Grandmaster

In Sun Seo

Grandmaster In Sun Seo has been involved in martial arts since the 1950’s and is currently one of the most respected Korean martial artist and a true pioneer representing the first generation of Korean martial artists.

Grandmaster Seo is the only first generation martial artist to teach and operate a dojang in Korea continuously for the last 40 years. He is the epitome of a true martial artist who combines his technical skills with great wisdom to tirelessly serve the growing martial arts community of Korea as well as the rest of the world.

As of present time, Grandmaster In Sun Seo has certified 270,000 Black Belts and he serves as President/Chairman of World Kido Federation, Han Min Jok Hapkido Association and Korea Kuk Sool Association. GM Seo continues to travel the world to teach and share his martial arts knowledge and skills.

To learn more about the World Kido Federation, please click HERE

President

Steve Sung Kwon Seo

Grandmaster Steve Seo is the president of the World Kido Federation. He is the leader of the International arm of the Hanminjok Hapkido Association (based in South Korea). Collectively, our organization is one of the largest Korean Martial Arts organizations in the world represented by over 20 member countries across 6 different continents boasting over 400 member schools.

GM Steve Seo has over 40 years of martial arts training experience and has conducted seminars and training sessions around the world in the effort to spread the Korean Martial Arts and ensure a strong foundation for future generations.

Assistant Instructor - 3rd Dan

Shayn Nishijima

I have been training in Hapkido since the age of 8 years old. I instruct the Sparring classes with Derrick JKN. I am currently a 3rd degree blackbelt and I’m hoping to go beyond and someday open up my own dojang.

I enjoy hobbies such as martial arts tricking, soccer, and programming. KSMY is like a family to me and they have helped me so much in life and improving my everyday with my love for martial arts.

I really hope you can make it out and be a part of this family. Hope to see you soon!

Assistant Instructor - 2nd Dan

Colin Scott

I became interested in Martial Arts while living in Cambodia at around five and a half years old. When my family moved back to the United States at the age of 6, we began searching for a martial arts school.

After visiting a few schools and finally landing at KSMY, I instantly felt I had found the right school.  Master My made me feel part of a larger family and my passion for Kuk Sool began to grow everyday. Ma’am My’s passion for Kuk Sool has motivated my passion and has encouraged me to grow as a Martial Artist and as a person. While at KSMY, my understanding of respect, discipline and humility has grown, which has carried over into my home and school life. I have earned Leadership Awards and achieved top academic acknowledgements from my school. I also understand how hard my parents work to teach and guide me.

I am currently a 2nd Dan blackbelt and I co-instruct the Monday & Wednesday Junior classes. It helps remind me of where I started and how much everyone helped me. Now I have been given the opportunity to pass it on.

In July of 2018, I was allowed to attend the World Haminjok Hapkido Summit. I was so honored to meet and shake hands with Grand Master In Sun Seo and Master Steve, as well as practice with other Masters from South Korea and around the world. This I will never forget as it further fueled my passion for Hapkido.

In September of 2022, I was able to attend and compete in the World Kido Federation/Hanminjok Hapkido World Championships with many of my KSMY brothers and sisters. I was honored to have been promoted to 1st Dan during this trip in South Korea! South Korea is a beautiful country and I look forward to returning soon!

KSMY is like a family and I’m proud to be a part of it!!!

Assistant Instructor - 1st Dan

Derrick Rogers

Hello!  My name is Derrick Rogers. I have prior experience in Judo and Hanmudo. I began my journey in Hapkido when I moved to Sacramento and was looking to get back into martial arts after many years of inactivity. I am currently a 1st degree blackbelt. I instruct the Youth & Adult classes and co-teach the Sparring Classes with Shayn PSBN.

Under Master My’s instruction, I have regained my passion for martial arts. I have become more confident as a person and I have noticed a vast improvement in my coordination.  Master My has encouraged myself and others to try our best in all situations.

KSMY has been a positive environment where I have been able to continue to grow as a student as well as a leader. I enjoy training alongside my KSMY family as we encourage and learn from each other.

Outside the dojang, I enjoy watching pro wrestling, writing poetry, and bowling. I look forward to meeting and working with you soon!

Assistant Instructor - 1st Dan

David Morrison

Hi!  My name is David Morrison; by day, I’m a computer scientist and software engineer, and the rest of the time I’m a parent, photographer, storyteller, and of course — martial artist.

I joined KSMY Martial Arts in 2016.  At the time the studio was a few blocks from our house, and it was a great way for me to stay in shape and develop an awareness of my body that I’ve never had before.  I’ve since moved a bit further away, but still train with Master My and the other students at KSMY every chance I get! I instruct the Monday & Wednesday Joint classes. You may often times see me co-teaching the Tiny Tigers classes too.

Master My is a tremendous person, instructor, and friend, and I feel very honored to continue to push as a black belt under her supervision.  As a senior leader at KSMY, I enjoy the opportunity to give back to the studio, and help pass on what I’ve learned to the others who train in our family!

Assistant Instructor - 1st Dan

Boungeurth Pumpkin Xayasith

Hello! My name is Pumpkin Xayasith. I started training under Master My at 13 years old after my older brothers joined KSMY. Now, I am a 1st Degree Black Belt. I’ve been taught how to defend myself, how to strike, how to escape body locks and positions, and many more. I have learned to condition myself and push my limits to be better. I appreciate that KSMY teaches authentic practices of Hapkido. I am grateful for Master My, not only for training me, but also for mentoring me. I have grown immensely as a martial artist and as a person in general.

