Master Kim's
Biography
Biography
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| Kim's Hapkido 4848 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Phone: (757) 497-8880 |
Master Dong K. Kim is a naturalized citizen, immigrating from South Korea in the 1970's.
His experience spans over 30 years and includes all areas of martial arts. He was the Head
Instructor at Jhoon Rhee Institute and later , in New York, served as Head Instructor for World
Champion John Chung in the discipline of Tae Kwon Do. He held the position of Chief Instructor for
Yong Song Lee Hapmudo for 20 years, teaching Hapkido, Aikido, Jujitsu, Judo and Weapons. We
are fortunate to have Master Kim's extensive background as the foundation of our comprehensive
and unique curriculum in martial arts at our school.
multiracial students of both genders and all ages interact in an atmosphere of respect, learning,
and friendship. It is clear early on, that when you walk through the front door, you are a part of
Master Kim's family.
The studio creed is "Defend Myself; Defend my Family; Defend my Community." Master Kim
empowers the students to embody this creed by pushing them beyond their comfort zones. He sets
boundaries and expects success as his students strive to meet physical, behavioral, and leadership
goals. With his encouragement and fierce determination, students mature with values such as
accountability, equality, justice, integrity, and honesty. He gives students life-skills, such as
time-management, by demanding academic excellence and completion of obligatory home chores.
Students learn valuable social skills, such as how to resolve conflicts peacefully by restraint and
good decision-making. They gain a greater sense of purpose by goal-setting for positive future
outcomes.
In his many years of teaching, Master Kim has helped his students overcome and improve such
conditions as ADD/ADHD, asthma, eczema, chronic back pain, arthritis, depression, and addiction
to cigarettes. Families also benefit from Master Kim's instruction. Working together, they develop
coping mechanisms for children with behavior challenges. A shy child becomes a leader. A rowdy
child is able to sit quietly and reflect. A distracted child learns to focus. An awkward child gains
strength and grace. Parents learn to expect and celebrate the best from their children. Under
Master Kim's guidance, students learn to be good citizens . The studio supports the community by
presenting demonstrations at Virginia Beach school events and city-wide festivals. The students
are given an opportunity to "pay it forward" by participating in the annual Kicks for Kids kick-a-thon
which benefits the Children's Hospital of The Kings' Daughters in Norfolk.
Throughout his career, Master Kim has endeavored to educate his students in the philosophies of
martial arts by helping them to embrace the development of Body, Mind, and Spirit. The students
and their families love and admire him for his skill, knowledge, and undying dedication to the studio.
His warmness; his willingness to share from personal experience; his conviction that each student
can succeed given the right motivation - have all earned him an exceptional level of respect from
those associated with the studio family.
Master Kim adheres to Aristotle's statement:
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
His experience spans over 30 years and includes all areas of martial arts. He was the Head
Instructor at Jhoon Rhee Institute and later , in New York, served as Head Instructor for World
Champion John Chung in the discipline of Tae Kwon Do. He held the position of Chief Instructor for
Yong Song Lee Hapmudo for 20 years, teaching Hapkido, Aikido, Jujitsu, Judo and Weapons. We
are fortunate to have Master Kim's extensive background as the foundation of our comprehensive
and unique curriculum in martial arts at our school.
multiracial students of both genders and all ages interact in an atmosphere of respect, learning,
and friendship. It is clear early on, that when you walk through the front door, you are a part of
Master Kim's family.
The studio creed is "Defend Myself; Defend my Family; Defend my Community." Master Kim
empowers the students to embody this creed by pushing them beyond their comfort zones. He sets
boundaries and expects success as his students strive to meet physical, behavioral, and leadership
goals. With his encouragement and fierce determination, students mature with values such as
accountability, equality, justice, integrity, and honesty. He gives students life-skills, such as
time-management, by demanding academic excellence and completion of obligatory home chores.
Students learn valuable social skills, such as how to resolve conflicts peacefully by restraint and
good decision-making. They gain a greater sense of purpose by goal-setting for positive future
outcomes.
In his many years of teaching, Master Kim has helped his students overcome and improve such
conditions as ADD/ADHD, asthma, eczema, chronic back pain, arthritis, depression, and addiction
to cigarettes. Families also benefit from Master Kim's instruction. Working together, they develop
coping mechanisms for children with behavior challenges. A shy child becomes a leader. A rowdy
child is able to sit quietly and reflect. A distracted child learns to focus. An awkward child gains
strength and grace. Parents learn to expect and celebrate the best from their children. Under
Master Kim's guidance, students learn to be good citizens . The studio supports the community by
presenting demonstrations at Virginia Beach school events and city-wide festivals. The students
are given an opportunity to "pay it forward" by participating in the annual Kicks for Kids kick-a-thon
which benefits the Children's Hospital of The Kings' Daughters in Norfolk.
Throughout his career, Master Kim has endeavored to educate his students in the philosophies of
martial arts by helping them to embrace the development of Body, Mind, and Spirit. The students
and their families love and admire him for his skill, knowledge, and undying dedication to the studio.
His warmness; his willingness to share from personal experience; his conviction that each student
can succeed given the right motivation - have all earned him an exceptional level of respect from
those associated with the studio family.
Master Kim adheres to Aristotle's statement:
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
