Romaine Staples

Romaine "RO" Staples is widely known for advancing American karate. He began studying Tang Soo Do in the 1960's and achieved the rank of black belt in a unheard of 18 months. He progressed so quickly he could no longer be tested by U.S. instructors and had to be tested when Korean practicioners visited. Romaine broke away from his instructor when he felt the art was being "sold out" and belts were no longer being earned

Staples started his own school the Association of Korean Martial Arts (A.K.M.A) which operated from the 1967 until the late 1980's. At this time the A.K.M.A became an entity of its own. During the years of Staples competing he never was defeated. He was known for his intensity, speed and massive strength. Staples fought only full contact with no pads. Romaine fought from local venues to Madison Square Garden to underground events. He ended his long career of competition by winning the Florida Toughest Man contest where there were no rules and ring wear consisted of street clothes including boots belts among other unconventional ring attire. Staples won the title while well into his 40's.

Staples was able to shatter the myth that the human hand could only break 3 inches of pine board with a spear hand (finger tip) He broke 6 inches stacked with no spacers. This was first done with Sosai Mas Oyama as a witness.

Staples was an early body builder and was able to dispell the myth a big man could not excel in martial arts. Staples standing 6 foot 4 inches weighing over 300 pounds could move a quickly and as fluidly as a small man. He was even known for kicking basketball rims.

TEACHINGS

Staples stayed true to a simple 4 belt system. He demanded his students earn a right to test for belts sometimes waiting years between tests. He was known for brutal training methods preparing students not only to master the art but to never lose in a fight. Very few students were ever allowed to test for black belt and only a small percentage passed. Most candidates either quit due to the test being to difficult and many ended the test with a trip to seek medical attention. The average new student at the AKMA lasted only 6 weeks The students who followed the teachings of Staples were also known for a high degree of skill and most followed his lead by following a demanding strength training program. It was Staples belief that even his students with lower belt ranks should be better than other schools black belts

Staples went on to teach through his new school Staples Pro USA. He reached the rank of Soke, being recognized by the UFAF listing his style as Death Ro Tang Soo Do.

Staples is known for teaching what wins fights and discarding what is not effective.

Staples took the ideaa of the ancient art and adapted it for modern use

Staples originally was registered with Moo Duk Kwan (007292), He is registered #32 American Tang Soo Do Association, #36 New York Korean Karate Association , #171 Moo Duk Kwan-Tae Kwan Do, #100 A.K.M.A serving on the Board of Directors ,New England Karate Association, CT President of The National Karate Federation