How “Integrity Growth” Vital to Kids Taekwondo - Martial Art in Surrey - Delta.

Author – Master Edward Kim c/o Jong Kim Martial Arts – Surrey – Taekwondo.
 
Integrity, by definition, means being honest and having strong moral principles. It defines the most important essence of what it means to live a fulfilled life. Integrity represents who you are and what you stand for.  It directly affects you and those whom you associate with; be it at school, at work, or in life in general.  I systematically outline how integrity development, through kids martial arts programs in Surrey and Delta, is a vital area of concern. 
The most common martial arts which incorporate Integrity in their teaching philosophy include taekwondo, karate, and judo in the surrey and delta area.  Taekwondo incorporates moral culture and is outlined in the first Taekwondo book created by General Choi.  Within this book, is outlined to instructors and students alike, what is expected from general conduct of Taekwondo students and instructors. I outline, systematically, the approach I take in my martial arts career in the following:

• Having the right “attitude”
• Importance of honesty to oneself and to others
• Importance of patience and its correlation to integrity
• How martial arts incorporates integrity development in class?
• How to see tell-traits a Taekwondo – Martial Arts School’s Instructor has integrity? It’s called humility.
• Benefit of living life with integrity.
• Every moment, you can choose “yes” or “no”.

 
Having the “right attitude!”

Firstly, what is attitude? By definition, it means to have a settled way of thinking; something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.  To me, personally, I define it as my mental approach to every circumstance in life’s situations that may arise.  In martial arts schools in Surrey and Delta, it is of grave importance that nurturing the right attitude in class!  Too often, taekwondo schools overlook this because they wish to please kids.  They want to a have a student who stays for all the wrong reasons.  I strongly believe in laying out clearly, the expectations of my martial arts students from the get go.  Kids want boundaries and rules!  They honestly need it to feel more secure as outlined in major studies about the mental well-being of children.  Kids who do not respect boundaries often are led astray to gang life or disobedience towards parents and classmates. Children to learn to understand boundaries are more apt to leading successful lives!   
During taekwondo class, I outline how listening is expected.  I give an example that God gave us two ears and one mouth.  A wise person listens more than he/she talks.  This is something I learned early in life from my father through taekwondo class under my father’s guidance! 
Another example is how proper behaviour is expected.  One way is through proper and sincere bowing during partner exercises.  Bowing, in kids martial arts, represents the most important lesson in my opinion.  It is akin to having a proper handshake when you greet someone.  A firm and sincere handshake speaks volumes about one’s integrity; this along includes sincerity in eye contact.  I can go on and on about this but I will move on to the next criteria.
 
Honesty to oneself and others projects integrity.

Honesty, to me, means being sincere and seeking the “truth” and allowing one’s life to be congruent to one another.  We all know what truth means.  It means we do not deceive ourselves about what is truly important in life.  If a student blurts out in class, he/she is not being honest to themselves.  We all know speaking in turn and not interrupting others demonstrates respect and thus the “truth.”  Taekwondo classes, in Surrey and Delta, must include this ideal.  Taekwondo kids in Surrey and Delta, learn way more if there are few interruptions during classes.  Students, as a result, learn at an exponential rate.  This key life concept is critical to the well-being of martial arts students. 
 
Importance of patience and its correlation to integrity

I believe patience and self-discipline are congruent to one another.  They are symbiotically related.  Patience means not being hasty.  Haven’t we all said something we shouldn’t have? Sure we have!  During arguments we jump to our point of view immediately; without even hearing the other person’s story.  Usually this does not lead to good results in confrontation settlements.  Patience is to forbear oneself in order to hear both sides of the story so that we can come to a logical and peaceful solution.  In life, kids and adults will inevitably need to deal with unruly people.  How you handle it with patience and wisdom, will dictate the course of one’s life.  Life is the culmination of thousands and thousands of wise decisions or actions.  I teach my students to listen more.  It is not easy because the are so excited to share who they are.  I love this trait.  Instead, I redirect their energy to be presented in a respectful and more meaningful way. 
Taekwondo kids at Jong Kim Martial Arts in Surrey, are taught to harness patience throughout the entire class.  They wait their turns in line exercises; they work on a particular kick or punch while waiting for their next turn, etc.  Martial arts kids in Surrey, learn to use their time wisely in harnessing exponential growth rate during classes. 
 
How to see tell-traits a Taekwondo – Martial Arts School’s Instructor has integrity? It’s called honesty.

Who doesn’t want their child to have honesty?  Of course, we all do!  When students attend for trial class, I clearly explain what is included or not included in their enrollment.  I mention gloves are not included and are necessary as training tools for martial arts classes and so on.  Being straightforward is essential to building trust with anyone!  Parents appreciate this approach.  No one wishes to be deceived in anything.  Integrity is thus tied to honesty and humility. 
Taekwondo kids learn honesty every minute in my Surrey martial arts program.  They learn to give 100% effort.  Kids know, through their conscience, whether an action or inaction is appropriate.  I tell them conscience is God’s early warning system to let you know what is wrong actions and to heed your inner gut feeling.  Learn to trust your gut instinct! It will protect you and lead to wise decision making for your life. 
 
Every moment of life is a “yes” or “no” decision!
 
