In a move that epitomizes their unwavering dedication to community growth, Middleburg Martial Arts has merged with Ripple Effect Martial Arts. Now operating under the name Ripple Effect Martial Arts Middleburg, this united team, nurtured by the founding principles of Middleburg, embarks on an exciting new chapter.
Under the esteemed leadership of Middleburg’s founder, Master Jan Lappin, the legacy of excellence continues to flourish. Guided by Master Lappin’s daughter, Master Rachael Macy, and her husband, Master Greg Macy, the school’s vision of cultivating resilient leaders in the community remains steadfast. Together, they weave the fabric of tradition and innovation, blending the rich heritage of Middleburg with the dynamic spirit of Ripple Effect Martial Arts. This union symbolizes a commitment to collective progress, where the shared values of discipline, respect, and camaraderie propel individuals toward personal growth and community upliftment.
Join us in a two-part blog series celebrating Master Jan Lappin and Ripple Effect Martial Arts Middleburg. Read Part 1 here.
Last month, we talked with Master Jan Lappin, co-founder of one of the nation’s most successful martial arts schools: Middleburg Martial Arts, now Ripple Effect Martial Arts Middleburg (listen to the full podcast here). Master Lappin, a 5th-degree black belt in the Korean art of Tang Soo Do, has spent decades training generations of students and instructors in the martial arts, which for hundreds of families in the Middleburg community has become a way of life.
Since its founding in Fleming Island in 2021, the Fleming Island location has been a “sister school” to Master Lappin’s well-established school in Middleburg. Both schools share a lineage in Tang Soo Do, which translates to “China Hand Way” or, “The Way of the Tang Hand.”
The roots of Tang Soo Do trace back to the Korean peninsula, where ancient warrior traditions laid the foundation for the art. The earliest forms of Korean martial arts, known as Taekkyeon and Subak, date back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC–668 AD) and served as precursors to Tang Soo Do. These martial arts emphasized not only physical combat skills but also mental discipline and moral values.
Tang Soo Do as we know it today began to take shape under the guidance of Grandmaster Hwang Kee. In 1945, Grandmaster Hwang founded the Moo Duk Kwan school, which would later become one of the most influential organizations in the spread of Tang Soo Do. Drawing inspiration from traditional Korean martial arts and incorporating elements from Chinese and Japanese disciplines, Grandmaster Hwang developed a comprehensive system that emphasized kicking techniques, hand strikes, forms (kata), and self-defense.
One of the defining characteristics of Tang Soo Do is its emphasis on the holistic development of the individual. Instructors help students cultivate mental focus, self-discipline, respect for others, and a sense of community. The tenets of Tang Soo Do, including integrity, perseverance, and indomitable spirit, serve as guiding principles both inside and outside the school.
Ripple Effect Middleburg has a long tradition of helping the local community through fundraisers, donations, and volunteering. It’s a tradition that Ripple Effect Fleming Island has taken on as well. Notably, Ripple Effect Fleming Island’s founder Master Rachael Macy is Master Lappin’s daughter, and Master Macy’s kids have grown up with these values. Thus, the tradition of training and service is literally passed down through generations.
As we celebrate Master Lappin’s accomplishments, we look forward to carrying this black belt tradition into the future. If you’re curious about how martial arts can help you, your kids, and your community, start here to find out more about the black belt journey.
