Grand Master Ik Jo Kang

Ik Jo Kang is a highly respected master of the martial arts. His expertise ranges through Tae Kwon Do (karate), Hap Ki Do (self defense) and Kum Do (sword form). Grand Master Kang has developed a distinguished reputation as a skilled and motivated instructor.

With over thirty-six years experience teaching martial arts (in Korea and the United States), Grand Master Kang has sucessfully trained hundreds of black belts. As a path breaker and visionary, he convened Westchester's first county-wide Tae Kwon Do Karate Tournament in 1973, helping to popularize martial arts as an art form. Many of his former students have now opened schools in locations around the country.

Grand Master Kang' succcess as a teacher is rooted in his personal philosophy of understanding the full beauty and value of the martial arts. His teaching style emphasizes the development of the full self (physical, mental and spiritual) when training, with an appreciation for the value of self-discipline, motivation and perserverance. He has been popular among all students, including women and children, due to his ability to develop the martial arts skills of his students while also teaching them how to apply these skills to other aspects of their lives.

In addition to being well known and respected among other martial artists, Grand Master Kang is also well known for his community work. He was chairman of the Federation of Korean American Committees for the 1988 Seoul Olympics; former president of the Korean Assocation fo the U.S.A.(1982-1986); former president of the Korean Association of New York (1982-1986); and publisher of History of the Korean Association of New York and the Korean Community in America. He is also the recipient of numerous honors, including: the prestigious Dong Baek Award, the highest award one can receive from the Korean government for public service; the Ethnic New Yorker Award, personally awarded by the former Mayor of New York City, Ed Koch; and an honorary Doctorate of Sociology from the California Missionary College and Seminary.