Grand Master I.K. Kim 1941-2015

Our Founder

Grand Master Il-Kwon Kim was the founder and President of the I.K. Kim Ja Be Ryu Tae Kwon Do Organization and a 9th degree black belt.   He was also President of the World Martial Arts Federation and an internationally known authority on martial arts.

Grand Master Kim was born in Korea and started training in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 7.  After earning his criminal law degree from Korea University, he travelled to the United States where he studied Economics and History at University of Cincinnati.  In 1967, he started the I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers.

Grand Master Kim founded Ja Be Ryu, a style resulting from Grand Master Kim's over 60 years-experience and teaching philosophy.

Historical Lineage

Grand Master Kim studied under Grand Master Byung-Jik Ro who had himself studied under Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi.  Gichin Funakoshi was the founder of Shotokan Karate and is considered the “father of modern karate.” As a Shotokan Black Belt under Gichin Funakoshi, Byung Jik Ro created what is commonly known as Song Moo Kwan, one of the five original kwans (martial arts schools) of Tae Kwon Do in Korea. While staying true to the basic principles of Shotokan Karate, our Tae Kwon Do style places more emphasis on kicking techniques. Grand Master Kim’s Ja Be Ryu style builds upon the best elements of his predecessors, along with the wisdom gained during his 60 years of teaching experience.

• Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi (1868 – 1957)

  • Founder of Shotokan Karate ("Father of Modern Karate")

• Grand Master Byung Jik Ro (1919 – 2015)

  • Founder of Song Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do

• Grand Master Il Kwon Kim (1941 to 2015)

  • Founder of Ja Be Ryu Tae Kwon Do

Leadership Team

Grand Master Kim has entrusted the continuation of his Organization and his Legacy to the Kim Family and a select group of his Masters. This team ensures that the highest standards of instruction at each gym location continue and are maintained.  This Team shares the same vision that Grand Master Kim had for his organization and for his students. 

Leadership Team:

Master Sandy Kim (President of I.K. Kim Tae Kwon Do Centers) / Kim Family

Senior Master John Metzner (8th dan)

Senior Master Rhonda Metzner (8th dan)

Senior Master Sean Eveslage (7th dan)

Senior Master Mike Zimmer (7th dan)

Senior Master Kate Marner (7th dan)