President I.M.A
The International Martial Arts Association is an organisation of individuals whose goal is to further the art of Tang Soo Do while preserving the unique heritage and traditions of this time honored art. Members of the IMA work toward the proliferation of the art throughout the world, lead by Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi.
Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi, a native of Yong In, South Korea, spent his childhood years in a country devastated by the Korean War. At the age of nine, shortly after the war ended, he began his training in Tang Soo Do as a means of survival and self-protection. Among his early instructors were Master Song Si Kim, founder of the World Dang Soo Do Union, and Master Jae Chul Shin, founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi excelled in martial arts and received his first degree black belt at the age of twelve. During the late 1960's and early 1970's he taught Tang Soo Do at the Osan Air Force Base in South Korea. He also distinguished himself in national competition, and in 1970 won the Korean National Championship. In a country with limited educational and economic opportunities, his career in martial arts was the vehicle that allowed Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi to emigrate to the United States in 1974.
At the request of the Korean Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Association, of which he was then a member, Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi came to the U.S. to teach Tang Soo Do. He founded the first Yi's Martial Arts Institute in Woodbury, NJ in 1975. Having dedicated his life to the art of Tang Soo Do, he strives to bring the art to practitioners throughout the world and in 1984, he founded the International Martial Arts Association (IMA) in order to retain the traditionalism paramount to the true spirit of Tang Soo Do.
Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi is a moving force in the worldwide Tang Soo Do community and continues to teach in addition to managing the affairs of his organisation and member schools. In recognition of his work over the years, he has been featured in several martial arts publications, including Black Belt Magazine, Tae Kwon Do Times, and the UK's Tae Kwon Do and Korean Martial Arts Magazine.
An interview with Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi
Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi, a native of Yong In, South Korea, spent his childhood years in a country devastated by the Korean War. At the age of nine, shortly after the war ended, he began his training in Tang Soo Do as a means of survival and self-protection. Among his early instructors were Master Song Si Kim, founder of the World Dang Soo Do Union, and Master Jae Chul Shin, founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association.
Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi excelled in martial arts and received his first degree black belt at the age of twelve. During the late 1960's and early 1970's he taught Tang Soo Do at the Osan Air Force Base in South Korea. He also distinguished himself in national competition, and in 1970 won the Korean National Championship. In a country with limited educational and economic opportunities, his career in martial arts was the vehicle that allowed Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi to emigrate to the United States in 1974.
At the request of the Korean Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Association, of which he was then a member, Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi came to the U.S. to teach Tang Soo Do. He founded the first Yi's Martial Arts Institute in Woodbury, NJ in 1975. Having dedicated his life to the art of Tang Soo Do, he strives to bring the art to practitioners throughout the world and in 1984, he founded the International Martial Arts Association (IMA) in order to retain the traditionalism paramount to the true spirit of Tang Soo Do.
Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi is a moving force in the worldwide Tang Soo Do community and continues to teach in addition to managing the affairs of his organisation and member schools. In recognition of his work over the years, he has been featured in several martial arts publications, including Black Belt Magazine, Tae Kwon Do Times, and the UK's Tae Kwon Do and Korean Martial Arts Magazine.
An interview with Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi
A Historic Conversation: Celebrating 40 Years of I.M.A. Excellence with Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi
On Friday, 3rd May 2024, in Belfast, an extraordinary moment was captured as Kwan Jang Nim S. Nar sat down with Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi for a heartfelt and powerful interview, marking 40 years of International Martial Arts Association (I.M.A.) excellence. This conversation wasn’t just a tribute to the organization, it was a window into the life, sacrifices, and values of one of the most respected martial artists of our time.
“My Time Was Pretty Rough”
Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi was born in Yong In, South Korea, in the early 1950s, during a time of war, hardship, and national rebuilding. He reflects on his early years, describing how martial arts was not a hobby, it was survival.
He began training in Tang Soo Do at just six years old, but the Korean War (June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953) forced him to pause. Once the war ended, he resumed at age nine and earned his first-degree black belt by twelve. He doesn’t dwell on those days fondly, saying bluntly, “I don’t really want to think about it. Times were tough. I trained to survive.”
Then vs. Now, From Survival to Luxury
Dae Kwan Jang Nim reflected on how different modern martial arts training is compared to his experience. In his time, there were no mats, no gear, no heating. “We train in luxury today,” he says. Back then, he was jumping over trees and training outdoors in all weather, doing whatever it took to build the strength, flexibility, and power he became known for.
He wasn’t born with exceptional physical talent. His famous split kick and jumping ability weren’t gifts, they were earned through relentless effort. “I trained for hours. I wasn’t flexible. I had to build that.”
Becoming a Pioneer
In 1970, he won the Korean National Championship. By 1973, he was selected, after rigorous evaluation, to represent Korean martial arts overseas. This was no simple move: candidates had to be licensed by the Department of Education in Korea, and competition for those slots was fierce. He was honored to be chosen and emigrated to the United States, where he founded Yi’s Martial Arts Institute in New Jersey in 1974.
