giving back: Building Community Through Martial Arts: Jong Kim Martial Arts' Impact in Surrey

Building Community Through Martial Arts: Jong Kim Martial Arts' Impact in Surrey

At Jong Kim Martial Arts in Surrey, BC, we've discovered that true martial arts mastery extends far beyond the dojo walls. While we train our students in the physical techniques of taekwondo, karate, and kickboxing, we equally emphasize the character development that transforms martial artists into community leaders.

Our philosophy centers on the principle that earning a black belt means more than demonstrating technical proficiency—it means embodying the values of respect, integrity, and service that make our Surrey community stronger.
​

Addressing Homelessness Through Direct Action

The challenge of homelessness affects communities throughout British Columbia, and Surrey is no exception. Rather than simply acknowledging this issue, Jong Kim Martial Arts has made it a priority to take concrete action through organized community drives.

Throughout the year, our dojo becomes a collection hub where students, families, and community members bring essential supplies: warm clothing for BC's harsh winters, non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and other necessities that many of us take for granted.

What makes our approach unique is how we involve our students in every aspect of these initiatives. They don't simply drop off donations—they actively participate in organizing supplies, creating awareness materials, and accompanying instructors to local shelters and distribution points. This hands-on involvement teaches them that martial arts training includes developing compassion and taking responsibility for others' wellbeing.

Grandmaster Edward Kim explains this connection: "When students learn to protect themselves through martial arts, they must also learn to protect their community through service.   Both require courage, discipline, and commitment."

​

Partnership with KidsPlay Foundation

Our collaboration with KidsPlayFoundation represents one of our most impactful community relationships. This Surrey-based organization works tirelessly to provide positive alternatives for youth who might otherwise be vulnerable to gang recruitment or other negative influences. Special shout out to Mr Kal Dosanjh for affording myself to partner with his wonderful organization!
​
Grandmaster Edward Kim serves as an ambassador at KidsPlay events, where they demonstrate martial arts character techniques, share their personal development stories, and connect with younger children who are just beginning their own journeys. These interactions often prove transformative for both the ambassadors and the children they mentor.

The partnership benefits everyone involved. KidsPlay Foundation gains enthusiastic volunteers who understand the challenges facing local youth, while our students develop leadership skills and gain perspective on how their martial arts training can influence others positively.

Educational Outreach at Newton Elementary

Our volunteer program at Newton Elementary School demonstrates how martial arts can enhance traditional education. Working closely with school administrators, we provide after-school martial arts instruction that focuses not just on physical techniques, but on academic support, conflict resolution, and positive social interaction. Special thanks to Principal Amy for affording myself the opportunity to mentor elementary students to develop self esteem, confidence and a feeling of community!

Senior students from Jong Kim Martial Arts serve as assistant instructors in these sessions, learning to teach and mentor younger children. This responsibility helps them internalize the lessons they've learned while developing patience, communication skills, and leadership abilities that will serve them throughout their lives.

The program has shown remarkable results in helping children build confidence, improve focus, and develop healthy ways to manage stress and conflict. Teachers report that students who participate often show improvement in classroom behavior and academic performance.
​

Developing Tomorrow's Leaders Today

These community involvement opportunities serve a dual purpose: they address real needs in Surrey while providing our students with practical experience in leadership and service. Every food drive, mentorship session, and volunteer event becomes a training ground where students learn to apply martial arts principles in real-world situations.

Students discover that the discipline required to master a challenging technique translates directly to the persistence needed to organize a successful community event. The respect they show to instructors and fellow students becomes the foundation for meaningful relationships with community members from all backgrounds.

This comprehensive approach to martial arts education ensures that when our students eventually earn their black belts, they've demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also the character traits that make them valuable community members.
​

Deep Roots in Surrey's Diverse Communities

​Jong Kim Martial Arts has been part of Surrey's fabric for years, serving families from Newton, Delta, Fleetwood, Whalley, Cloverdale, and beyond. We understand the unique character of each neighborhood and work to ensure our community involvement reflects the diverse needs of the areas we serve.

Our commitment goes beyond occasional volunteer work—we see ourselves as partners in Surrey's ongoing development and improvement. Whether addressing immediate needs like homelessness or working on longer-term goals like youth development, we approach community involvement with the same dedication we bring to martial arts instruction.
​

Join Our Mission

The impact we've been able to make comes from the combined efforts of students, families, and community partners who share our vision of martial arts as a force for positive change. We're always looking for new ways to expand our community involvement and new partners who want to make a difference in Surrey.

If you're interested in supporting our next community drive (food & clothing), volunteering alongside our students, or exploring how martial arts training can benefit your family, we invite you to connect with us.

Contact Jong Kim Martial Arts in Surrey BC:

• Website: www.jktkd.ca
• Location: Surrey, BC
• Phone: 604-590-1000
• Email: [email protected]

Visit our dojo to learn more about our programs and discover how martial arts training can help you or your child develop the skills, confidence, and character needed to make a positive impact in Surrey and beyond.

Together, we're building a stronger community—one student, one family, and one act of service at a time.