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About Grand Master Versland

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Grand Master Eric Versland has over 43 years of Martial Arts experience, beginning his training as a very young child under Grand Master Ki Yun Yi of Woodbury, New Jersey. During his 43 years of training, Grand Master Versland has trained with several of the area’s top Martial Artists. After graduating from Widener University with BS in Accounting, Grand Master Versland worked in the corporate world for approximately ten years before opening his first gym in Collegeville and then finally settling into his current location in Royersford.

Throughout his training, Grand Master Versland has distinguished himself at the Regional, National, and International levels. Grand Master Versland was a Gold Medalist in Team Fighting, Silver Medalist in Individual Fighting, and Bronze Medalist in Forms at the 5th International Tang Soo Do Championships in Athens, Greece.

Grand Master Versland has been active in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) medaling in both Forms and Fighting at the Regional level. Master Versland is also a National Forms Champion with the AAU in 2000 and the USTL in 2001. Grand Master Versland has taught Tang Soo Do at the commercial and University level and is experienced teaching Women’s Self Defense and Rape prevention. Grand Master Versland is a particularly strong jump and spin kicker and is an accomplished demonstrator. It is hard to find a more dynamic technician in the Art of Tang Soo Do.

Grand Master Versland is currently training under Grand Master Chong Su Kim with the Pan-Am Tang Soo Do Federation out of York, Pa. In September of 2019 Master Versland tested for the rank of 7th Dan and was promoted to the rank of Grand Master in December 2019. Grand Master Versland feels strongly about aligning Legacy with Grand Master Kim, feeling both organizations have the same core beliefs regarding developing students not only physically but developing the student’s positive character traits as well.

About Legacy Karate Academy

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome to Legacy Karate Academy. Legacy Karate Academy is a premier martial arts school instructing students for over 20 years in quality martial arts in Montgomery County. We pride ourselves on our mission statement, to provide a quality martial arts education in a fun, family environment. Grand Master Eric Versland is excited and looks forward to teaching you all that Tang Soo Do has to offer.

Grand Master Versland holds the rank of 7th degree Black Belt in the art of Tang Soo Do, internationally certified as Grand Master Instructor. Grand Master Versland started his training at a very young age and is an accomplished competitor on a regional, national and international level holding numerous titles in fighting, forms as well as weapons. In addition, Grand Master Versland has years of experience teaching.

Grand Master Versland believes in traditional training that comes in the form of a structured class setting. This emphasizes the discipline, concentration and focus aspects of training. Making training fun and safe so our students look forward to attending class is paramount. Our classes are separated by age and in some cases rank (beginner students vs. advanced students) to ensure the safety of all.

Depending on what you are hoping to achieve through your training, martial arts can serve a variety of purposes. For children, a structured class can teach coordination, balance, agility and strength in relation to size. Along with these attributes, a child can learn hand-eye coordination, self-confidence through achievement, discipline through structure and focus through repetition. These attributes are lifelong benefits to children. For the adult, karate is an excellent way to relieve work related stress, improve flexibility & circulation, and benefit from an interactive form of exercise that allows the student to continually learn and advance.

As anything else in life worth achieving, Martial Arts training takes commitment and discipline. Work hard and there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. Remember, there are two word that our students will never say at Legacy Karate, can’t and never.

Best regards,

Grand Master Versland

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
children's hospital of philadelphia
Chris, (1st group)

I have studied martial arts for five years, in several different styles and at many dojangs. In particular, I have studied Tang Soo Do at four different schools. Legacy Karate Academy takes the study of martial arts and Tang Soo Do to a whole new level. I have never encountered a group of such skilled fighters, and Master Versland is exceptionally talented in both execution and instruction. While most masters leave training up to their black belts, Master Versland gives special care and attention to each and every student. He also aims to expand the curriculum to include important parts of other styles to supplement our training. I highly recommend Legacy if you are serious about martial arts or are looking to begin your training at a solid school.

