Courtesy. Respect. Integrity. Self-Control. Perseverance. Determination. These are the guiding principles of World Champion Taekwondo. In combination with respect and discipline, those who train at World Champion Taekwondo learn important skills they can carry throughout their lives. New Fairfield’s Master Kim exemplifies these qualities both in his profession and in his life.

Master Cheoleun Kim started training in Taekwondo when he was six years old. He earned a Bachelor’s in Taekwondo Physical Education and went on to teach in several different organizations in Asia. He holds a 5th Degree black belt and is a Certified Master from Kukkiwon. He came to Connecticut in 2009 from Korea. “I apprenticed at the World Champion Taekwondo of Fairfield school before opening the school in New Fairfield, “said Master Kim, “when we first came to New Fairfield, my wife and I had one child, Joshua, who now attends Consolidated s
chool. Now we also have Caleb and Faith. I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful people through my school and around the town. It is a pleasure to be a part of the New Fairfield community.” Those who have had the pleasure of making his acquaintance know that World Champion Taekwondo’s “guiding principles” are more than teaching terms for Master Kim, they are a way of life.

World Champion Taekwondo of New Fairfield specializes in the teaching of the Korean martial art of Taekwondo. The school is in affiliation with the World Champion Taekwondo schools of Connecticut, the World Taekwondo Federation, and Kukkiwon – the world headquarters of Taekwondo in Korea. They offer classes for children, teenagers, adults, and families. “Our curriculum includes Poomsae (Forms), Board Breaking, Sparring, Self Defense, and Weapons training. Our guiding principles are Courtesy, Respect, Integrity, Self-Control, Perseverance, and Determination,” said Master Kim, “Our goal is to help students reach their goals in life through the teachings of Taekwondo.”

For children, they try to develop self-confidence, self-discipline, good attitudes and habits, as well as leadership skills. They emphasize cooperation and good listening skills, and will train to further their physical coordination and athletic abil
ities. Adults will train to improve endurance, flexibility, and strength. It is also a fun option for stress relief. Many adults have children already enrolled and are welcome to train together as a family.

As World Champion Taekwondo makes its way from Village Green to Heritage Plaza, Master Kim expressed
his excitement about the move. “Our new location in Heritage Plaza provides nearly twice the training floor space than our previous gym. It gives us an open floor plan with a secondary training room. We will also have stadium seating to accommodate more family and friends. It was also a necessary move due to the increasing number of students and families joining our school.” World Champion Tae Kwon Do offers a variety of classes at different times of the week depending on the student’s age and belt level (Pee Wee, Children, Teen, Adult, Family, Sparring, Demonstration and National Competition Teams.) The school also offers birthday parties, summer and holiday camps, training seminars, and private lessons.

World Champion Taekwondo is celebrating their Grand Opening at Heritage Plaza, 28 Route 39 in New Fairfield, with a special ribbon cutting ceremony and a show of students and masters starting at 4:30pm on Saturday, February 11th. Master Kim stated, “I encourage everyone in the community to stop by and visit our new school and try a complimentary class. Thank you for your support and hope to see you soon.” To find out more about World Champion Taekwondo call (203) 746-5422 or visit them online at www.bigkick.com/locations/new-fairfield/.

By Kate Mattiace