Another life lesson I teach my kids in Surrey martial arts or taekwondo class is the power of every moment!  Yes, every single moment!  I explain you can talk or you can do; you can try or not try; you can have the courage to volunteer for a kick demonstration or choose not to.  Depending on each decision can alter drastically the direction of a child’s life in taekwondo class or at home.  I choose yes to guide my life!  When I was in elementary school, my music teach, who was in charge of the Christmas performance, asked me play the lead role as Santa Claus in the school play performance.  I politely declined.  You say why?!  Honestly, it was because there was a tremendous amount of memorization and effort involved; I chose the easy route in this scenario.  I regret it to this day.  You may say what’s the big deal?  The big deal is I missed out on an exciting opportunity to learn and be a part of school spirit and expanding my life’s experience!  People go on vacations to experience other cultures and so on.  Experience is something innate we all wish to do; it represents a more fulfilled life in my opinion.
I tell my students that my very best students are the ones who volunteer the most during taekwondo kids class!    Upon saying this, the hands all go up!  This positive approach of dealing with one’s insecurities and gaining the freedom that I CAN DO IT attitude!  Kids need taekwondo encouragement to take risks.  I tell them that it doesn’t matter if you do a new kick or punch well or not.  What matters is that you try.  If one never tries, how can you they ever know that they can overcome?  I explain being bold and courageous is a very noble trait.   Kids martial arts in Surrey and Delta is not mainly about self defense skills. It is so much more! Taekwondo is mainly concerned with having the right attitude that if you prioritize effort over results, then one can bear the fruit of having a sense of self! 
This is why integrity is vital to Surrey and Delta kids in martial arts – taekwondo!
Integrity culminates in a child’s sense of self, a sense of possibilities, and respect from others!   This is the million dollar result!
If this perspective on integrity resonates with you, I welcome your child to try our Jong Kim Martial Arts – Surrey – Taekwondo academy! 
 
www.JKTKD.ca
 
Sincerely,
Master Edward Kim
9th Dan Black Belt

(sharing my insight from 50 years of my Taekwondo and martial arts career as a student and as an instructor…)

• I truly hope this Delta - Surrey Jong Kim Martial Arts BLOG brought insight to you.

Jong Kim Martial Arts - Surrey - Taekwondo.
Unit 136 - 7536 130 Street,
Surrey, BC,
V3W 1H8.
604-590-1000

Why kids love Jong Kim Martial Arts in Surrey, BC?
     There is something innate about how a child suddenly wants to learn Taekwondo, karate, martial arts, kickboxing, judo, or Kungfu in Surrey and Delta.  It may stem from watching Karate Kid movie or viewing a martial arts kids cartoon.  Some other reasons may be their parents were in Taekwondo in their childhood or a friend discusses martial arts on the playground. Whichever the reason, it is now that your child has an amazing interest in wanting to train in martial arts! At Jong Kim Martial Arts in Surrey, it is no different!
 
The Cool Factor:
Who doesn’t like to do martial arts?  In the imagination of a child, they see them doing something so amazing by learning ancient art of kicking, punching, sweeping, and jumping like in the Karate Kid movie or Cobra Kai episodes.   It just looks cool!   Some kids are into soccer because of Messi; some into art because of Picasso and so on.  However, your kid maybe wants martial arts because of Bruce Lee?  This is what being a kid means; where your passion for doing something is an innate quality of optimism and excitement!  We see this all the time at our martial arts studio.  I love it!
 
Self Defense against bullies:
Who has never been bullied verbally or physically within their lifetime?  I don’t know many people who have never faced intimidation; whether on the playground or in the work environment.  Kids lives are no different!  They seek an intangible will to feel confidence and not having to fear life.  They see a kids being bullied and they think, “ I don’t want to be in that situation and I prefer to seek means on how I can protect myself!”  Within the Surrey and Delta elementary school system, bullying now goes one step further in cyber-bullying; as if kids didn’t have enough challenges already! 
A majority of kids will, most likely, never end up in a full-on physical fight.  I, myself, could have been in hundreds of fights in school because of being a minority, but am proud to say I never once engaged in a physical altercation.  This was not by sheer luck but due to the proper upbringing from my Taekwondo instructor.  Martial arts is the LAST means when it comes to a potential physical confrontation.  Confidently, you must let the bully know that you are willing to stand your ground!  This confidence is projected towards bullies and they seek someone else who is an easier target; so to speak.  Confidence is the child’s best friend in these situations.
At Jong Kim Martial Arts we instruct practical taekwondo skills which are powerful, effective, and immediate!  Children know, deep in their heart, if they are developing power or not.  They see the impact of their punch on pads and bags.  They are extremely perceptive.
 
Improved Coordination and Stress Outlet:
Honestly, within the last 2 decades, kids have degraded in their physical condition and coordination.   Perhaps, a major reason for this is a decreased funding budget on a sports/ gym program in school.  Another reason may be that too much emphasis on academics leads to the thinking sports is really not necessary.  During my stressful university exam seasons, I looked forward to punching the bag at the dojo.  It relieved so much stress and I felt fresh and renewed sense of vigor. 
All the tensions kids build up need an outlet.  We prefer physical release as a way for a child’s mental well-being. If a child bottles up that negative energy, one day he/she will explode like a volcano.  Look at the incredible rise in road rage today.   You encounter at least a few incidents on the way to work.  Most adults don’t have a physical exercise routine to vent their frustrations.  As a result, this negative energy, unfortunately, becomes directed at our loved ones; our wives, our husbands, and our kids.  It’s true; the family that kicks together, sticks together!  Our academy turn negative energy into a positive!   This is why kids love martial arts in Surrey, Delta, Newton and beyond!  They are encouraged by the taekwondo instructor and by other students!  This is healthy; health for the mind and body.  Thus, Taekwondo becomes a way of life for many kids in Surrey. 
 
 Respect:
All kids want and need to be respected!  Who doesn’t?  It is health for anyone’s mental condition in my opinion.  Honest respect is paramount in anyone’s life! At our Jong Kim Martial Arts studio, it is MANADATORY that everyone respects everyone!  This includes respected their adults, teachers, grandparents, and so on.  This aspect of Taekwondo culture is crucial to the character building aspect of this martial art.  My brother said, “ Respect given is respect earned!”  It is so true!   Even if the other party doesn’t reciprocate respect; it doesn’t matter.  The reason is your character trait doesn’t diminish because of others!  True character is constant; no matter the circumstances.  Your resolve to be a person your family is proud of speaks volumes to others; be it at school, at home, or at the workplace.  How you carry yourself is so paramount!  This is a major reason why students stay with me for many years; even decades! 
 
Discipline:
Most people associate discipline as a negative connotation; not me!  I tell my students, “ Discipline is not the enemy; discipline is key to a successful life.”   Without discipline, you cannot have any form of success in life.  It doesn’t mean discipline cannot be fun; it can!  You say how?  I remember my older brother teaching a class and giving an example of this to his students.  He said would baseball be fun if a player said I am not out on the 3rd strike?! Of course not.  Rules and regulations are their to give solid groundwork how to behave and conduct yourself in a logical format.  Baseball or taekwondo become more fun because of outlined regulations.  My student understand the rules of the dojo. 
Kids like having set boundaries in their life and they really need it.  Major study proves this.   The study found kids are more mentally stable and happy having outlined rules by their parents.  This gives them a sense of self within their boundaries of appropriate conduct and behaviour. 
 
Better Coordination and fitness:
As kids institute a kick or punch technique over and over again, they will naturally see improved coordination.  This correlation of cause and effect garners increased confidence and self esteem. 
Fitness levels also increase.  Kids muscle strength improves rapidly.  When I see my students sweating, I see stress relief, increased health, and most importantly, increased mental well-being!
 
In summary, martial arts kids loves Jong Kim Martial Arts not just because they learn cool kicks and punches; they truly love that we provide an atmosphere of mental well-being and a productive outlet for stress.   This is my mental approach in how I look at teaching true martial arts to kids in Surrey and Delta!   It’s like the Mastercard commercial of old; it’s priceless!   This is why kids truly love our Jong Kim Martial Arts studio located in Surrey, BC!
 
If this approach is your approach towards your kids, I welcome you come try a free trial at our studio by calling or registering at www.jktkd.ca  or 604-590-1000.
 
sincerely,
Master Edward Kim
8th Dan black belt

Jong Kim Martial Arts - Surrey - Taekwondo
Unit 136 - 7536 130 Street,
Surrey, BC,
V3W 1H8

What Taekwondo means to me? Having 50 years of experience of martial arts experience in Surrey, Delta, Burnaby, Langley, and Vancouver.

I'll get right into it!  I outline my martial arts journey as follows:
1.  Beginnings...
2.  The strict Taekwondo regiment of being a Kim family member under my father, Grandmaster Jong Chan Kim
3.  Old school ideology  of growing up in the 70's
4.  high school life
5.  university and early adult life
6.  How becoming a Christian changed my view of how to teach
7.  How my students benefited my personal growth over a lifetime
8.  What I expectations i have for my students in regards to their future success?

Beginnings...  I started my martial arts journey back in 1974 in Montreal, where our family first landed in Canada.  We were immersed into the great melting pot which Canada is known for.  We were smack dab in the center of French and Italian  neighborhood.  The people were so kind to us as we delved into the task of learning Korean, English, and French simultaneously!  Phew, that was a challenge!  It was so cold in Montreal!  As a result, my father moved us to Vancouver where the weather was more to our liking.  I remember my father training in the living room or out in the backyard.  Me and my older brother would get dressed in our taekwondo doboks to train under my father.  I learned basic taekwondo stances such as the walking stance and basic side kicks and front kicks.  My young muscles had much to learn about the intricate coordination skills which were necessary.  I loved martial arts!  I loved my dad!  It was the perfect combination for me!

The strict Kim family way of life!   Most kids living in Surrey of Delta, cannot understand what strict family way of life really means.  I am not saying there are not strict parents; I have met quite a few through my martial arts academy after conversing with the parents and students.  However, on the whole, parents raise their children between permissive and authoritative style. I, myself am guilty of this at times raising my own children.  I grew up strictly in an authoritative atmosphere.  At that time, I just assumed every family was the same.  I realized my father and mother took this ideology one step further! 

