Michael Foley, MD, Recognized as Grand Master in Tang Soo Do

Michael Foley, MD, chairman and professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, has earned the title of 8th degree Grand Master Black Belt in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do/The Center for Humane Living.

Dr. Foley has practiced the karate-based art for more than 50 years, and takes to heart its doctrines of inclusivity, fairness and navigating conflict.

“As chairman and in my practice, I bring the tenets of marital arts to how I work and act every day,” he said.

Dr. Foley was surprised with a rank advancement promotion test Dec. 14. He was tested by Black Belts from around the country; many that he had trained throughout the years.

“I was blown away to walk into the dojo to find so many Black Belt students and former teachers there to test me,” he said. “I was filled with love and appreciation.”

Dr. Foley teaches and practices at the Center for Humane Living, a non-profit organization he started with his wife, Lisa Dado, MD, in 1991. Located in Phoenix, the center inspires people of all ages to live peaceful and compassionate lives, and offers numerous free programs to children and adults to inspire health, fitness and physical and emotional wellbeing.

“We are incorporating modern business and leadership theories with ancient Asian theory and traditional martial arts training to create an opportunity for our youth and our families to discover life harmony as a group,” he said.

The Center for Humane Living offers a variety of programs, including Wellness Warriors — a course designed to inspire, empower and enable children and their families to better manage health care challenges; marital arts training; leadership training; conflict management; sexual assault prevention; stranger awareness for children aged three to six; substance abuse prevention; academic tutoring; and counseling.

“It’s not just punching and kicking,” Dr. Foley said. “It’s about inspiring all people to live peaceful and compassionate lives through an innovative approach to traditional martial arts training.”

Since 1991, the center has trained thousands of students, and produced 61 Black Belts that continue to pay it forward by training other members of the community free of charge.