Biography and Achievements of Grandmaster "Iron" Kim

Throughout the centuries very few individuals have ever come close to achieving the incredible level of skill and ability that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has achieved. Grandmaster is renowned as the living icon of Traditional Moo Doe (Traditional Martial Arts). Still to this day, there are many individuals who have witnessed the incredible skills and abilities that Grandmaster has clearly demonstrated, as Grandmaster is known not to merely talk about what he is capable of but instead he clearly demonstrates his skill and ability. This follows one of the main Traditional Moo Doe principles that one should never merely talk about their abilities and achievements but instead should clearly demonstrate their abilities and achievements. 

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim
The 8^th Generation Grandmaster of the
Oom Yung /Chung Moo line of Martial Arts

As proven by history, the strength of a line of martial arts is based on the movement, strength and credibility of the individual master, his instructors and students. The strength of the movement determines how strong the style is and the credibility of that generation of individuals. The achievements of Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrate the strength and credibility of the Oom Yung / Chung Moo line of martial arts knowledge.

A FEW OF GRANDMASTER “IRON” KIM’S ACHIEVEMENTS

At the age of seven, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim began his life’s path in the study and practice of martial arts. To achieve perfection of his martial arts movements, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim many times chose the solitude of the mountain and ocean areas of Asia to practice the forms and techniques that he learned. Although he learned from many qualified teachers, a majority of the knowledge that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim possesses was passed down through Grandmaster Wang Po, the 7th generation Grandmaster of Yin Yang Doe. 

GRANDMASTER “IRON” KIM UNCONTESTED “CHAMPION OF ALL ASIA”

In 1956, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim did compete in and win the All Asia Championship that was sponsored by Grandmaster Wang Po and was held in the Cho Leung area of Pusan. The Chinese title of Chung Moo Jik or “champion” was bestowed upon Grandmaster “Iron” Kim. The first place award that he did receive was called a Chung Moon Chung. A Chung Moon Chung is a paper scroll with wooden rods at each end. It is inscribed with the accomplishments of the winner and carries the official seal of the tournament. Several prominent judges and martial artists were in attendance at this championship and they hold in their memory the truth of this occasion.

The presiding judges were Yang Chou Fai (then a resident of Taegu), Wang Sei Kau (then a resident of Pusan) and Hwan Byung Quan (then a resident of Pusan). These three judges were originally residents of China. Also in attendance were Mok Jing Quan, from Osan, Korea; Chae Jung Su, of Dong Nae, Pusan; Park Hyun Su, of Sum Yun, Pusan; Yu Gee Han, of Taegu; Chil Sung and Park Yung-Gil of Daichon, Korea. Anyone who has knowledge of martial arts during that period will recognize the tradition of the Chung Dong Yang Moo Sul Yun Moo Dae Hwa (All Asia Championship Tournament) and the names that appear above. 

After winning the All Asia Championship Tournament, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim continued to excel in martial arts form and movement. He was teaching others and, in fact, sponsored many of the Chun Dong Yang Moo Sul Yun Moo Dae Hwa championships, which at the time were held in the Sum Yun area of Pusan, Korea. Other cosponsors of these tournaments with Grandmaster “Iron” Kim were Park-Yang Su, Choe Jung Su, Sun Baek Yew and Ee Jun Yu, all having the accomplished position of Chong Sa Bu or Sa Bu (Assistant master or one step below) in their respective styles. The strength of the Oom Yung line that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrated at these contests convinced other practitioners to decline to challenge him in the years that he sponsored the tournament. Because he was uncontested champion during that time, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was bestowed the honorable and respected position and title of “Chon Shim Pan Whey Won Chaeng,” or “Supreme Judge and Arbiter” by the co-sponsors and the martial arts experts who participated in these tournaments. Even though Grandmaster “Iron” Kim did earn the title of uncontested Champion of All Asia, he felt that there was much more to learn and thus he continued to study and develop his skills further. His ultimate hope was that all martial arts could some day be united.

“ALL MARTIAL ARTS UNITED”

In the early 1960’s Grandmaster “Iron” Kim expanded his quest for knowledge. He traveled and sought Masters who had reached a higher level of Moo Doe knowledge. There were seven top practitioners from an elite group of about twenty Masters throughout East Asia with whom Grandmaster “Iron” Kim exchanged individual skills in the martial arts. All the names of the practitioners that appear above were part of that group of about twenty top Masters. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s purpose was to build his own wisdom, knowledge and understanding in the Moo Doe traditions of the eight main styles. Regardless of how far he had to travel or the difficulty of training, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim relentlessly pursued, learned and absorbed the complete knowledge of form and movement from these top practitioners. After completing the training, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim then shared his knowledge of the Oom Yung / Chung Moo style with the top members from this group. After seven years of training and sharing his knowledge with the best practitioners in East Asia, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim became one of a few elite practitioners who were well rounded in the eight main martial art styles. He was one of several Moo Doe practitioners responsible for uniting all Moo Doe and capable of teaching eight martial arts together as one style or “All Martial Arts United”. Finally, after seven years, his wish that the Oom Yung line could become “All Martial Arts United” became a reality. 

