Grand Master Croaro began his journey in Sin Moo Hapkido in August 1986, under the direct guidance of Dojunim Ji, Han Jae, founder of the “Honorable Way.” He is recognized as one of the primary original first-generation senior students and is credited with helping pioneer the development and early growth of Sin Moo Hapkido.

At the time, he was one of only two students to enroll in a traditional instructors course. This intensive program required training 5 days a week, 3 to 4 hours per day, under the directed supervision of Dojunim. Upon completing the course in October 1989, he was rewarded with his 2nd degree black belt. Among Dojunim’s senior students, Grandmaster Croaro holds the distinction of now being the longest continuously practitioner of Sin Moo Hapkido to date.

 Since 1989, he has actively shared his knowledge by assisting in teaching seminars at the World Sin Moo Hapkido Headquarters, helping train and promote martial arts masters throughout USA and internationally. He has also provided specialized training to law enforcement personal and members of the armed forces.

His expertise includes “Ki” Power development (both internal and external energy), stress management through (meditation), fundamental and advance kicking techniques, hand techniques, joint locks, pressure point applications, throws and strikes methods.

He also specializes in weapons training including the cane, staff, short stick, sword and knife techniques.

In 1990, a notable milestone occurred when Frank Croaro and Yung Fredda became the first students of Dojunim to establish a complete Sin (Shin) Moo Hapkido dojang (school) in the USA, located in Belmont, CA. According to Dojunim, Ji, Han Jae, this was the first fully developed school to teach his entire curriculum, rather than just offering only partial instruction or individual classes.

From the beginning of his training, Grandmaster Croaro demonstrated unwavering dedication to Sin Moo Hapkido and has never studied any other form of martial arts. His passion was recognized early on by then instructor Master Yung Freda, and an assistant Korean Buddhist Monk friend, who honored him with a Korean martial arts name reflecting his deep commitment to the mind, body and spirit philosophy.

In 2002, he was honored in Seoul, Korea, by Dojunim Ji, Han Jae and Dr. Lo, Young-Chul (Grand Master Lo) at the World Hapkido Master Convention held at the Olympic Center. He was nominated as one of twelve world Vice Presidents representing Sin Moo Hapkido globally and serves the representative for the West Coast/San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.

Grandmaster Croaro was inducted into the “United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame” in 2007 and again in 2009, where he was named “Master of the Year in Hapkido”.

He is a founding member of several Sin Moo Hapkido organizations. These non-political groups are dedicated to expanding the practice and traditional knowledge of Sin Moo Hapkido martial arts philosophy worldwide.

April 2014, Dojunim awarded Frank Croaro with the tittle of Grand Master in appreciation of his decades of dedication and service to Sin Moo Hapkido. He was further honored with his own Kwan (martial art system), Sinmoo/Shin Yong Do, along with its associated title.

During the 2019 Global Hapkido Conference celebrating 25 years of Shin Moo Hapkido, Dojunim Ji, Han Jae was presented with a Special Lifetime Achievement Award by Frank Dux of the Black Dragon Fighting College of Martial Arts, renowned internationally for inspiring the classic blockbuster film Bloodsport. In recognition of his legacy and continued leadership, Dojunim personally appointed Grandmaster Croaro to represent him in the art of Shin Moo Hapkido.

In 2020, in recognition of his longstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy and traditions of Shin Moo Hapkido, Frank Croaro was acknowledged by his peers, alongside members of the Shin Moo Hapkido Legacy Group, and Dojunim with a Grandmaster’s certificate, commemorating his many years of distinguished service and contribution to the art.

In October 2021, Frank Croaro was honored to receive a Grandmaster’s ranking certificate from the Korean Hapkido Federation (KHF). In February 2023, they awarded him a Certificate of Master along with a Certificate of Dojang (Shin Yong Do) for his commitment and lifelong dedication to the Hapkido community.