KSMY is a safe place to learn martial arts and an amazing place to be a part of. I have made many friends and connected with many people. This community has supported me through many challenges that I have faced over the years. KSMY has a great environment for anyone to learn martial arts to develop a strong sense of self and peace. I am proud to be training at KSMY. I help instruct in the Youth and Adults classes and I hope to meet you someday!

Assistant Instructor - 1st Dan

Claudio Fernandez

Annyeonghaseyo! I have always liked martial arts; I grew up watching old kung fu and martial arts movies. However, learning Kuk Sool at KSMY Martial Arts has been the best decision ever. The broad spectrum of hand strikes, kicks, and self-defense techniques (e.g., wrist/joint locks) you can learn at KSMY Martial Arts prepares you for multiple self-defense situations, including grappling, throwing, falling, and tumbling.

Several benefits stem from my time training at KSMY Martial Arts. Physical benefits have become evident, including improved coordination, flexibility, balance, endurance, and weight loss, among others. In addition, regular practice has shown a positive effect on my mental health, especially in reducing stress and increasing focus at work. Overall, training at KSMY has significantly enhanced my overall well-being and quality of life.

Practicing Hapkido at KSMY Martial Arts has provided me with incredible opportunities to perform in various local tournaments, most notably earning 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal at the 2022 Hapkido Championships in Busan, Korea. Through these experiences, I have met Grand Masters and Masters from different countries, creating an amazing network of connections. Additionally, I was honored to be part of the demo team, where I had the chance to showcase our Hapkido skills and techniques to a broader audience. A special acknowledgment goes to my demo team partner, Sir Derrick Rogers JKN, with whom I have both scared and impressed the audience more than once. I hope time will give us the chance to perform internationally. These opportunities have not only honed my martial arts skills but also enriched my cultural understanding and personal growth.

The KSMY community is truly exceptional, providing unwavering support to students learning martial arts. The vibe and the support you get from the KSMY family are amazing, with everyone eager to help. Special mention goes to David JKN, Shayn DDN, Derrick JNK, Colin KSN, Connie JKN, Nadia JKN, Naya DBN, Kara DBN, and Ace DBN, who go above and beyond to assist and encourage students at every step of their journey. Their dedication and willingness to share their knowledge and experience make the learning environment incredibly positive and motivating. Come and join us; we look forward to welcoming you into the KSMY family.

Today, I proudly hold a 1st Dan black belt at KSMY Martial Arts and am working on my path to the 2nd Dan under the guidance of Master My and the instructors of our Dojang. My personal goal as a Hapkido Martial Artist is to achieve at least a 5th Dan in the coming years.

“Dedication and perseverance yield great rewards.”

Assistant Instructor - 1st Dan

Nadia Montes

Adult Leader

Anaya Montes

Hello! My name is Anaya and I help assist the Juniors and Tiny Tigers classes.

I started Hapkido at KSMY when I was 13 years old as a way to become a better version of myself and learn how to defend myself. I enjoy coming everyday to train and help others with their training as well.

KSMY has helped me come out of my shell and make new friends that also inspire me to do better in my training! 🙂

Adult Leaders

Rebecca Soliday & Matthias Kimball

Hello! My name is Rebecca & I am currently a brown belt. I usually assist in the Monday/Wednesday Juniors classes and the Tiny Tigers classes, where I enjoy helping our younger students master foundational skills.

I have been training at KSMY for about three years. I have prior martial arts experience as a kid and later as a college student, where I took the opportunity to try several different styles of martial arts classes, including capoeira, taekwondo and tai chi. Although I found them all to be interesting, none of them felt like quite the right fit for me. Life (and graduate school) happened, and more than a decade later I found myself looking for a new gym after moving to a different area of Sacramento. I searched for martial arts studios and found KSMY, and reached out to sign up for a trial class. I was hooked from day one! I loved the wide variety of skills that KSMY teaches, but more than that, everyone at the Dojang – from fellow students, to instructors, and especially Master My, were all very welcoming and encouraging. I enjoyed it so much that I soon convinced my husband, Matthias, to try it, and he really likes it as well.

Master My has created a Dojang that is a rare blend of supportive and disciplined. I always feel challenged and supported to do my best, with no excuses! Training at KSMY has become a cherished part of my life, not only for the physical health benefits but also because of the wonderful community of fellow martial artists and their families. I feel stronger, more confident, and motivated to keep training as I learn new skills (weapons!) and look ahead to getting my black belt in the next few years! I’m honored and excited to continue to be part of such a great team.

Youth Leader

Kara Xiong

Hello! My name is Kara Xiong and I am a red/blackbelt.  I started in Tiny Tigers at the age of 5-½ years old and my passion for martial arts started growing each day.  I am passionate about Hapkido because it teaches me discipline and leadership skills. It helps me be focused and keeps my brain sharp and my body healthy.

I help in the Tiny Tigers and the Juniors programs, and push myself every day to improve. I am always so excited to learn something new.  I hope to achieve my blackbelt one day.

Some of my favorite things to practice are forms, tumbling, kicking, and sparring.  I also love helping other students and hope they become successful in martial arts.

I hope to see you soon at KSMY Martial Arts!

Youth Leader

Logan Van Voorhis

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