About the SMS Tae Kwon Do School

What is SMS? Who is the Ji Do Kwan

The SMS Tae Kwon Do School studies in the methods of the Ji Do Kwan. SMS stands for Sun Moon Stars.

In brief, Grand Master Kim believes in practicality and understanding the needs of the students and the environment within which they live.

Master Kim’s philosophy of the martial arts consists of fully appreciating both attacking and defense — both inflicting damage and avoiding it and healing the body. While the Ji Do Kwan included perhaps the most devastating group of fighters after its formation, the philosophy is still consistent in understanding both the Yin and the Yang, offense and defense in appropriate amounts.

The SMS Tae Kwon Do methodology is one where conditioning, speed and agility is paramount to mere raw power. A good martial artist with superior technique can easily wear down an opponent with lesser training. In addition, since most local students are seeking healthier bodies with minimal downtime and risk of injury (1) full contact sparring at the school requires a complete set of appropriate padding, and (2) Master Kim does not currently promote board breaking and other potentially dangerous techniques. The risks far outweigh the benefits and, more often than not, students are not truly able to put in the requisite amount of time and training necessary to consistently break boards without causing injury to themselves.

Location and Directions

The SMS Tae Kwon Do School is located at 146 W.29th Street, 11th floor Suite 11ER, between 6th and 7th Avenues. It is just a few blocks south of Penn Station.

Local subways

1, 9: 28th St. stop, 1 block north of the station.

2, 3, A, C, E: 34th Street / Penn. Station. Exit at 7th Ave. and walk south to 29th St.

B, D, F, N, R: 34th St., walk south on 6th Ave. to W.29th St., make a right

Contact Info

Phone: 212-268-4300