In 1974 Master Suan’s martial arts journey started with Tang Soo Do/ Mu Duk Kwon in California, at the early age of 6. He found Olympic style Taekwondo and joined Grand Master Joe Giampietro in 1996.

In 1998 Master Suan took over NSMA Chief Instructor duties in Okinawa and continues to have students that are nothing less than outstanding, as they dominate Island-Wide Taekwondo and Open Martial Arts Tournaments. He remains a dedicated Instructor, competitor, and demonstrator of Taekwondo.

Some of his instructor highlights are: 4 US military students earned the right to compete as Armed Forces Team Members with an additional 5 students that have held Jr. Olympic State Champion titles.

In 1999 Master Suan and students were special guests at the Grand Opening of the first WTF dojang permanently located in Okinawa.

He received the NSMA Instructor of the Year award 1999 from Grand Master Joe Giampietro, and in 2004 his students were recognized for their efforts with the local orphanage by the government of Okinawa. Master Suan credits his martial arts success to his family, especially wife Maria, daughter Sharon, the Giampietro family, NSMA students, and all the different martial arts practitioners he has trained with through the years.