Traditional art of Tae Kwon Do with modern twist

When it comes to martial arts, you are never too old to learn or too young to learn. That is why Tae Kwon Do lessons are being taught in Surf City for adults and children alike.

Lifelong North Carolina resident Master Howard Simmons has been sharing his thirty-seven years of experience with residents since he started teaching classes here in January.

The fifth degree black belt brings with him an impressive resume to the instructional field. Simmons was the gold medalist of the 1971 International Full Contact Tournament, the 1979 ESPN Full Contact Champion, an East Coast Champion from 1980 through 1999, and the 1973 Bad Man Competition Winner.

"Bad Man competitions were like today's popular mixed martial arts. It was everything goes and it took place in Madison Square Garden," said Simmons.

The approach Simmons takes to the classes he teaches today is to combine the traditional art of Korean Tae Kwon Do with modern techniques. He also puts a focus on positivity and mental strength to go along with the physical training.

If taking the class is not enough for eager learners, the Academy also participates regularly in statewide competitions for the children. Many of the students will be traveling to Fayetteville next week for the State Championships.

"These trips are not just playtime for us," explained Simmons. "We almost always come out good. We have an 85 percent first place rate among our group."

After the state championships, the next major competition will be the State Games in Charlotte. Unlike the state championships, these competitions are even open to competitors from states outside of North Carolina.

"We're also affiliated with the Olympics and the Junior Olympics," Simmons said. "Anyone that stays with our program up to the age of 16 will gain a tryout for the Olympics. We do as much fundraising as we can. We have a car wash coming up soon to take care of expenses. If anyone is interested in supporting us, I can always be reached at (910) 381-0875."

Classes take place each Monday and Thursday at the Surf City Community Center. The cost is $80 a month, and the first class is free with no obligation. The youth classes (ages 3 to 12) are from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and the adult classes begin at 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to show up at least ten minutes before the schedule of any class.

Those living closer to Jacksonville can sign up for the same classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. The times and prices are the same as those in Surf City, but the location is 614 Bridge Street.

Here are the 5 traditional tenets of Tae Kwon Do in Korean

Ye Ui - Courtesy

Yom Chi - Integrity

In Nae - Perseverance  

Guk-Gi - Self Control

Baekjul Boolgool - Indomitable Spirit

The Student Commitment of the Surf City Tae Kwon Do Academy

Be loyal to your country

Respect your parents

Be loving between husband and wife

Be on good terms with your brothers and sisters

Be faithful to your friends

Respect your elders

Trust your teachers

Never retreat in battle

Always finish what you start