Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art that focuses mostly on the kicking aspect of fighting. Our version of Tae Kwon Do is derived from one of the original styles, Chung Do Kwan, that were eventually combined into one art to further the exchange between students and instructors. Chung Do Kwan technique and philosophy centered on mastering basics, developing powerful technique, pinpoint accuracy in application, strong kicking, and deep appreciation for manners and etiquette. Its trademark techniques are the side kick, jumping side kick, and sliding side kick. We train in the traditional style with additions of anything that is useful from other arts. In order to be well rounded and better prepared, students learn a little bit of everything from grappling to boxing.

Training is geared so that everybody can get one they want out of it. Whether it is for health and exercise, self defense or sport, we make sure that everyone will progress toward their goals. Though competition in one way or another is encouraged, it is not required and progression in rank is not dependent upon it.

Martial arts in general are a great way to improve health, increase confidence, promote self-reliance, teach discipline and support confidence. The most important thing to remember is that the important choice is not which style you train in but what instructor you learn from. You have to enjoy your class and the instructor has to be able to convey to you how to perform the techniques and patterns, so please come in and meet us, try out the class and you will understand what is meant by this.

Grand Master An Chong Ho founded the orignal Han Mi Tae Kwon Do Studio in Korea in 1979. Master Johnny Crawford was one of his first students to open a studio in the U.S. in 1980. Han Mi Tae Kwon Do quickly grew a core of strong students due to traditional training methods influenced by Master Crawfords Military experience. Early in 1985, Master Crawford had to leave the school and handed it down to his top black belt, Steve Habib. Mr. Habib was a 1st degree when he took over as head instructor. Mr. Habib spent the much of the late 80's training with several different martial arts schools to increase his knowledge. During that time he learned basics from many arts including: Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muy Thai, Hapkido, even some Kung Fu. In the early 1990's Steve Habib adopted a training philosophy to have strong traditional training and include anything that he could learn that he could teach effectivly. This developed a pool of well-rounded martial artists. Mr. Habib recently handed the school off to Robert Payne, who has been training at Han Mi Tae Kwon Do since he was eaight years old in 1992. Mr. Payne plans on following the long tradition of training high quality, well-rounded martial artists for years to come.

Sa Bum Nim Robert Payne

Robert Payne is Steve Habib's second student to be promoted to the rank of 3rd degree black belt. He started training at the age of 8 in 1993. Mr. Payne has been in many competitions. He has won Multiple grand championships and competes in several styles of competition. Mr. Payne trains students for sport karate competition as well as full contact competition. He has been instructing since 1998. Mr. Payne was selected as the successor to the title of Han Mi's Head Instructor in 2009.

Click here to return to Instructors

Kio Sa Nim Alex Duarte

Alex Duarte is the youngest instructor at 17 years old. He has been training since 2003 and just recently started instructing in 2008. Mr.Duarte speaks Spanish fluently and has been a great help when English was a students second language. Mr. Duarte is an accomplished martial artist with great ability.

Click here to return to Instructors

Kio Sa Nim George Madruga

George Madruga started training in 2004 shortly after enrolling his daughter in the juniors class. He recently surpassed his daughters rank and received his black belt in 2008. Mr. Madruga has been assisting the instructors since he received his red belt and is now an official assistant instructor.

 

 

Click here to return to Instructors