Founding the I.M.A.
In 1984, he founded the International Martial Arts Association. He is a man of principle, not driven by politics, but by purpose. “I don’t like politics,” he says. “I just wanted to teach my way and build a family-like organization where we could share time together.” That humility defines his leadership. He didn’t want more. He wanted better, better teaching, better standards, better connection. He made it happen.
A Legacy of Gratitude and Balance
He speaks with deep appreciation for Grandmaster Carson, Grandmaster S. Nar, and the support from South America and beyond. He shares a profound wish: to see the I.M.A. continue strong, long after his time, under the guidance of devoted senior Masters.
He acknowledges that Kwan Jang Nim S. Nar has carried a tremendous load in building the I.M.A. today, “half of this is because of your hard work,” he says warmly.
Turning 80 – What’s the Secret?
When asked how he looks so strong at 80 years old, he smiles and shares his secret:
“1 – Meet good people. 2 – Train hard. 3 – Eat good stuff and try to stay in peace.”
That simplicity, humility, and wisdom define who he is. Not just a martial artist, but a teacher, leader, and example of how to live.
His Message to All of Us
Dae Kwan Jang Nim leaves us with this:
• Continue seeking growth.
• Don’t wait for instructors to give you everything, search, ask, practice.
• Masters should live humbly, give generously, and stay grounded.
This interview is not just a story, it’s a blueprint. A reminder of where Tang Soo Do comes from, and the kind of character it takes to carry it forward.
Let’s continue to honor his legacy by living the values he’s shared, with discipline, respect, and community.
Tang Soo!
On Friday, 3rd May 2024, in Belfast, an extraordinary moment was captured as Kwan Jang Nim S. Nar sat down with Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi for a heartfelt and powerful interview, marking 40 years of International Martial Arts Association (I.M.A.) excellence. This conversation wasn’t just a tribute to the organization, it was a window into the life, sacrifices, and values of one of the most respected martial artists of our time.
“My Time Was Pretty Rough”
Dae Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi was born in Yong In, South Korea, in the early 1950s, during a time of war, hardship, and national rebuilding. He reflects on his early years, describing how martial arts was not a hobby, it was survival.
He began training in Tang Soo Do at just six years old, but the Korean War (June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953) forced him to pause. Once the war ended, he resumed at age nine and earned his first-degree black belt by twelve. He doesn’t dwell on those days fondly, saying bluntly, “I don’t really want to think about it. Times were tough. I trained to survive.”
Then vs. Now, From Survival to Luxury
Dae Kwan Jang Nim reflected on how different modern martial arts training is compared to his experience. In his time, there were no mats, no gear, no heating. “We train in luxury today,” he says. Back then, he was jumping over trees and training outdoors in all weather, doing whatever it took to build the strength, flexibility, and power he became known for.
He wasn’t born with exceptional physical talent. His famous split kick and jumping ability weren’t gifts, they were earned through relentless effort. “I trained for hours. I wasn’t flexible. I had to build that.”
Becoming a Pioneer
In 1970, he won the Korean National Championship. By 1973, he was selected, after rigorous evaluation, to represent Korean martial arts overseas. This was no simple move: candidates had to be licensed by the Department of Education in Korea, and competition for those slots was fierce. He was honored to be chosen and emigrated to the United States, where he founded Yi’s Martial Arts Institute in New Jersey in 1974.
Founding the I.M.A.
In 1984, he founded the International Martial Arts Association. He is a man of principle, not driven by politics, but by purpose. “I don’t like politics,” he says. “I just wanted to teach my way and build a family-like organization where we could share time together.” That humility defines his leadership. He didn’t want more. He wanted better, better teaching, better standards, better connection. He made it happen.
A Legacy of Gratitude and Balance
He speaks with deep appreciation for Grandmaster Carson, Grandmaster S. Nar, and the support from South America and beyond. He shares a profound wish: to see the I.M.A. continue strong, long after his time, under the guidance of devoted senior Masters.
He acknowledges that Kwan Jang Nim S. Nar has carried a tremendous load in building the I.M.A. today, “half of this is because of your hard work,” he says warmly.
Turning 80 – What’s the Secret?
When asked how he looks so strong at 80 years old, he smiles and shares his secret:
“1 – Meet good people. 2 – Train hard. 3 – Eat good stuff and try to stay in peace.”
That simplicity, humility, and wisdom define who he is. Not just a martial artist, but a teacher, leader, and example of how to live.
His Message to All of Us
Dae Kwan Jang Nim leaves us with this:
• Continue seeking growth.
• Don’t wait for instructors to give you everything, search, ask, practice.
• Masters should live humbly, give generously, and stay grounded.
This interview is not just a story, it’s a blueprint. A reminder of where Tang Soo Do comes from, and the kind of character it takes to carry it forward.
Let’s continue to honor his legacy by living the values he’s shared, with discipline, respect, and community.
Tang Soo!