Our Grand Master

Grand Master Dominick A. Giacobbe, known as the “MIND MASTER,” is a true Grand Master of the 2,000-year-old art of Tang Soo Do, Korean Karate. Internationally recognized, Giacobbe has been seen by millions on the “GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS” international TV show. His segment is still widely viewed on YouTube, where he was labeled as the Mind Master and placed in the Guinness World Record Book as the “MIND WARRIOR” for his incredible performance of Mind over Matter. Over the years, he has performed his feats of Mind over Matter hundreds of times on numerous TV programs, in magazines, and at live appearances.

Grand Master Giacobbe holds a 9th Dan Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, Korean Karate. He began his studies in 1968 under Grand Master J. C. Shin, who famously trained movie star Chuck Norris. Under Master Shin’s personal instruction, Giacobbe rose to prominence. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he gained a reputation as one of the top tournament competitors on the East Coast. He also trained extensively with Grand Master H. C. Hwang, son of the founder of Tang Soo Do, and Grand Master C. S. Kim, a world-renowned champion.

In 1974, Master Giacobbe opened the Tang Soo Karate Academy in Blackwood, New Jersey. Today, the academy, located in Voorhees, remains one of the most successful Karate schools in the United States. In 1977, he traveled to Korea to refine his skills further and learned the ancient techniques of Mind Power, derived from internal Chi energy. His mastery of meditation and specialized breathing exercises set him apart from other martial artists. On television, he has demonstrated his abilities by piercing his arms with sharpened motorcycle spokes, suspending buckets of water from them, and showing no signs of blood or pain. His appearances have amazed audiences on programs such as Guinness World Records, Incredible Sunday, That’s Incredible, Evening Magazine, Good Morning America, Sally Jessie Raphael, CNN, After Hours, Entertainment Tonight, and many more.

From a young age, Giacobbe was passionate about sports and physical fitness. At age 12, he began training in running and track. In high school, he expanded to weight training, football, and baseball. Recognized nationally as an expert in physical fitness, weight training, and flexibility enhancement, he has worked with many professional athletes. In 1980, members of the Philadelphia Eagles football team began training with him. By 1987, Coach Buddy Ryan assigned the entire Eagles defense to train under Giacobbe during the off-season. For five years, the Eagles defense dominated the NFL. Among those personally trained by Giacobbe were NFL legends Reggie White and Mike Quick.

Beyond football, Giacobbe also served as a trainer for world champion boxers, contributing to 15 world championship bouts. He personally worked with Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, and Sugar Ray Leonard, helping them prepare for championship fights. His reputation earned him appearances on the covers of six martial arts magazines, including Black Belt Magazine and Karate Kung Fu Illustrated. In 1985, he won a Gold Medal in Japan at the World Super People Festival, astonishing judges by standing barefoot atop razor-sharp Samurai swords without injury.

Giacobbe’s contributions extend beyond athletics. The Governor of New Jersey recognized him for his Juvenile Offender Program, which redirected troubled youth through Karate training, achieving consistently positive outcomes. In 1983, he was awarded the Excalibur Award by the American Cancer Society for donating over $600,000 raised through the Fight for Cancer National Karate Championships in Atlantic City. In 2000, he was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors in martial arts, joining icons like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Chuck Norris. That same year, he was named Man of the Year.

Today, Grand Master Giacobbe is the president of the Intercontinental Tang Soo Do Organization and teaches seminars worldwide. His seminars cover the traditional teachings of Tang Soo Do Karate, philosophy, power meditation, Chi breathing exercises, Chi energy for healing, and the development of Mind Power. At his academy in Voorhees, he personally teaches all students, continuing his legacy of dedication.

In addition to his teaching, Giacobbe has authored four books: Secrets for a Powerful Life, Tang Soo Do: The Way of the Warrior, Master Your Mind, and Overcome—all available on Amazon.

Master Giacobbe is known for his strong, positive attitude. No task is too large or too small for him. He emphasizes philosophy as a tool for building happy, fulfilling lives, and he remains a loyal teacher, a true friend, and a sincere human being.