www.gwangjunewsgic.com
March 2020
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
34
The Hi Roll skating area.
Foreign students learn Taekwondo at Master Kim’s gym location.
Taekwondo Classes Taught in English
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Written and photographed by Erin Heath Kim
ave you ever thought about learning a martial Maybe you don’t know where to start, or you worry about the language barrier. If you’ve ever wanted to find out more about taekwondo (태권도) or taekkyeon (택견) you should consider Jikimi Taekwondo (지킴이 태권도). In English, jikimi translates to “protector.” The martial arts master of Jikimi is Kim Jae-min. He’s been teaching taekwondo in English to foreign students in Gwangju for over ten years and has a 6th-degree black belt (yukdan, 육단) in taekwondo. He loves meeting people from all over the world and teaching them the martial arts of Korea.
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The martial arts master of Jikimi is Kim Jae-min. He’s been teaching taekwondo ... for over ten years and has a 6th-degree blackbelt.
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In the past, Master Kim and his foreign students have participated in Gwangju International Center (GIC) events by performing taekwondo. Through his international students, he’s also picked up the hobby of collecting paper money and coins from around the world. I’ve been adding
to his American quarter collection through the years. (I should also mention that he’s my husband, so of course, I’m very proud of his accomplishments and his gym). English taekwondo classes are taught three times per week in the evening on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Along with the basic moves, poomsae (품새) patterns, kicking, and sparing techniques of taekwondo, he also places a strong focus on physical exercise and incorporates self-defense and other martial arts skills into the class. It’s a great way to work out. Most students who join the class have never taken taekwondo before, so beginners are welcome. But any level can join the class at any time. Belt level tests are given at regular intervals. Students can advance to new belt levels every two to three months. A beginner student can advance to a black belt within 1.5–2 years. There is a one-time uniform fee of 50,000 won and a monthly tuition fee of 110,000 won. If you’re not sure whether taekwondo is for you, you’re welcome to come experience your first class free of charge with no obligation to join. If you like it, sign up and bring a friend! Master Kim also teaches taekkyeon, which is a separate, more traditional martial art. He’s the 72nd master of taekkyeon in Korea, which he achieved after almost 20 years of study and practice. It’s a unique opportunity in
