YOUR INSTRUCTORS

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Master Markman has been teaching Tae Kwon Do for over 35 years and is now a 5th degree black belt.  His formal training is in Chung Do Kwon TKD under the mentorship of Grand Master J.B. Chung of Madison, Wisconsin.  He has won a number of trophies in forms & sparring during this time throughout the Midwest tournament circuit.​  

     Over the years, Master Markman has taught in and managed schools in:  Madison, WI, New York, NY, and Philadelphia, PA.  When he moved to Sandy Utah 20 years ago, he became regional manager of all 4 Kim's Academy TKD schools.  Two years later he devoted all of his energy to opening his own Kim's Academy of Sandy, which he presided for 17 years as Master Instructor.  With the help of his devoted staff of 12 highly skilled instructors (two of which are his son & daughter)  and myriads of supportive parents over the years, they achieved 'Best of State' the last 4 years he was there.

     37 years ago  Master Markman and his wife honeymooned in Kauai and fell in love with its beauty and people.  After numerous trips over the years, their dream of moving here came true.  15 years ago he moved here with his 3 children and wife, and considered it a blessing to call it their home.  Master Markman is proud to be a source of motivation and inspiration for the lives he has touched and helped to guide.

 Mr. Markman is a 3rd Degree Black Belt having started TKD at 4 years old.  Being the youngest of a martial arts family has been both a great pressure and a priceless experience.  Kai received his Black Belt at 10 years of age in a grueling 6 hour testing in front of Grandmaster Kim and the other elite martial artists of Utah.  

     He is eagerly working towards his 4th Degree Black Belt testing.  Kai enjoys demonstrating Black Belt forms to motivate future Black Belt students and has sparred and medaled in numerous tournaments.  In addition to TKD, Kai loves working on his Hondas and spending time with his friends and family.

Mr. Markman is a 3rd Degree Black Belt.  At 33 years of age, he has been practicing TKD for most of his life.  Derek received his Black Belt at 10 years old while attending school in Sandy, Utah.  After earning his Black Belt, he began instructing as an Assistant at Kim's Academy of TKD.  After graduating from Alta High School, Derek became quite serious about both his training and teaching.

     Having been mentored by many skilled martial artists in different areas, and having developed lifelong friendships through the many tournaments, classes and demonstrations has truly made Mr. Markman not only an experienced and technically gifted student of TKD, but a well balanced and sensitive instructor, he has medaled in many tournaments and is especially expert in sparring.  

     Being the eldest son of Master Markman and the oldest of 3 siblings, all Black Belt students and instructors, has taught Derek lifelong lessons in the importance of family, responsibility and especially leadership.  When not involved in martial arts, Derek is a bass musician, enjoys computer programming and regularly practices billiards as well as competing in billiards tournaments.