Head of the Taekwondo program at CYC, Concord.

Master Ed Austin started training in martial arts in 1974 when he was inspired by Bruce Lee! He has continued training and teaching ever since then and has earned his 8th Dan.

Why do you continue to train?

There are so many aspects to martial art, from self-defense, to physical exercise, philosophy, history, and so on that there is always something new to learn. Also there are many ways to train that accommodate any sort of physical condition, age, disability and so on.There is never a reason to stop!

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

I take a great deal of satisfaction in having been a long-standing and loyal student to my grand master.

What advice would you give to someone new to taekwondo?

Martial art is a long-term project, not something to take a try at and then drop.

Your favorite martial arts movie

"The Kingsman" has a lot of interesting moves!

Will Smith started training in 1983 and is a 4th Dan.

Why did you start training in Taekwondo?

I grew up on the Island of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. My elementary school had a special assembly one day and it was held by the Fighting Dragons Tae Kwon Do club. I was hooked instantly and knew this was for me. My family was always athletic, playing many sports such as volleyball, tennis, baseball, softball, and basketball. But Tae Kwon Do became my personal journey. I received my 1st Dan at 13 years of age and my 2nd Dan at 17 years of age. I encouraged many of my friends to join Tae Kwon Do as well. And I competed aside and trained directly with member of the US Virgin Islands National Tae Kwon Do Team. Growing up, Tae Kwon Do became a way of my life for physical health, mental fortitude, and personal discipline.

Why have you continued training?

After graduating from high school, I attended Stanford University. I joined the Stanford Tae Kwon Do club to continue to train and compete. Before leaving the university, I was able to meet Maureen Panganiban-Moses, a senior Hwa Rang Kwan black belt, who introduced me to Master D.K. Shin. I had an instant connection with Master Shin, his style, and his purpose. Further, I loved the Dojang he had grown. I have taught at Hwa Rang Kwan off and on for more than 12 years. I have encouraged the development of beginners of all ages and aided their promotion to black belts. I have trained our dojang practitioners in Olympic sparring and seen several of them claim championships locally, statewide, regionally, and statewide. Hwa Rang Kwan became my home and I continue to practice under the guidance of Master D.K. Shin to this day. I have chosen Tae Kwon Do to be an integral part of my life and purpose.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

• 2nd Place, 2002 USA TKD Nationals

• Competitor, 2002 USA TKD National Team Trials

• 3rd Place, 2006 USA TKD National Team Trials

What advice would you give to someone new to taekwondo?

Give yourself a chance to find your ‘kick’. I can teach you technique, but only you can activate it.

Your favorite martial arts movie!

More than one!

• The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978; Director: Chia-Liang Liu)

• Best of the Best (1989; Director: Robert Radler)

• Iron & Silk (1990; Director: Shirley Sun)

• Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003; Director: Prachya Pinkaew)

• Fearless (2006; Director: Ronny Yu)

Your favorite martial arts book

Tao of Jeet Kune Do (1978; Author: Bruce Lee)

Peter started training in 1983 and is a 4th Dan.

Why did you start training in Taekwondo?

I came from a long line of martial artists and a family with a military background and it was easy for me to get inspired and started!

Why have you continued training?

Martial Arts training gives me self confidence. It has taught me courtesy, integrity, discipline, self control and helped me develop an indomitable spirit.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Under Grand Master DK Shin teachings I was able to become a certified instructor and successfully start instructing TKD classes.

What advice would you give to someone new to taekwondo?

My personal experience in TKD has shown me that it is possible to have a full training regiment with very little or any self-inflicted injuries, unlike many others martial arts or sports!

Your favorite martial arts movie!

• Black Belt 2007 (Kuro-Obi)

Your favorite martial arts book

Taekwondo by Gen. Choi Hong Hi

Janice started Taekwondo training in 2018 and is a 2nd Dan.

Why did you start training in Taekwondo?

Prior to moving to San Francisco, I was learning Hanmudo (another closely related Korean martial art) under Chief Master Dr Dennis Chua. Dr Chua’s master was Dr He Young Kimm, an old classmate of Grand Master D.K. Shin. Hence, when I moved over and wanted to continue a similar martial arts education, I started training in Taekwondo under Grand Master Shin.

Why do you continue training?

I personally enjoy the concept of being a scholar warrior - training to balance mind, body and spirit. Learning Taekwondo helps me develop as a person in terms of discipline and problem solving. I have come to appreciate it as a lifelong development and hobby.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Being able to participate in various local tournaments and being a lot more flexible than I was in college!

What advice would you give to someone new to taekwondo?

It can be tough when you first start, but if you persevere it will pay off both in enjoyment and accomplishment!

Your favorite martial arts movie!

Fearless (2006; Director: Ronny Yu)

Your favorite martial arts book

A history of Taekwondo by Dr He Young Kimm