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, the WKF 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 - 2nd Dan

Colin Scott

I became interested in Martial Arts while living in Cambodia at around five years old. I landed at KSMY when we moved to US at the age of six. I instantly felt I had found the right school.  I feel part of a larger family and my passion for Hapkido began to grow everyday. 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 and appreciate 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 and the Sparring classes. It helps remind me of where I started and how much everyone has helped me. Now I have been given the opportunity to pass it on.

Assistant Instructor - 2nd Dan

David Morrison

Hi!  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 and currently hold a 2nd Dan Blackbelt. I instruct the Monday & Wednesday 4:30PM 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!

Instructor-in training - 1st Dan

Derrick Rogers

Hello! 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 teach the Sparring Classes.

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!

Instructor-in training - 1st Dan

Bounlai Xayasith

I began my martial arts journey at KSMY when I was 17 years old. The environment at KSMY has played a significant role in shaping my character and boosting my self-confidence. I learned that KSMY is more than just a training place; it’s a tight-knit family.

Today, I train with my mother and brother, participating in every Youth & Adults class. I have achieved a first-degree black belt and I am on my way to continue pursuing my academic goals in college with goals to join the Air Force. With that said, I hope that I have the opportunity to meet and work with you someday!

Instructor-in training - 1st Dan

Nadia Montes

Instructor-in training - 1st Dan

Claudio Ignacio 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.”

Instructor-in training - 1st Dan

Pumpkin Boungeurt Xayasith

I started training under at KSMY 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!

Instructor-in training - 1st Dan

Anaya Montes

Hello! 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 am currently a 1st Dan Blackbelt. 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! 🙂

Instructor-in training - 1st Dan

Ace Thik

Hi! I started training at KSMY at the age of six. Ever since then, I’ve loved going to class every single day. Not only do I learn techniques used for self defense, I also learn how to condition my mind and body. I’ve always gotten encouragement and support from Master My and my KSMY family. They always find ways for me to learn and improve and my confidence grows each day. I’ve found a second home at KSMY and have met many amazing friends who I look forward to having lasting friendships with. I’ve watched others, and most importantly, myself grow as a better person and as a martial artist. I’m so thankful to be a part of such an incredible team!

Aside from training I like to read and go out with friends. I’m not a cold season person and would prefer it to be summer all year long because I love swimming and going to the beach. I’m going to a health professions high school to study all about medical subjects. I’m still so young, but I like to think about my future aiming to become a forensic pathologist.

Instructor-in training - 1st Dan

Kara Xiong

Hello! 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 currently a 1st dan blackbelt.

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.

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!

ADULTS IN CHARGE (AICs)

Donna Lee, Michael Scott, Renee Montes, Maria Damian

Hello! We are volunteer parents/grandparent of students training at KSMY. We are the eyes and ears of the dojang! If you ever need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of us for help. At least one or all of us will be in the waiting area before, during, and/or after classes.

Adult Leader

Rebecca Soliday

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

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 KSMY. 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.

Adult Leader

Matthias Kimball

I joined KSMY in 2021 after my partner Rebecca tried it out and told me how much she liked the atmosphere at the dojang. I thought that doing martial arts would be a good way to stay in shape, having come from many years of rock-climbing, yoga classes, and circuit training. I quickly learned that getting into martial arts as a nearly-middle-aged adult with no prior experience is a special kind of challenge. I’ve had to push myself to be more flexible and coordinated, neither of which have ever been my strong suit, and Master My, Sir David, Sir Derrick, and the other instructors here have enthusiastically supported my growth as a martial artist. I feel like I’ve found a new community in the KSMY dojang.

I’ve been helping with the Tiny Tigers and Juniors classes and it’s been very gratifying to help them improve their skills. I also learn a lot about my own practice when I have to break down the basic things I learned as a white belt and convey them to another student. I still think the first few months as a new white belt can be the most challenging time and I really feel that for teens and adults who join as beginners. I hope that I can help our new students feel less overwhelmed by the flood of new things to learn.

Youth Leader

Logan Van Voorhis

Youth Leader

Dominic Dey

Wassup!!! My name is Dominic Dey but I don’t mind being called Dom either. I’ve been at KSMY for a little over 2 and a half years and have enjoyed every bit of it. When first viewing it seemed like a daunting task to join the art.

But in my first group class, I felt very welcomed and enjoyed the good vibes that were shared throughout the room. I appreciate the fact that no matter who you are or what background you come from you are always warmly welcomed by the other people within the dojang. Joining has also taught me to be more responsible and confident in my ability. I’ve also built connections with more people through events that are held at KSMY Martial Arts or elsewhere. Events such as the Summit, whenever our demonstration team performs, and Promotion for those advancing in rank.

Joining the family doesn’t mean just making friends though, it also helps with exercise, staying active, and achieving what seems impossible. The Blackbelts have helped me along my journey of becoming a better person and what it means to be a Martial Artist.

Youth Leader

Owen Aranda

Hello! My name is Owen Aranda and I am currently a brown belt at KSMY Martial Arts. I started training in the Tiny Tigers Program at KSMY when I was 4 years old and greatly enjoyed it. I love that I continue to learn new things through my training at KSMY. I admire the amazing people that I train with for their dedication, knowledge and support. The black belts and the other students at KSMY have all greatly helped me grow as a person and a martial artist. Also, I enjoy helping people and I appreciate that I have been given the opportunity to assist in the Tiny Tigers classes.

My training at KSMY and development of my endurance, flexibility and balance also compliments the other sport that I practice, which is soccer. I strive to continue improving as a martial artist and grow as a person every day. I look forward to training with you!

Junior Leader

Monroe Duckworth

I started martial arts training at a different dojang when I was around 4 ½ years old and received certification under the World Kuk Sool Won Association.

Currently, I am a red belt at KSMY and am working hard to earn my black belt. I have learned at KSMY the importance of attention to detail, respect and proper etiquette, the value of hard work and repetition and how to mentally increase my endurance. I have really enjoyed being a Junior Leader to the other martial artists, and hope that some will also want to earn their black belt.

I really like that KSMY has so many events planned throughout the year. Last year I went to Busan, South Korea to compete in the World Kido Federation 13th World Hapkido Festival & Championship Tournament. I competed against some incredible martial artists and was able to win 2 gold and 1 silver medal. It was so amazing to be able to meet Grandmaster Sun Seo and Grandmaster Steve Kwon Seo.