Academics was a must in the Kim family!  I sweated on report card day.  Straight A's was considered normality within our household.  I remember receiving 6 A's and 1 B.  Boy, was I was worried!  Little did I know, that the B in art class was not a concern for my parents.  We were expected to have total respect to our parents; never questioning their guidelines in producing the next Korean-Canadian generation.  We were expected to push boundaries more than anyone else I knew.  I was expected to be the best student in my fathers Taekwondo kids classes.  I was expected to sweat a bucketload every day and to be the finest example of character in behalf of honoring my father and my master in Taekwondo.  Honestly, I did not mind it.  I enjoyed excelling in whatever I put my mind to.  I do not remember any of my school classmates being naughty or disrespectful, for the most part.  If a classmate got in trouble at school, most kids feared that their father was going to be even worse than any corporal punishment at school.  Kids feared getting sent to the principal's office.  I believe the "fear" of having to deal with negative consequences was more real in my generation than in recent years.  Today, I find children test boundaries way more; for good and for bad.   

My parents stood for honesty, hard work, honor, and perseverance; similar to the tenets of Taekwondo since its creation back in 1955.  My father played a pivotal role at this time in Taekwondo's World History.  He is considered a true pioneer of the infancy which only a small handful of Koreans could claim.  Directly or indirectly, a million Taekwondo practitioners know my World Famous Taekwondo dad!  I am so proud of him as a person of strong moral fortitude; as well as my Taekwondo master.  He epitomizes all that is good in this world!  I am truly honored to have great parents; as did many of my friends growing up in Burnaby and New Westminster.   

Old school ideology of my father.   I think what he said to me sums up what being old school means.  My father said, " The reason I absolutely do not bend to straying from rules is this.  If I set the bar 100% in rules of our household, inevitably the child will stray somewhat.  If I were to set the bar to 80%, then my child's moral rules would falter."  I remember debating with my father on a certain principle of whether stealing food under certain circumstances was okay.  My father adamantly would not budge!  Stealing is stealing!  Wrong is wrong, no matter the case!  I said, even if a mother's kids were going to starve to death?  It surely must be okay to steal food to prevent her kids from dying!  Don't get me wrong, my father would be the first one to help anyone in dire circumstances! Our family took in teens going through terrible times; only to nurture them back onto the right path in life with the constraints of our home.  My father place others before himself.  This is true love.  Years later, I agree with what life lesson my father was trying to instill at an early age.  Truly, I am thankful beyond words can express.  "True" Taekwondo implements these incredible morals and principles which I , in turn, try to instill to the next generation of martial arts students in Surrey and Delta!  

High school life and university life.  As I tried to excel in academics and joined every club and sports club I could get my hands on; from the speaking club all the way to the rugby club.  I did it all.  I wanted to squeeze everything that life had to offer through education so that I could secure my place in the job market.  My studies were focused on becoming a doctor.  My career path changed.  At the age of 16, I already started my own Taekwondo school in downtown Fort Langley on the main street!  My father and I walked to every business on main street and collected membership of almost every shopkeeper's children!  Boy, was I so excited!  I was very fortunate to have students, some who were older than myself, who had great morals and work ethic.  It was such a pleasure!  Whether I made money or took a loss, I did not care!  I only cared that this beautiful thing called Taekwondo be taught from the heart.  This ideal has not changed many decades later today.  A few years later, I took over the my father's Taekwondo school on 88th and Scott Road on the Surrey side.  It was 7,000 square foot unit and I grew my membership to under 400 active students; probably the largest in all of BC at that time.  Today, I prefer a much smaller and intimate amount where I can be way more personal to my students!  I live a humble life today, but I am very fulfilled in what truly matters in my opinion.  Wealth comes and goes; but instilling morality and true encouragement is what will lead this world of people in the true proper direction of life!

How becoming a Christian further changed the way I taught Taekwondo.  15 years ago I surrendered my life my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  The value of what true love in the bible states in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."     I ask my students, " what is the most important thing in life?"  They respond with obeying my parents or being honest or working hard or never lying or try to help others.  I respond with your answer is absolutely correct but love is the most important force in the universe.  Though no one is perfect, we can all try to better ourselves each day to attain something so precious by our time here on earth ends.  I can honestly say I am more patient and kinder today!  It's a never ending journey which I try to instill to my students today.  Sometimes, I'm successful in this, and , well, there are other times some students need further assistance.  And that's ok with me!

Today, I am much more than who I was years ago.  I am kinder, more empathetic, more understanding, more encouraging, etc.  We don't need more people who own billion dollar companies or who become so wealthy beyond what they really need do we?  I prefer to live in a world where I can look someone in the eye and see a real and true kind human being.  To me,  this is priceless as the mastercard commercial says.  This is my true expectations for what I wish my Taekwondo students in Surrey and Delta really garner from attending my classes!  Making fighting champions I have done many times; but the proudest thing is to build up a student who grows up to be a kind and honorable man or woman.  Then, at my life's end, I will not regret that I have chosen the beautiful thing called Taekwondo Master.  It will echo in my heart!  I can live with that!

