Rank: 9th Dan Black Belt
History:
Hwa Rang Do is a Korean Martial Art System founded and developed in Australia by Grand Master Kim Myung Man (9th Dan Black Belt). Built on the foundations of Chang Moo Kwan, Taekwondo and the spirit of the Hwarang Warrior, Hwa Rang Do is a modern style with ancient roots.Shimon
Grand Master Myung-Man Kim was born in South Korea in 1951. After commencing martial arts training at the age of eight in the style of Chang Moo Kwan, Grand Master Kim became a Kukkiwon certified Taekwondo instructor in 1973.
During his training, Grand Master Kim became well versed in the Martial Arts, namely the use of weapons, self-defence and fighting techniques. After the formation of the World Taekwondo Federation in 1969 and the subsequent popularity of Taekwondo as a competitive sport, many schools began to shift their focus to tournament training.
Between 1967 and 1974 Grand Master Kim competed in the Korean State, National and Military Championships. Taekwondo as a sport has grown in popularity over time and became an Olympic sport in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
At the age of 19, Grand Master Kim began his compulsory military service in the Korean Navy. During this time Grand Master Kim was assigned to the elite martial arts training group – an elite group he later led as Instructor.
During a Navy Demonstration held at the Sydney Opera House, Grand Master Kim was noted for his exceptional ability in the Martial Arts. In 1977, Grand Master Kim founded the Australian Hwa Rang Taekwondo Academy.
Dojangs: