Woori Taekwondo & Hapkido Academy has kicked open its doors to Homewood residents for its newest establishment and most recent location on 18029 Dixie Highway.
Kwan Pil Kim, founder and grandmaster of the academy, and community members, including Mayor Richard Hofeld, celebrated the new business’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 5.
The academy has been open to the public since Feb. 22. The Village of Homewood officials brought their iconic blue jumbo scissors for the official celebration and participated in a self-defense technique demonstration.
Kim, a 7th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a 7th-degree in Hapkido, among several credited acclamations, has opened four other locations in the Chicagoland area. He knew he wanted to continue teaching and instructing martial arts but admits that “community forming is the prize.”
Having received a personalized plate from Secretary of State Jesse White for community and youth education efforts, Kim said, “For years, our proudest accomplishments are when working with schools and the youth forming a safe and thriving community.”
Kim’s extensive experience has led to several community-driven opportunities such as fundraising events, parades and conferences.
Hofeld participated in the action during the ceremony, joining Village Manger Napoleon Haney and others for a hands-on self-defense tutorial.
“Another wonderful business added to our city,” Hofeld said.
“We have four to five instructors at this location, offering many windows for class times that make it very convenient for families,” Kim said.
The academy offers classes for students as young as four years old and for all levels of skill, among them are a beginner class for children 4 to 5 years old, a children’s class (6 to 12 years old), a family class, and a teen and adult class.
If interested in learning more about the classes, potential students are encouraged to attend the academy’s “trial program” before registering to attend their first three classes for free. This also provides an opportunity for instructors to see what class is best for each individual.
“Our goal is to help develop and inspire one to be their very best mentally and physically,” said Kim.
For more information on Woori Taekwindi & Hapkido Academy, visit the site to register for a class or contact Kim at 708-365-6122.