Community Service and Fitness Goals for Black Belt Test

This past December, I set a new testing requirement for my black belt students... a standard, more or less, that will help them develop both physically and mentally. Being a martial artist is a continued process that the student partakes, encountering stumbling blocks, lessons, and bruises along the way. It is during this, that the diligent practitioner can flourish on many levels. Increased stamina, flexibility, strength, and speed are all physical attributes that can be achieved through training. Confidence, humility, leadership, patience, and respect for self and others are all attainable through this persistence. The latter list, of course, is oftentimes more lengthy to develop. Both physical and mental benefits of martial arts training, much like any undertaking, are always a work in progress.

The new goals in which I have set for my black belt students serve to help them realize their potential for not only better athletic ability, but for leadership and compassion as well. Each student listed below will be testing for their respective degree of black belt on March 14th at New Edge Martial Arts. Aside from their years of dedication as long time students of mine, they are stepping above and beyond... choosing their own personal fitness goal as well as a community service task to complete before their physical, verbal, and written tests next month. I am very proud of each and every one of them.

Billy Dubay

 

 

Age: 15

Testing For: Black Belt

Fitness Goal: 25 pull ups a day, in addition to studying his patterns and

testing techniques every day prior to testing.

Community Service Goal: Billy has pledged to help his mom and neighbors with their

trash as well as snow removal during the winter.

Bio: Billy has been training at New Edge for six years. He has grown through

so many changes during his time in the martial arts, overcoming techniques that require

flexibility, memory, and agility with continued diligent practice as well as private lessons with Master Cindie New. Each and every year brings forth an improvement with Billy's skills, and I dare say he is one of the school's most improved students from start to finish. A welcoming personality, Billy accepts each new student with open arms and a willingness to lend a hand. He has oftentimes assisted with classes at the school, which I, as well as the other instructors and students, are very grateful for. I am very proud of his accomplishments and know that he will make an exceptional addition to the black belt group at New Edge Martial Arts.

 

Mackenzie Ford

 

 

Age: 13

Testing For: Black Belt

Fitness Goal: Mackenzie has pledged to take up snowboarding as a new activity.

Community Service Goal: Mackenzie has offered up her time, at her young age, to teach

classes at New Edge on Monday nights. She recently proved herself, as she taught two new

blue belts their patterns in ten minutes, which they memorized correctly.

Bio: Mackenzie has been a mainstay at New Edge Martial Arts for four years, continuously

challenging herself and making her movements as precise as possible. She has overcome

several obstacles in the form of fear and pain on the competition floor, but has

yet to give up and quit. Mackenzie has a strong sense of determination, and it has paid off for her.

She is a strong student and competitor, going up against boys her age at times when there

has been a lack of females to compete against at events. Like Billy, her deputy black belt peer,

she has volunteered her services at New Edge. Compassionate, friendly, cheerful, and ever dedicated,

I am very proud of her accomplishments and know she will make a great black belt.

 

Sara Brown

 

 

Age: 15

Testing For: 2nd Poom/Degree Black Belt

Fitness Goal: Running a mile a day and persisting to test despite suffering a recent broken arm

Community Service Goal: Sara has pledged to offer her services to various teachers

at her high school, as well as to volunteer at her church.

Bio: Sara is one of my Charter Member students, being at the school for close to nine years. During this time, I have been honored each and every day to have her in the academy. Sara is a constant source of positivity to her peers and instructors, and has a natural athletic ability that sets a good

pace for her fellow students to follow. She is a dedicated student, as testament to the fact that, even though just suffering a broken arm, she still plans on testing for her 2nd Degree Black Belt. She is

strong in the ring and crisp with her forms technique. Sara has also taken up more of a leadership

role this past year at the school, assisting in demonstrations, volunteering in classes, and judging/score keeping at tournaments. New Edge is proud to have Sara Brown as a student and black belt.

