Lots Of Kickin’ Here Physical Skills, Philosophy Merge At Korean Champion’s Academy

South Korea lost a national treasure a little more than a year ago, and the Spokane area has been reaping the benefits since.

Jung Kim, the South Korean Taekwondo national champion in 1985 and 1986, is alive and kickin’ at Jung Kim’s Martial Arts Academy at the North Division Y.

Kim, who hails from the city of Jeon Joo, is a fifth-degree black belt.

Taekwondo was developed by the Koreans and differs from other martial arts in that it stresses more kicking techniques.

“I believe it is a much better system,” said Kim. “If you think about it … the legs are more powerful than the arms. Taekwondo is a very effective way to defend yourself.”

And anybody can do it.

“We have classes for beginners on up,” said Kim. “We have classes for children, adults and the whole family. Even those with disabilities are welcome.

“It was hard for me in the beginning … trying to make them understand Eastern philosophy. The world today is a complete mess. I work a lot on the spiritual development of teens and children. That is very important to me.”

The five aims of Taekwondo are respect, humility, perseverance, self-control and honesty.

The benefits are there for people from all walks of life.

Take John Traylor.

“I owe Master Kim everything,” Traylor said. “I suffered from a rare brain disease that made it feel like someone was sticking a red-hot poker in my mouth. I underwent surgery, lost all my coordination and had to learn how to do everything all over again.

“I was depressed and actually considered suicide. This just wasn’t the way I pictured my life. After surgery, I wanted to do some rehab. I stood outside Master Kim’s and watched and after talking to him, I decided to give it a try.”

Traylor, who works for Child Protection Services, has come a long way.

“I had an irate father come after me with a gun at work and I didn’t feel vulnerable. I have confidence in myself. I still fall down a lot and get discouraged at times, but I’m no longer depressed. Master Kim has helped me spiritually even more than physically.”

For 75-year-old Marvin Waley and his wife, Janis, it’s been an enjoyable experience.

“After my second heart operation, I started working out in a gym,” said Marvin. “I made some progress and decided I wanted to learn self-defense. I came in and talked to Master Kim and knew this was the place for me. Health-wise, it’s helped me a lot and spiritually even more so.”

His wife echoed his sentiments.

“Learning perseverance has carried over into my personal life, especially at work,” she said. “I’d lost my balance as a result of a minor stroke and here I’ve learned a lot of falling techniques. I have a lot of stamina now, and this is a great place to just let go.”

It’s a family affair for Kelly Kirschner.

“My son got into Taekwondo when we were living in Olympia,” Kirschner said. “We moved back to Spokane a year ago, and I started looking for a place. After talking to Master Kim, my husband and I decided we’d like to give it a try, too.”

Kirschner has left an impression on Kim.

“Kelly has a high ability physical-wise,” said Kim. “She can go very far. Women have a natural strength, much more so than men. It comes from their ability to give birth to children. They are more patient and stronger spiritually.”

“I really enjoy the spiritual stuff and the Eastern philosophy,” said Kirschner. “It’s made a big difference in my life and my family’s life. It never occurred to me that I could do this.”

And it’s not about competition.

“I’ll never be great at this,” chuckled Traylor. “And that’s OK. Taekwondo and Master Kim teach us to respect one another. The whole class is behind you, cheering you on.”

Said Janis: “Everybody is willing to help you out if you’re doing something wrong. There’s a lot of diversity of people here from a wide variety of professions.”

Info: (509) 467-4224.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo