Instructors
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Shelby Creech Shelby Creech was born on December 17, 1972 in Melbourne, Florida. However, from the age of one, he was raised in Daytona Beach, Florida. Creech started Karate at the age of six but did not stay with the art. It was not until October 15, 1985 at age 12 that Creech signed back up in the martial arts—this time in TaeKwonDo. His first instructor was Michael Bladen, and his first master was Peter Lee. He trained at Peter Lee’s dojang until he received his yellow belt, but subsequently transferred to Master Markyl Lee’s school (Master Peter Lee’s half -brother) because it was closer to his home. Creech earned his 1st degree black belt in 1988 through Master Markyl Lee. In addition, he competed in the Junior Division at the Florida State TaeKwonDo Championships and received a gold medal. Later that year, he competed in the 1988 Junior Olympics and received a bronze medal in sparing. In addition, Creech began HapKiDo through Markyl Lee and Kempo Karate with Dave Hoffman. In 1990, Shelby Creech traveled to Korea with the Lee family, and he tested for his 2nd degree black belt. While in high school, Creech opened his first dojang at age 18, and was one of the youngest martial arts school-owners in the United States. In 1992, Creech competed in his first adult U.S. National TaeKwonDo Championships. Although he did not place at the tournament, he remained intent in his martial arts training. Master Lee was beginning an international business venture, and Creech needed to train elsewhere. This led him in December 1992 to Master Ron Berry (The Florida State TaeKwonDo Coach). Creech and Master Berry met and discussed competing under his coaching at Mudo College of TaeKwonDo in Orange Park, Florida. In January 1993, Creech began traveling 90 miles to Orange Park to train on Saturdays with Master Berry. Creech won the Florida State Heavy Weight Division and traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota to compete at the TaeKwonDo National Championships. He placed bronze, earning the right to try out for the U.S. National World Team, placing second at team trials. Creech was an alternate for that team. In March of 1994, Shelby Creech sold his school to his senior student, Jimmy Choy, to follow his dream to go to college in Jacksonville. He left Daytona for the University of North Florida. Creech trained full time at Mudo College of TaeKwonDo and attended college. He also earned his 3rd degree black belt that year. He became the president and head instructor of the TaeKwonDo club at UNF. In addition, he became captain of the Mudo College TaeKwonDo team. While in Jacksonville, Creech started training in Judo and sanctioned Brazilian Jujitsu clubs at the University of North Forida. He learned to enjoy the grappling arts as much as TaeKwonDo. Creech won several more state tournaments while at Mudo College, and he competed at the 1994 and 1996-1999 USTU National Championships. While at Mudo, Creech earned his 4th degree black belt in TaeKwonDo, and his 2nd degree black belt in HapKiDo. In addition, he graduated from the University of North Florida with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Radio and Television Communications in December 1997. At Mudo College, Creech met two other skilled martial artists: Brian Stanton and John Combs. They would train in HapKiDo, TaeKwonDo, and grappling. This was birth of the MuSool system. |
