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 Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu, Yang-Style Tai Chi, Pa Qua, Hsing Yi, Escrima, Shorin Ryu Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Japanese and Okinawan Weapons, Ninjutsu, Pierce Family Bladed Weapons training, and Western Boxing.
He holds an 8th Degree black belt in Taekwondo, a 1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt in Tang Soo Do, and a Black Sash Sifu Certification in Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu.
Promotions
- 1st Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo, 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 Long Fist Kung Fu, 1986, Sifu Michael J. Barry
- 2nd Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo,1989, GM In Mook Kim, ACTA
- 3rd Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo, 1991, GM In Mook Kim, ACTA
- 4th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo, 1994, GM Les Zampino, AAU Taekwondo
- 5th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo, 1998, GM Les Zampino, AAU Taekwondo
- 6th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo, 2004, GM Les Zampino, Northeast Taekwondo Association
- 7th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo 2011, GM Les Zampino, Northeast Taekwondo Association
- 8th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo, 2019, GM Les Zampino, Northeast Taekwondo Association
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree, Cum Laude, University of Louisville, 1978
- 4.0 in Master’s Coursework (ABT)
- Former Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, and Open Tournament Champion
Past Positions
- 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 199
- 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 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 Master Cavanaugh was a charter member of. 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, DC, 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 founded by 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 was also 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, the undefeated PKA middleweight kickboxing champion; and Joe Lewis, the undefeated PKA heavyweight champion. He has also trained with Ernie Reyes Sr., choreographer of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Stephen K. Hayes, who brought ninjutsu to America; Jhoon Rhee, founder of American Taekwondo; Herb Perez, 1992 Olympic gold medalist; Lynette Love, the first USA gold medalist in the 1988 Olympics; Sifu Dennis Brown, a legend in Chinese Kung Fu; and Park, a Hwa Rang Do expert, Korean sword expert, and world-renowned artist.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Master Cavanaugh competed in numerous Taekwondo, 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.
Deborah J. Cavanaugh, AKA Ms. C.
Promotions
- 8th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo
- 1st Degree Midnight Blue Belt in Tang Soo Do
- Black Sash Sifu Certification in Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu
Experience
- 49 Years’ Experience in Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, and Shuto Kahn Karate
- ACTA National Tournament Champion
Education
- Graduate of Prince George’s College
Past Positions
- 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 (AKA Mrs. C.) began her martial arts training in July 1974 at Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD. The style was Okinawan Shuto Kahn Karate. Master Cavanaugh also received instruction in Hap Ki Do and Jiu Jitsu while studying Shuto Kahn.
In 1981, Master Cavanaugh began studying Tang Soo Do at the Moo Duk Kwan, and in 1984, she received her black belt from the United States’ Tang Soo Do – Moo Duk Kwan Federation under the founder, Grand Master Hwang Ki. It was during this time that Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh met and were married.
In 1984, Master Cavanaugh, along with her husband, began their 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.