"Obviously, you're known for what you do. But you still want to be known as a good person. You're a person a lot longer before and after you're a professional athlete."
Derek Jeter
The last time I was in Baton Rouge I was out to lunch with the Kimm's, Dr. He-Young Kimm, his wife, and their grandchildren. We had been discussing the plans for my school and Dr. Kimm had been talking to me about the business side of his school. When Dr. Kimm left the table, Mrs. Kimm asked me, "Why Han Mu Do?"
I quickly replied, "Because of you. "
Dr. Kimm and his wife have a beautiful story that has brought them to this point. They are a humble, giving and honest people that have devoted their lives to teaching people how to be better in all ways. Dr. Kimm started training in Martial arts as a young boy in Korea. He has since then traveled the world to teach and be an ambassador of martial arts. When I met the Kimms, I saw the interactions with their students, and the way their students interact with others. I knew that is what I wanted for my school.
Han Mu Do, teaches a combination of striking techniques, joint locks, pressure points, and throws. It is the culmination of Dr. Kimm's lifetime of training in the martial arts. Within all the techniques, forms, sparring, and board breaking that students learn, is entwined the moral and mentality that Dr. Kimm and Han Mu Do teach. Yes, students learn to protect themselves in a variety of ways, but they also learn how to be better people.
Han Mu Do has submission techniques such as joint locks, arm bars and leg locks. These techniques can be very physically damaging to the opponent but they also teach humility and self control. The act of tapping or submitting to an opponent means that they have beaten you and is a hard thing for a lot of people. This is especially important for children to learn. Having the self control to not hurt your partner is very important in practicing martial arts. Through practicing techniques with partners and sparring the students learn to be in control of their mind and body and be humble in victory and defeat.
As students go through Han Mu Do classes they learn to be respectful of themselves and those around them. Self discipline and respect go hand in hand as students see the knowledge and skill of the instructors and senior students and the way they treat their peers and students. This should be continued at home and school as the student leaves the academy. "Yes sir," and "no ma'am," is important in teaching etiquette and politeness. It is not a power trip for the teacher or parent, it is a polite way of talking that helps teachers and parents know that students and children understand. Respectful.
Dr. Kimm is big on teaching students to be a part of the community outside of the school. This is important, so that people know that the school is helping the community, and that the community will help support the school. When Katrina hit New Orleans, the trash system of Baton Rouge wasn't able to keep up with the demand of all the refugees from the storm. Dr. Kimm and his academy organized students to go out and help pick up trash that was overwhelming the city. This is the kind of serving that brings communities together. This is the kind of service I'm looking to achieve together at Harvest Martial Arts.
I am opening the first Han Mu Do school in Tennessee. I am proud that I have earned this ability under the World Han Mu Do Association and support of family and friends. I plan on Harvest Martial Arts being a big part of the Franklin community and teaching people not only the martial art that I have grown to love, but also how to be better people. This school will be very family friendly. Students can start into the Mighty Sprouts program at age 3 and we will offer classes for all stages of life including adults and seniors.
We are planning on opening the beginning of August 2016. We are accepting students and offering discounts for pre-opening sign ups. Please contact Justin Martin @ 615-310-8937 or harvestmartialarts@gmail.com for more info.
Always Learning,
Justin Martin