Do you see the picture I used for this blog up above?  That is a recent picture of a great achievement in my life.  The person to my left is Mr Ali and his wonderful family.  I mentored him when he was a teen and am so proud he is such an honorable, caring, empathetic, and kind man today!  He is a captain in the Canadian Military where he oversees a platoon division.  He is so full of hope and lives with the ideology of possibility mind set!  He is truly why I continue to do the thing I was destined for!  Taekwondo! I love seeing "true" success.  Makes me want to do better as I hope whatever job profession you choose, that you make your mark in life and bring beauty to this world!

If you stuck it out til this end, you have incredible patience!  If you know anyone who would value this type of teaching, please feel free to pass it on to them.  I would appreciate it very much so.

Sincerely,
Master Edward Kim
8th Degree Black Belt

Jong Kim Martial Arts - Surrey
Unit 136 - 7536 130th Street,
Surrey, BC,
V3W 1H8
Canada.

604-590-1000
www.JKTKD.ca

* feel free to share this personal blog post with this  LINK
​

I outline how "true" encouragement, within a great martial arts kids program, is crucial to kids self esteem in Surrey, BC and Delta, BC area.

We all know encouraging our children is essential to a child's well being.  That said, we sometimes go about it the wrong way, unintentionally.  From my experience of instructing thousands of martial arts kids in Surrey, BC and Delta, BC, I have ascertained what works best for my particular teaching style and personality.  I outline major key components of how to establish "true encouragement."  This may apply to all styles of martial arts such as martial arts, karate, kung fu, kickboxing, judo, or taekwondo in Delta, BC or Surrey, BC areas. They are as follows:

1)  When not to give praise
2)  When to give praise. Effort counts!
3)  intensity level of said praise
4)  battling back against the world of negativity
4)  how students are encouraged in martial arts setting
     (by both instructor and/or by other students)
5)  the connection between praise and self esteem development
6)  how a martial arts kid's life is filled with hope and overall well-being
7)  "He can do, she can do, why not me?!"

Let's get right into it!  Too often, we praise our young loved ones because of their natural born looks, height, or natural abilities.  Honestly, I see no harm in doing so, but I prefer to give stronger praise when a child works to better a skillset through intentional effort.  This may come in the form of working on improvements in a front kick by chambering the leg properly and so forth.  Effort matters!  Martial arts students are continually learning how to improve their techniques and behavior during classes.  It is a non-stop learning until they get a strong foundation of skills and classroom expected behavior.  Once they achieve this, corrections become less and less as their knowledge expands within the dojo.  

In addition, I try not to compare students with each other.  This may demoralize a child's sense of self.  Instead, I focus on each individual student's level of where they are today.  Then, I seek ways of small improvements every day.  I call this the one percent rule!  I explain do everything 1% better.  My young students exclaim, "Master Kim, of course I can do anything 1% better!  I can do 50% better!"  This is the whole idea that we do not put such great expectations that the child feels over whelmed. I purposely do this for this exact reason.  My father once said, " to climb the tallest skyscraper, you just need to take one step at a time.  And, in no time, you will have reached many stories high!  Did you realize that if a martial arts child improves 1% every class; that in 3 months, he/she will have improved 100%!  I don't know about you, but I think 100% improvement in a few months can be life altering change!  This change may come in the form of improving a kick or believing anything is possible if you put the effort into it.  I choose proactive positive changes any day of the week.

The more the child puts effort into improvement in a particular punch or kick; the more I  cheerfully give encouragement.  This way, my student can differentiate between false unwarranted praise and true praise which is congruent with effort.

With the advent of cyber bullying through social media platforms, our children are bombarded with negative cynical comments from keyboard warriors.  This is in addition to regular elementary school life of dealing with bullies; via verbal and/or physical.  Studies have shown that just one negative comment may outweigh a hundred positive comments.  With this in mind, it is crucial kids know who they are and that they are valued!  I ask my student often how many of you get bullied?  70% of my students say they have been bullied verbally and/or physically at elementary school.  This is very disheartening!  

As we give "true" and deserved encouragement and praise, a child's self worth and self esteem grows in our Jong Kim Martial Arts academy!  A few minutes a day, I come up with ideas how to grow my student's self esteem through words.  Words can be destructive but I choose words as a constructive means to grow my kids in class.  One way is I pair up kids in class by two's.  Each pair must answer this question towards their partner, " What is the BEST thing about so and so?"  All that I require that the response be sincere and honest.  I say, " you can find one good thing about a stranger within a minute of meeting them."  

I ask my students what is the best thing about yourself? I was shocked when no one was able to say one good thing about themself!  This floored me.  As a result, I was on a quest for each child to KNOW their best qualities!  I usually start off by encouraging one random student.  I ask, "Who really needs to hear a compliment about themself?"  I was surprised that every one need encouragement!  Never underestimate the power of sincere encouragement; whether it's to a friends or stranger you met!  We need more encouragers in this world!  It is a superpower!

By nature, I am personable and sincere to those around me; whether to a stranger or friend.  I only realized my superpower a decade ago.  It came by accident when I wanted to find a solution to my students lack of self worth!  I wanted to be genuine and I came up with many ideas along the way.  Some through trial and error.  With the right martial arts instructing and caring for your child in Delta, BC or Surrey, BC area, true confidence results.  

