About Us

Master Kim is recognized internationally for his achievement and dedication to the advancement and growth of Tae Kwon Do.  As deep as his involvement is with the sport aspect of Tae Kwon Do, Master Kim emphasizes that the mental and emotional strength of a Tae Kwon Doist is equally important.  “Tae Kwon Do is not only about competition or even self defense; ultimately Tae Kwon Do is about self improvement.  Properly taught, Tae Kwon Do improves the mind, body, and spirit.”

During his over twenty seven years of involvement in Tae Kwon Do, Master Kim has taught the Korean National Police, New Jersey Sheriff’s Department, Massachusetts State Troopers, to beginners as young as four and as old as seventy, and now you

• 8th Dan in Tae Kwon Do
• 7th Dan in Hapkido
• 7th Dan in Yongmoodo
• 6th Dan in Kumdo
• Korean National Champion – 1984, 1985, 1986
• Member of the exclusive Korean Tigers Demonstration Team
• Bachelor’s degree in Physical education and Tae Kwon Do from Yong In University - Seoul, S. Korea
• Vice President of the Yong In University Alumni Association
• Member - World Tae Kwon Do Federation
• Member - World Hapkido Federation
• Member  - World Yongmoodo Federation
• Certified International Referee

Formerly known as the Korean Yudo College, Yong-In University changed its name to reflect the wide variety of Korean martial arts and cultural education it offers. Founded by prominent martial arts leaders in 1953, the Yudo College was the first college level institution specializing in martial arts in Asia. Today, Yong-In University comprises not only vastly diverse martial arts programs, but five different colleges as well:

• the College of Martial Arts,
• the College of Physical Education,
• the College of Fine Arts and Music,
• the College of Natural Science, and
• the College of Liberal Arts.

The training available to the martial arts program at Yong-In University is unparalleled anywhere in the world. The majority of Korea's Olympic and world medalists in judo and world medalists in tae kwon do and other combat sports have come from this university. Most of the coaches and lecturers are former national team members and international medalists, insuring that the level of training and instruction is state of the art. Currently, there are approximately 1500 students attending four-year degree programs. The Hapkido, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and Kumdo teams rank among the best in Korea and the world. Yong-In University's Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Hapkido demonstration teams are world-renowned and continue to set the standard for innovation and excellence.

The Site and Facilities

The university is located on Pua mountain near the city of Yong-In, approximately 30 miles south of Seoul. The campus' peaceful mountain setting makes it an ideal environment for martial arts training. The participants will enjoy the experience of its campus and surrounding natural environment. More than ten training Halls for martial arts are in the campus

The modern philosophy of Tae Kwon Do comes largely from the 7th century Hwarang-do, which means "Way of the Flowering Manhood", developed by a corp of noblemen in the kingdom of Silla, the smallest of the three kingdoms on the Korean peninsula. These young men studied the martial and cultural arts and led Silla to unify the Korean peninsula for the first time in history. The five principles they lived by were:

• Be loyal to your country
• Be obedient to your parents
• Be honorable to your friends
• Never retreat from adversity
• Never take a life unnecessarily

Toward the end of the 10th century, Silla was overthrown and the kingdom of Koryo was founded. For the next 500 years it was compulsory for all young men to learn martial arts such as Tae Kyon and Soo Bak. During the Japanese occupation from 1910 through 1945, the practice of all martial arts was banned in an attempt to suppress the Korean nationalist spirit. After WWII there was a rebirth of the Korean martial arts and, in 1955, Tae Kwon Do acquired its modern name. Since then it has spread throughout the world and has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Today Tae Kwon Do is practiced worldwide in more than 120 countries.

Modern Tae Kwon Do is the most popular martial art form practiced in the United States today. Young and old alike find benefits in learning this ancient art form. Some practice to obtain physical conditioning, increased mental alertness, self-defense skills, or gain new confidence. Others enjoy the sport aspect of Tae Kwon Do which made its Olympic debut in the 2000 Sydney Summer games

David Marshall - I highly recommend Yong-in Martial Arts for all the benefits they provide. I started with Yong-in Martial Arts in September of 2007. Since then, I have lost over 100 pounds, my conditioning and flexibility have greatly improved, and the sense of accomplishment from achieving the different belts are well worth the time and effort. The family-friendly atmosphere and the importance placed on children learning discipline and building confidence are three of the important aspects of Grandmaster Kim's teaching approach.  -   March 2009 and June 2015

Debbie Sivyer - Tae Kwon Do has been wonderful for me. I have lost 30 pounds. Even with 4 rods and 8 screws in my back, I have been able to do the exercises. I have gotten back much of the flexibility that I thought was lost forever.   -   March 2009