Joseph Bruno discovered Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean form of martial arts, in 1974 and
through this, he has earned worldwide recognition for his skills as a karate competitor and
teacher.
While his competition days are past, Master Bruno remains actively involved in the art of Tang
Soo Do as an instructor. He is the owner of two C.S. Kim karate schools, one in Bethel Park and
the other in the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh.
His training began 38 years ago under world renowned Grandmaster Choong Jae Nim Sik Kim,
president and founder of the International Tang Soo Do Federation. That was the beginning
of a life-changing event for Bruno. He earned his black belt in 1979. Hard work in the dojang
rewarded Bruno with 17 consecutive first place finishes at the red and black belt level of
competition.
It didn.t take long for Bruno to realize that he must follow his heart and he dedicated his life to
Tang Soo DO. He became a full-time instructor under Master Kim in 1980 and opened his first
school in Bethel Park.
His training intensified and his competition skills were honed to championship level through
hard work over the long hours. During this period, he earned recognition as a forms grand
champion as well as earning a place of the 1982 USA Team that placed first at the a prestigious
international tournament in Atlantic City, NJ. In 1986, he won grand champion honors in four
major national and international competitions.
Bruno was rewarded for his commitment as a student and instructor when he received awards
for .Outstanding Instructor. and for .Dedication and Spirit.. He was named Instructor of the
Year in 1984, 986 and 1987 and Martial Artist of the Year in 1997. In 2000, he was recognized
by Grandmaster S. Henry Cho with his induction into the Hall of Fame at the national at
Madison Square Gardens in New York City.
His success in the karate gained him recognition by the magazine, .Taw Kwon DO Times., and
where he was featured on the January 2001 cover and in an article entitled .One True Student..
Since then, Bruno has been on the cover of ten different karate magazines with instructor and
friend Grandmaster Kim.
Bruno has traveled all over world promoting the art of Tang Soo Do. He has assisted in the
opening of 15 International Tang So Do Federation schools in the eastern half of the U.S. and
works directly with the grandmaster to further develop the organization. He is General Secretary
of the international federation that oversees Tang Soo Do schools throughout the world.
The only son of Joseph and Pauline Bruno, Bruno grew up in Elizabeth. Today, he lives in the
Central section of Elizabeth Township with his wife of 32 years, Tina, and two daughters .
Lauren and Christine. Lauren is beginning her second year of study at Penn State University,
majoring in the petroleum and Natural gas engineering. Christine is a senior at EF, and also
plans to attend Penn State to major in foreign language.
Both daughters became involved in martial arts at a young age and both have achieved the rank
of second degree black belt. Following in their father.s footsteps in the competitive arena, they
have also won my first place trophies in sparring.
Bruno spends his free time riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and annually takes road trips
to Harley Davidson facilities and other motorcycle related events.