Welcome
The official website for Region 20 of the World Tang Soo Do Association located in beautiful Southern California!
Special Region 20 Announcements!
Congratulations BKCN D’Ercole!
We are proud to celebrate a truly incredible milestone —
Region 20’s first Boo Kwan Chang Nim! Introducing BKCN Larry D’Ercole! BKCN D’Ercole was promoted to Phal Dan (8th Dan Assistant Grandmaster) at the 2026 World Tang Soo Do Association World Championships by Grandmaster Strong. This extraordinary honor recognizes more than five decades of unwavering dedication to Tang Soo Do, exceptional leadership, and a lifetime devoted to developing students and instructors throughout our region and beyond.
BKCN D’Ercole began his Tang Soo Do journey in 1973 under the instruction of Grandmaster Young H. Kwon. Just three years later, he earned his Cho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) through the U.S. Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. In 1980, he assumed ownership of the Korean Tang Soo Do Institute in Chula Vista, California, where he has continued to teach, mentor, and inspire generations of martial artists with the same passion and commitment that have defined his career.
A founding leader within the World Tang Soo Do Association, BKCN D’Ercole became a charter member of the WTSDA in 1982 and, just one year later, was appointed Regional Director for Mexico and Central and South America. Under his guidance, Latin America has flourished as a community built on technical excellence, respect, perseverance, and friendship. His influence extends far beyond the dojang, inspiring countless students, instructors, and masters whose lives have been shaped by his leadership and example.
BKCN D’Ercole's promotion to 8th Dan is not only a personal achievement—it is a moment of immense pride for Region 20 and the entire World Tang Soo Do Association. His humility, dedication, and lifelong pursuit of excellence embody the very spirit of Tang Soo Do. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Assistant Grandmaster Larry D’Ercole and his family on this well-deserved recognition. We also thank him for his decades of service, leadership, and inspiration. We are honored to celebrate this remarkable milestone and look forward to the continued legacy he will leave for generations of martial artists to come.
Tang Soo!
• High-grade stainless steel
• 17 oz (500 ml)
• Dimensions: 10.5″ × 2.85″ (27 × 7 cm)
• Vacuum flask
• Double-wall construction
• Bowling pin shape
• Glossy finish
• Odorless and leak-proof cap
• Insulated for hot and cold liquids (keeps the liquid hot or cold for 6 h)
• Patented ORCA coating for vibrant colors
• Hand-wash only
• Blank product sourced from China
Disclaimer: Keeping water in the bottle for over 24 hours is unhygienic and can result in an unpleasant smell.
Shop the
Region 20
Collection
• 100% certified organic cotton 3/1 twill
• Fabric weight: 8 oz/yd² (272 g/m²)
• Dimensions: 20” x 14” x 5”
• Capacity: 6 US gal (23 l)
• Weight limit: 30lbs (13.6 kg)
• 1” wide and 25" long self-fabric dual straps
• Open main compartment, flat bottom
• Blank product components sourced from China
Whether you're training in the dojang, competing at tournaments, or supporting fellow members from the sidelines, our Region 20 Store has something for everyone! Browse our collection of apparel, accessories, and exclusive Region 20 merchandise designed to help you represent our martial arts community with pride.
Every purchase is more than just new gear—it helps support Region 20 events and programs throughout the year, including tournaments, training camps, and other activities that bring our members together. Thank you for your continued support, and don't forget to check back often as new merchandise and limited-edition items are added throughout the year.
Train hard. Wear your Region 20 pride.
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/y² (153 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• 50% cotton, 50% polyester
• Double-lined hood
• Double-needle stitching throughout
• Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling
• 1x1 athletic rib knit cuffs and waistband with spandex
• Front pouch pocket
Region 20 Events!
Region 20 is proud to host a variety of exciting events throughout the 2026 calendar year! We invite you to join us for as many events as possible as we train together, build lasting friendships, and strengthen our Region 20 community. Throughout the year, you'll have opportunities to attend black belt classes, support and celebrate candidates at Black Belt Tests, and compete alongside and cheer on fellow martial artists at our regional tournaments. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, challenge yourself, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of training with members from across the region, there's something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year as we continue to grow together in the spirit of Tang Soo Do.
Region 20 2025 Champions!
Congratulations to everyone who competed at our Region 20 Championship Tournament! We had over 130 competitors from all of our regional schools. Thank you to everyone for an incredible day full of spirit, camaraderie, and friendship. To our judges, scorekeepers, and masters, you all made this day run smoothly with your incredible work! A special thank you to our tournament hosts, Master Larry D’Ercole and Master Leslie Salinas! Thank you for all of your incredible work to make this day possible.
Here are some special Shoutouts from our regional awards
Family of the Year
The Miramontes Family - Tang Soo Do Karate Institute
Scholarship Recipients:
Jody Reyes - M.A.S. Tang Soo Do
Gabriel Rodriguez - Tang Soo Do Karate Institute
Reese Jurman - Coastal Canyon Tang Soo Do
Santiago Soto - M.A.S. Tang Soo Do
Aidin Miramontes - Tang Soo Do Karate Institute
Regional Champions:
Youth Dan Female: Chelsea Roffey - Coastal Canyon Tang Soo Do
Youth Dan Male: Max Harris - Tang Soo Do Karate Institute
Senior Dan Female: Barbara Noriega - Fathom Martial Arts
Senior Dan Male: Thomas Taggart - Mountain Lion Tang Soo Do
Adult Dan Female: Marine Goldberg - Coastal Canyon Tang Soo Do
Adult Dan Male: Angelo D’Ercole - Tang Soo Do Karate Institute
