Chief Instructor -
Mr. Anthony Barker - E Dan
Mr. Anthony Barker is the owner and Chief Instructor at Valley Tang Soo Do Academy and has been training in the martial arts for over 20 years. After receiving his Black Belt in ITF style Tae Kwon Do in 1987, Mr. Barker spent 10 years in the United States Air Force and studied various arts including WTF Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido while stationed at bases in the US and abroad.
After being Honorably discharged from the USAF, Mr. Barker joined the civilian workforce as a communications technician for a local communications company in Kenai, Alaska. While there, he joined Soldotna Martial Arts to learn Tang Soo Do from Mr. Bud Draper. Having found a 'home' in the World Tang Soo Do Association, Mr. Barker devoted his time and energy to becoming a Black Belt in the WTSDA, and is now a 2nd DAN Certified Instructor with the WTSDA.
With encouragement from his family and collegues, Mr. Barker, his wife Robyn, and daughter Aubrey, moved from Kenai to Wasilla to open Valley Tang Soo Do Academy. The mission; to share his passion for the traditional art of Tang Soo Do with his students.
Having been in the 'non-traditional' or sport oriented martial arts, Mr. Barker has seen the difference, and seen the profound and lasting effects the traditional art of Tang Soo Do can have on adults and children alike. Arrogance abounds in the sport oriented arts; conversely, humility and respect rule the day in the WTSDA...even in competition.
Realizing that there is always more to learn, Mr. Barker trains (whenever possible) with Mr. Bud Draper of Soldotna Martial Arts and Master Roy Uttech of Alaska Tang Soo Do in Anchorage. Mr. Barker was also inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2007. |
