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, a minimum of 3 to 4 hours per day, under the direct 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 honor of now being the longest continuously practitioner of Sin Moo Hapkido to date.

Since 1989, he has actively shared his knowledge through seminars at the World Sin Moo Hapkido Headquarters, participating in the training and advancement of martial art instructors, and masters throughout the United States and internationally. He has also provided specialized instruction to law enforcement personnel 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 Freda 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 selected as one of twelve world Vice Presidents representing Sin Moo Hapkido globally and serves as the representative for the West Coast/San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.

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

During the 2009 Global Hapkido Conference celebrating 25 years of Sin (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”. At this conference, Dojunim personally appointed senior Grandmaster Croaro to represent him in the art of Sin (Shin) Moo Hapkido in recognition of his legacy and continued leadership.

He is a founding member of several Sin (Shin) Moo Hapkido Legacy Groups. 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 Grandmaster Croaro with the tittle of “Senior Gold Belt 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.

April 2017, in San Francisco, CA, at the request of Dojunim, Ji, Han Jae, Frank Croaro conducted a rare and in-depth personal interview addressing the future of Sin (Shin) Moo Hapkido, the distinctions between traditional Hapkido (created 1962) and Sin (Shin) Moo Hapkido (created 1984), and the individuals responsible for continuing his legacy. The exclusive interview stands as a landmark historical document for historians researching a deeper true understanding of Dojunim’s vision and legacy. (The interview is found in the Video section of website).

In 2020, in recognition of his longstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy and traditions of Sin Moo Hapkido, Grandmaster Croaro was honored by his peers, members of the Sinmoo Hapkido Legacy Group, and Dojunim with a special Senior Grandmaster certificate. This recognition acknowledged his decades of distinguished service, leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of the art.

In October 2021, Frank Croaro was awarded a Grandmaster’s ranking certificate by the Korean Hapkido Federation (KHF), recognizing his contributions to the art of Hapkido.

In February 2023, the Korean Hapkido Federation (KHF) further honored him with a Master Certificate and an official Dojang (school) Certificate for Shin Yong Do in recognition of his lifelong dedication, service and commitment to the Hapkido community.

Documentation: Information, dates, honors, and achievements referenced in this biography are verified by historical photographs, certificates, and videos available for viewing in the Photos and Video section of this website.