 

Benjamin Rappolee

 

 

Age: 15

Testing For: 3rd Poom/Degree Black Belt

Fitness Goal: Benjamin has pledged to pursue extra core and cardio activities each day prior to testing, and has also made a goal to participate in more self defense and Hap Ki Do classes per week.

Community Service Goal: Ben has offered his services at Gleaners, which is a food bank for the needy.

Bio: Ben is the longest remaining student at New Edge Martial Arts, having trained for nearly 9 years, and being the 8th student I have ever instructed in the martial arts. Ben is a very intelligent young man, be it at school or in the training hall. He has always used this to his advantage, memorizing forms and studying his opponents' movements to give him the upper hand. He also been gifted with speed, flexibility, and agility... as can be seen while he performs his acrobatic flying kicks across the mat. Ben is a hard worker and is dedicated to the martial arts, having returned more than once after suffering a sports-related injury. He has recently become more of a leader

at the school, specifically when working together with the lower ranking black belts in the

advanced class. I am extremely proud of him, and look forward to seeing him, as well as

the other students, test for their black belts on March 14, 2014.

 



 



 

 

 

 

Students Set Goals for Their Next Black Belt Test

As a student and teacher of various martial art styles, I have found over the years that training and partaking in this is much more than a hobby and sport. It is a way of life, in one way or another, that helps the individual seek and find growth within themselves. It also should, in my opinion, give the student the strength of mind and soul to encourage others within their families and communities to make a difference. This is especially true when the student reaches a higher level of skill in whatever martial art that they partake in, specifically around the time when they attain the rank of black belt or greater.

In teaching my own students, I strive to educate them on how to behave in class, at school, and around their families. I also hope that, within their training, they will grow in humility in their dealings with all others around themselves. I teach that martial artists are strong in spirit as well as body, overcoming obstacles and also giving strength to those in need. Over the past few months, I have taken more strides in this approach, more than just educating them on the fundamentals of kicking, punching, throwing, etc. I am proud to say that a good majority of my youth (and also adult,) higher ranking students have stepped up to voluntarily assist with the younger classes offered at New Edge Martial Arts. Not only has it helped the youngest of students with their techniques, but it has also aided in generating more patience, understanding, cooperation, and leadership in my assistants.

After witnessing the growth in my school's younger classes due to the voluntary efforts of my advanced students, I decided to implement a new task for my students testing at the black belt level. Well, two tasks, to be more precise. The first is a personal physical fitness goal. The second is a community service goal, in which they must volunteer time for a cause of their choosing. Not only will this help their community, but it will also strengthen their sense of leadership and also generate more interest in New Edge Martial Arts and training as a whole.

I am proud to share the following students, as well as their goals they have set for their upcoming belt tests.

• Erynn Long, age 12, will be tutoring elementary school children in their classes. For her physical fitness goal, she has set for herself the task of being able to do five consecutive pull-ups come test time. She started at not being able to do any, and last time I checked, she was up to three. She has very solid technique all-around, and enjoys helping out with the younger classes.

• Kate Alltop, age 11, will be helping her teacher with various tasks after school up until her test time. She also has set the goal of running one and a half miles everyday prior to her next belt test. Two very big goals for someone her age. I know I personally would not have been as motivated at age eleven. Kate also assists with the youth classes at the school.

 

• Jose Villegas, age 9, pledges to shovel snow and rake the leaves for his family as well as neighbors. He has also set a pretty solid goal of being able to do 800 pushups in a week from now until test time. Even though he is the youngest tester in the group, his dedication and desire to train his hardest makes him just as strong as the other students in this promotion.

• Javier Villegas, age 11, will be walking his neighbor's dogs from now until test time. Like his brother, he has also set the goal of being able to do 800 pushups in a week from now until his next test. Both Villegas brothers, as well as the other students listed, are dedicated to attending classes several times per week. The brothers specifically have had countless sessions in private lessons at the school.

