What started out as a dream for Head Master Sang Pil Kim a decade ago in a small store front in Amity Shopping plaza has become a booming entity with so many classes that he will be opening his expanded facility this week. Many would argue that 'Tae Kwon Do' [TKD] has transition from an "activity" to a genuine sport given there are very rigid training requirements and active regular local, regional and statewide competitions.

At the Woodbridge school (in Amity Plaza) classes run in age from tots to adults for fitness and real competition. http://www.bigkick.com/?news=379.

Few things are quiet as amazing than to see as a petite, 7 year old, 45 pound young lady give a whack to a kicking dummy with a big “THUNK”, it brings a cheer from the parents watching.

There is more to the story than the sport though, there is the side we parents love and that is the one on one interaction for our kids with Master Kim's wonderful staff. The life lessons the children are taught in self discipline, respect for others and personal achievement. In this world today it is great to see the kids respond to the earning of awards for being good and studying as part of the program.

Like baseball and soccer the kids involvement in 'Tae Kwon Do' here in Amity has sprouted many new relationships between local parents. One definitely feels a strong comradery and a part of the " Tae Kwon Do family". Master Ba Ny [Bonnie] made us all purel our hands last cold and flu season from the big bottle she shared. "Don't want our children sick" she said in her wonderful way with her no stop smile. As charming as she is as a blck belt instructor she is no nonsense when it comes to teaching the sport she loves.

Most of us sit together several times per week to enjoy watching our kids have a blast and strive towards their personal goals. Many of the TKD participants at the Woodbridge school like my son Tom picked this sport over tradional programs in baseball and soccer to focus on. He says it is more fun and closer to his kind of training. He is constantly at it when home to the point where I had to make him a space in the garage with a boxing kick bag. The kids at Beecher Road School all know about TKD and it has brought many new friendships.

The Woodbridge school is also branching more into adult level programs and features Adult Cardio Fitness Classes a few days per week.

Master San Kim is a fifth degree Black Belt and has a Bachelors Degree in Tae Kwon Do [TKD] from Kyung Hee University. Master Kim was a member of the elite Korean National Demonstration Team and has demonstrated Tae Kwon Do for major events such as the Asian Games and Tae Kwon Do World Championships. Master Kim is also certified as a Tae Kwon Do Referee and as a nun-chuck, sword and bo staff instructor. http://www.bigkick.com/index.php?news=16

Master Ban Ny Kim, 5th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, works at World Champion’s Woodbridge location. Master Ban Ny’s specialty is Rhythm Tae Kwon Do, and cardio kick boxing. She has made TV appearances on KTV, MDC, and other Korean television stations, as well as Rhythm Tae Kwon Do demonstrations around Korea.

Master Kim holds a Bachelors degree from Suwon Women's University and has been a Instructor at Baesok University, Kyunjoo University, and the Rhythm Tae Kwon Do Association