In conclusion, I came across an article in Black Belt Magazine about this korean grandmaster female instructor.  She had a few biological children but also adopted 5-7 intercity kids from Compton.  She raised them as her own.  I'll never forget her motto.  It was, " He can do! She can do! WHY NOT ME?!"  This ideal spread to the minds of her children and adopted children.  These kids ended up at Berkley, UCLA, Harvard, and Brown University!  Wow!  I share this ideal with my own students and share the encouraging story of this wonderful Korean Grandmaster in Taekwondo.

The world doesn't necessarily need more doctors, lawyers, etc.   The world needs more encouragers!   Share your superpower!  You will then surround yourself with amazing people! I promise YOU!  I sincerely hope this brightens your day.

Sincerely,
Master Edward Kim
8th degree black belt

Please feel free to have your child try my martial arts school located in Surrey, BC and Delta, BC area.  I specialize in Taekwondo, martial arts, and karate.

Jong Kim Martial Arts - Surrey, BC - Taekwondo
​
136 - 7536 130th Street,
Surrey, BC,
V3W 1H8

or call 604-590-1000.
www.JKTKD.ca

Cheers!  







 

 

A major study asked which Surrey Martial Arts attribute determines a child's future success? It's " GRIT!"  

Beyond looks, family status, height, or wealth, studies have proven that having " grit " is the one major factor which can determine a child's future success in life.  In university, those that eventually graduate post secondary institutions are students who demonstrate resilience in overcoming challenges is a key factor! 

Grit is defined as  combining passion and perseverance.  Grit is a major determining factor of success than innate talent.  

How kids in martial arts fosters grit?

The majority of parents residing in Surrey, BC and Delta, BC are turning to martial arts as an alternative in after school programs which will add the most value in regards to a brighter future for their children.  

A kid's martial arts program entails a great deal of repetition.  Only through countless repetition in kicking and punching drills, can a young student perfect karate skills.  Similar drills are disguised through different training methods.  A front kick can be practiced in many different ways through innovative drills and/or games.  As a result, students do not realize they are doing the same front kick due to the differing nature of each practice session. 

Bruce Lee once said, " I do not fear the man who knows 10,000 kicks; I fear the man who practiced one kick 10,000 times!"  This age old adage holds true; whether it is martial arts, karate, kung fu, judo, or taekwondo. 

Many students change over to a different style of martial arts when they receive their first black belt.  In my opinion, a martial art's benefit may decrease by taking on such a mind-set.  Reaching a first black belt in a martial arts style only means they are proficient in that particular style.  To truly reach mastery levels, a students needs to train to higher black belt ranking levels.  When a student reaches black belt, it is only then, do they start fine tuning techniques to a level where mastery results.  

Grandmaster Jong Kim once said, " Do not be a jack of all trades; but instead, be a master of one trade!"  When I first heard this, I thought how does this have anything to do with martial arts?!  I realized, that in life, one must be a master of his/her craft.  By reaching high levels of skill in a particular field, does one make himself a more valuable asset to any company.  Workers with lower skill sets are the first to be let go during recessions.  The higher skill set workers are the last to be released from their respective companies.  

Martial arts is no different.  To reach high levels of skill in martial arts, one must persevere.  This also takes a great deal of patience.  Perseverance means to suffer under challenging circumstances.  Martial arts students who persevere, develop patience and higher techniques.  A key component to successful learning is to have a passion and optimism to fine tune skills.  Grandmaster Jong Kim said, " a student stops learning when they think they know everything."   A reason why children tend to learn martial arts quicker than adults depends on this presupposition.  Children learn more quickly than adults because they are like a sponge!  They soak up every spoken explanation concerning a Taekwondo or karate move.  They apply it.  And, as a result, they bear much fruit to their efforts.  This is the primary reason our kids excel at our martial arts school in Surrey, BC.   

As an instructor who has been training in Taekwondo for over 50 years in the Surrey, BC area, I continually strive to learn more.  In one's lifetime, no man can say they have learned everything.  This may be the reason why one is considered the highest in their field of study; whether it is Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Martial Arts, etc.

In school, students who fail are those that give up too easily.  If a math problem is too challenging, a student needs to buckle down and do whatever it takes to understand the solution to the problem.  This is done through sheer will and determination.  This is the essence of grit! They ask the teacher for help and practice their home work.  They must never give up!  Failing is ok; but remaining a failure is not!  We all fail at different times in life.  What we must do is study our failures and learn from them!  This is true success!  With the encouragement from martial arts instructors, a student learns to overcome challenges!  This is how martial arts help kids develop grit in Surrey, BC!

If you wish your child to develop grit, come try out our Kids Martial Arts program at Jong Kim Martial Arts in Surrey, BC promotes grit development in our students! We implement fun drills, philosophy, and encouragement to achieve this!

If may be the best investment you ever make for your child!

Sincerely,
Master Edward Kim 

Surrey Martial Arts - JONG KIM MARTIAL ARTS - Surrey Taekwondo,
136 - 7536 130th Street,
Surrey, BC,
V3W 1H8,

604-590-1000

January 21, 2025 / Surrey Jong Kim Martial Arts, How to Choose the Right Martial Arts School in Surrey or Delta for your child? Martial Arts Surrey, BC - Newton, BC - Delta, BC. 