• Govind Suresh, age 12, pledged to volunteer at SOC, Services for Older Citizens.
  He has also taken up the task of running around 1.7 miles a day. One of my longest remaining students, I have been honored to know this patient, kind, and talented young man for almost nine years. He never hesitates to help out in whatever capacity is needed of him.
  

• Drew Brown, age 13, returned to training several months ago from a two year hiatus. It is great to see him, as well as his older sister, back in class. Drew pledges to help his neighbor with the trash as well as other yard maintenance duties. He has also made a goal of practicing all of his patterns each day, and doing a series of core strengthening and speed exercises each day to strengthen his physical technique.

• Max Driscoll, age 13, is also one of my longest remaining students. Like some of his peers, he has begun to participate in the adult classes at New Edge Martial Arts. Max volunteered at Cops for Kids, in which he packaged, labeled, and sorted toys for kids. He also regularly volunteers at Lou's Pet Shop. Other than his regular visits to class as well as the gym, Max has set an additional half an hour each day for further physical exercise to better prepare himself for his next test.

XTK- Yoga-Based Martial Arts Fitness Class!!!

New Edge Martial Arts, LLC will be holding a workshop for XTK. Vinyasa Yoga, with a Martial Arts edge. Coming Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 1pm! Message me or call 313-885-5199 for details on the workshop! Be a part of a unique experience. :)

XTK is a new yoga-based fitness system created by the combined efforts of Tim Clark and Master Kevin Nilson.

GROUPON DEALS for Martial Arts and Self Defense

New Edge Martial Arts in St. Clair Shores, MI is now back on GROUPON!!!
Check out these amazing deals for New and Non-Current students!!!

New Edge Groupon Deals

Private Lessons with Master Kevin

Master Kevin is now available for Private Lessons during the week before 4pm.
Sessions are suited towards the individual needs of any client, be it sparring, forms, self defense, general fitness, Hap Ki Do, weapons, or anything in between!!!

Group and Multi-Session Discounts are available at very competitive prices!

Call 313-885-5199 and ask for Master Kevin!

Back To School Specials

New and Returning Students:

Buy 2 Month Trial, Get 3rd Month FREE

(Includes Unlimited Classes and Uniform!!!)*

 

  

*offer expires 9/20/13 

An Exciting New Chapter

New Edge Martial Arts, LLC
Est. 5/2005
Relocated 4/2013



After eight years in business, Master Cindie and I are proud to acknowledge that we are still going strong at New Edge Martial Arts, LLC. Spending the first chapter of our business venture in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, we finally became too big for our school's last location. We very much appreciate and still serve the Grosse Pointe Community, and love all of the students and friends we have met in our journey as martial arts school owners. It is remarkable to note that several of our original students still attend classes with us on a regular basis. What an incredible statement it is for us, to know that our academy is of the quality that entices customers to return year after year!

Now located just less than a mile down the road in St. Clair Shores, we boast a larger facility, a sizeable free parking lot, amazing business neighbors in Luna Cafe, Cedar Gardens, Dan Good Pizza, among others, and a much greater visibility from the street. The new school is equipped with a brand new training floor as well as set-up, and it looks beautiful. It is an outstanding new location that will be able to host our ever increasing student database.

Since our move, we have already welcomed numerous new students as well as return students who haven't trained in years. We participated in June Fest 2013, which better showcased New Edge Martial Arts to the public eye, and allowed our students to put on a fun outside demonstration. A few weeks ago we also held the largest FREE self defense class that we have taught in 8 years. Certainly a good sign.

Master Cindie and I would like to thank each and every person that has been a part of the New Edge experience over the past 8+ years. Thank you for the smiles, the hard work, dedication, and lasting friendships that have made this business venture more than worth the blood, sweat, and tears we have put into it.

How about another amazing 8 years? I think so!

-Master Kevin Nilson

Groupon Martial Arts Deals

New Edge Martial Arts Groupon Deals

Go to the above link for up to 78% off of trial memberships for martial arts and self defense classes
at New Edge Martial Arts.

New Taekwondo DVD coming soon!!

