Otto Van Der Groen

Otto Randolph VanDerGroen (b. Bandung, Indonesia November 16, 1940; d. Solano County, California May 14, 1979) was the founder of the Imua Shantung Kuntao system of karate (Imua Kuon Tao Kai Karate/ 1964). This martial art is rooted deeply in traditional Chinese fighting methods yet adapted in both its teaching strategies and combat applications to modern engagement realities.

VanDerGroen was of Dutch, Chinese and Indonesian descent, and was the son of the legendary Lie Gai (Edgar F. VanDerGroen), who was a master in several systems of Silat and Kuntao himself. He received the rank of Tai Sifu in Shantung Kuntao. In addition, he gained the black belt in Tae Kwon Do in one year's practice and the fourth degree (Hapkido) in the subsequent 4 years. He aided in the "Good Will Mission" efforts in Germany as part of the demonstration team headed by Gen. Choi, where Masters Kwon Jae Jwa, Park Jong Soo, Kum Chen Kuen and Han Cha Kyo also participated. He was the undefeated Grand Master European Champion for three years in a row, from 1964-66. VanDerGroen's family emigrated to the United States in 1956. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1958, and attained the rank of Captain in the Special Forces, serving as commander of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces while on duty in Panama. He died in an oil refinery accident. The lineage of his family system continues under the leadership of Tai Sifu Armando Soto. Many of his students and other practitioners continue to practice Imua KunTao in a legitimate way, even when not associated to the family or lineage branch, in many parts of the world.

ources

Oakland Tribune July 26, 1967 / US Armed Forces Report of Separation from Active duty form DD 214 / Canal Zone Special Forces Information Booklet 1975 / Contra Costa Times July 27, 1967 / Interviews with Members of the VanDerGroen family, including Mr. Lie Gai(†), Mr. Edwin VanDerGroen(†) Mr. Frans VanDerGroen, Mrs. Adelle VanDerGroen, his widow Mrs. Anna VanDerGroen and other sources such as interviews with Mr. Lott Barte, Mr. Robert Hull, Mr. John Camacho, Mr. Glenn Abrescy, Mr. Mike Anderson, and Col. Bo Gritz. Further information/corroborating sources and historical documents can be found at www.kuntao.no