Of the hundreds of millions of people who practice martial arts in the 20th century, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim is one of fewer than 10 practitioners that has achieved unprecedented fame and recognition for being the most skilled in Moo Doe.

GRANDMASTER “IRON” KIM ESTABLISHES THE
OOM YUNG /CHUNG MOO STYLE IN THE UNITED STATES

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s goal was to teach the Oom Yung /Chung Moo line to people of all nations, and to do that, he planned to build a strong foundation of martial arts in the United States from which to spread worldwide. With this goal, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim left Asia and came to the United States in the early 1970’s.

Upon arriving in the United States, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim felt he could best begin to teach martial arts by first learning basic English and American culture. In 1972, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim introduced the Kong Su martial art style in the United States. It was in 1972 that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim demonstrated the discipline and strength of Kyong Gong Sul Bope by successfully jumping from the top of a building eleven stories in height. Very few individuals have ever accomplished such a feat. Between 1973 and 1979, after educating himself about the American way of life, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim opened the first of four schools that he owned in the United States. Many times in areas where schools became established, the local paper would interview Grandmaster “Iron” Kim and write articles about him and the Oom Yung /Chung Moo style of martial arts. 

In early 1974, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim briefly returned to Korea. It was at this time that Grandmaster Wang Po, the 7th generation Grandmaster of Yin Yang Doe, passed to Grandmaster “Iron” Kim all the knowledge and traditions that had been passed to him. Soon thereafter, the title of 8th generation Master of the Oom Yung line was bestowed upon Grandmaster “Iron” Kim. Grandmaster Wang Po passed away in 1976 in Pusan at the age of 93. 

In 1975, after the untimely death of martial arts actor Bruce Lee, Warner Brothers motion picture studios began their search for a replacement. After auditioning martial arts “experts” from around the world, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was asked to screen test and was subsequently pronounced Warner Brothers selection. At that time, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was forced to choose between a motion picture contract or to continue teaching his art. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim chose to continue sharing his knowledge, which has proven to benefit millions of recipients of his training worldwide. It was also in 1975 that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was the principal martial arts demonstrator for the promotional produced for the feature film “Billy Jack“. In this exhibition, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim led approximately one hundred twenty-five martial arts masters and experts from around the world along with over one hundred actors and actresses. Again in 1975, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was the principal demonstrator for the International Martial Arts Exhibition benefiting the “Asian Orphans Charity.” Over thirty masters and experts assisted Grandmaster “Iron” Kim in this worthy cause. The proceeds from this charitable event provided aid to children of all nationalities. 

In 1976, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim taught U. S. military martial arts instructors from all around the United States. These training sessions were conducted at Grandmaster Kim’s training center near Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.

From 1977 through 1982, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim devoted his energies to training a select group of black belt students who had previously demonstrated both outstanding abilities coupled with the mental or “chung” discipline that Grandmaster Kim requires of all advanced students. Then beginning in 1983 and continuing through 1989, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim concentrated on training selected 3rd degree through 8th degree instructors and masters.

In 1989, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim chose the name Chung Moo Doe for the first time in the United States to represent the heritage of the royal line of martial arts for the first generation of practitioners.

The annual “Eight Martial Arts National Championship Tournament” began in 1990 and has been held under the name of Chong Su Nim (Honorable Founder) “Iron” Kim whose great skills are recognized internationally. This event is held for both students and instructors, with medals, trophies and certificates awarded at the competition’s end. Between 1990 and 1995, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim presented honorary martial arts certificates to United States’ Senators and Congressmen as well as numerous judges, government officials, police and military officers, television anchor persons, clergy and community leaders. These individuals have all recognized the vital role that Grandmaster “Iron” Kim’s teachings have played in inspiring millions of people worldwide throughout the years. 

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim trained the instructors who demonstrated the proper use of weapons and “empty hand” combat to members of the FBI during the 17th Annual International Asian Organized Crime Conference held in 1995.

Grandmaster “Iron” Kim was formally bestowed the title of Grandmaster of eight different martial arts disciplines in 1996 and then retired. Unlike the average retiree who turns their thoughts and life in a new direction, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim has intensely undertaken the study of bettering the physical and mental abilities of all age groups, with special emphasis on the aging. 

Throughout history, few have earned the status of Grandmaster. Before he came to the U.S. in 1972, Grandmaster “Iron” Kim had achieved the highest skills possible within the eight different Martial Arts (Moo Doe). He is one of the very few people, to our knowledge and belief, who can visibly demonstrate the miraculous Moo Doe strength mentally and physically. Grandmaster “Iron” Kim is considered to be one of the most powerful Moo Doe (Martial Arts) practitioners in the world.