Hanshi McGrath Presents
Shihan J. H. Kim
MAY'S
Devil Dog
e oth
Master (Shihan) J. H. Kim
Ninth Dan
Shihan and Ku-Dan J. H. Kim began his studies in the martial arts in 1962. He also holds a Roku-Dan rank in TaeKwan-Do, training in Seoul, Korea. As you read this biography, you will realize that Master Kim is truly a Renaissance man, with an enviable background and a list of achievements and life events, well beyond the norm. He is a person who is bright, cheerful and as energetic as a power plant.
Master Kim’s Tournaments and Dinners were a must do occasion. They were always started on time, drew an excellent crowd and saw to it, that everyone enjoyed them events. I have never seen him disturbed, angry with anyone, but, instead, calm, even tempered at all times and courteous in every environment. His student’s aptitude and loyalty to this man is noteworthy. Obviously, some of this attitude by his students is due to his accomplishments in both TaeKwan-Do and the Art of Isshin-ryu, but I also believe that his character, ethics and overall demeanor of a gentleman influence his dojo’s outstanding etiquette.
As to accomplishments, he received his Bachelor of Science and his Master’s Degree from Kent State University. He majored in Health Science, Exercise Physiology and Sports Education, with a minor in Sports Psychology, obviously matching his education with his physical skills and the career he was determined to follow. Those choices at an early age show early maturity and a drive to succeed. He was also a member of Kent State’s National Honor Society. His peers voted him into, “Who’s Who In College and University Professors,” in 1992, as well as 1992 Asian Man of the Year and the coveted “Baringer’s Award” for service above and beyond the call of duty for outstanding performance in the service of students.
Prior to beginning his meteoric career, however, he became a member of America’s Armed Forces, with the U.S. Army’s 4th Armored Division, facing off with the threat of Russian armed might, during the “Cold War.” Mr. Kim was certainly ready for combat, if it broke out, as a member of the 4th Armored Division’s Rifle Team and All European Armed Forces Rifle Team. He served in Nuremberg, Germany during 1959 thru 1961. He was Honorably Discharged.
While in Ohio, at University, he joined the Ohio Judo and Karate Association as a Karate instructor in 1962, starting an adjunct career, that paralleled his teaching career, for over four decades. His sports excellence was not heralded only in his teaching of TaeKwan-Do, since Master Kim was also the Captain of foil fencing at Kent State University and also was the instructor of fencing, after assuming a teaching position at Brookdale College, in New Jersey.
He started his Isshin-ryu studies in January 1962 and eventually was promoted to 9th Dan on July 10, 1999, by Grand Master Donald Hugh Nagle, just prior to O Sensei’s demise.
Teaching was obviously in his blood, as he turned toward another career, in officiating, and in 1980 he was the Assistant Coach of the USA Karate Team at the 5th World (WUKO) Karate Championship. Showing diversification, once again, he was Head Coach of the USA Karate Team in the 1982 First International Women’s Karate Championship, His team took First Place, with two of his own students, Gwen Hoffmann and Gail Egeland, as members of the team. This match took place in Guadeloupe, West Indies. Again, as Head Coach of the USA Karate Team, in Maastrich, Holland, with two members of the team from his own students, Gail Egeland and Bill Marcum, the USA Team took 4th Place in a fifty-four nation Championship.
In 2004, Grand Master McGrath appointed Master Kim, to the Board of Directors of the Don Nagle American Okinawan Karate Association, Inc. Mr. McGrath wished to do this to honor Master Kim’s myriad of accomplishments. The members of the Board are looking forward to the utilization of Mr. Kim’s many faceted strengths and knowledge. We believe he will be an innovative member, with a solid background. We welcome him to our prestigious “Devil Dogs” group of karate honorees.