Meet Some Of Our Instructors
General Choi Hong HI
Founder of Tae Kwon-Do
Although General Choi is no longer with us, without him Tae Kwon-Do would not exist.
April 11th, 2024. is the anniversary day of the naming of “Tae Kwon-Do” by General Choi Hong Hi. We continue to teach traditonial Taekwon-Do the way General Choi Hong Hi, our father and teacher taught us. Our hearts are in a full determination to implement and complete his last words and remain loyal to his valuable legacy to the end.
Grand Master Hong Son Yu
9th Dan Black Belt
Presenting Grand Master Hong Son Yu: A Living Legend in Tae Kwon-Do
Grand Master Hong Son Yu, a living legend in the world of Tae Kwon-Do, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of martial excellence. His remarkable journey commenced in his childhood in Korea, where he embarked on a transformative path under the tutelage of none other than General Choi Hong Hi, the illustrious founder of Tae Kwon-Do.
A pivotal moment in Grand Master Yu's career came when he became a distinguished member of the 1976 ITF demonstration team. This exceptional team showcased the art of Tae Kwon-Do on a global stage, traveling across the world and leaving an indelible mark on the history of this young and dynamic sport.
In the 1970s, Grand Master Yu ventured to the United States, where he applied his unwavering work ethic and dedication to his craft in the auto industry. Through sheer determination and financial prudence, he realized his dream of opening his first Tae Kwon-Do studio in the United States. Such was the demand for his expertise and guidance that he soon outgrew his initial space, necessitating a move to a larger location in Saint Clair Shores, MI.
Grand Master Hong Son Yu's contributions extend far beyond his studio walls. He is a distinguished member of the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation (ITF), a globally recognized authority in the field. Furthermore, he holds the prestigious position of President within the North American Tae Kwon-Do Association (NATA), a testament to his leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting the art of Tae Kwon-Do throughout the continent.
In recognizing Grand Master Yu's profound influence, we pay tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to preserving the heritage and values of Tae Kwon-Do. His legacy continues to shape the martial arts community, and his leadership sets an example for generations to come.
Master Tai Phan
8th Dan Black Belt
Allow us to introduce Tai Phan, the esteemed head instructor here at Legacy TaeKwon-Do Academy. Sabum Phan's journey in the martial arts began in 1981, during his high school years, when he discovered his deep passion for Taekwon-do.
Sabum Phan's commitment to both his personal training and teaching TaeKwon-do has been unwavering. He achieved his 1st and 2nd Dan Black Belts under the guidance of Kerry Roop, a distinguished member of the North American Tae Kwon-Do Federation (NATA). His dedication eventually led him to Grand Master Hong Son Yu, where he earned his impressive 8th Dan Black Belt.
At the heart of starting Legacy TaeKwon-Do Academy, Sabum Phan's mission has always been clear: to empower students of all ages to reach their personal, martial arts, and fitness aspirations. He is on a mission to share the values and benefits of the International TaeKwon-Do Federation with our wonderful community.
Sabum Phan is not just an instructor; he's a mentor who is genuinely thrilled and thankful for the opportunity to impart the wisdom of martial arts to all who seek it. Join us in experiencing the positive and enriching journey of martial arts under his guidance.
John J.
6th Dan Black Belt
Meet Mr. John, An Accomplished Black Belt
Allow us to introduce John, the co-Instructor of Legacy Taekwon-Do Academy. His remarkable journey in TaeKwon-Do commenced on April 20, 1980, under the esteemed guidance of Grand Master Hong Son Yu. With unwavering dedication, John embarked on a daily training regimen that culminated in him earning his black belt in an impressive 14 months. (Remarkably, he would have achieved this milestone in just 12 months had it not been for an appendix surgery that briefly slowed him down.)
John's passion for martial arts extended beyond Taekwon-Do. From 1984 to 1986, he ventured into the world of kickboxing and achieved an outstanding record of 18 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. His relentless pursuit of excellence led him to accompany Grand Master Yu for training sessions with Gen Choi in Canada, further enriching his martial arts journey.
As a highly competitive individual, John has secured numerous tournament victories over the years. His love for martial arts even led him into the realm of armored combat, where he proudly earned 3-gold and 2-silver medals at five world championships.
Moreover, his expertise has extended into the realm of personal security. John has had the privilege of serving as a bodyguard for renowned stars such as Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Vixion, Quiet Riot, Davey Jones, Jerry Mathers, and many more. His impressive portfolio and unwavering commitment to excellence make John a true martial arts virtuoso and a valuable member of our team.
Join us in experiencing the wisdom and skills of Mr. John, a martial arts authority with a wealth of experience and a dedication to your growth and safety.