Senior Master Stacy Busby
Q: Where were you born?
A: Bogalusa, Louisiana.
Q: When did you start your martial arts training? How old were you then?
A: January 2, 1984, I was 22 years old.
Q: What inspires you to continue training? Was it difficult to remain inspired over the many years it took to reach the master level?
A: When you do something long enough that you enjoy; it naturally becomes part of your life.
Q: What is your profession or trade outside of Tang Soo Do?
A: Working honey bees passed down from my father.
Q: What are some of your notable accomplishments in the martial arts field?
A: Spending time teaching others and passing on something that makes an impact on someone’s life.
Q: : I understand you have some family members involved in Tang Soo Do. How did you and your family all end up studying the martial arts?
A: My brother originally began training before I did. I used to take him to class and would watch. It was something I always wanted to get involved with and finally I decided to begin training myself. My brothers daughter is a Cho Dan and his son trains as well.
Q: After years of study, you opened your own school. That must have been a big moment for you! What influenced your decision to make the move?
A: I achieved Cho Dan with my original instructor and then he sold the school. I continued my training and the school changed owners several times over the years. I moved away for a period of time while working with honey bees. When I moved back to Bogalusa, a former employee of mine had bought the school and was running it. I had an opportunity to purchase the school from him and began teaching at the same school I originally began my training in. I have been able to grow the program and currently have been at the same location for more than 15 years.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories of your time in Tang Soo Do?
A: Some of my closest friends are the people I have trained with over the years. I might only see some of them a few times a year, but it has been wonderful building great relationships with people and sweating and bleeding with them, I would not trade any of the past experiences for anything!
Q: We all have role models that have influenced us, and driven us forward. Who are some of your role models in and out of Tang Soo Do?
A: Chuck Norris had a huge impact on me growing up. I saw all of his movies and he really planted the seed of my desire to train in martial arts.
Q: Have you ever traveled abroad to enhance your training? What did you learn from the experience?
A: Yes, in 2007 I was able to travel to Australia as part of a Delegation trip for our Federation. I attended a Masters clinic and was able to judge at a tournament. It was a great experience getting to see and learn how others train in our Art. I also taught a self defense class while I was there.