An internationally-recognized Master Black Belt now holds classes in New Carlisle for children and adults, offering his own unique blend of traditional martial arts known as Tae Ryu Do. Master Stephen McCall first began practicing martial arts nearly 50 years ago, earning national, international, and world merits as a fighter along the way, and now directs his focus on teaching the art to the next generations.
“I’ve been sharing what I know for most of the time,” McCall said Sunday evening as we spoke. He’s been teaching since 1981, employing the Tae Ryu Do style for nearly 25 years before it was officially recognized. Tae Ryu Do, pronounced “tay-roo-doh,” is a mixed martial art that combines the Korean-based Kaekwondo and the Japanese style of Shotokan all while incorporating hints of Chinese influence.
McCall’s initial interest in martial arts was sparked by Bruce Lee and “an alcoholic stepfather who slapped us around,” he said, leading McCall’s desire to learn a method of defending himself. Noting that he is a Christian and does not incorporate any eastern religions into his teachings, McCall has been involved with several Christian Martial Arts clubs in the past decade. Faith also led to McCall’s decision to forgive his stepfather for the things that happened in the past when he returned from college at Tennessee Temple.
“He made a profession of faith and I forgave him,” McCall said.
The 1974 Graham graduate then went on to win numerous titles, being rated number one in the nation, placing third in the world twice, becoming a three-time international champion, and ten-time national champion in the National Black Belt League. McCall’s participation in the field also earned him some fame through Taekwondo Master Jhoon Rhee’s tournaments, which he won three times, as well as appearing on ESPN2 in that tournament one year in Washington, D.C. He also got to rub shoulders with Sinbad the comedian during his time as a promoter, and even appeared as a featured extra in the movie “The Cut Off.”
McCall takes pride in his students’ accomplishments as well, adding that one of his female students is also a five-time international champ six-time world champ, and ten-time national champ.
He said his classes aim to empower students with the confidence to make the right decisions in all aspects of life. Employing an intricate mix of traditional and non-traditional methods, McCall’s Tae Ryu Do classes offer students the ability to get both sides of their brain to communicate with one another. Using kicks, blocks, and all manner of self-defense techniques, McCall said his practices can stimulate right-brain/left-brain communication.
“With kids, when either of the arms crosses the center line of the body, it gets the two sides of the brain talking,” McCall said that he read in an article recently. “Most people don’t think about that sort of thing.”
Also stressing the importance of meditation in his teachings, McCall said the practice is vital to those even outside the field of martial arts, as he works with corporate executives to de-stress amid their stressful work environments.
McCall said the goal of his classes is to provide kids the opportunity to participate in a consistent, productive activity. He said that becoming involved in such a focused practice at a young age has the potential to lead to a more productive future, noting that he involved his own three children in martial arts from a very young age and they all went on to graduate from college and secure “really good jobs,” he said. McCall believes his children’s accomplishments are a testament to the craft, adding that he believes the root of many of society’s troubles today are due to a lack of structure and discipline in children.
“Kids need a line to bump…they need to know they can only go so far,” said McCall. “Having someone to keep them in line means that person cares, and I let them know I care—I set parameters.”
He said that he was a member of New Carlisle Sports and Fitness with his wife Sarah until he had knee surgery, and having known the owners of the fitness center, the decision was made to welcome McCalls classes in New Carlisle twice per week. McCall said he noticed a lack in regular kids’ activities and plans to stick around with a longstanding program, and while his primary focus is on teaching the youth, he welcomes adults as well.
Stephen McCall’s Tae Ryu Do classes will be held at the New Carlisle Sports and Fitness Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the youth program (6-12 years-old) from 5 until 6 p.m., and the adult class (13 and up)from 7:30 to 8:30. Call the fitness center at 937-846-1000 for more information.
