Today we’d like to introduce you to Master Kim, Jongsang.
Hi Master Kim, Jongsang , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in South Korea until middle school in a very loving and supportive family. Growing up, my parents encouraged my two younger brothers and me to explore many academies and activities, one of the most meaningful being Taekwondo. Through years of dedication, we each earned our black belts an experience that shaped my discipline,
confidence, and character.
Before starting high school, my parents supported my journey to study abroad at a private school in the Philippines, hoping to open a broader path for my future. Over the next three years, I experienced tremendous growth through learning, exploration, and service. I had the opportunity to volunteer as a Taekwondo instructor at various public and private schools across the Philippines, teaching students and even educators. Those moments of connection and impact were truly unforgettable.
Uncertain of where life would lead next, I was once again blessed with my parents’ support to move to the United States. There, I met my mentor a Taekwondo Grandmaster under whom I trained for five meaningful years. That mentorship ultimately led to the opportunity to open my own martial arts school, Master Kim’s World Taekwondo. And with that, a new chapter of my journey began.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Moving to Tagalog and English speaking countries at the age of 15, while only speaking Korean, was not easy. I faced many hardships and moments of loneliness. There were times I called my mother, asking why she had placed me in such a difficult life one where I had no family, no friends, and was surrounded by a completely new environment.
Adapting to a new culture and language, while learning to grow beyond who I once was, became my greatest challenge. Yet those very struggles are what I now appreciate the most. I truly believe they shaped the person I am today. Without those experiences, I would not have grown as much as I have. For that, I am deeply grateful to my parents and to
everyone who supported me along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Master Kim’s World Taekwondo?
Master Kim’s World Taekwondo is a martial arts school dedicated to developing confidence, discipline, and strong character through traditional Taekwondo. We serve children, teens, and adults with programs that focus on both physical skill and personal growth.
What sets us apart is our emphasis on life education through martial arts. While we teach high level Taekwondo techniques, we place equal importance on respect, mental strength, leadership, and consistency. Our teaching is rooted in Korean tradition and shaped by real-world experience, creating a positive, family oriented environment where students are encouraged to grow on and off the mat.
We are most proud of the community and trust we’ve built with our students and families. Our goal is not just to teach martial arts, but to help individuals become confident, disciplined, and respectful leaders for life.
One of our proudest community initiatives is Kicking for Miracles, an annual fundraising event where our students come together to break 1,000–1,500 boards in support of Texas Children’s Hospital. Now in its third year, this event has become a meaningful tradition within our school, with the fourth Kicking for Miracles scheduled for the coming
months.
Each year, our students, families, and community work together to raise nearly $10,000, with all proceeds donated directly to Texas Children’s Hospital. Beyond fundraising, the event teaches our students the importance of compassion, teamwork, and using their skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
What does success mean to you?
My personal definition of success has always been rooted in taking good care of my parents and repaying them a thousand times over for everything they have done for me. While I don’t consider myself fully successful yet, I am working hard every day to move closer to my life goals, and I value the journey just as much as the destination.
To me, true success is helping others succeed in their lives, careers, and personal growth through my actions. In my role of “Nurturing young minds, building a better world,” I strive to make a positive and lasting impact on those around me. When I say “young minds,” I don’t mean only children. Every adult was once young, and while our minds grow and mature, there is always room for improvement. I firmly believe that learning never stops, and growth is a lifelong process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mktaekwondo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterkims_wt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masterkimtkdtx?_rdr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MasterKimsWorldTaekwondo