New Edge Martial Arts, LLC, is happy to announce the future 2012 release of a NEW TAEKWONDO DVD. Tentatively titled, 'Taekwondo Essentials,' the DVD will contain crisp visuals and detailed step-by-step instuction of techniques, with each being narrated to further assist viewers. Bonus material will also allow students to view a 'Taekwondo Class,' allowing them to participate with the class while at home or on vacation. Skills included in the bonus 'class' range from kicks and strikes to cardiovascular and core conditioning, as well as stretching.

With 'Tae Kwon Do: A Visual Guide to Forms' and 'Tang Soo Do: A Visual Guide to Forms' already being successful on Amazon and Ebay, there is a good future for this third future release from New Edge Martial Arts. The company also has plans for a series of martial arts-related instructional dvds to reach a wider audience.

More news on the DVD as well as the release will follow in the coming weeks and months.

Kickpics

A great resource for the martial arts community, Kickpics.net is one of a kind. Owner Stace Sanchez is no different, treating every practitioner he comes into contact with, no matter how acclaimed or talented, with the most sincere of respect. Stace travels the globe in order to capture amazing and awe-inspiring snapshots of kicks and flying acrobatics. Showcasing his work on his website, facebook, and youtube, martial artists get a chance to see different aspects of the community as well as ideas that can improve their overall technique. Stace also creates calendars and other memorabilia that highlights the best of the best, allowing his clients to be the stars.

Here are some of my favorite shots that he has taken of students of mine:

Sports Related Injury Helps Me Grow as a Teacher

November 7th, 2011, I suffered a sports-related injury. My ACL, MCL, and meniscus in my left knee were torn at the same time... with doctors stating that I would have a recovery time of at least a year until I would return to 100%.
As a martial arts school owner, this was obviously a devastating blow not only to how I would teach class, but also how I would need to overcome this as a mental hurdle. Teaching around 40+ hours, as well as enjoying trips to the gym and going for runs each week, put me in an athletic mindset. I was also elated prior to the injury, as I was given a huge compliment. Two members of the United States National Taekwondo team told me that I should try out for the team... as they felt I would be a good representative of the country.
For over a month, I was sidelined from operating my business, both in the office and on the mat. As the head instructor at my martial arts school, this was a scary process to experience. I am eternally glad, however, for the assistance that my mother and advanced students gave me during this time.
Seven months down the road, my knee is stable, for the most part. I still participate in rehab exercises on a daily basis, but I can see the slow improvement. Since most of my teaching now consists of very light demonstrations and more speaking instead of showing, I have grown exponentially in teaching Taekwondo, Hap Ki Do, and Tang Soo Do. It has also helped me grow as a leader.
I am able to sit back and examine each and every one of my students, young and old, much better than before the injury. More on the sidelines at the moment, it is easier not only to pinpoint weaknesses and strengths, but to correct or appreciate them moreso with a commanding voice and presence.
My slowed-down physicality has also assisted with my lesson plans. The class ideas that I have come up with, be it sparring technique, traditional forms practice, self defense, boot-camp conditioning exercises, or even referee leadership skills, are much more regimented and solid than prior to my injury.
As far as handling office duties, I am also more prompt and focused. I have a set schedule that I adhere to, making sure that each and every responsibility is taken care of. It is interesting to note that my school has more white belts currently than in recent memory. I find it intriguing, because even though I may be sidelined due to an injury, new students keep signing up. I am very happy with New Edge Martial Arts at the moment.
My point in the matter is this- even though I have been weakened physically, I called upon my other skills to assist, as opposed to giving up. It is too easy to just decide to quit when the going gets rough. It takes character to overcome obstacles and triumph. I believe that everyone has that ability to fight and succeed, no matter what hardships come before them. I hope that anyone who suffers from an injury, illness, or anything else for that matter realizes that they are stronger than what harms them. Everyone has worth.

God Bless!

