Master Kim

Soon Ho Kim

Master Soon Ho Kim has over 36 years of internationally recognized experience in Tae Kwon Do.

Master Kim came to the U.S. in 1975 and began teaching and giving demonstrations throughout the country. He has instructed the Marine Corps, universities, and many schools and clubs. He has produced many National Champions in both Korea and the United States. In 1975, he completed an international Master course and was awarded the top seat out of 120 participating masters, being the only one ever to achieve a perfect score in theory.

Master Kim operated a Tae Kwon Do school in Ohio for many years before moving to Virginia with his family. In 1996 he established his current school, S. H. Kim U.S. Tae Kwon Do, in McLean. His many accomplishments include:

• Vice Chairman, Technical Committee, World Taekwondo Federation, 2005
• Advisory Counsel, Legislative Committee, WTF, 2001
• 2000 Sydney Olympic U.S. team delegation
• U.S. National Team: 1983, 91, 94
• Master of the Year award: 1988
• Best Demonstration award: 1979, 81, 84
• Collegiate instructor
• Secretary General, U.S. Taekwondo Union: 1996-2004
• Treasurer General, USTU: 1993-96
• Ohio State Association President
• U.S. Delegate for World Championship
• U.S. Delegate for Pan Am Championship
• Certified International Referee

Master Shepler

Master Shepler

Master Shepler began training in martial arts over 25 years ago to learn self defense. Today she is widely regarded as one of the best martial arts teachers in Virginia.

Master Shepler started her training and earned her first black belt in Moo Duk Kwan from Master Middleton and Grandmaster Ki Whang Kim. During her first summer at Grandmaster Kim's martial arts summer camp, she won the Best Student award.

Master Shepler continued training in Tae Kwon Do and also studied Hapkido, kickboxing, and self defense. She has taught Tae Kwon Do, self defense, and cardio kickboxing at several martial arts schools and at seminars in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. She has participated in demonstrations on local TV and at colleges and K-12 schools throughout the area. As senior master, she is an examiner at belt tests. Master Shepler taught at SH Kim US Tae Kwon Do in McLean, VA since it opened. In 2006 she moved out of the area, but she visits and assists Master Kim in grading students at belt tests.

Master Kim

Ho San Kim

Ho San Kim is a 4th dan black belt and an instructor at American University. He joined the staff at SH Kim US Tae Kwon Do in 2005. Master Kim is also the sports editor for Dynamic Korea, the Korean Culture and Information Service's official English homepage.

Master Baek

Jay Baek

Master Baek taught taekwondo at several schools in Virginia before joining our staff in 2005. He is our main instructor, leads the school's demonstration team, and runs belt tests. Master Baek is a member of the Washington Metropolitan Taekwondo Society's Exhibition Team.

Instructor Lim

Seung-Bum Lim

Mr. Lim joined our staff in 2006. He assists at classes and belt tests.

Instructor Linnell

Victoria Linnell

Instructor Linnell began her training in Tae Kwon Do with Master Yeon Hee Park in East Meadow, NY. Since 1996, she has trained with Master Shepler and is now an instructor. Ms. Linnell has also studied self-defense, weapon disarms, and the CDT (Compliance, Direction, Takedown) method. She runs this web site, leads classes, and assists at belt tests.