About Us
VISION
To inspire older adults through the transformative power of martial arts, promoting health and well-being, while fostering a sense of confidence and strength in their daily lives.
MISSION
TANG SOO DO SILVER
Keith Yates, one of the early students of the martial arts in America, began his training in 1964, and initially learned Tang Soo Do patterns. His school (like many others in the 1960s) made the transition to the more modern Tae Kwon Do.
In 2023, he, along with one of his Tae Kwon Do black belts, Elizabeth Rogan,
who has certifications in Tai Chi, Yoga and is a Certified Personal Trainer,
began to formulate a curriculum that incorporates the traditional Chinese and
Japanese elements of Tang Soo Do (primarily a “hard” style martial art) with
Tai Chi (a “soft” style art).
The motivation for this combination was to create a class format that featured not only mind/body, flexibility, and balance training (Tai Chi) but also included self-defense (Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do). Mr. Yates and Mrs. Rogan want to emphasize this is not a new style of martial art but simply a
method of practicing martial arts tailored to a more mature (persons 50 plus) demographic. The program is designed to be self-paced, non-competitive involving stretching, meditation, balance, cardiovascular health, promoting mental focus, endurance, and overall strength.
TANG SOO DO
Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art that combines elements of traditional Korean martial arts, influences from Shotokan karate, and Chinese martial arts. The name “Tang Soo Do” can be translated as the “Way of the Chinese Hand.” It emphasizes both hand and foot techniques, incorporating strikes, kicks, and blocks. Tang Soo Do practitioners often focus on the development of character, discipline, and respect in addition to physical skills. The martial arts places importance on the integration of mental, physical, and ethical aspects, making it a holistic approach to self-defense and personal development.
TAIJIQUAN or TAI CHI CHAUN
TAIJIQUAN or TAI CHI CHAUN Taijiquan or Tai Chi Chuan originated from ancient Chinese cosmology and philosophy. The word Tai means Supreme, Ji (or Chi) means Boundary, and the word Quan (Chuan) means fist or movement; translating to “Grand Ultimate Fist.” The popular western vernacular is Tai Chi. Taijiquan implies a flow of movements to cultivate power that has no boundaries. Renowned for its graceful movements and meditative qualities, Tai Chi has gained popularity worldwide as a holistic practice for promoting physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being. In essence, it is much more than just a form of self-defense; it is a way of life.
Health Benefits
Tai Chi’s popularity has increased due to its health benefits. Research studies have shown regular practice can enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being:
- Physical Fitness: The slow, controlled movements through weight shifting exercises help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination.
- Stress Reduction: The slow rhythmic movements coupled with deep breathing techniques induce a state of relaxation and calmness while reducing stress hormone levels in the body.
- Cardiovascular Health: Though low-impact, regular practice can elevate heart rate and blood circulation, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels while improving cardiovascular health.
- Fall Prevention: The emphasis on balance training helps reduce the risk of falls among older adults.
- Psychological Well-being: Tai Chi promotes mindfulness and self-awareness while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
TRAINERS / COACHES
Dr. Keith D. Yates
Former Adjunct Professor at Southern Methodist University
10th Degree Black Belt
“For almost 60 years I have taught the benefits of martial training, and this is another step in my goal of making the arts available to students of all ages.”
Elizabeth Rogan
Certified Personal Trainer
3rd Degree Black Belt
Tae Kwon Do, Okinawan Weapons
Founder of Tang Soo Do Silver
“I am so excited to offer this specialized practice that incorporates both soft and hard martial arts training styles for older adults. This program is gentle yet powerful, improving your physical and mental health. I am humbled to have the opportunity to work with renowned practitioners such as Dr. Yates, Dr. Thompson, and Mr. Mitchell.”
ENDORSEMENTS and TESTIMONITALS
Ted Mitchell, MD
Chancellor, Texas Tech University System
5th Degree Black Belt
“A factor that contributes to increased life expectancy and quality of life is physical exercise. As we age, physical activity becomes vital in order to achieve this enhanced quality of life. Grandmaster Yates and Mrs. Rogan are experienced martial arts and fitness experts and their unique physical exercise program is sure to be a beneficial–and fun–way to pursue these goals.”
Ysabel Merhout
6th Degree Black Belt
Owner / Head Instructor
Hands On Karate
Black Belt Kobudo - Okinawan Weapons
“My name is Ysabel Merhout, I am 74 years old. I was introduced to Martial Arts in 1991 by Grandmaster Keith Yates. I started as a karate team mom and helped with the beginner’s class. I am a 6th Dan in TKD, a blackbelt in Kobudo (Okinawan Weapons), an advanced Tai Chi Instructor, trained in Chinese Kenpo for 8 years, and owner and Head Instructor of Hands On Karate. I teach women self-defense I have a passion for teaching and follow the tenets of TKD, courtesy, humility, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. The Tang Soo Do Silver program by Master Yates and Mrs. Rogan will pave the way for older adults to participate in such amazing art. It will prove even more that martial arts is not just for the young. I fully endorse this program and am confident that it will be a success.”
William Ingram
35 Years Brownsville Police Department
Extensive training in martial arts, firearms, strength training, executive protection, security, and threat assessment.
“After several decades of martial arts training, I decided to retire. But like so many I find the current situation we face with crime to be unsettling. I decided to train again for myself, my family, and all good people. I was out of shape and needed to start over. After checking with a few schools I decided to train with Elizabeth Rogan. I’ve had several instructors over time and I find Mrs Rogan to be the best teacher I ever had. Her instructions are clear and she motivates you to push yourself. If you are starting martial arts or are an experienced practitioner I highly recommend her as an instructor.”
Peter D Gabriele
Nationally recognized R&D Executive building long-term strategies with multiple technologyies
Over 150 U.S. and foreign patents issued and pending
Graduate Degrees from Johns-Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, and Wharton School of Business
“Elizabeth Rogan is an excellent trainer-coach. I completed specialized TRX training with Elizabeth and have enjoyed her approach and attitude. I recommend her with confidence you will enjoy her guidance. She can be tough and reasonable at the same time. She is very much aware of her client’s limitations and always follows-up to see how you fared after the workout. And most importantly, Elizabeth has a great sense of humor and encourages you with great care.“
Malin Taylor
Over 20 plus years Fitness Professional
Director of Wellness, EXOS
Owner, ABC Health and Fitness
“With over 20 plus years of experience in the fitness industry and as a director of a fitness program for those aged 55+, I got to know Elizabeth as a talented trainer who focuses on every client’s technique and execution to minimize and/or eliminate injuries. Her program management training shows itself in the way she develops new opportunities for the 55+ community from initiation / planning to execution / monitoring. The Tang Soo Do program is an innovative approach that aligns directly with this community. With Elizabeth’s experience and knowledge in the fitness industry and her program management expertise along with the strong backing of well-renowned martial artists, the Tang Soo Do program will be a success. It is a pleasure to work with Elizabeth Rogan. I am sure you will feel the same.”
