This past Saturday, September 11th, 2010, marked a day of importance for one of my strongest mentors. James Sun Hwan Chung, titled 'Senior Grand Master,' celebrated his 40th anniversary of martial arts instruction in the United States. Kalamazoo, Michigan, has been privy to Grand Master Chung's tutilage for four decades... whether it be at various demonstrations or local college courses, or at one of his various branch schools in that area. His company, the International Academy of Martial Arts (I.A.M.A.,) also boasts branch schools and connections around the world. My dojang, New Edge Martial Arts, LLC, is one of the aforementioned branch schools. Students young and old at New Edge learn techniques that were either modified or created by Grand Master Chung, despite being two and a half hours away from his main Kalamazoo headquarters.
Senior Grand Master is a 9th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, and Hap Ki Do... all of which are Korean martial arts. 9th Dan (or Degree,) is the highest level of achievement in those systems. A man in his early 70s, it would be easy to assume that he no longer teaches or is actively involved in running classes at his branch schools. This is by far not the case. Just a few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to spend the week with Grand Master and his wife, Senior Master Teresa Moon Chung (also a high leveled martial artist.) It was amazing to witness just how hard my instructor works at operating his several schools in the area. Even moreso, it was a breath of fresh air to see just how exciting his instruction was, still, with his youth classes. The smiles on their faces and sweat from their brows was proof enough that he is truly deserving of his titles.
He holds several titles of importance in the martial arts community. He is a level 1 referee for the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, which is the branch that oversees Tae Kwon Do at the Olympics. He is also an advisor to the President of the Kukkiwon- the governing body to WTF Tae Kwon Do. Just one month ago, he was an honorary chairman for the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championships, which is similar in circumstance to any event that he attends. He also has strong connections as far as celebrities in the martial arts world are concerned. From Jason David Frank of Power Rangers fame to Chuck Norris, Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung is respected amongst that community.
Grand Master Chung and his wife, Senior Master Teresa, have been a strong foundation in my martial arts career for many years... whether directly or indirectly. My students that make it up to black belt rank are promoted at the I.A.M.A. headquarters in Kalamazoo under Grand Master Chung four times per year. They also attend his annual Michigan Cup Championship, which takes place every year in late September (this year it is on September 25th.) Several times per year, I am honored to visit Kalamazoo on my own time for training, relaxation, and comradery between my martial arts peers. Each visit, I am welcomed with open arms by the Chungs as if I am one of their sons... being allowed to stay at their house, study with them, and join them for the frequent meal. About three summers ago, I had the priveledge of travelling to South Korea with Grand Master Chung for around three weeks. It was there that my relationship with him as a student began to expand, as he showed me so much about the culture of Korea and Tae Kwon Do. I was allowed to visit the Kukkiwon, meet Korean Olympic medalists and coaches, experience the people and food of that region, and also teach and take classes in various Korean martial arts. That experience boosted my drive and morale as a martial arts school owner, which I have shared with my mother and students ever since. Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung has been so much to me in my life. A teacher and mentor, a business advisor, an example, and a father figure.
Moo Sool!
Master Kevin Nilson
New Edge Martial Arts, LLC
