About Us

Master Kim’s World Class Taekwondo has been serving the Greenville South Carolina community since May 2001.

Master Kim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do has been serving the Greenville South Carolina community since May 2001. During this time, our school has earned a reputation for its disciplined and enriching atmosphere, for our high levels of respect and encouragement, and for instruction of the best techniques in Tae Kwon Do. Our success is due to the commitment and dedication of both Master Jun Kyu Kim and Master Michelle Bartlett Kim, as well as our World Class Instructors, in the teaching of the ways and spirit of Tae Kwon Do.

At Master Kim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, we are committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere of positive energy and respect inside of our dojang through the teaching of high quality martial arts. We believe in empowering our students with valuable skills for daily life and contributing to a safe and peaceful community.

Martial Arts is known for fostering cooperation and mutual respect. At Master Kim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do we fully accept this to be true and strive to teach in a way that encourages respect both on and off the mat, and in all areas of a student’s life.

Master Kim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do offers different types of classes to fit age, experience, time and commitment. Our Little Tigers program is designed for children ages 5 and 6, our Color Belt program is structured for children ages 7 & up and adults, our Black Belt program is intended for students who are committed to achieving their Black Belt, and our Family program is for children ages 7 & up and their adults.

Master Kim’s World Class Tae Kwon Do offers the following programs:

- Little Tigers (ages 5-6),

- Children (ages 7-12),

- Teens and adults,

- Family – learn taekwondo with your children!

A native of Seoul, Korea, Master Kim began training in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 5 years old and competed throughout Korea as a member of various elementary, middle, and high school teams. He was highly successful as a competitor and held the title of national champion multiple times. Upon graduating high school, Master Kim was accepted to Yong-In University.

Established in 1953, Yong-In University is Korea’s premier school for Korean athletes. Its varying athletic programs have produced countless international competitors and Olympic team members in every sport. At Yong-In, Master Kim was selected to be a member of the Korean Tigers Demonstration Team. The Tigers are an international touring performance group that provides Tae Kwon Do exhibitions for martial arts schools and events throughout the world. Master Kim traveled the world with the Tiger Team and performed at major international Tae Kwon Do tournaments including the 1993 World Championships at Madison Square Garden and the 1994 U.S. Open at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

As an instructor, Master Kim has held the position of Head Master for the World Class Tae Kwon Do Centers in Buffalo, NY. Under the guidance of U.S. National Team Coach Grandmaster Sun Chong, Master Kim oversaw the development and design of curriculum and teaching plans for over 1300 active students. In 2000, Master Kim opened his own school where he has continued to refine his teaching techniques and empower students.

Master Kim is a highly dynamic demonstrator and teacher. His phenomenal level of skill and energy excite students for every single class. With over 45 years of Tae Kwon Do experience, Master Kim is dedicated to helping every member of the school gain the maximum benefit from their training.

Master Michelle Kim began her Tae Kwon Do training under Grandmaster Sun Ki Chong in Syracuse, NY. After achieving Black Belt at 13 years old, she went on to become one of the top female Tae Kwon Do competitors in the United States. As part of the U.S. Tae Kwon Do team that traveled to Korea, she gained valuable experience on the culture and training of Tae Kwon Do.

Upon completing her competitive career, she was selected by Grandmaster Chong to serve as Head Instructor at the World Class Tae Kwon Do Headquarters School in Buffalo, NY. With over 25 years of professional teaching experience, Mrs. Kim brings tremendous enthusiasm, motivation, and skill to every student. Currently a 6th Degree Black Belt, Mrs. Kim continues to study and develop her Tae Kwon Do skills.