WMA’s Founders

(John) Roger Cavanaugh – AKA: Mr. C.

Master Cavanaugh began his training in January 1977. His training spans many different martial arts styles including Chungdokwan Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu, Yang-Style Tai Chi, Pa Qua, Hsing Yi, Escrima, Shorin Ryu Karate, Jui Jitsu, Japanese and Okinawin Weapons, Ninjitsu, Pierce Family Bladed Weapons training, and Western Boxing.

He holds an 8th Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-Do, 1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt in Tang Soo Do, Black Sash Sifu Certification in Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu.

Promotions:

  • 1st Degree Black Belt, Taekwon-Do, 1979, GM In Mook Kim, ACTA.
  • 1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt, 1981, GM Myung Sook Seo, US Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Association.
  • Black Sash Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu, 1986, Sifu Michael J. Barry.
  • 2nd Degree Black Belt, Taekwon-Do,1989, GM In Mook Kim, ACTA.
  • 3rd Degree Black Belt,  Taekwon-Do, 1991, GM In Mook Kim, ACTA.
  • 4th Degree Black Belt, Taekwon-Do, 1994, GM Les Zampino, AAU Taekwondo.
  • 5th Degree Black Belt, Taekwon-Do, 1998, GM Les Zampino, AAU Taekwondo .
  • 6th Degree Black Belt, Taekwon-Do, 2004, GM Les Zampino, Northeast Taekwon-Do Association.
  • 7th Degree Black Belt, Taekwon-Do 2011, GM Les Zampino, Northeast Taekwon-Do Association.
  • 8th Degree Black Belt, Taekwon-Do, 2019, GM Les Zampino, Northeast Taekwon-Do Association.

Bachelor’s Degree, cum laud, University of Louisville, 1978. 4.0 in Masters Course work (ABT).

Former Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, and Open Tournament Champion

Past Positions include:

  • Maryland AAU Association Vice President
  • Taekwondo Chairman for Maryland  AAU Association
  • AAU Taekwondo Regional Director
  • AAU Taekwondo National Executive Committee member
  • AAU Taekwondo National Convention  Committee Delegate
  • AAU Taekwondo AA-Level National Referee/Official

Recognitions:

  • Recipient of the AAU Taekwondo “David Rivenes” award 1996.
  • Recipient of the AAU President’s National Leadership Award for outstanding service 1997
  • Recipient of the International Martial Arts Association Martial Arts School of the Year award for 1997
  • Recipient of the Maryland AAU outstanding Volunteer of the Year for 1998

Master Cavanaugh (a.k.a.: “Mr. C.”) began his Martial Arts Training in February, 1977, at the University of Louisville.The American Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo Association (ACTA) began a University club that and Master Cavanaugh was a charter member.  Master Cavanaugh received his Black Belt in August, 1979, from Grand Master In Mook Kim, founder of the ACTA.  Shortly thereafter, he moved to the Washington, D.C., area.

Upon relocation, Master Cavanaugh, not finding a Taekwondo school in his neighborhood, began studying another Korean Martial Art call Tang Soo Do and, in 1982, received his Midnight Blue Belt (the equivalent of a Black Belt in Taekwondo) from The United States Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation; U.S. affiliate to the Korean Soo Bahk Do Association, Grand Master Hwang Ki.

Master  Cavanaugh also had the opportunity to study the Chinese Art of Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu and received a Black Sash in 1986 from Si-Gung Michael Barry. He also was certified in Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan in that same year.

In 1987, Master  Cavanaugh decided to continue his training in Taekwondo directly under Grand Master In Mook Kim as well as begin teaching.  Along with his wife, Master Debbie Cavanaugh, he established the Waldorf Taekwondo Academy.  Today, the academy’s name is Waldorf Martial Arts.

Master Cavanaugh has trained with many legends in the martial arts… Jason David Frank, the original Red Power Ranger, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, undefeated middle weight PKA kickboxing champion, Joe Lewis the PKA heavy weight undefeated champ.  Ernie Reyes Sr., choreographer of ninja turtles and film star, Stephen K. Hayes, brought ninjitsu to America, Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee, founder of American Taekwondo, Herb Perez, 1992 Olympic Gold medalist, Lynette Love, 1st USA Gold medalist in the 1988 Olympics, Sifu Dennis Brown, a legend in Chinese Kung Fu, Grandmaster Park, a Hwa Rang Do expert, Korean sword expert, and world renown artist.

During the 1970 & 1980’s, Master Cavanaugh competed in numerous Taekwon-Do, Tang Soo Do and open championships securing Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in forms, sparring, and team sparring events.  Using his past competition experiences, he has also coached many of his students to wins at the local regional, national, Junior Olympic, and world championship levels.

Click this link to watch a video of Mr C. in action during his competitive years!

Deborah J. Cavanaugh – AKA: Ms. C.

8th Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-Do, 1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt in Tang Soo Do, Black Sash Sifu Certification in Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu.

Graduate of Prince Georges College

49 years’ experience in Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan & Shuto Kahn Karate

ACTA National Tournament Champion

Past Positions include:

  • AAU Taekwondo Regional Secretary-Treasurer.
  • AAU Taekwondo National Convention Committee Delegate

Recognitions:

  • Recipient of the International Martial Arts Association Martial Arts School of the Year award for 1997

Master Cavanaugh (a.k.a.: “Mrs. C.”) began her Martial Arts training in July 1974 at Prince Georges Community College, Largo, Maryland. The style was Okinawan Shuto Kahn Karate. Master Cavanaugh also received instruction in Hap Ki Do and Ju Jit Su while studying Shuto Kahn.

In 1981, Master Cavanaugh began study in Tang Soo Do, Moo Duk Kwan, and, in 1984, received her Black Belt from the United States Tang Soo Do, Moo Duk Kwan Federation, Grand Master Hwang Ki, founder of Tang Soo Do. It was during this time that Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh met and were married.

In 1984, Master Cavanaugh, along with her husband, began study in Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan.  Master Cavanaugh resumed her training in Taekwondo in 1987 at the Cavanaugh’s newly formed Club.

Today, Master Cavanaugh continues teaching Taekwondo at Waldorf Martial Arts along with her husband and daughter.