Today we’d like to introduce you to Jin Park.
Hi Jin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Korea, where Taekwondo is almost a rite of passage for boys. Like many others, I began training when I was just six years old. Very quickly, I fell in love with it. I practically lived at the dojang (taekwondo school), and I still remember how much I loved my uniform (dobok)—I even wore my dobok to bed sometimes.
What began as a childhood hobby soon became my passion and career. By the fifth grade, I was competing as a professional athlete. Through middle and high school, I trained as a full-time Taekwondo competitor. For most of my youth, the dobok was my second skin. Now, decades later, I still wear it—this time as a master and teacher. It’s hard to believe I’ve been wearing the dobok for more than 30 years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My Taekwondo journey wasn’t without hardships. As a high school athlete, I tore my ACL during training and had to undergo surgery. At just 17 years old, the physical pain was difficult, but the emotional struggle was even harder. I faced a slow recovery, anxiety about missing major competitions, and the heavy weight of feeling powerless.
That injury led me into a slump, and eventually, I ended my career as an athlete. At the time, I thought I would never wear the dobok again
Returning to the Dobok in Lebanon
Ironically, I found myself wearing the dobok again during my military service. I was deployed to Lebanon as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Our work focused on maintaining stability, patrolling, and monitoring illegal armed groups.
But one of the most meaningful aspects of our mission was Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC)—providing medical support, rebuilding infrastructure, and offering education. That’s how I started teaching Taekwondo to local children.
This time, I wasn’t competing. I was sharing. Seeing those children learn and grow brought me an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. It showed me that Taekwondo could be more than sport—it could be a gift to others.
As you know, we’re big fans of King Tiger Taekwondo. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
King Tiger Taekwondo is not just a place to learn martial arts—it is a space where both body and mind are trained together, cultivating focus, respect, and self-esteem. We offer tailored classes for all ages and levels, helping students build healthy habits and develop a positive mindset through Taekwondo. For children in particular, our program is highly effective in strengthening focus, self-discipline, and respect for themselves and others.
What we are most proud of as a brand is our genuine care for each student and family, and our commitment to walking alongside them in their journey of growth. King Tiger Taekwondo is more than a school that teaches martial arts—it is a place where the “King Tiger” within each person is awakened. We hope readers will see that Taekwondo is not merely a sport, but a powerful tool for transformation in everyday life.
What makes you happy?
I find happiness in guiding my students and witnessing their growth, both on and off the mat.
After finishing my military service, I opened a Taekwondo school in Korea, got married, and built what felt like a stable life. But when COVID-19 struck, my school closed, and I faced another turning point.
During that difficult time, I moved to Portland, Oregon, with my wife, who is now a UMC pastor. There, I had the incredible honor of meeting my grandmaster, B.C. Kim—1992 Barcelona Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion. Training under him, I learned not only Taekwondo but also how to adapt to running a school in America.
Grandmaster Kim often told us:
“Think of your students like flowers. Give them water. Give them sunlight. Give them love. Only then can they bloom beautifully.”
His words changed me. They reminded me that teaching isn’t just about discipline or skill—it’s about love, happiness, and care.
Today, at King Tiger Taekwondo, I find happiness in watching my students grow. Their progress is my reward.
I once thought my journey with the dobok ended with injury, but it has taken me places I never imagined—from Korea to Lebanon, and now to the United States. As I look to the next 30 years, I know I’ll keep wearing my dobok with joy, because every day I get to see my students bloom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.suwaneektt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingtigertkdojang/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/suwaneektt
Image Credits
Jin Park