Taekwondo

Courtesy: Politeness, consideration of others, respectfulness.
Integrity: Personal pride, honor, morality, wholeness.
Perseverence: Continuing to try to achieve a goal in spite of obstacles, persistence.
Self-Control: Being responsible for one's own actions and behavior.
Indomitable Spirit: Strength of mind and soul.

The above listed are the Tenets of Taekwondo, as taken from 'Dong Yang Moo Sool Do Textbook' by Sun Hwan Chung.

It is my desire and lifelong practice to live as close to these principles as possible. Taekwondo, as an art, strengthens my spirit. Meshing well with my faith in God, practicing the art of Taekwondo allows me to not only see my flaws, but to continually work on them.

Happy Holidays and update

Hey friends, students, and martial arts enthusiasts...

  I wanted to take this time to wish every single one of you a very happy holiday season. God Bless you and yours during this time meant for peace, love, and joy! :)

A little update on me... on the 7th of November, I suffered a knee injury. My ACL and MCL were completely torn, and I will be having surgery on December 2nd. The recovery will take awhile, obviously, but I have the support of each and every one of my friends and family members to get me through it. I also am blessed to have so many wonderful adult and youth black belts at New Edge Martial Arts, that have been assisting with classes during my injury. It is really nice to know that when times are rough, kindness sees everything through.

Tang Soo Do Forms DVD

Tang Soo Do: A Visual Guide to Forms DVD

Tang Soo Do Forms DVD-

Available at Amazon, Ebay, and Newedgemartialarts.com

Includes white belt through 5th Degree Black Belt Forms:

Kicho Hyung 1-4

Pyung Ahn 1-5

Bassai

Naihanchi 1-3

Sip Soo

Chin Do

Kong Sang Koon

Ro Hai

Bonus Forms: 12 Patterns created by Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung

Forms shown in selectable angles and normal/slow speeds

Easy-to-navigate menu screens with music

Tae Kwon Do Forms DVDs

Tae Kwon Do: A Visual Guide to Forms DVD

DVD available at Amazon, ebay, and newedgemartialarts.com.

Includes all white belt through 4th Degree Black Belt WTF style forms:

Taegeuk 1-8

Koryo

Keumgang

Taebaek

Pyongwon

Bonus Forms: 12 Patterns created by Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung

Forms shown in selectable angles and normal/slow speeds

Easy-to-navigate menu screens with music

Katherine Elizabeth New

Katherine Elizabeth New (June 3rd, 1920 - June 21st, 2011)


Katherine (Kaye, Kitty, Katia) was many things throughout her long life not only to me, but everyone she touched in some way. Loving, selfless, sharp as a tac, and humorous to no end... a true joy to spend time with. A daughter, sister, mother, game show enthusiast, piano player, cook, friend, and even a World War II vet. To me, she was a best friend and most of all, my grandma. Thank you for the memories and legacy- have fun with Jesus. ♥

Teen Martial Arts classes at New Edge Martial Arts

New Edge Martial Arts is proud to announce an exciting class that will take place once a week, every Wednesday night at 8pm. The class is specifically for 12-17 year olds (and their 10 and 11 year old siblings, if they show a desire and maturity suitable to attend.)

The Teen class is geared towards the energy level of that age group and will strive to help create and strengthen friendships. It will build in each teen an increased appreciation for martial arts and fitness in general.

Yoga

Yoga classes are now held at New Edge Martial Arts every Monday and Friday at 12:30pm. Classes are taught by Tim Clark, an amazing instructor who has educated Grosse Pointe residents on all things Yoga for the past ten years.

I just experienced my first ever Yoga class. It was an amazing workout and did wonders for handling the past couple of weeks worth of stress, as my grandmother recently passed away. I look forward to countless more Yoga sessions with Tim Clark, and highly recommend it to anyone with even the slightest bit of interest.

Black Belt tests and Korean Food!!!

