Grandmaster Kong, Young Il, 9th Dan

A first-generation student of General Choi, Hong Hi, the Father of Taekwon-Do, Grand Master Kong, Young Il's Taekwon-Do roots are in the Oh Do Kwan in Won Joo, Korea. Today, fifty-four years later, Grand Master Kong, Young Il teaches the martial art of Taekwon-Do with the same approaches and rigor he learned from the Father of Taekwon-Do and perfected through continuous practice of the art. Grand Master Kong, Young Il is steadfastly focused on promoting Taekwon-Do and General Choi's legacy. GM Kong Young Il lives in Las Vegas with his wife. His sons Andy and Douglas live in Los Angeles.

Here are some highlights from the illustrious career of this Taekwon-Do pioneer:

2007 - Inducted into the Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame.

2006 - Assumed the role of President of the World Taekwon-Do Alliance.

2003 - Co-founded the International Ch'Ang-Hon Taekwon-Do Federation.

1997 - Promoted to 9th Degree Black Belt by General Choi, Hong Hi in Poland.

1994 - Became the 39th Inductee to the All-American Black Belt Hall of Fame.

1973 - 1980 - As member of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) Demonstration Team, and in the company of General Choi, visited more than 127 countries as part of ambassadorship for Taekwon-Do; Immigrated to the United States upon invitation from an American Soldier who was his student of Taekwon-Do; Founded and operated numerous dojangs across the United States and Puerto Rico; Served as Master Instructor for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Pennsylvania;

1963 - 1967 - Served in the Republic of Korea Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant; Served as a Master Instructor of the Republic of Korea Army with duties to enhance the instruction of other Taekwon-Do instructors; With General Choi, Grand Master Nam, Tae Hi, and others, co- developed several Taekwon-Do patterns; Became the first Master Instructor to introduce the 8th U.S. Army in Korea to Taekwon-Do; Named Captain of the competitive Taekwon-Do All Star Team of the Republic of Korea Army; Became member of the original International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF);

1962 - 1967 - Attended the Kyung Hee University Physical Education College became All Star Captain of the university's Taekwon-Do team;

1952 - At age nine, with a child's curiosity, became a student of Shotakan karate;

Grandmaster Kong, Young Il

Other Instructors

Ms. Doris Hearrington, 3rd Dan

Ms. Hearrington began her Taekwon-Do training in 1979 in Germany. She as been teaching for 10 years and has been working with Grandmaster Kong since 2004. Ms. Hearrington has also competed and placed in tournaments throughout the years. She emphasizes good basics, patterns and perfect techique.

Mr. Mike Reisler, 3rd Dan

Mr. Reisler first began martial arts in 1973 in Detroit, MI with Karate earning his 3rd Degree Black Belt. Mr. Reisler has continued his martial arts training in Taekwon-Do under Grandmaster Kong from whom he has earned another 3rd Degree Black Belt. Mr. Reilser has competed and placed in tournaments thoughout the years and emphasizes strong, accurate technique.

Mr. Justin Won, 2nd Dan

In 2004, Mr. Won began his Taekwon-Do journey under the instruction of Grandmaster Kong. Mr. Won has also competed in the NORCO Invitational (2007) taking home 1st in patterns and 2nd in sparring.