Joe DiDonato

I have been training in Martial Arts for 30 years. I have also been a Police Officer for 15 years. Through my participation in those two areas I have had the opportunity to meet and train with some of the best and most respected trainers in the Martial Arts and Defensive Tactics community. I can honestly say that Master Versland is among one of the best. I have trained under Master Versland for almost ten years and consider it an honor and privilege to be one of his students. He is truly a master of his craft.

Tony

I started at Legacy Karate Academy 8 years ago at the age of 45, wanting to get in shape and wondering if I was too old to be embarking on the road to my black belt. Master Versland showed me that it is never too late to start. He truly taught me that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. I’m 53 now, a second degree black belt working toward my third degree. Eric Versland is my friend and one of the best teachers I have ever had. Joining Legacy Karate Academy has been an amazing journey!

Jeanine Taylor
Parent

You and your gym are a treasure to Molly and the other kids! Not many professions outside of traditional teachers can say they impact kids in a positive way with Lifelong benefits. But you can and you do. Thank you for that and thanks for everything you inspire in these kids!!

Judy Butt
Grantparent

Master V & his staff are #1!! I've never seen my granddaughter so excited to go to a lesson! We tried gymnastics, swimming, music, etc and nothing sparked her interest until Master V & karate!! Thank you soooo much for all you do with the children. Your patience & dedication is to be admired! Bravo!!

John Bartol
Parent

Master V is terrific with the kids. His assistants are also good. We've been coming here for years and would recommend it to anyone.

Kira Rinehart
Parent

Master V is absolutely wonderful! My 5 year old son has been going to Legacy for quite a while now. Master V is so patient and understanding of every child's different abilities. He takes the time to get to know your child and always makes time to talk if you need to. The gym is always clean. Everyone is professional and prices are so reasonable. We are beyond happy to be a part of the Legacy family!!

Steve Mast
Student/Parent

Master Eric Versland is very attentive to his students needs and skills. He tailors the lessons to the student(s). My son and I started taking classes over two years ago. We both enjoy the classes as well as friendships we've made in those classes. Karate isn't just for the kids ya know. Us old farts can still learn a thing or two. ;) Thank you Master Versland!

Liam Geoghan
Student

I've been a student of Grandmaster V since I was five years old, only ever taking a break to attend college. I can say without a doubt that karate has positively impacted my life and molded the successful person that I am today. This gym is not just driven by making a profit, which you do unfortunately see in a lot of karate schools today. Grandmaster V actively participates and instructs in almost every class, which again is not as normal as you'd think. I live about a half hour away from the gym, but I still choose to drive that distance two to three times a week just to train here instead of somewhere else. Students of all ages and skill levels will have no difficulty finding something to enjoy here.

Brian Pietropaolo
Parent

Two of my children have been attending Grand Master V’s classes for 6+ yrs. I immediately noticed the dedication and commitment he has to the form and student development. His teachings not only hold true in his classes but assist with student character outside the gym in life situations. In addition, he is a great man and his sense of humor makes every class fun. My children gained an amazing teacher and my wife and I gained an amazing friend.

Kati Ellor
Parent

Legacy Karate Academy is absolutely amazing. Grand Master Versland tailors instruction to each child’s needs, strengths and abilities. He inspires his students to believe in themselves so they can achieve their absolute best. Respect, integrity and discipline are core values that are taught by Grand Master Versland and his staff, this is evident when watching the students and interacting with them. My son has attended Legacy Karate Academy for 6 years and it has helped him grow in all aspects of his life. Grand Master Versland has taught my son failure is not an end but a beginning and how important dedication and perseverance are. I know my son will have the tools to achieve his goals because of Legacy Karate. Legacy Karate is not only a school but a part of our family.

