SaBumNim Walter Vendura is a 7th Dan Black Belt with over 50 years experience in the Martial Arts & over 40 years teaching .

SaBumNim Walter began his career in Tae Kwon Do training while serving our country in Vietnam from 1967 - 1968, with Tiger Rock, a group of Korean Tae Kwon Do Soldiers. Upon his return, he found Grand Master Hyun OK Shin in Laurelton N.Y. who continues to be his revered instructor & mentor. After receiving rank of 1st Dan Black Belt In 1973, he opened his first school under grandmaster Shin's guidance in Farmingdale. L.I. in 1974.

Continuing under the tutelage of Grand Master Shin, SaBumNim earned his 7th Dan Black Belt in March of 2010. He considers the traditional values of the art to be the most important aspect in teaching, seeking to preserve the integrity & character of the art.

SaBumNim has trained in other Martial Arts disciplines as well, with many highly reveared instructors, including Aikido under the guidance of Sensei Hagihara, Phillipino Art of Arnis/Stick fighting under Grandmaster Remey Peresis, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the Gracie family, Ninjitsu under Professor Felix Vasquez. He has also studied GoJanRu in the Ron VanCleef system & American Combat Under Kyoshi Richard Barathey. SamBum says that "the knowledge & experience that I have acquired from these outstanding Martial Artists has been extremely valuable."

SaBumNim also competed in many tournaments over the years, as well as organizing & hosting his own. In 1988, he won the overall competitor in the Master level division for the Manchester Tae Kwon Do Grand Championship in Massachusetts, taking 1st place in all 3 divisions. Additionally, he attended various seminars & Martial Arts camps, in many different states over the years including Puerto Rico as a guest instructor as well as seminars/certifications with Professor Ronald Duncan, Professor Wally Jay, Mike DePasQuale and George Dillman.

SaBum says that, "One of my most rewarding experiences, as a Martial Artist/Instructor, was teaching a blind student who was turned away by 4 other schools. He trained with me for over 5 years & earned the rank of Black Belt at the age of 25."

In 1997, he was inducted into the WORLD UNION KARATE HALL OF FAME & named Tae Kwon Do INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR . He was also awarded Teaching Excellence in the Martial Arts in 1997 by the Martial Arts Business magazine. In 2009, SaBumNim was inducted into the USA MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME & named Tae Kwon Do MASTER OF THE YEAR & in 2017 was presented with the Life Time Platinum Achievement award.

Having owned & operated several schools throughout his journey, SaBumNim Walter has always made it his priority to give back to the community. He has been a member of all the local Chambers of Commerce & Rotary Clubs. He hosted & organized several FUNDRAISING events over the years including the MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION, the LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES, the CODY CENTER for AUTISM , NSASA & AUTISM SPEAKS.

SaBumNim Walter continues to share his passion for the Martial Arts through his teachings & the many lessons he imparts on all students....impacting & empowering lives every day. Although he does not expect his students to follow his path & live the martial way to the depth he has; rather he encourages his students to find their passion and make their own footprints along the path....