My story begins in 1967 when I entered military service in the U.S. Army. Serving our country as a Ranger, Recon LRRP, and Special Operations, led me into military hand-to-hand fighting skills. At that time this was the Armed Forces Karate Association (AFKA) - today called Combative Skills. Military combatives training encompasses hand-to-hand combat techniques and strategies used by armed and unarmed Special Operations Professionals. It's not a specific martial art but rather a practical system, drawing from various martial arts, designed to prepare soldiers for close-quarters combat and self-defense. This training is crucial for building confidence, situational awareness, and the mental toughness needed to react effectively in high-stress situations. Today the martial arts civilian world calls this style of fighting Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
During 1973-1975 I served in South Korea as leader and manager of a U.S. Army competition Karate team, the members of which trained and competed in tournaments in South Korea. During normal work hours I trained U.S. Army soldiers in the martial arts and combative skills. However, during the evenings and weekends I trained in Chung Do Kwan, Taekwondo and competed in tournaments. This transition from military martial arts to civilian taekwondo led me to the achievement of my first black belt in Chung Do Kwan, Taekwondo in 1974.
1st Dan Chung Do Kwan, Taekwondo
To round out my martial art abilities throughout my life I explored many styles of martial art skills. These skills when mixed together expand one’s over-all ability to survive in military combat situations, especially during Special Operations Missions. This experience and training served me and so many others over the years. Martial Art styles such as Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, Hapkido, Aikido, Jeet Kune Do, to name just a few. In today’s world the focus of traditional martial arts complimented with a mixture of other combative and defensive skills make an unbeatable combination when one is confronted with a defense situation.
Returning to the USA and assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in 1975, I trained soldiers in the NCO Academy and founded the 101st Recondo School. Seeking a civilian martial arts organization I could work with, led me to meeting Master Rhin Moon Richard Chun, President of the Richard Chun Taekwondo Center and the United States Taekwondo Association (USTA), and Chairman of the Korea Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan Association (KTA) in the United States. Grandmaster Rhin Moon Richard Chun became my teacher, mentor, and valued friend. We remained in this relationship until his passing on November 15, 2017.
My assignment to Germany in 1977 gave me the opportunity to teach taekwondo to U.S. Military members, their families, and civilian counterparts. Becoming a certified Tournament Referee and Judge opened doors to tournaments around Europe. During this period and onward later, Grandmaster Dr. Richard Chun continued to provide Moo Duk Kwan guidance and support. He assisted me and hundreds of students in their search for martial art enlightenment.
Military Hand-to-Hand Fighting
I have taught martial arts and combative skills to military members, military dependents, and civilian martial artists in South Korea, the United States, Panama, Cyprus, England, and Germany. My combined military experience includes working with Special Ops organizations such as the Delta Force, Secret Service, British SAS, Seal Team 6, U.S. Army Rangers, and other International organizations.
Today I continue to teach taekwondo and maintain an association with the Richard Chun Taekwondo Headquarters and the Korea Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan Association (KTMA). My teaching focus is on youth teens and adults, with emphasis on discipline, perseverance, control and life skills. I respect the Tenets of Taekwondo; Courtesy, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit, Integrity and Honor; as did my teacher Grandmaster Dr. Rhin Moon Richard Chun throughout his life.
GM Dr. Charles R. Heck, Jr. (U.S. Army, Ret) Chief Warrant Officer CW-4
GM Dr. Charles R. Heck, Jr.
GM Dr. Charles R. Heck, Jr.
Grandmaster Dr. Charles R. Heck, Jr. (U.S. Army CW-4, Ret)
9th Dan Moo Duk Kwan, Taekwondo
8th Dan Chung Do Kwan, Taekwondo
Certified Master Instructor
Certified Tournament Referee & Judge
Published July 23, 2025 with permission from Grandmaster Dr. Charles R. Heck, Jr.