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June, 2001 WTSDA Master of the Month
Master Dan Jansa, Oh Dan
Eagle Academy of Martial Arts, Warrenville, IL
(This information was borrowed from The World Tang Soo Do Association home page)

In 1994, Dan Jansa was promoted to the rank of Sah Dan. Born in Darby, PA, Master Jansa started his Tang Soo Do training in 1972 at the College of DuPage. His first instructor was Dick Provost. That humble beginning has now branched into a full-time instructor's position at his studio and part-time instructing at the College of DuPage. Even though he has an Associates of Arts Degree, Master Jansa has decided to dedicate his life to teaching and training in Tang Soo Do full-time.

As is the case of many of our Master instructors, many of Master Jansa's family members are also involved in the World Tang Soo Do Association. His wife, Mary, faithfully helps him accomplish his many tasks as a studio owner and Master instructor. It's exciting to see his extended family also involved. His brother-in-law Patrick, his sister-in-law Bernie, his niece Treacy, and his nephew Patrick are all currently training.

Besides his training in Tang Soo Do, Master Jansa has expanded his studies into the martial arts of Hapkido, Judo and Tae Kwon Do. In fact, his Hapkido training was featured in his Master's thesis. "Grandmaster requested that I do a comparison of the original association self defense techniques and how I would view it from a Hapkido standpoint. I learned that it is incredibly hard to describe each technique in writing to a beginner and how much time and dedication has gone in to each and everyone of Grandmaster's Books."

Beyond training students in his dojang, Master Jansa also has trained many students that have become police officers, CIA, and DEA Agents. In addition he has been certified to train on the PR-24 and Quick Cuffing for police officers but has never pursued it.

One of the strongest aspects of Tang Soo Do is its desire to give back to the community. Master Jansa's studio participates in Kick-A-Thons, Break-A- Thons, Candy Sales, Holiday Sales, Bake Sales, Friendship Tournaments, Garage Sales and Self Defense Clinics.

Masters have trained for many years. Over the course of years they have their favorite aspects of training. Master Jansa's is forms. When asked why he continues to train and serve in the World Tang Soo Do Association, he answered, "I love being a part of the WTSDA because of the family I have created within the organization. In addition, I believe it is the best organization in the martial arts field as far as organization and traditions. I like that it remains traditional, while always planning for the future and changing appropriately with the times."

One of Master Jansa's favorite methods of teaching is repetition! "Practice basics over and over again. Focus on your foundation by continually practicing your basic techniques. Stick with it through all of the obstacles that may arise. Be patient with your training, as you practice your skills, your ability to improvise and adapt will become more proficient. My goal for the future is to continue training and teaching Tang Soo Do and Hapkido and to build my school to be the best it can be."

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