Moorestown Weightlifting Club
There are currently many different Martial Arts Systems in existence. Each was designed and developed by its respective founder for a specific purpose. Some have evolved as the offspring of one or more existing systems. TSAA is one of those that has evolved.
Robert F. Turner, the founder of TSAA, studied Shotokan Karate while stationed in Okinawa in the late 1960's. 
Attending classes both on base, (Air Force), and in town, he sought to fine the best parts of several systems that were active in Okinawa at theat time. By combining these arts into a "personal style", he returned home to Pennseylvania, where he continued his pursuit of Tae Kwon Do, (TKD), under Sa Bum Nim Edgar Navarro, for many years.
Tae Kwon Do was chosen as a "base" for Mr. Turner's personal style, since it demonstrated extremely powerful kicks and leg techniques. Combined with Hapkido and Jujitsu for their joint locks and control manuevers, Mr. Turner was well on his way to developing a well-rounded, self-defense system.
Eventually, Mr. Turner began to teach his neighbors in New Jersey in the latter 1970's. They formed a "club" and decided to omit any inferance to the "fad" of Karate. Instead, the members of the club stressed the basic theme of their training; to improve their Self-Defense by improving their own Self-Awareness.
Practice at a licensed TSAA dojo requires a modicum of respect and lots of hard work. This system is not for everyone, although all are encouraged to participate. In accordance with the standareds set by Mr. Turner, the requirements of the grading system will not be lowered to accomodate the student. This system was designed and is intended to be practiced as an effective Self-Defense Style for the serious student who wishes to improve themselves in every aspect of their lives.
TSAA existed for years and remains today, a non-profit organization, open to serious students from all backgrounds and styles. However, although members are free to participate in tournaments, they must understand that this is NOT a tournament oriented school! TSAA neither sponsors nor hosts tournaments. Walls and shelves are not adorned with plaques, ribbons and trophies. TSAA is first and foremost, a Self-Defense System, worthy of respect on its own merit.
As a Self-Defense System, several different philosophies are practiced. One is ground fighting. This is the ability to effectively defend oneself on the ground, (or in a car, on a bed, etc.). It should be clear that this is NOT Grappling, rather actually fighting from the ground as though one was standing. This is unique to the TSAA system and is very rarely practiced in other martial arts systems. Another is the use of "sweeps" and "takedowns", some of which are extremely powerful and, when executed properly, are very effective. A third is the use of joint manipulation and skeletal control; methods taken from several jujitsu-ryu, which are very effective for those participants requiring minimal effort, yet maximum effect control of another person.
The TSAA System works for EVERYONE, regardless of size or physical strength. The techniques practiced are practical and are effective when applied against very strong, aggressive attackers. This system is presently being used by men, women, children, as well as by the physically challenged and persons diagnosed with ADHD. Many of the Self-Defense courses developed by TSAA's instructors have been taught successfully at hospitals, in industrial settings and in schools, including the teaching of socially challenged children.
We can be reached at the Moorestown Weightlifting Club, 102 Commerce Drive, Moorestown, NJ, 08057. Our Chief Instructor is Sensei Diaco, a 3rd Degree Blackbelt under Master Turner and Chief Instructor of TSAA - Moorestown.
In addition to his role as Chief Instructor, Mr. Diaco is a College Level Professor, instructing at Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Mr. Diaco also teaches a "for credit" course in Self-Defense, as well as teaching Self-Defense to the Teachers of the Moorestown School District.
Sensei Diaco has recently begun filming the TSAA philosophies for use by Law Enforcement Personnel. Videotapes will be available soon. Check back soon for purchasing information.