Jun Tong Mu Sool
of Greenville, TX

John Murphy started from somewhat humble beginnings, with his initial experience in martial arts starting in the suburbs of Tulsa, OK, back in 1978 under Master Rick Chandler (who is still currently teaching!). Merely a youngster at the time, his interest in the martial arts blossomed and his pursuit of learning as much as he could became relentless.

Doing rather well on the tournament circuit which was very popular for martial artists in those days, as well as attending as many seminars as possible, he eventually earned his first degree black belt in Hapkido and Taekwondo, in early 1984. Continuing nonstop with his martial arts involvement, he attained what most consider the top of the rank ladder, an 8th Dan in both Hapkido and Taekwondo in 2010. He was recently awarded 9th Dan in Hapkido by the KMBA, Korean Bulgyo Musool Association.

One doesn’t normally get that far unless they have nurtured plenty of students, with a substantial number of them also climbing to significant rank. This action alone creates the foundation for building an influential organization, but proper networking to develop solid friendships with other like-minded martial arts leaders has allowed GM Murphy to establish officially sanctioned ‘kwan’ status for his Traditional Korean Martial Arts Group, also known as Jun Tong Mu Sool (전통무술, or JTMS). So all certificates issued by this Kwan (IJTMSK), are recognized by the South Korean Government, which oversees martial arts dealings within the ROK (Republic of Korea).

Giving back is what really makes a martial arts leader successful in the eyes of his/her peers, and GM Murphy has always used the following as his guideline for leadership: “Teacher love your students; and students respect your Master.” Loving one’s students means looking out for their best interests and safety, and helping them grow their understanding as well as help them form and reach their goals with regard to martial arts training.

• Originally studied under Master Rick Chandler of Tulsa, OK
• Direct student of Chiefmaster H.J. Kim of Tulsa, OK
  – studying the arts of Hapkido, Tukkong Musool, and Taekwondo
• Most recently, nearly 20 years as a student of Grand Master In Sun Seo,
  the chairman & president of World Kido Federation and Hanminjok Hapkido Association
• Won over 30 Black Belt Championship Tournament titles in the 1980's & 90's,
  in the open tournament scene
• As a Master Instructor he has hosted numerous seminars and tournamnents, most notably
  the very first U.S. based World Kido Federation International Martial Arts Championships,
  with competitors from the USA, South Korea, and several other countries that also participated in the tournament
• Former Dallas police officer, FDIC Supervisor, and nightclub bouncer, thus providing "real world" experience to establish the efficacy of various martial art techniques
• Currrent 9^th Dan and President of the JTMS Martial Arts Group (IJTMSK.com)