Jackie Brucker
Parent

Grandmaster Versland and Legacy Karate have been guiding forces for our children. Both started karate at Legacy when they were young (ages 4 and 6). GM Versland and his team of teachers taught them the skills they needed to progress in their training. The teaching style is comprehensive and includes both technique and discipline, a fundamental component for karate students. And they also recognize that there needs to be a fun aspect to their training and that is built in.

Grand Master Versland's Accomplishments​

Master Eric Versland currently hold the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt in the art of Tang Soo Do and is celebrating over 20 years of instruction in the Limerick, Royersford, Collegeville area.

  • 43 years of Martial Arts experience.
  • Holding the rank of 7th Dan (Grand Master) in the art of Tang Soo Do.
  • Has competed regionally, nationally and internationally.
  • Over 20 years of teaching experience.
  • President of Martial Arts Club, Widener University. Has organized and run numerous hall programs for women in self-defense/rape prevention instruction.
  • Over 500 tournament wins, with 20 grand champion titles, 3 international titles and over 20 national titles.
  • Gold medal in team fighting in the 1993 Tang Soo Do Federation international tournament held in Athens, Greece.
  • Silver medal in individual fighting in the 1993 Tang Soo Do Federation international tournament, held in Athens, Greece.
  • Bronze medal in forms (Kata) in the 1993 Tang Soo Do Federation international tournament, held in Athens,Greece.
  • Silver Medal in fighting in the 1995 Tang Soo Do Federation international tournament.
  • Silver Medal in team fighting in the 1995 Tang Soo Do Federation international tournament.
  • Silver Medal in fighting in the Pennsylvania State Games, 1994,1995.
  • Silver Medal in forms in the Pennsylvania State Games, 1994.
  • Bronze medal in forms, Corestates Center 1996 Greater Delaware Valley Karate Championships.
  • Bronze medal in middleweight fighting, Corestates 1997 American Cup Championships.
  • Participant in 1997 Fitness Fest hosted by WWDB radio, held at the Valley Forge Convention Center.
  • 1998 Amateur Athletic Union Silver medalist (forms) in regional competition.
  • 1998 Amateur Athletic Union Bronze medalist (fighting) in regional competition.
  • 1999 Amateur Athletic Union Silver medalist (middleweight fighting) in regional competition.
  • 1999 Amateur Athletic Union Silver medalist (forms) in regional competition.
  • 2000 Amateur Athletic Union Silver Medalist (Fighting) regional competition
  • 2000 Amateur Athletic Union Bronze Medalist (Forms) regional competition
  • 2000 Amateur Athletic Union National Champion Forms Competition (Gold Medal), New Orleans, LA (Competed against 40 other Competitors, 3rd Dan and Up).
  • 2001 USTL National Champion Forms Competition (Gold Medal) Memphis, TN
  • 2001 USTL Bronze Medallist Weapons Competition Memphis, TN
  • 2001 USTL Bronze Medallist Fighting Competition Memphis, TN
  • 2001 USTL Bronze Medallist Team Fighting Competition Memphis, TN
  • 2002 USTL Gold Medallist Weapons Competition Nashville, TN
  • 2002 USTL Silver Medallist Forms Competition Nashville, TN
  • 2002 AAU Silver Medallist Forms Competition Greensboro, NC
  • 2003 USTL Gold Medallist Weapons Competition San Antonio, TX
  • 2003 USTL Gold Medallist Masters Forms Competition San Antonio, TX
  • 2003 Tang Soo Do Moo Do Kwan Association International Weapons Champion, San Diego, CA
  • 2003 Tang Soo Do Moo Do Kwan Association International Forms Champion, Masters Division, San Diego, CA
  • 2004 USTL Gold Medallist Weapons Competition, Michigan
  • 2004 USTL Gold Medallist Forms Competition, Michigan
  • 2005 USTL Gold Medallist Weapons Competition, Pennsylvania
  • 2005 USTL Silver Medallist Forms Competition, Pennsylvania
  • 2005 USTL Silver Medallist Individual Sparring Competition, Pennsylvania
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