About Kim's Tae Kwon Do

Kim's Tae Kwon Do of Renton is a member of the largest Tae Kwon Do association in the Northwest, with schools located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii and Texas. All schools are supervised by Grandmaster Hong Sik Kim, who ensures that high standards are maintained by all students and instructors. Kim's Tae Kwon Do practices traditional martial arts in a non-contact environment to avoid discrimination against any men, women, or children who wish to study. Through non-contact training, students learn to control themselves both mentally and physically without fear of injury. Students learn how to develop power, focus and accuracy by striking targets, and especially at higher belt ranks, breaking boards. Finally, and most importantly, all of Kim's Tae Kwon Do schools are dedicated to Progress, Peace, and Love.

In addition, at Kim's Tae Kwon Do of Renton we never stop learning. As active members of the Martial Arts Industry Association's Elite Program, we are actively engaged in professional development opportunities throughout the year. We invest a significant amount of time and money every year to make our studio, our instruction, and our students the best they can be!

Our philosophy is based on the 5 Tenets of Tae Kwon Do

COURTESY
Showing kindness, empathy, fairness, and politeness towards others. Examples include saying "please" and "thank you," responding when someone speaks to you, and offering a welcoming handshake to new students in class.

INTEGRITY
Being worthy of trust and knowing the difference between right and wrong then choosing to do what is right. Examples include admitting to your mistakes, making constructive choices even when no one is watching, and following through on commitments made in class or at home.

PERSEVERANCE
Striving to move forward even in difficult situations. Examples include setting a long-term goal and seeing it through, focusing on your accomplishments and completing unfinished projects, and working hard to move forward even in demanding circumstances.

SELF-CONTROL
Demonstrating discipline over your mind and body. Examples include walking away from threatening or confrontational situations, choosing to ignore negativity rather than to retaliate against it, and displaying your emotions appropriately.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
Having a strong and unconquerable sense of self. Examples include staying true to your beliefs even against adversity, setting and achieving challenging goals, and looking for the positive rather that the negative in everything.

Academic and Educational Achievement

Kim’s Tae Kwon Do strongly emphasizes academic excellence to all members of our school. Each time a student earns a GPA of 3.0 or higher, they receive an Academic Recognition Certificate from Grand Master Kim. We realize that education is the foundation for a successful future, and we help improve people's discipline and ability to set goals, two important traits they can use towards excelling in every day life.

Our Instructors and Black Belts

Master Henkel began his training in 1984 in Wenatchee, Washington. He earned his black belt in 1988, went on to be the head instructor of the Wenatchee school, and later founded a school in Leavenworth. He moved to Woodinville in 1994, where he taught for a couple of years, before starting the school in Renton in 1996. He currently holds the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt. He is dedicated to showing others the benefits of training in Tae Kwon Do, and is always trying to promote the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do. During his time away from the studio he enjoys his family, fishing, listening to music, and eating chocolate.

Master Nancy Henkel Mrs. Henkel began her training in 1993 under Master Henkel in Wenatchee, Washington. She currently holds the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt and is an instructor at the Renton Studio and teaches in Maple Valley. In addition, she is in charge of our Women's Self-Defense Program. She studied and taught at the Woodinville school under Master Prpich and founded the Bothell school in 1996. Mrs. Henkel has worked as a Librarian for the past 15 years for the King County Library System. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and playing with her and Master Henkel's children Olivia, Henry, and Conrad.