Tidewater Sports Report Exclusive: Inside Look at Grandmaster Pyong Kil Ko's Tae Kwon Do Training Philosophy

Grandmaster Pyong Kil Ko runs the P.K. Ko's Martial Arts World U.S. Tae Kwon Do Center in Newport News, one of the largest martial arts facilities in Tidewater, which offers "something for everyone," according to their literature. Tae Kwon Do, the Korean martial art, is a sport "anybody can...start," according to Grandmaster Ko, and he says he sets "no age limit" for his students.

On Wednesday, the Tidewater Sports Report spent some time talking to Grand Master Pyong Kil Ko and got an exclusive look at his martial arts training philosophy. Grandmaster Ko emphasizes discipline, respect, concentration, and listening skills, attributes he says Tae Kwon Do can instill in everyone. He likes to train young children to develop sound behaviors through Tae Kwon Do--the art affects growing children emotionally, mentally, and physically in a positive direction.

Grandmaster Ko has had students ranging in age from three to 65 years old. P.K. Ko's Martial Arts World U.S. Tae Kwon Do Center has been training students in the Korean martial arts for nearly 25 years now on the Peninsula section of Tidewater. The center offers several classes daily, Monday through Saturday--10 am to 8 pm during the week and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday--as well as a martial art summer camp for kids, with registration beginning in January.

Grandmaster Ko's A+ After School Martial Art Program provides "character-building martial arts training and structured time for homework and fun," their literature says. The center has its own van they use to pick children up after school.

Grandmaster Ko takes a holistic approach to martial arts. His programs focus on both the mind and body, building up the body's strength, flexibility, and endurance as well as promoting discipline, self-confidence, respect, and a "yes I can" attitude.

Primarily Tae Kwon Do based, students learn traditional forms of the sport (poomse), self-defense, and competitive sparring. Tae Kwon Do is an Olympic sport and is believed to be one of the fastest-growing martial arts.

Grandmaster Ko holds an 8th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an international World Tae Kwon Do Federation Referee. Highlights of his career include:

--Undefeated Korean National Tae Kwon Do Champion
--U.S. national Tae Kwon Do Team Coach
--Director of the U.S. National Tae Kwon Do Championship
--Vice President of the Virginia State Tae Kwon Do Association
--Korean Green Beret and Green Beret Martial Arts instructor



Grandmaster Pyong Kil Ko says he trains all the time and believes Tae Kwon Do can be a great activity for children and adults alike.

For more information contact:

P.K. Ko's Martial Arts World U.S. Tae Kwon Do Center
13788 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23602
757-872-9000