The Gateway Moo Do Kwan Association was first established in 1963 by 2-time Korean National Taekwondo champion, Grandmaster Bong Yul Shin. Grandmaster Shin is respected nationally and world-wide as a leading martial arts authority. He is one of the highest ranking martial arts instructors certified by the World Taekwondo Federation, holding a 9th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, a 9th Degree Black Belt in Judo, and a 9th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido. Considered to be a "Founding Father" of Taekwondo in America, Grandmaster Shin has a Master's Degree in Physical Education and celebrates over 45 years of excellence in martial arts instruction. It is a distinct privilege to have Grandmaster Shin as our Founder and Honorary Director. All of our instructors are certified black belts through the World Tae Kwon Do Federation in Kukkiwon, Korea.
What is Taekwondo?
Taekwondo loosely translated means: "The art of kicking and punching." Taekwondo is a traditional korean martial art which has continually evolved over centuries. More than just a discipline promoting physical fitness or a method of self-defense, Taekwondo is a martial art for self-cultivation. We want our students to be good martial artists, but even better human beings. In our classes we empahize the tenets of taekwondo, which included the virtues of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. Taekwondo is understood in the martial arts world as a "Hard Blocking Style", but is known for its high flying kicks.
The ultimate goal of taekwondo is to discipline your life with physical and mental training to become a healthy and well-balanced person of good moral character.
Creed of Moo Do Kwan
1) Respect each other
2) Respect instructor
3) Respect rank
4) Integrity
5) Loyalty
Moo Do Kwan Principals
MDK teaches the constant improvement and refinement of techniques and the development of the total person. Therefore, it is a contemporary martial art style, combining both the traditional and modern applications. This makes it beneficial and appropriate for all martial artists.
MDK teaches logical techniques. Emphasis placed on the movements being big, deep, and natural. The technique flows together combining soft and hard, slow and fast actions, accentuated by hesitations. This artistic approach creates a unique contrast and a dynamic style of martial art.
MDK teaches the philosophy of YIN & YANG. These positive principles encourage individuals to become strong and well rounded and to lead a full, exciting, and challenging life style in which they are constantly seeking to achieve their fullest potential.
MDK teaches the importance of being a total martial artist and produces many qualified, dedicated instructors. These instructors aspire to perfection and through them MDK will continue to spread throughout the USA and the world.
Moo Do Kwan Philosophy
A MDK martial artist is a person who is developing certain characteristics that make him special and unique. He is stable and dependable. He realizes that he has responsibilities and duties in all areas of his life and that these must culminate before he can be a true MDK martial artist. He is committed to the philosophy of YIN & YANG and all that it entails. When he comes to training class, he gives his best efforts and is consistent in his training. He realizes the importance of regular training and he organizes his time so that regular class sessions are a part of his life.
A MDK martial artist has enthusiasm for his art and for life. He realizes that without enthusiasm, life is dull and commonplace. He also realizes that he controls his attitudes and he makes the effort to cultivate the attitude of enthusiasm.
A true MDK martial artist glows with the sunshine of optimism. People draw towards him because he makes them happy by his positive approach of life. He knows that no matter what his rank, whether white or black belt, he never stops learning. He never reaches the goal of perfection, but must keep striving toward that goal.
A MDK martial artist is straightforward and honest, without arrogance or hypocrisy. He is proud and confident, but gentle, knowing that "nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength".
The MDK martial artist knows that he must have long-term goals for his life. He lives today fully, but he also looks ahead and plots his future course as a ship's captain lays out his plans for a sea voyage. This person has a plan that consists of a systematic approach to his major goal in life. He is sharp and balanced as he accomplishes one goal after another toward his ultimate life long goal, the contribution to this world that he alone can make. He devotes himself to that goal.
The MDK martial artist has a realistic approach to life. He knows that by "trying to chase too many rabbits," he loses his focus and his efforts are in vain. He is self-controlled and is the master of his own destiny. He directs his life toward the area that gives him the most satisfaction and offers opportunity to contribute to society. He has a professional attitude and he approaches every challenge with the determination to be the best that he can be.
A MDK martial artist may be anyone young or old, man or woman. He or she may be tall or short, physically strong, or physically weak. He may be talented or slow learning, but whatever traits the person has; fellow members accept and welcome the person as he is. He ought to give his best efforts and maintain a good attitude. He competes with no one, only himself. He should know that the only failure is in giving up.