Our History
Kyo Sa Nim Raymond Sobel and Kyo Sa Derek trains under 9th Degree Grand Master Ferraro and 6th Degree Master Michael Ramirez under the Mi Guk Kwan Federation.
9th Degree Grandmaster Charles Ferraro
6th Degree Master Michael Ramirez
Raymond Sobel
Kyo Sa Nim
Raymond Sobel is the primary instructor of Golden Gate Karate School. You will learn about Raymond’s Martial Arts Achievements, History, and Story as you progress further down this page; As well as more about our other instructors.
Achievements:
Kyo Sa Nim (Mi Guk Kwan, Tang Soo Do)
E Dan (Mi Guk Kwan, Tang Soo Do) - 2nd Degree
Jo Kyo Nim (Moo Duk Kwan, Soo Bahk Do - Dan Bon 51682) - 1st Degree
Cho Dan Black Belt (Moo Duk Kwan, Soo Bahk Do - Dan Bon 51682)
Silver Medal in Forms - 2021 Soo Bahk Do Nationals
Gold Medal in Forms - 2021 Neapolitan Tournament
Silver Medal in Fighting - 2021 Neapolitan Tournament
1st Place in Forms - 1988 Homestead Academy Tournament
1st Place in Fighting - 1988 Homestead Academy Tournament
Derek Sobel
Kyo Sa Nim, Instructor
Derek Sobel is a natural born athlete currently attending Florida Gulf Coast University pursuing a major in exercise science.
Prior to FGCU Derek was awarded a scholarship to Warner University where he ran track. Derek ran the 60-meter, 100- meter and 200- meter and exceeded expectations quickly, qualifying for indoor and outdoor nationals as a true freshman.
Although Derek had a virtuous track season he transferred to FGCU where he is currently attending, which aided Derek in finding a passion to learn Karate.
In 2021 he joins Soo Bahk Do where he trained with 4th degree Master Rupert. Derek in his first tournament - “The Neapolitan” placed 1st in forms.
Derek partakes in a vigorous training regiment and trains for several hours a day and will be the full-time studio assistant instructor helping 2nd degree Kyo Sa Nim Raymond Sobel in providing the best program for your household.
Our Belt Ranking System
Our belt ranking system is classic and simple. Our members will see a steady progression as they continue down their martial arts journey.
Kyo Sa Nim Raymond Sobel Trains at this Do Jang with 6th Degree Master Ramirez
Our Biography
How did we get here?
Early Life
In 1968 at the age of 12 years old, Raymond Sobel trained with 7th degree Master Koji Sugimoto (who was a 5th degree when Raymond trained with him) in the Shotokan karate discipline. After years of training Raymond moved away with his parents to Homestead Fl. Not being able to continue with Mater Koji Sugimoto.
“Where there is preparation, there is NO FEAR.”
— Tang Soo Do, Grandmaster Hwang Kee (1914-2002)
Picture of Raymond Sobel & Grandmaster Hwang Kee, 1988
18 Years Later…
In 1986 (Gup number 33030), with a strong desire to retain karate in his life Raymond trained with Master Johns, Master Hanke, Master Prior, and the founder of Tang Soo Do Grandmaster Hwang Kee.
3 Years Later, In 1989 Raymond was electrocuted with over 17,000 volts of electricity while conducting business as a contractor.
The injury was so severe that he was unable to train for 29 years. Raymond later moved to Naples Fl. still wanting to train and continued to practice at home. He felt that his injury would never allow him to train or teach.
Won’t take “No” for an answer!
After many years, Raymond persevered and overcame his injuries….
In 2017, Raymond found The “Soo Bahk Do” Korean Karate which was eventually renamed from the original style “Tang Soo Do” in which he trained in 1986. He was introduced to 4th degree Master Ruperts, 6th degree Master Broyals and 6th degree Master Cruz. There Raymond Achieved his “Cho Dan” Black belt level in 2019.
His continued training allowed him to receive his 2nd degree and the Kyo Sa Nim approved teaching ranking registered here in the United State. In Korea, his certificate Dan Number is “Dan Bon 51682” and is now forever inscribed in the Soo Bahk Do archives.
In 2021 Raymond was awarded the silver medal at the Soo Bahk Nationals. Also being awarded Gold and Silver medals at the Neapolitan tournament in 2021.
Presently Raymond has opened his first karate school located in Naples Fl. under Tang Soo Do, Mi Guk Kwan, named “Golden Gate Karate School”.
