Instructor Biographies

Dr. Thomas E. 'PHARAOH' Springs, II, was born on June 5, 1951 in Norfolk, Virginia, the last of 18 children, to the late Charles Moody Springs, Sr. and Charity Doyle Springs. Educated in the Norfolk Public School System, Dr. Springs continued his education at Jones College, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Wesleyan College, and the University of Denver. Upon entering the United States Marine Corps in June 1968 Dr. Springs began his Combat Martial Arts Training. Formal and informal training in Martial Arts continued from South East Asia to the United States in Taekwondo, Escrima, Hapkido, Aikido, and Jujitsu. Training in these systems led to the creation of the Takahaju System of Martial Arts and Self Defense. Working with the current Head Instructor of SDSC Springs Takahaju Shihan Bryce Ellison Springs the Takahaju System of Katas were developed in 2000. Dr. Springs is President/CEO of SDSC Springs Takahaju, Inc. a Non-Profit Organization and has over 36 years of experience and training in Martial Arts and Combat Defensive Tactics. The Uganda Academy of Martial Arts in Kampala Uganda East Africa was added as a member Takahaju school in January 2004. Dr. Springs was inducted into The World Martial Arts Hall Of Fame in March 2000, the Year of the Dragon and again in 2002 and 2004, and awarded Sokeship/Headfounder for the creation of the Takahaju System. Saiko Shihan Dr. Thomas E. Springs, II, was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt by Dr. Miguel E. A. Moore, President/CEO of TWMAHOF, TWMAHOFSC, TWSMHOF, TWMAHOFT, and TWCOMS in April, 2003. In July 2005, Dr. Springs was appointed State Director for the World Stunt Association. In September 2005 Dr. Springs recieved a Doctorate in Sciences of Martial Arts from the First International Martial Arts University (FIMA University), and was appointed as a member of it's Board of Directors. Dr. Springs is also a registered member of Police Tactics Instructors Of America.

Shihan Bryce Ellison Springs, was born on March 6, 1985 to Dr. Thomas E. Springs, II, and the late Mrs. Barbara Elaine Parker-Springs in Norfolk, Virginia. Shihan Springs began his Martial Arts training in the Art of Tang Soo Do at the age of 5, and continued with Hapkido, Taekwondo, and Grappling. Shihan Springs was educated in the Virginia Beach, Virginia Public School System, and graduated from Ocean Lakes High School with Academic Honors. While attending Ocean Lakes Shihan Springs was inducted into the National Japanese Honors Society. Shihan Springs is currently attending Old Dominion University where he is majoring in Computer Engineering Technology. Shihan Springs holds the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt and is Head Instructor of SDSC Springs Takahaju, Inc. Along with Dr. Thomas Springs, Shihan Springs is credited with the creation of the Takahaju System of Martial Arts. Shihan Springs is also a former Co-Chairman of The Junior World Martial Arts Hall Of Fame. Shihan Springs was inducted into The World Martial Arts Hall Of Fame in 2000, and inducted again in 2002 for winning World Championships in Kata and Kumite.

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Sensei Isaac Mutumba was born on January 3, 1975 in Kampala, Uganda East Africa, one of six children, of the late James Sebuliba Mutumba and Rehema Nassanga Mutumba. Sensei Mutumba was educated at Ngomanene Primary School, and continued his education at Ngomanene College. Sensei Mutumba began training in Martial Arts when he was 12 years old under the instruction of his father James Sebuliba Mutumba. After his father passed Sensei Mutumba began training on his own with the aid of video tapes. Sensei Mutumba has also trained under Grandmaster Adriano Pizzato founder of The International Warriors Foundation, and Grandmaster Lynch-Gardner founder of Budo Ryu Kempo of Australia. Sensei Mutumba started his own company manufacturing all types of paints called Basco Company Limited in Kampala, Uganda. Currently Sensei Mutumba trains under the watchful eyes of Saiko Shihan Dr. Thomas E. Springs, II Headfounder of Self Defense Systems Concepts Springs Takahaju, Inc. and serves as The International Ambassador of SDSC Springs Takahaju in Africa.

Sensei Patricia Linda Terrell was born on October 20, 1953 in New York. Educated in the New York Public School System, and Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. My Martial Arts training consists of JuJitsu 1969 The American Dojo, Jamaica, NY, Judo 1970-71 Tokatai Karate Do, Flushing, NY, Shotokan 1970-74 Tokatai Karate Do, Flushing, NY, Taekwondo & Takahaju 1999-Present SDSC Springs Takahaju, Inc. Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia, Dr. Thomas E. Springs, II Grand Master. My present rank is Shodan, Instructor. I am currently employed at Norfolk State University as Assistant Director of Auxiliary Enterprises.

Kohai Corey Edward Brown was born on November 3, 1989, in Norfolk, Virginia to Janet L. Timberlake. At the age of nine, I was introduced to Dr. Thomas E. Springs, II and began training in Taekwondo. Now that the program has evolved into the Takahaju System of Self Defense, I am the youngest Black Belt Instructor in the Program, and I am looking forward to continued success advancing through the ranks.

My Body is my weapon. I will only use my weapon to defend myself, my family, my country, or persons who cannot protect themselves from imminent danger. I vow to teach those who thirst for knowledge, but only those individuals worthy of the skills I will give them. The art of Takahaju is not just a way to defend myself and others but a way of life. I vow to honor the Commandments of Takahaju, and uphold the Spirit, and Integrity of the Way. I will never attack anyone out of anger, nor for mischief. It is my endeavor to use my gift only to help others or myself. I will only use my weapons when attacked or when there is a threat of injury. With the help of God I will prevail. This is my creed this is my Tao.