The past several weeks have been VERY busy for New Edge Martial Arts, LLC. Several students have been or will attempt promotion in rank, as New Edge is in the process of a three week period of belt tests.
Other than basic, intermediate, and advanced promotions, three students have already achieved their Deputy Black Belts (one more on the way,) and three others attained their 1st Degree Black Belts. Congratulations to ALL for the many months/years of hard work and dedication. :)

To add to the excitement, several adult students went out to experience traditional Korean food at Korea Palace, which is a great restaurant in Sterling Heights, Michigan. They serve everything from mandu (dumplings,) to kimchee, bulgogi, and bibimbop.

Perfect Gift Ideas!

Tae Kwon Do: A Visual Guide to Forms and Tang Soo Do: A Visual Guide to Forms

are both available at Ebay, Amazon, and New Edge Martial Arts
The DVDs show forms for each style from white belt through 4th Degree Black Belt (5th Degree for the Tang Soo Do DVD.) Patterns are performed at varying normal and slow speeds, with most having selectable varient camera angles. They are a great gift idea for any Tae Kwon Do or Tang Soo Do enthusiast.

Kickpics, Round 2... 2010 FIGHT!!!

Here are some action shots of me taken by Stace Sanchez, owner of http://www.kickpics.net/
Stace is a class act, and a great photographer. I recommend him to any martial artist. :)

New Belts for my students :)

Friday, November 12th was yet again another great day for New  Edge Martial Arts.
I held two tests for some of my students- young and old, beginner and more advanced. The first test was full of so much positive energy from both pupils and parents alike. It is so nice to see all of the positive reinforcement that moms, dads, and family members can bring at times when seeing their loved ones perform.

The second test had the same amount of energy, but with a different feeling. Several of my adult students participated... all of whom were support to eachother. I was also happy to see that three of my other adult students came to watch and cheer on their friends. :) I love the fact that New Edge is helping create friendships... such a good sign. Also of note, the latter test saw a group of nine blue belts become promoted to brown. This was honestly the biggest group of one belt color (aside from black,) that I have ever seen test in my 19 years of martial arts. Way to go, guys and gals ;)

Master Kev

Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do Forms DVDs

Tang Soo Do: A Visual Guide to Forms and Tae Kwon Do: A Visual Guide to Forms

Both are TOP SELLING Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do DVDs

at Amazon and Ebay.

They are also available at Newedgemartialarts.com

The DVDs feature all ranking and black belt patterns up to 4th Degree Black Belt (5th Degree Tang Soo Do.) Check the above links or articles below for more details on included forms, features, and bonus material.

Master Kevin Nilson

New Edge Martial Arts, LLC

Bo Staff Forms and videos

Several new videos from New Edge Martial Arts are available on youtube. Featured are Master Kevin's Black Belt Tang Soo Do pattern, as well as all current Bo Staff Forms for students at New Edge.










                           

New Black Belts and MI Cup Championships!!!

 

(Pictured: Youth students from New Edge Martial Arts have some fun while waiting for the Michigan Cup to begin.)

Students at New Edge Martial Arts, LLC, participated in the 2010 Michigan Cup Championships on September 25th. The tournament was held at Hackett High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and was hosted by Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung. Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do practitioners from New Edge, all of whom did exceptionally well, were just some of the enthusiasts at the event. Schools from various parts of the United States, Canada, and also Bermuda were in attendance... with their students competing in forms, board breaking, sparring, and for the first time at the Michigan Cup, weapons. A special demonstration of various bladed weapons was also put on by 8 time World Weapons Champ and Escrimadora, Mariah Moore.

(Two female students from New Edge Martial Arts prepare for their board breaking competition.)

Various black belt students also participated in either testing or pre-testing at Grand Master Chung's school on the day prior to the big tournament. A few adults from New Edge were promoted to 2nd Degree Black Belt, while a youth student earned his 1st Poom (junior) Black Belt. Master Kevin Nilson and Master Cindie Lee New also were awared their 5th Degree Black Belts and various certifications. Congratulations to all participants over the weekend.

Senior Grand Master James Sun Hwan Chung

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