With so many different styles of martial arts schools available, how can one navigate and how to choose the right martial arts school in Surrey, BC, Delta, BC, or Newton, BC for your child?  Being a parent myself, I want the best quality instruction in any activity I choose for my child's well-being.  Generally, most parents will perform due diligence in their quest for getting the best bang for your hard earned buck. Some things to look for are as follows:

*  martial arts instructor's qualifications
*  who will personal instruct your child?
*  proven track record of past students
*  character traits of taekwondo instructor
*  instructor's personability
*  quality of instruction
*  contracts? month to month or long term?
*  and much more!

What are the Taekwondo / Martial Arts instructor's qualifications?
Within each type of martial arts style, there lies a myriad of organizations where the root of that particular style derives from.  Shotokan is considered karate's root style.  ITF World Taekwondo organization is considered Taekwondo's root style. ( as verified by fact finding Guinness Book of World's Records). And so on.  I would want someone who is as high as possible, within a particular style's world organization, to be my child's mentor.  Usually, these qualifications can be researched. Great martial arts schools can be found in the Surrey, BC, Delta, BC, and Newton, BC area!

I am very fortunate that my father was one of Taekwondo's original Founding member. My father, Grandmaster Jong Chan Kim, was instrumental in the expansion of Taekwondo on a global scale back in 1955. Indeed, I am very fortunate to have a world famous Taekwondo father! I am very humbled. Through the many years of dedication, starting at such a young age, my father propelled me to become one of the youngest high ranking Taekwondo instructor.  I am so thankful to him. 

So, regardless of which martial arts style you choose, ensure you have the best qualified instructor in your area.  Quality matters. Do not worry about driving a few minutes further, in order get the best quality.

Who will personally instruct your beginner child in martial arts? 
Usually, the head instructor of each particular institution only instructs the high level students; while junior instructors will direct beginner white belts.  This may vary from school to school.  Who would you prefer to teach your child? Of course you would want the head master right?

At our Surrey Jong Kim Martial Arts school, Master Edward Kim (8th degree senior ranking master) personally teach beginners; as well as advanced students.  I believe every student deserves this personal care to attention.  Though this may not be feasible at the majority of martial arts schools out there.

If the head instructor is unable to teach your beginner child, look for qualifications of junior instructors who will be in charge.  Ask which black belt level they are certified in and go from there.  In ITF World Taekwondo Organization, black belts range from first to ninth degree black belt.  The highest ranking Taekwondo belt is considered a grandmaster; which is only a handful of masters receive globally.  Other styles such as karate have differing belt ranks so you need to ask.

 Proven track record of past and current success stories!
Usually the main way to ascertain success stories are from google reviews and coming across a martial arts school's alumni student. Some google reviews may show life altering impact which the Taekwondo School had on his/her life!  This holds the same if you are referred by a friend who may have trained at a particular institution.  

In my 50+ years of Taekwondo experience, I am fortunate to have incredibly dedicated students in Surrey and Delta area.  

One such student is Gurleen, Harleen, and Amir Randhawa.  I remember the day their parents came in for a free trial class and expressed the desire to have their children learn self defense.  All three were like sponges; soaking in all the techniques and dedication required to move forward in their Taekwondo training.  They reckon back and share how they learned humility, perseverance, hard work, and kindness under my guidance.  They were so dedicated that they trained five days per week!  I was so blown away by their commitment! As a result, they are now all lawyers in the city! Wow! I meet them at their family home time to time.  To this day, they are the most warm-hearted, kindest, and well-mannered people I have come across! And believe me, I have come across over 10,000 parents, students in my life time due to Taekwondo.  In my latter stage of my life, I am comforted to know, there are great adults to usher in the future of Surrey and Vancouver!

Another student is Mr. Ali Mansour!  He started with my in his latter high school years.  I remember the incredible maturity and calmness about him; even at his young age.  He filled the class with optimism.  He recently paid me a visit out of province to train with me on his vacation.  This time he brought his wife and children to train during his short visit.  He is still the most gentle and industrious student today!  He exudes confidence with a great deal of patience and understanding towards others.  I am so proud of him!  He currently is a Captain in the Canadian Military Tank Platoon division!

I can go on and on about many others who became doctors, etc. But, I will stop here.
Every parent wishes their child to be happy and to have a promising future.  This is why the character traits of your child's martial arts or Taekwondo instructor is paramount!

Children know if they like someone within minutes of meeting them.  This is why you may wish to try a free class until your child feels comfortable with a particular martial arts school's instructor.

Contracts? month to month versus long term contracts?
Every school's prerogative is choose either means.  Usually, longer term contracts save you a little bit each month.  These locked in contracts usually do not allow a student to break it even in extenuating circumstances such as moving far away and so on.  So if you choose to lock in, do your due diligence and ask if you can break contract in special circumstances? 

I recommend go month to month initially and go from there.  Affordability is another realistic concern.  Ask up front, what are the monthly tuition.  Ask if there are extra fees such as belt test fees, equipment fees, association fees, etc.  Knowing this ahead of time, will make you better prepared in choosing the right martial arts school for your child in Surrey, BC or Delta, BC or Newton, BC.

