing emotions and responding effectively under pressure

Grandmaster St. James, who has trained thousands worldwide—including law enforcement agencies, women’s safety groups, real estate professionals, and even the Royal Dutch Marines—is known for his empowering, motivational teaching style that blends practical instruction with personal growth.

Who Should Attend

This seminar is ideal for anyone who interacts regularly with the public, including:

  • Business owners and service industry professionals

  • Educators, administrators, and students

  • Real estate and property management professionals

  • Security personnel

  • Parents, women’s groups, and senior citizens

Building a Safer, More Confident Community

The core message behind the campaign—“How Much Is Your Life Worth?”—challenges individuals to take ownership of their personal safety as an essential life skill. Beyond self-defense, the session encourages a mindset of awareness, empowerment, and preparedness, rooted in the belief that prevention and confidence are the first lines of defense.

Participants’ contributions through this $20 seminar help expand the Foundation’s leadership and safety programs, ensuring more young people across the region gain access to mentoring, life skills, and character development opportunities.

Event Details at a Glance

Event: Defensive Tactics & Personal Safety Seminar
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (Registration opens at 2:30 PM)
Location: Hattiesburg High School – H.W. Buddy Watkins Gymnasium
Address: 301 North Hutchinson Ave, Hattiesburg, MS
Registration Fee: $20 per participant (Cash only at the door)
Host: Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Foundation (501(c)(3) nonprofit)
Beneficiary: At-risk youth leadership and safety programs

Space is limited, and early arrival is encouraged. Interested participants can pre-register or learn more through the Foundation’s outreach links and local partners.

For more information, contact the Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Foundation or visit the local event listing on Eventbrite, Facebook Events, or VisitHattiesburg.com.

Karate students earn coveted Black Belt - Selma Times Journal

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Hundreds of weeks of steady, disciplined practice, training and studying – physically and mentally – over the past four years resulted in two members of the Selma Karate Academy earning their Cho Dan, their first degree Black Belt on Dec. 18.

Sam Thames and Lincoln Jones earned the coveted Black Belt, after completing tests in Tang Soo Do moves, as well as a written test and essay.

“I am so proud of Sam and Lincoln for reaching this level in martial arts,” said Sister Kathy Navarra, S.S.J., a Sunim Sa Bom Nim, Fifth Degree black belt master who also coordinates the after-school ACT program for the Edmundite Missions.

“They worked hard and are an inspiration to their classmates to keep going.”

Hundreds of weeks of steady, disciplined practice, training and studying – physically and mentally – over the past four years resulted in two members of the Selma Karate Academy earning their Cho Dan, their first degree Black Belt on Dec. 18.

Thames and Jones passed through 10 levels of achievement before reaching their goal, beginning with a white belt, then earning yellow, orange, orange with a stripe, green, green with stripe, brown, brown with stripe, red and deep blue.

Selma Karate Academy is part of the Atlantic Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation and Foundation, which provides some funds for students who cannot afford karate. It teaches more than self defense; it also emphasizes discipline, respect, self control and focus, Navarra said.

“We teach values like humility, integrity, concentration, respect, obedience which go back thousands of years. All are vital to living an honorable life,” she said.

Thames, who works at the Downtowner, said he has been interested in martial arts since he was a child. He began studying three years ago after finding Navarra’s class. The Selma native served in the military, assigned to 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

Jones, a student at R.B. Hudson, has attended the twice-weekly karate classes with his father, Keith, for over four years.

Farewell to Cornerstone Martial Arts: Break-a-thon Canceled, But Our Mission Continues

Details

It is with a heavy heart that we announce Cornerstone Martial Arts and Leadership Academy (CMALA) has decided to step down from the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Federation. As a result of this decision, the scheduled Break-a-thon for September 20th has been canceled, and the third annual board break-a-thon will not take place this year.

We are truly saddened to see Cornerstone Martial Arts leave our federation. Over the years, their dedication and enthusiasm have contributed greatly to our shared mission of empowering students and supporting at-risk youth through martial arts. The annual board breakathon, in particular, has been a highlight—bringing our community together and raising vital funds for scholarships and programs that make a real difference. 

While we are disappointed by the cancellation of this year’s event, we remain committed to our mission. We will be looking for new opportunities to invite other schools within the federation to host board breakathons, kickathons, or other creative fundraising events in the future. These events are not only a testament to the strength and discipline that martial arts fosters, but also a meaningful way to give back and support those in need.

We thank Cornerstone Martial Arts and Leadership Academy for their years of partnership and wish them continued success in their journey. To our community, stay tuned for updates on future events and ways you can continue to support the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Foundation’s mission.

Together, we will keep breaking barriers and building a brighter future for all.

2025 International Championship Silent Auction Raises Over $1,200 for Our Mission!

Details

We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 International Championship Silent Auction was a tremendous success, raising more than $1,200 to support the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Foundation’s mission!

This year’s auction was filled with excitement and friendly competition as participants bid on a variety of unique and meaningful items. One of the highlights was the opportunity to win a private class with several of our Masters. We are delighted to share that multiple Masters and instructors generously offered their time for 30- or 60-minute private Zoom lessons, and these experiences were highly sought after by our community. Congratulations to all the winning bidders who will soon enjoy personalized martial arts instruction from some of the best in our federation!

Another standout item was the beautiful coin display case, featuring metal coins from all previous championship events. This one-of-a-kind collector’s piece was handcrafted by none other than Master Harmon, adding even more significance and artistry to this special item. The display drew enthusiastic bids throughout the evening, and we are pleased to announce that Master Estrada was the proud winner of this remarkable display.

The success of this silent auction is a testament to the generosity and spirit of our community. Every dollar raised will go directly toward supporting scholarships and programs for at-risk youth, helping us continue to make a positive impact through martial arts.

Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this year’s silent auction. Your involvement makes a real difference, and we look forward to even more exciting events and opportunities in the future!

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming fundraisers and ways you can continue to support the Atlantic-Pacific Tang Soo Do Foundation. Together, we are building a stronger, more empowered community—one bid at a time!

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More Articles …

  1. Thank You to Gourmetgiftbaskets.com for Their Generous Gift Certificate Donation
  2. APTSD Foundation Awards Grants to Support At-Risk Youth at the International Karate Championships!
  3. Help Us Empower At-Risk Youth Through Martial Arts: Support Our GoFundMe Campaign!
  4. Support the Upcoming International Karate Championship: Donate to Our Silent Auction and Raffle!

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“I have made it my life mission to serve those in need by empowering them to face any challenge through the teachings of martial arts. ”

ATLANTIC-PACIFIC TANG SOO DO FOUNDATION
Kwan Jang Nim, (Grandmaster) John St. James

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