7th Dan Black Belt – Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo
Owner and Chief Instructor, Engage Lifestyle Martial Arts | Henderson, Nevada, USA
Master CD Young is a lifelong martial artist with over 36 years of martial arts training and more than 32 years of teaching experience. He serves as the Owner and Chief Instructor of Engage Lifestyle Martial Arts in Henderson, Nevada, where he is dedicated to preserving traditional martial arts values while developing disciplined, confident leaders through martial arts training.
Master Young earned his Black Belt in 1992 and has served the martial arts community as a lead instructor, weapons instructor, and demonstration team coordinator since 1995. In 2012, he founded Engage Lifestyle Martial Arts, establishing a school focused on technical excellence, character development, and leadership training through traditional martial arts instruction.
Master Young holds the rank of 7th Dan Black Belt in Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo and continues to expand his martial arts knowledge through additional systems and training. His credentials include:
- 7th Dan Black Belt, Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo
- Black Belt, Hyper Martial Arts Black Belt Pro Training
- World Songmookwan Federation – Southwest Director
- International Martial Arts Council of America Certified Black Belt and Instructor
- Krav Maga Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor
His dedication to martial arts instruction and leadership has been recognized with several national honors, including:
- United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame – Distinguished Instructor of the Year (2019)
- Bruce Lee & Arnold Hall of Honor – Taekwondo Master Instructor (2020)
- United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame – School of the Year (2024)
In addition to his training in Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo, Master Young has studied Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds the rank of Blue Belt, and he continues his training in Hyper Martial Arts Pro Training and Jiu-Jitsu to further develop his technical skill and instructional knowledge. He has also provided defensive tactics instruction at the Silver State Law Enforcement Academy, assisting in the training of law enforcement personnel.
Master Young is also dedicated to youth leadership and community service. He founded the Student Leadership Clinics (SLC) program for leadership development in music students and continues to support youth leadership initiatives through the Service and Leadership Club, encouraging young people to contribute positively to their communities. He also serves as a Reverend for Life Mastery USA, a non-profit chapter through the Alliance of Divine Love.
A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Master Young graduated from Silverado High School and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2004.
Master Young continues his training and instruction within the traditions of Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo, while also pursuing ongoing development in Hyper Martial Arts Pro Training and Jiu-Jitsu, contributing to the continued growth and advancement of martial arts in the United States.