I sincerely hope this basic information has been helpful for you.  If you so choose to try our Jong Kim Martial Arts School in Newton, BC, Surrey, BC, Delta, BC, please call and/or visit our website at www.JKTKD.ca.  Good luck on your quest! 

Feel free to call 604-590-1000

Surrey Martial Arts - JONG KIM MARTIAL ARTS - Surrey Taekwondo
136 - 7536 130th Street,
Surrey, BC,
V3W 1H8
604-590-1000     

January 21, 2024 / Surrey Jong Kim Martial Arts, Kids Benefit from Martial Arts, Kids Martial Arts, Kids Taekwondo - Surrey, BC - Newton, BC - Delta, BC 

A parent's main concern is the raising a child who reaches their potential in life. This entails academics, mental well-being, health, social skill sets, and much more. A few of the main concerns for their children are as follows:

*  academics
*  future job placement
*  bully proof
*  fitness and health
*  building friendships
*  having self worth
*  confidence
*  time management skills
*  dealing with stress and pressure
*  and much more!

Parents have a plethora of choices for after school activities.  Martial Arts is a great choice.  It is considered, primarily, as an individual activity.  As opposed to a team sport such as soccer or basketball, in Taekwondo, a student does not have to wait for the whole team to get better before they see improvement.  A committed karate student, who applies themself, will see immediate gains in their skills.   

How Taekwondo Kids become Bully Proof?
​Bullies typically pick on classmates who they deem as a easy opportunity to have more power over.  School bullies, typically, lack self-esteem; so in turn, they challenge others kids in order to build their self worth.  We all know this is wrong, but it is a fact of life.  Through the generations, kids are guided, either, by their "good" or "bad" choices in life.

Kids Martial Arts develop confidence through Taekwondo skill improvements.  As a child sees gains in a particular kick or punch, their confidence in their self-worth respectively also increases.  This in turn, shapes a child's life to be positively influenced in his/her day to day life!  They stand taller, are more willing to interact at school, and have a perceived optimism in life in general.

As a result, Bullies see Taekwondo students as someone who will stand up for themself and move on to an easier "target."  Confidence, built from Taekwondo, permeates through their eyes.  The eyes tell you others the mental state of one's mind.  A positive outlook is intangibly present for all to see.  This is why Surrey Jong Kim Martials in Newton, BC focus so much on skill set improvement in our Taekwondo programs.

How Kids Martial Arts deal with pressures of life?
Inevitably, every day offers some forms of challenges; big or small.  Kids are no different.  They have to manage homework projects, intimidation on the playground, fostering a good friendship, learning new things academically, etc.

Taekwondo kids release a lot of stress through physical exertion through kicks and punches in an organized format.  As they sweat, they "sweat" away the tension that may have built up in that particular day.  I often tell my students to think of our Surrey Taekwondo classes as a mini vacation away from the pressures of life.  We all go on vacations to escape the tensions of workplace environment.  During martial arts classes, they focus on building new techniques and comradery.  They are encouraged from the instructor and also by their Taekwondo classmates!  They learn to feel good about themselves!

In Newton - Surrey, BC and Delta, BC, students primarily are turning to Martial Arts because they wish to not be a victim to bullies.  Another incentive is they wish to reach their potential in life!  Surrey Jong Kim Taekwondo welcomes every student to come build such true confidence.

How Kids Taekwondo fosters friendships!
Over many decades of instructing Taekwondo, I see friendship is a key component to a successful Surrey Martial Arts School.  Surrey and Delta students who attend Jong Kim Taekwondo School, experience something that has been lost in Vancouver for many decades.  Prior to 1990, the school system in Surrey and Delta, BC, was a safe place for kids of all ages.  Immediate and harsh penalties awaited school violence or intimidation by school bullies.  

A healthy Surrey Martial Arts school provides a safe environment!  Bullying is dealt with swiftly and immediately!  A great Taekwondo school should be willing to dismiss a student who engages in unacceptable intimidation towards others students.  Unhealthy behavior is dealt with by changing a student's mindset to understand the repercussions of one's negative actions.  We aim to seek the "root" of the problem and assess the best course of action for remediation of any situation.

Kids at Jong Kim Martial Arts encourage one another; which in turn, builds comradery!  Comradery in turn, builds self worth and self-confidence!

Students have built decades old friendships at our martial arts school.  They initially met during Taekwondo classes.  I once was a guest at a student's home recently.  Some 25 years prior, they befriended other students at Taekwondo in my Surrey, BC location.  When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see my old students who are still friends with one another decades later!  They all happened to be my top four senior students at that time back in 1990.  These are reasons why Surrey martial arts makes a great after school alternative for Surrey kids. 

If you wish your child to experience true meaning in their life, I welcome you to bring your child to truly experience a journey you will not regret!  The skies the limit!! We welcome children over 5 years and up to try a free class at our Newton - Surrey, BC based Jong Kim Martial Arts schools.

​When deciding between taekwondo and other martial arts, think about your goals. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, striking martial art that focuses on kicks, Taekwondo might be your best choice. If you prefer grappling or a mixture of styles, then consider trying MMA or judo. Visiting martial arts schools in Surrey BC or Delta BC can give you a better idea of what each martial art is like.
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